Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Neonatal incubators: A toxic sound environment for the preterm infant?*

Background: High sound pressure levels may be harmful to the maturing newborn. Current guidelines suggest that the sound pressure levels within a neonatal intensive care unit should not exceed 45 dB(A). It is likely that environmental noise as well as the noise generated by the incubator fan and respiratory equipment may contribute to the total sound pressure levels. Knowledge of the contribution of each component and source is important to develop effective strategies to reduce noise within the incubator. Aims: The objectives of this study were to determine the sound levels, sound spectra, and major sources of sound within a modern neonatal incubator (Giraffe Omnibed; GE Healthcare, Helsinki, Finland) using a sound simulation study to replicate the conditions of a preterm infant undergoing high-frequency jet ventilation (Life Pulse, Bunnell, UT). Methods: Using advanced sound data acquisition and signal processing equipment, we measured and analyzed the sound level at a dummy infant’s ear and at the head level outside the enclosure. The sound data time histories were digitally acquired and processed using a digital Fast Fourier Transform algorithm to provide spectra of the sound and cumulative sound pressure levels (dBA). The simulation was done with the incubator cooling fan and ventilator switched on or off. In addition, tests were carried out with the enclosure sides closed and hood down and then with the enclosure sides open and the hood up to determine the importance of interior incubator reverberance on the interior sound levels Results: With all the equipment off and the hood down, the sound pressure levels were 53 dB(A) inside the incubator. The sound pressure levels increased to 68 dB(A) with all equipment switched on (approximately 10 times louder than recommended). The sound intensity was 6.0 × 10–8 watts/m2; this sound level is roughly comparable with that generated by a kitchen exhaust fan on high. Turning the ventilator off reduced the overall sound pressure levels to 64 dB(A) and the sound pressure levels in the low-frequency band of 0 to 100 Hz were reduced by 10 dB(A). The incubator fan generated tones at 200, 400, and 600 Hz that raised the sound level by approximately 2 dB(A)–3 dB(A). Opening the enclosure (with all equipment turned on) reduced the sound levels above 50 Hz by reducing the revereberance within the enclosure. Conclusion: The sound levels, especially at low frequencies, within a modern incubator may reach levels that are likely to be harmful to the developing newborn. Much of the noise is at low frequencies and thus difficult to reduce by conventional means. Therefore, advanced forms of noise control are needed to address this issue.
Alterations in the MA and NC Domains Modulate Phosphoinositide-Dependent Plasma Membrane Localization of the Rous Sarcoma Virus Gag Protein

ABSTRACT Retroviral Gag proteins direct virus particle assembly from the plasma membrane (PM). Phosphatidylinositol-(4,5)-bisphosphate [PI(4,5)P2] plays a role in PM targeting of several retroviral Gag proteins. Here we report that depletion of intracellular PI(4,5)P2 and phosphatidylinositol-(3,4,5)-triphosphate [PI(3,4,5)P3] levels impaired Rous sarcoma virus (RSV) Gag PM localization. Gag mutants deficient in nuclear trafficking were less sensitive to reduction of intracellular PI(4,5)P2 and PI(3,4,5)P3, suggesting a possible connection between Gag nuclear trafficking and phosphoinositide-dependent PM targeting.
Identification of genes and molecular pathways involved in the progression of premalignant oral epithelia

An early interventional effort in oral premalignancy requires novel molecular targets and diagnostic biomarkers to delay or reverse incidences of malignant progression. Microarray-based transcriptional profiling in disease states provides global insight into the causal biomolecular processes and novel pathways involved. In this study, we investigated transcript profiles in precancerous oral lesions to identify nearly 1,700 genes as significantly overexpressed or underexpressed and a primarily affected metabolic pathway that may be responsible for irreversible transition to progressive stages of oral cancer. For the first time, we show a convergence of several genes and pathways known for their oncogenic capabilities, in progression of premalignant oral epithelial tissues. This study consequently provides a molecular basis for persistent proinflammatory conditions in oral premalignant tissues. We found that lipocalin-type prostaglandin D2 synthase (PTGDS), a key enzyme in the arachidonic acid metabolism pathway, as repressed in premalignant stages. We show the protective role of these enzyme-derived metabolites in inhibiting cell proliferation using an in vitro oral cancer progression model. We have also confirmed the overexpression of two invasion-related biomarkers, psoriasin (PSOR1) and versican (CSPG2), in oral premalignant and malignant archival tissues. Our results clearly indicate that pharmacologic intervention with anti-inflammatory prostaglandin D2–like analogues may help prevent or delay oral epithelial carcinogenesis because of metabolic restoration of a negative feedback regulatory loop through its several cognate receptors or target molecules. Further studies directed toward a multitude of possible protective mechanisms of this lipocalin-type enzyme or its products in oral cancer progression are warranted.
Variation of Skin Surface pH, Sebum Content and Stratum Corneum Hydration with Age and Gender in a Large Chinese Population

Background and Objectives: Evidence suggests the importance of skin biophysical properties in predicting diseases and in developing appropriate skin care. The results to date of studies on skin surface pH, stratum corneum (SC) hydration and sebum content in both genders and at various ages have been inconclusive, which was in part due to small sample size. Additionally, little is known about the skin physical properties of Asian, especially Chinese, subjects. In the present study, we assess the difference in skin surface pH, sebum content and SC hydration at various ages and in both genders in a large Chinese population without skin diseases. Methods: 713 subjects (328 males and 385 females) aged 0.5–94 years were enrolled in this study. The subjects were divided by age into 5 groups, i.e., 0–12, 13–35, 36–50, 51–70 and over 70 years old. A multifunctional skin physiology monitor was used to measure SC hydration, skin surface pH and sebum content on both the forehead and the forearms. Results: In males, the highest sebum content was found on the forearm and the forehead in the age groups 36–50 (93.47 ± 10.01 μg/cm2) and 51–70 years (9.16 ± 1.95 μg/cm2), while in females, the highest sebum content was found on the forearm and the forehead in the age groups 13–35 (61.91 ± 6.12 μg/cm2) and 51–70 years (7.54 ± 2.55 μg/cm2). The forehead sebum content was higher in males aged 13–70 years than in age-matched females; the sebum content on the forehead in both males and females was higher than that on the forearm. Skin surface pH on the forehead of both males and females over the age of 70 years was higher than that in younger groups. SC hydration on the forehead in both males and females was lower above the age of 70, and the one in males aged 13–35 was higher than that in females (43.99 ± 1.88 vs. 36.38 ± 1.67 AU, p < 0.01). SC hydration on the forehead in both males and females did not significantly differ from that on the forearm. Conclusions: In a large Chinese cohort, the skin surface pH, sebum content and SC hydration vary with age, gender and body site.
Measuring condom use among sex workers in the Dominican Republic

The purpose of this paper is to assess the internal consistency of selfreported condom use among sex workers in Puerto Plata and Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. We examined the responses to questions about condom use among 4 crosssectional samples of sex workers. We compared measures based on: (1) questions using always-to-never scales; (2) questions about use with the past 5 clients; and (3) questions about use in the past week obtained from a retrospective coital log. In each sample, more women reported 'always' using condoms with clients than with each of the past 5 clients. In 3 of the 4 samples, only about half of the women who reported 'always' using condoms used condoms with the most recent 5 clients and with all clients in the past week. Internal consistency was significantly higher when the comparison was limited to use with the most recent 5 clients and use in the past week. Self-reported measures of condom use can be difficult to interpret. Assessing the internal consistency of several measures of use provides insight into the strengths and weaknesses of each measure.
Tissue-specific transcript annotation and expression profiling with complementary next-generation sequencing technologies

Next-generation sequencing is excellently suited to evaluate the abundance of mRNAs to study gene expression. Here we compare two alternative technologies, cap analysis of gene expression (CAGE) and serial analysis of gene expression (SAGE), for the same RNA samples. Along with quantifying gene expression levels, CAGE can be used to identify tissue-specific transcription start sites, while SAGE monitors 3′-end usage. We used both methods to get more insight into the transcriptional control of myogenesis, studying differential gene expression in differentiated and proliferating C2C12 myoblast cells with statistical evaluation of reproducibility and differential gene expression. Both CAGE and SAGE provided highly reproducible data (Pearson's correlations >0.92 among biological triplicates). With both methods we found around 10 000 genes expressed at levels 2 transcripts per million (0.3 copies per cell), with an overlap of 86%. We identified 4304 and 3846 genes differentially expressed between proliferating and differentiated C2C12 cells by CAGE and SAGE, respectively, with an overlap of 2144. We identified 196 novel regulatory regions with preferential use in proliferating or differentiated cells. Next-generation sequencing of CAGE and SAGE libraries provides consistent expression levels and can enrich current genome annotations with tissue-specific promoters and alternative 3′-UTR usage.
The relationship between negative mood and sexuality in heterosexual college women and men

Negative mood states, such as depression and anxiety, are typically associated with decreased sexual interest and arousal. However, there is also some evidence that depressed or anxious mood may increase sexual interest or arousal in some individuals. In this study, 663 female college students (mean age = 18.9 years, SD = 1.21) answered questions regarding the effects of anxious and depressed mood on sexual interest and arousal and completed trait measures of sexual excitation and inhibition, anxiety, and depression. The majority of women reported decreased sexual interest and response when feeling depressed or anxious; a minority (about 10%) of women, however, reported increased sexual interest/response during anxious and depressed mood. This sample of women was compared to a sample of 399 college‐aged men. In general, men were more likely than women to report increased sexual interest during negative mood states. Of the variables explored, propensity for sexual excitation was the strongest predictor of the relationship between negative mood and sexuality in women. Individual differences in the effects of negative mood may prove relevant to our understanding of a variety of topics, including “risky” and “compulsive” sexual behavior and sexual dysfunction.
Cost-effectiveness of trachoma control measures: comparing targeted household treatment and mass treatment of children.

OBJECTIVE The present study compares the cost-effectiveness of targeted household treatment and mass treatment of children in the most westerly part of Nepal. METHODS Effectiveness was measured as the percentage point change in the prevalence of trachoma. Resource measures included personnel time required for treatment, transportation, the time that study subjects had to wait to receive treatment, and the quantity of azithromycin used. The costs of the programme were calculated from the perspectives of the public health programme sponsor, the study subjects, and the society as a whole. FINDINGS Previous studies have indicated no statistically significant differences in effectiveness, and the present work showed no significant differences in total personnel and transportation costs per child aged 1-10 years, the total time that adults spent waiting, or the quantity of azithromycin per child. However, the mass treatment of children was slightly more effective and used less of each resource per child aged 1-10 years than the targeted treatment of households. CONCLUSION From all perspectives, the mass treatment of children is at least as effective and no more expensive than targeted household treatment, notwithstanding the absence of statistically significant differences. Less expensive targeting methods are required in order to make targeted household treatment more cost-effective.
Bacterial endosymbionts in Asellus aquaticus (Isopoda) and Gammarus pulex (Amphipoda) and their contribution to digestion

We demonstrate for the first time the presence of bacterial endosymbionts in the midgut glands (hepatopancreas) of the freshwater detritivore Asellus aquaticus (Isopoda), whereas the hepatopancreas of another crustacean detritivore, Gammarus pulex (Amphipoda), which coexists with the former species, was devoid of such bacteria. We detected both phenol oxidase and cellulase activity in hepatopancreatic extracts from both detritivores, which suggests that both of these enzymes are produced in the midgut glands of both species. After treatment with antibiotics, both the number of hepatopancreatic bacteria and enzymatic activity were reduced in the isopod hepatopancreas, but antibiotics had no effect on enzyme activity in the amphipod hepatopancreas. Feeding on microbially inactivated leaf litter did not affect enzyme activity in hepatopancreatic extracts from A. asellus, but increased cellulase activity was seen in the hepatopancreas of G. pulex. These results (1) confirm the hypothesized enzymatic adaptation of crustacean freshwater detritivores to their food sources of terrestrial origin, (2) demonstrate that the isopod A. aquaticus, like its terrestrial relatives, contains endosymbiotic bacteria that contribute to digestive processes, and (3) show interspecific differences between these coexisting crustacean detritivores in terms of enzyme origin and their dependence on microbiota.
Meta-Analysis of Environmental Impacts on Nitrous Oxide Release in Response to N Amendment

Atmospheric nitrous oxide (N2O) accounts for approximately 5% of the global greenhouse effect and destroys stratospheric ozone. Soils are the most important source of N2O, which is produced during nitrification and denitrification. To assess the impact of environmental variables and ecosystems on N2O flux, we performed a meta-analysis comparing N2O flux in N amended and matched control plots in non-agricultural soils. We found that N2O release increased with N amendment in the short term. Although there were few studies in shrubland, this ecosystem showed the greatest response. The N2O response to N amendment was greater in year-round studies and in studies with more measurements, but lower in longer studies. The N2O response was greater at higher latitudes and precipitation rates. We also observed an unexpected 55% decline in the N2O response to N amendment over the 23 years covered by the studies. This pattern may reflect a suppression of the N2O response from long-term N deposition accumulation, particularly in temperate regions. Although short term increases in reactive N entering natural systems may cause positive feedbacks to the release of N2O, this effect may diminish over time in locations with high rates of N deposition.
Inhibition of interleukin 8 attenuates angiogenesis in bronchogenic carcinoma

We investigated the role of interleukin 8 (IL-8) in mediating angiogenesis in human bronchogenic carcinoma. Increased quantities of IL-8 were detected in tumor tissue as compared with normal lung tissue. Immunohistochemical staining of tumors revealed primary localization of IL-8 to individual tumor cells and demonstrated the capacity of tumor to elaborate IL-8. Functional studies that used tissue homogenates of tumors demonstrated the induction of both in vitro endothelial cell chemotaxis and in vivo corneal neovascularization. It is important to note that the addition of neutralizing antisera to IL-8 to these assays resulted in the marked and specific attenuation of these responses. Our observations definitively establish IL-8 as a primary mediator of angiogenesis in bronchogenic carcinoma and offer a potential target for immunotherapies against solid malignancies.
Clinical impact of gene mutations and lesions detected by SNP-array karyotyping in acute myeloid leukemia patients in the context of gemtuzumab ozogamicin treatment: Results of the ALFA-0701 trial

We recently showed that the addition of fractionated doses of gemtuzumab ozogamicin (GO) to standard chemotherapy improves clinical outcome of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients. In the present study, we performed mutational analysis of 11 genes (FLT3, NPM1, CEBPA, MLL, WT1, IDH1/2, RUNX1, ASXL1, TET2, DNMT3A), EVI1 overexpression screening, and 6.0 single-nucleotide polymorphism array (SNP-A) analysis in diagnostic samples of the 278 AML patients enrolled in the ALFA-0701 trial. In cytogenetically normal (CN) AML (n = 146), 38% of the patients had at least 1 SNP-A lesion and 89% of the patients had at least 1 molecular alteration. In multivariate analysis, the independent predictors of higher cumulative incidence of relapse were unfavorable karyotype (P = 0.013) and randomization in the control arm (P = 0.007) in the whole cohort, and MLL partial tandem duplications (P = 0.014) and DNMT3A mutations (P = 0.010) in CN-AML. The independent predictors of shorter overall survival (OS) were unfavorable karyotype (P < 0.001) and SNP-A lesion(s) (P = 0.001) in the whole cohort, and SNP-A lesion(s) (P = 0.006), DNMT3A mutations (P = 0.042) and randomization in the control arm (P = 0.043) in CN-AML. Interestingly, CN-AML patients benefited preferentially more from GO treatment as compared to AML patients with abnormal cytogenetics (hazard ratio for death, 0.52 versus 1.14; test for interaction, P = 0.04). Although the interaction test was not statistically significant, the OS benefit associated with GO treatment appeared also more pronounced in FLT3 internal tandem duplication positive than in negative patients.
Minimizing AED Adverse Effects: Improving Quality of Life in the Interictal State in Epilepsy Care

The goals of epilepsy therapy are to achieve seizure freedom while minimizing adverse effects of treatment. However, producing seizure-freedom is often overemphasized, at the expense of inducing adverse effects of treatment. All antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) have the potential to cause dose-related, “neurotoxic” adverse effects (i.e., drowsiness, fatigue, dizziness, blurry vision, and incoordination). Such adverse effects are common, especially when initiating AED therapy and with polytherapy. Dose-related adverse effects may be obviated in most patients by dose reduction of monotherapy, reduction or elimination of polytherapy, or substituting for a better tolerated AED. Additionally, all older and several newer AEDs have idiosyncratic adverse effects which usually require withdrawal in an affected patient, including serious rash (i.e., Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis), hematologic dyscrasias, hepatotoxicity, teratogenesis in women of child bearing potential, bone density loss, neuropathy, and severe gingival hyperplasia. Unfortunately, occurrence of idiosyncratic AED adverse effects cannot be predicted or, in most cases, prevented in susceptible patients. This article reviews a practical approach for the definition and identification of adverse effects of epilepsy therapies, and reviews the literature demonstrating that adverse effects result in detrimental quality of life in epilepsy patients. Strategies for minimizing AED adverse effects by reduction or elimination of AED polytherapy, appropriately employing drugsparing therapies, and optimally administering AEDs are outlined, including tenets of AED selection, titration, therapeutic AED laboratory monitoring, and avoidance of chronic idiosyncratic adverse effects.
Healthy eating: the views of general practitioners and patients in Scotland.

BACKGROUND Scotland has one of the poorest health records of all Western countries, and this has been linked to poor diet. A key part of efforts to improve health has been an action plan to improve the Scottish diet. General practice has been identified as an important setting for health promotion and the provision of healthy eating advice. OBJECTIVE The objective was to investigate the views of general practitioners (GPs) and their patients about healthy eating and the provision of healthy eating advice in general practice. DESIGN This qualitative research study used semistructured in-depth interviews with 15 general practitioners (8 female and 7 male) and 30 patients (15 married couples in social class 3, 4, or 5 with young children). RESULTS The study found that health was only one priority in patients' everyday lives and that these patients were also questioning the relevance of healthy eating advice. GPs were divided in their opinions, with greater enthusiasm being displayed by the younger and female doctors. However, despite their differing views, GPs felt that general practice was better suited to specific rather than general health advice. CONCLUSIONS If programs in general practice to address dietary inequalities are to succeed, both patients' views and GPs' views must be taken into account.
Time Course of Auditory Cortex Activation during Speech Processing

The purpose of the studies summarized in this report was to determine the time course of auditory cortex involvement in speech and language processing in the context of auditory object formation. Forty-one subjects took part in the three studies summarized in this report. In all three studies, subjects performed a choice-reaction task that required their pressing an appropriate button in response to auditory stimuli (speech/non-speech, good/worse fused phonemes, first/second language words) presented through earphones. Event-related potentials (ERPs) were recorded during performance of the task from 21 scalp electrodes, in addition to peri-ocular electrodes for monitoring eye movements. Current densities within the gray matter of the brain were estimated using the LORETA (low resolution electromagnetic tomography) method. In general, except for some periods, processing phonetic and linguistic information was associated with elevated activity in the left auditory cortex. Peaks in auditory cortex activation corresponded in time to scalp recorded peaks in the latencies of P1 and up to as late as P3. The adjacent posterior temporal areas showed a similar temporal pattern of activation, but tended to be less lateralized to the left, or even biased toward right hemisphere predominance, depending on the stimulus, particularly in the later time frames. The results indicate that the auditory cortex is engaged in auditory processing from its early stages and as long as a few hundreds of msec, even after cessation of the stimulus, defining sounds as distinct auditory objects and differentiating speech from non-speech material, relying on acoustic cues. Hemispheric dominance fluctuates to include activity in the 'non-dominant' hemisphere depending on stimulus type and stage of processing.