Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The association between maternal smoking and placenta abruption: a meta-analysis

Abstract Background: Several epidemiological studies have determined that maternal smoking can increase the risk of placenta abruption. To date, only a meta-analysis has been performed for assessing the relationship between smoking and placenta abruption. This meta-analysis was conducted to estimate the association between smoking and the risk of placenta abruption. Methods: A literature search was conducted in major databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus from the earliest possible year to April 2016. The heterogeneity across studies was explored by Q-test and I2 statistic. The publication bias was assessed using Begg’s and Egger’s tests. The results were reported using odds ratio (OR) estimate with its 95% confidence intervals (CI) using a random effects model. Results: The literature search yielded 1167 publications until April 2016 with 4 309 610 participants. Based on OR estimates obtained from case–control and cohort studies, there was a significant association between smoking and placenta abruption (1.80; 95% CI: 1.75, 1.85). Based on the results of cohort studies, smoking and placenta abruption had a significant association (relative risk ratio: 1.65; 95% CI: 1.51, 1.80). Conclusions: Based on reports in epidemiological studies, we showed that smoking is a risk factor for placenta abruption.
Enhanced Transdermal Delivery of Acyclovir Sodium via Elastic Liposomes

The elastic liposomes bearing acyclovir sodium were prepared for its enhanced transdermal delivery by conventional rotary evaporation method and characterized for various parameters such as vesicle shape and surface morphology, size and size distribution, entrapment efficiency, elasticity, polydispersity index, turbidity and in vitro release pattern. Permeability studies of acyclovir sodium incorporated in elastic liposomes were performed across artificial membranes and rat skin. Skin permeation potential of the developed formulation was assessed using confocal laser scanning microscopy, that revealed an enhanced permeation of the formulation to the deeper layers of the skin (up to 160 μm) following channel like pathways. Skin permeation profile of elastic liposomal formulation bearing acyclovir sodium was observed and the investigations revealed an enhanced transdermal flux (6.21 ± 1.8 μg/cm2/hr) and decreased lag time (0.6 hr) for acyclovir sodium. The obtained flux was nearly 2.0 and 6.3 times higher than conventional liposomal formulation bearing acyclovir sodium and plain drug solution, respectively (p < 0.01). The elastic liposomal formulation for transdermal delivery of acyclovir sodium provides better transdermal flux, higher entrapment efficiency, ability as a self-penetration enhancer and effectiveness for transdermal delivery as compared with conventional liposomes. In vivo studies showed that on transdermal application of elastic liposomes, the concentration of acyclovir sodium in plasma was found to be 105 ± 9.4 ng/ml after 24 hr which is about 4.2 times compared with conventional liposomes. Thus it is concluded that the elastic liposomes may be promising vehicles for the transdermal delivery of acyclovir sodium.
Sickle Cell Disease is Associated With Elevated Levels of Skin Advanced Glycation Endproducts

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is associated with increased oxidative stress which potentially enhances generation of advanced glycation endproducts (AGEs). We estimated skin accumulation of AGEs in SCD patients and assessed their relationship with hemolysis and nephropathy. Skin intrinsic fluorescence (SIF), an estimate of AGEs, was assessed in African American patients with and without SCD. After skin excitation with light at 375, 405, and 420 nm, raw autofluorescence was adjusted using specific intrinsic corrections. Group differences in SIF were evaluated by multiple variable regression using chronological age and sex as covariates. The relationship of SIF with reticulocyte count, serum lactate dehydrogenase, estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR), plasma creatinine, bilirubin, and urine microalbumin was assessed. There were 48 SCD patients (29 male/19 female, age=13.4±3.6 y) and 51 controls (25 male/26 female, age=10.4±5.0 y). SIF375(1.0,0.0), SIF405(0.5,0.5), and SIF420(0.5,0.5) were significantly higher in SCD patients. There was no difference in SIF between SCD patients with and without microalbuminuria. SIF 420(0.5,0.5) was correlated with reticulocyte count (r=0.33; P=0.03). Skin AGEs as estimated by SIF were higher in children with SCD and weakly associated with 1 measure of hemolysis. Further study is needed to determine whether chronic increased deposition of AGEs is associated with development of complications of SCD.
Timing of Estrus in Fallow Deer Is Adjusted to the Age of Available Mates

The ability to manipulate the timing of ovulation should be a tool available to females during their choice of mates. Females should advance estrus when preferred males are available and delay estrus when only nonpreferred males are available. However, ovulation in some female mammals can be induced by the presence of males. Female estrus could then be either a result of a better stimulus provided by the preferred male or simply manipulation of estrus by the female to reflect her preference. Evidence is therefore required that female estrus coincides with the availability of preferred mating partners, that females actively choose among males, that avoidance of nonpreferred males results in a cost, and that nonpreferred males are in fact capable of reproduction. We observed two experimental groups of fallow deer, one with only socially mature males, and one with subadult but physiologically mature males. Females with mature males conceived earlier (13 of 15 gave birth) than females with subadult males. The former also conceived earlier than they did in the previous year, whereas the latter conceived later (13 of 14 gave birth) than in the previous year. Females avoided subadults more than mature males, and they lost more weight than females with mature males. Because subadult males are capable of reproduction, females not reproducing with them incur two costs: energetic loss and delayed reproduction. Given these costs, we suggest that females receive a benefit from not responding to the advances of young males that would outweigh these costs. This benefit may be to adjust ovulation to the availability of preferred mates.
Hybrid Machine Translation Guided by a Rule–Based System

This paper presents a machine translation architecture which hybridizes Matxin, a rulebased system, with regular phrase-based Statistical Machine Translation. In short, the hybrid translation process is guided by the rulebased engine and, before transference, a set of partial candidate translations provided by SMT subsystems is used to enrich the treebased representation. The final hybrid translation is created by choosing the most probable combination among the available fragments with a statistical decoder in a monotonic way. We have applied the hybrid model to a pair of distant languages, Spanish and Basque, and according to our evaluation (both automatic and manual) the hybrid approach significantly outperforms the best SMT system on out-of-domain data.
Factors Influencing Right Hemisphere Engagement During Metaphor Comprehension

Although the left hemisphere is critical for language, clinical, behavioral, and neuroimaging research suggest that the right hemisphere also contributes to language comprehension. In particular, research has suggested that figurative language may be one type of language that preferentially engages right hemisphere regions. However, there is disagreement about whether these regions within the right hemisphere are sensitive to figurative language per se or to other factors that co-vary with figurativeness. In this article, we will review the neuroimaging literature on figurative language processing, focusing on metaphors, within the context of several theoretical perspectives that have been proposed about hemispheric function in language. Then we will examine three factors that may influence right hemisphere engagement: novelty, task difficulty, and context. We propose that factors that increase integration demands drive right hemisphere involvement in language processing, and that such recruitment is not limited to figurative language.
End-To-End Multi-Task Learning With Attention

We propose a novel multi-task learning architecture, which allows learning of task-specific feature-level attention. Our design, the Multi-Task Attention Network (MTAN), consists of a single shared network containing a global feature pool, together with a soft-attention module for each task. These modules allow for learning of task-specific features from the global features, whilst simultaneously allowing for features to be shared across different tasks. The architecture can be trained end-to-end and can be built upon any feed-forward neural network, is simple to implement, and is parameter efficient. We evaluate our approach on a variety of datasets, across both image-to-image predictions and image classification tasks. We show that our architecture is state-of-the-art in multi-task learning compared to existing methods, and is also less sensitive to various weighting schemes in the multi-task loss function. Code is available at https://github.com/lorenmt/mtan.
Influence of Machining Parameters on 3D Surface Roughness of Powder Bushings

The paper presents the results on research of machining anti-friction bushings of lever brake systems of rail transport, wherein the bushings are made of powder material based on iron and copper. Powder composition contains Fe-C-Cu with Ni and Mo content of less than 0.3%, and with reduced phosphorus content. The porosity of the bushings were in the range of 15 – 20 %. The main objective of the work was to determine the optimal machining parameters, as well as to evaluate the quality of the machined surface. The bushing were machined with cutting speed in the range of 130 – 150 m/min. To assess the quality of the machined surfaces the 3D roughness parameters were used, which allow to asses the surface roughness in more accurate details. The microstructure of the samples indicated the presence of pores onto the machined surfaces. It was found that to improve the quality of the surface it is necessary to adjust the parameters of the powder processing of parts with high porosity in the direction of their reduction. Studies of the microstructure and morphology of chips showed that the shape and structure of the chip is highly dependent on the porosity of the material and its processing conditions.
Safety Observations With 3 Years of Denosumab Exposure: Comparison Between Subjects Who Received Denosumab During the Randomized FREEDOM Trial and Subjects Who Crossed Over to Denosumab During the FREEDOM Extension

Denosumab is a fully human monoclonal antibody against receptor activator of NF‐κB ligand (RANKL) that decreases osteoclast formation, function and survival, and is approved for the treatment of postmenopausal women with osteoporosis at increased or high risk for fracture, among other indications. During the pivotal 3‐year fracture trial FREEDOM, denosumab 60 mg subcutaneously every 6 months significantly reduced new vertebral (68%), hip (40%), and nonvertebral (20%) fractures; increased bone mineral density (BMD); and reduced bone turnover markers compared with placebo in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. Questions have arisen regarding imbalances of certain low‐frequency adverse events (AEs) observed in FREEDOM, as well as the top 5 most frequent adverse reactions listed in the United States prescribing information (USPI; back pain, pain in extremity, musculoskeletal pain, hypercholesterolemia, and cystitis). We examined the incidences of these AEs in women who originally received placebo during FREEDOM and then received denosumab for up to 3 years during the FREEDOM Extension (Crossover Group). This provided a unique opportunity for comparison with the original 3‐year denosumab FREEDOM observations. We also examined the incidences of these AEs over 6 years of denosumab treatment (Long‐term Group; ie, comparing a second 3 years of treatment with findings in the first 3 years). There was no indication of increasing trends regarding the imbalances of either low‐frequency AEs or common AEs observed in FREEDOM. © 2017 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Self-reported use of novel psychoactive substances among attendees of electronic dance music venues

ABSTRACT Background: Novel psychoactive substances (NPSs) continue to emerge in the United States and worldwide. Few epidemiological studies have examined the prevalence and correlates of use. Objective: We examined the extent of NPS use in a high-risk population—attendees of electronic dance music (EDM) parties at nightclubs and festivals. Methods: We surveyed 682 adults (age 18–25) entering EDM events at nightclubs and festivals in New York City (NYC) in 2015. A variation of time–space sampling was used. We examined the prevalence of self-reported use of 196 NPS and correlates of any NPS use. Results: Over a third (35.1%) of participants reported lifetime use of any NPS. Self-reported use of synthetic cannabinoids was most prevalent (16.3%), followed by psychedelic phenethylamines (14.7%; 2C series: 10.3%, 2-(4-iodo-2,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-N-[(2-methoxyphenyl)methyl]ethanamine [NBOMe] series: 9.0%, Dox series: 3.5%), synthetic cathinones (“bath salts”, 6.9%), other psychedelics (6.6%), tryptamines (5.1%), and dissociatives (4.3%). 2C-I was the most prevalent 2C series drug (5.1%); methylone was the most prevalent synthetic cathinone (3.3%), 2-MeO-ketamine was the most prevalent dissociative (3.7%), and 1P-lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) (2.9%) was the most prevalent non-phenethylamine psychedelic. Risk factors for NPS use included Ecstasy/MDMA/Molly, LSD, and ketamine use; identifying as bisexual (compared to heterosexual), reporting higher frequency of nightclub/festival attendance, and being surveyed outside of a festival (compared to those surveyed outside of nightclubs). Discussion: NPS use is prevalent in the nightclub and festival scenes in NYC. Since individuals in these scenes—especially frequent attendees—are at high risk for use, prevention and harm reduction services need to be geared toward this population.
Non Melanoma Skin Cancer Pathogenesis Overview

(1) Background: Non-melanoma skin cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in humans. The process of skin carcinogenesis is still not fully understood. However, several studies have been conducted to better explain the mechanisms that lead to malignancy; (2) Methods: We reviewed the more recent literature about the pathogenesis of non-melanoma skin cancer focusing on basal cell carcinomas, squamous cell carcinoma and actinic keratosis; (3) Results: Several papers reported genetic and molecular alterations leading to non-melanoma skin cancer. Plenty of risk factors are involved in non-melanoma skin cancer pathogenesis, including genetic and molecular alterations, immunosuppression, and ultraviolet radiation; (4) Conclusion: Although skin carcinogenesis is still not fully understood, several papers demonstrated that genetic and molecular alterations are involved in this process. In addition, plenty of non-melanoma skin cancer risk factors are now known, allowing for an effective prevention of non-melanoma skin cancer development. Compared to other papers on the same topic, our review focused on molecular and genetic factors and analyzed in detail several factors involved in non-melanoma skin cancer.
Dietary Alteration of the Gut Microbiome and Its Impact on Weight and Fat Mass: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Dietary alteration of the gut microbiome is an important target in the treatment of obesity. Animal and human studies have shown bidirectional weight modulation based on the probiotic formulation used. In this study, we systematically reviewed the literature and performed a meta-analysis to assess the impact of prebiotics, probiotics and synbiotics on body weight, body mass index (BMI) and fat mass in adult human subjects. We searched Medline (PubMed), Embase, the Cochrane Library and the Web of Science to identify 4721 articles, of which 41 were subjected to full-text screening, yielding 21 included studies with 33 study arms. Probiotic use was associated with significant decreases in BMI, weight and fat mass. Studies of subjects consuming prebiotics demonstrated a significant reduction in body weight, whereas synbiotics did not show an effect. Overall, when the utilization of gut microbiome-modulating dietary agents (prebiotic/probiotic/synbiotic) was compared to placebo, there were significant decreases in BMI, weight and fat mass. In summary, dietary agents for the modulation of the gut microbiome are essential tools in the treatment of obesity and can lead to significant decreases in BMI, weight and fat mass. Further studies are needed to identify the ideal dose and duration of supplementation and to assess the durability of this effect.
Violence Against Women in Selected Areas of the United States.

OBJECTIVES We determined the prevalence of recent emotional, physical, and sexual violence against women and their associations with HIV-related risk factors in women living in the United States. METHODS We performed an assessment of women ages 18 to 44 years with a history of unprotected sex and 1 or more personal or partner HIV risk factors in the past 6 months from 2009 to 2010. We used multivariable logistic regression to examine the association of experiencing violence. RESULTS Among 2099 women, the prevalence of emotional abuse, physical violence, and sexual violence in the previous 6 months was 31%, 19%, and 7%, respectively. Nonmarried status, food insecurity, childhood abuse, depression symptomology, and posttraumatic stress disorder were significantly associated with multiple types of violence. All types of violence were associated with at least 3 different partner or personal HIV risk behaviors, including unprotected anal sex, previous sexually transmitted infection diagnosis, sex work, or partner substance abuse. CONCLUSIONS Our data suggested that personal and partner HIV risk behaviors, mental illness, and specific forms of violence frequently co-occurred in the lives of impoverished women. We shed light on factors purported to contribute to a syndemic in this population. HIV prevention programs in similar populations should address these co-occurring issues in a comprehensive manner.
Intervention Packages to Reduce the Impact of HIV and HCV Infections Among People Who Inject Drugs in Eastern Europe and Central Asia: A Modeling and Cost-effectiveness Study

Abstract Background We evaluated the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of interventions targeting hepatitis C virus (HCV) and HIV infections among people who inject drugs (PWID) in Eastern Europe/Central Asia. We specifically considered the needle-syringe program (NSP), opioid substitution therapy (OST), HCV and HIV diagnosis, antiretroviral therapy (ART), and/or new HCV treatment (direct acting antiviral [DAA]) in Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Republic of Moldova, and Tajikistan. Methods We developed a deterministic dynamic compartmental model and evaluated the number of infections averted, costs, and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) of interventions. OST decreased frequencies of injecting by 85% and NSP needle sharing rates by 57%; ART was introduced at CD4 <350 and DAA at fibrosis stage ≥F2 at a $2370 to $23 280 cost. Results Increasing NSP+OST had a high impact on transmissions (infections averted in PWID: 42% in Tajikistan to 55% in Republic of Moldova for HCV; 30% in Belarus to 61% in Kazakhstan for HIV over 20 years). Increasing NSP+OST+ART was very cost-effective in Georgia (ICER = $910/year of life saved [YLS]), and was cost-saving in Kazakhstan and Republic of Moldova. NSP+OST+ART and HIV diagnosis was very cost-effective in Tajikistan (ICER = $210/YLS). Increasing the coverage of all interventions was always the most effective strategy and was cost-effective in Belarus and Kazakhstan (ICER = $12 960 and $21 850/YLS); it became cost-effective/cost-saving in all countries when we decreased DAA costs. Conclusion Increasing NSP+OST coverage, in addition to ART and HIV diagnosis, had a high impact on both epidemics and was very cost-effective and even cost-saving. When HCV diagnosis was improved, increased DAA averted a high number of new infections if associated with NSP+OST.
Inhibition of TGF-β signaling in mesenchymal stem cells of subchondral bone attenuates osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a highly prevalent and debilitating joint disorder. There is no effective medical therapy for the condition because of limited understanding of its pathogenesis. We show that transforming growth factor b1 (TGF-b1) is activated in subchondral bone in response to altered mechanical loading in an anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLT) mouse model of osteoarthritis. TGF-b1 concentrations are also high in subchondral bone from humans with osteoarthritis. High concentrations of TGF-b1 induced formation of nestin-positive mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) clusters, leading to formation of marrow osteoid islets accompanied by high levels of angiogenesis. We found that transgenic expression of active TGF-b1 in osteoblastic cells induced osteoarthritis, whereas inhibition of TGF-b activity in subchondral bone attenuated the degeneration of articular cartilage. In particular, knockout of the TGF-b type II receptor (TbRII) in nestin-positive MSCs led to less development of osteoarthritis relative to wild-type mice after ACLT. Thus, high concentrations of active TGF-b1 in subchondral bone seem to initiate the pathological changes of osteoarthritis, and inhibition of this process could be a potential therapeutic approach to treating this disease.
Effects of health insurance coverage on risky behaviors

Prior to implementation of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, dependent health insurance coverage was typically available only for young adults under the age of 19. As of September 2010, the Affordable Care Act extended dependent health insurance coverage to include young adults up to the age of 26. I use the National Health Interview Survey for the sample period from 2011 to 2013 to analyze the causal relationship between the expansion of dependent coverage and risky behaviors including smoking and drinking as well as preventive care. I employ a regression discontinuity design to estimate the causal effect of health insurance coverage and overcome the endogeneity problem between insurance status and risky behaviors. When young adults become 26 years old, they are 7 to 10 percentage points more likely to lose health insurance than young adults under the age of 26. Although young adults over the age of 26 are generally aged out of insurance coverage, presence or absence of health insurance does not affect their smoking and drinking behaviors and their access to preventive care.