Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of risk factors associated with human papillomavirus infection in women living with HIV. Canadian Women's HIV Study Group.

BACKGROUND Concurrent infection with HIV and human papillomavirus (HPV) in women is associated with increased rates of cervical dysplasia and shorter survival following the development of cervical cancer. The authors examined risk factors for HPV infection at study entry in HIV-positive women enrolled in the Canadian Women's HIV Study, a prospective open cohort study. METHODS Subjects eligible for this analysis included the 375 HIV-positive women in the Canadian Women's HIV Study for whom HPV test results were available. Questionnaires on behavioural and clinical information, Pap smears, cervicovaginal lavage specimens and vaginal tampon specimens for HPV detection and typing by polymerase chain reaction were obtained at study entry. RESULTS Overall, 67.2% (252/375) of the women were HPV-positive; the global prevalence of intermediate- and high-risk oncogenic HPV types was 49.1% (184/375). Women with squamous cell dysplasia (32/294) were more likely to have HPV infection than those without dysplasia (90.6% v. 62.6%; p = 0.002). Multivariate logistic regression analysis, with adjustment for number of lifetime partners and history of STD, revealed that the following risk factors were independently associated with HPV infection: CD4 count of less than 0.20 x 10(9)/L (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 1.99 [95% confidence interval (Cl) 1.17-3.37 (p = 0.011)]), non-white race (adjusted OR 2.00 [95% Cl 1.17-3.42 (p = 0.011)]), inconsistent condom use in the 6 months before study entry (adjusted OR 2.02 [95% Cl 1.16-3.50 (p = 0.013)]), and lower age, with women age 30-39 years (adjusted OR 0.51 [95% Cl 0.30-0.87 (p = 0.013)]) and age 40 years or older (adjusted OR 0.52 [95% Cl 0.26-1.01 (p = 0.052)]) compared with women less than 30 years of age. INTERPRETATION Close monitoring for HPV-related effects is warranted in all HIV-positive women, particularly younger, non-white women who do not always use condoms. Counselling for women living with HIV, particularly younger women, should emphasize the importance of regular cytological screening, with increasing frequency as the CD4 count falls.
Misinformation : Challenges and Future Directions Conference or Workshop Item

Misinformation has become a common part of our digital media environments and it is compromising the ability of our societies to form informed opinions. It generates misperceptions, which have affected the decision making processes in many domains, including economy, health, environment, and elections, among others. Misinformation and its generation, propagation, impact, and management is being studied through a variety of lenses (computer science, social science, journalism, psychology, etc.) since it widely affects multiple aspects of society. In this paper we analyse the phenomenon of misinformation from a technological point of view. We study the current socio-technical advancements towards addressing the problem, identify some of the key limitations of current technologies, and propose some ideas to target such limitations. The goal of this position paper is to reflect on the current state of the art and to stimulate discussions on the future design and development of algorithms, methodologies, and applications.
Association of Total and Differential Leukocyte Counts With Cardiovascular Disease and Mortality in the UK Biobank

Objective— Elevated white blood cell count is associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). We aimed to investigate whether specific leukocyte subpopulations, which may more closely indicate a specific inflammatory pathway, are specifically associated with CVD. Approach and Results— Participants (478 259) from UK Biobank with data for white blood cell count were included. Death because of CVD (n=1377) and non-CVD causes (n=8987) occurred during median follow-up time of 7.0 years (interquartile range, 6.3–7.6). In Cox models, deciles of leukocyte counts (lymphocytes, monocytes, neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils) were examined using the fifth decile as the referent group. Models were stratified by sex and adjusted for a range of classical risk factors. A sensitivity analysis excluded participants with baseline comorbidites and the first 2 years of follow-up. Men (hazard ratio [HR], 1.59; 95% confidence interval, 1.22–2.08) and women (HR, 2.15; 95% confidence interval, 1.38–3.35) in the highest decile of neutrophil count were at higher risk of CVD mortality and nonfatal CVD (men HR, 1.28; 95% confidence interval, 1.16–1.42 and women HR, 1.21; 95% confidence interval, 1.06–1.38). In the sensitivity analysis, the power to investigate CVD mortality was limited, but for both sexes combined, the linear HRs for a 1×109/L cell count increase in white blood cell count and neutrophils, respectively, was 1.05 (1.03–1.07) and 1.07 (1.04–1.11). Conclusions— Among circulating leukocyte subpopulations, neutrophil count in men was most consistently associated with fatal and nonfatal CVD. Further studies of interventions that lower circulating neutrophils, such as canakinumab, are required to investigate causality.
Measurement of both viscous and elastic constants of a red blood cell in a microchannel

In this paper, we propose a novel measurement of both viscous and elastic constants of a red blood cell (RBC) in a microfluidic channel. Although simultaneous measurement of absolute values of RBC viscosity and elasticity has been difficult in a microfluidic channel so far, here we achieved it using precise feedback cell manipulation inside the microchannel. According to deformed shape and theoretically estimated shear force, we first obtained Young's modulus, consistent with that obtained in the previous methods with force sensors. In addition, conducting “Loading examination” for the same RBC in the downstream of the microchannel, we succeeded in the estimation of absolute values of viscous and elastic constants of a RBC.
Model simulations of dust sources and transport in the global atmosphere: Effects of soil erodibility and wind speed variability

Global atmospheric dust is simulated using the Dust Entrainment and Deposition (DEAD) model in combination with the global-scale Oslo chemical transport model CTM2 using meteorological data for 1996. Dust sources are calculated using both mean wind speeds with model resolution T63 and subgrid wind speeds. Different data sets are used to describe soil erodibility. We explain how the different assumptions about dust production affect atmospheric dust burden and deposition. Some aspects of the annual dust cycle, such as the east Asian dust emissions, are largely dependent on the data used to determine soil erodibility. Other aspects, such as the timing of the maximum in the African plume at Northern Hemisphere summer, are well modeled with all data sets applied here. We show that the daily variation in optical depth at Cape Verde on the west coast of Africa is well simulated when we assume that erodibility is correlated with surface reflectivity from Moderate-Resolution Imaging Spetroradiometer (MODIS) satellite data. Using a subgrid probability density function of wind speed to drive the dust sources facilitates dust emissions in areas with low wind speeds. Dust concentrations in remote areas are sensitive to the parameterization of wet deposition. Our results point out the need for a detailed soil erodibility data set for global dust modeling, and they suggest that surface reflectivity is potentially valuable for producing or evaluating such data sets.
Ergotamine and Methysergide Abuse in Patients with Migraine

Ergotamine preparations are extensively used in the treatment of migraine. Although not widely appreciated, there have been reports in the literature of ergotamine abuse, related to the development of tolerance and withdrawal headaches, which result in a steadily increasing consumption of the drug (Wolfson and Graham, 1949; Peters and Horton, 1951; Friedman et al., 1955). It is important clinically to recognize this condition, as ergotamine can have dangerous vascular side-effects (Byrne-Quinn, 1964; Cranley et al., 1963; Young and Humphries, 1961).
Circulating microRNAs associated with prolonged overall survival in lung cancer patients treated with nivolumab

Abstract Background The introduction of immune check-point inhibition in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) therapy represents improved prospects for the patients. The response rates to check-point inhibitors are approximately 20% in unselected NSCLC patients. Increasing levels of tumor PD-L1 expression are associated with higher response rates. However, patients with low PD-L1 levels may also have durable responses, and improved strategies for patient stratification are needed. Material and methods In this study, we investigated circulating microRNAs aiming to identify circulating predictive biomarkers associated with increased overall survival after immune check-point treatment. Using next generation sequencing, we performed microRNA profiling in serum from NSCLC patients (n = 20) treated with nivolumab. Serum samples from 31 patients were used for validation using qPCR assays. Serum samples were collected prior to immune therapy initiation. Results Based on multivariate regression analysis, we identified a signature of seven microRNAs (miR-215-5p, miR-411-3p, miR-493-5p, miR-494-3p, miR-495-3p, miR-548j-5p and miR-93-3p) significantly associated with overall survival (OS) > 6 months in discovery cohort (p = .0003). We further validated this in another similar set of samples (n = 31) and the model was significantly associated with overall survival (OS) > 6 months (p = .001) with sensitivity and specificity of 71% and 90%, respectively. Conclusions In this study of circulating microRNAs, we have identified a 7-miR signature associated with survival in nivolumab-treated NSCLC patients. This signature may lead to better treatment options for patients with NSCLC, but a validation in an independent cohort is needed to confirm the predicted potential.
Optic neuropathy causing vertical unilateral hemianopsia after pars plana vitrectomy for a macular hole

Introduction: Recent progress in medical technology has resulted in improved surgical outcomes of pars plana vitrectomy (PPV); with microincision systems, the incidence of procedure-related complications during surgery has been reduced. However, unpredictable visual field defects after PPV remain an unresolved issue. A few reports have shown that damage to the retinal neurofibers owing to dry-up during air/fluid exchange or retinal neurotoxicity of the dye used to visualize the internal limiting membrane (ILM), as well as unintentional removal of retinal neurofibers during ILM peeling, are responsible for such visual field disorders. In this report, we present a case of extensive visual field defect due to optic neuropathy exhibiting vertical hemianopsia after PPV. Case Summary: A 50-year-old woman underwent PPV and cataract surgery for a macular hole and mild cataract under retrobulbar anesthesia with 3.5 mL of xylocaine. At the time of opening an infusion cannula for PPV, the intraocular lens was herniating, with an acute increase in pressure from the posterior eyeball; thus, intraocular pressure configuration level had to be decreased from the default level, whereas the other procedures including 20% SF6 injection were performed without any modification. The macular hole was closed postoperatively. However, the patient experienced nasal hemianopsia, which turned out to be optic neuropathy, as assessed via electric physiological examinations. The pattern of the visual field defect was not typical for glaucoma or anterior ischemic optic neuropathy. Her optic nerve head was pale at the temporal side soon after the surgery, and her blood pressure was low, suggesting that there may have been a congestion of the optic nerve feeder vessels because of the relatively high pressure in the orbit. The space occupancy with xylocaine and extensively stretched and plumped out eye ball with infusion during PPV may have pressed the surrounding tissue of the optic nerve and the feeder vessels. Conclusion: PPV is safe for most patients; however, individual variations in local and/or systemic conditions may cause complications. Future studies to optimize the surgical condition for each individual patient may be warranted.
Perceptions of the transition from receiving the diagnosis recessive limb-girdle muscular dystrophy to becoming in need of human support and using a wheelchair: an interview study

Abstract Purpose: To describe perceptions of the transition from receiving the diagnosis recessive limb-girdle muscular dystrophy to becoming in need of human support to manage daily life and using a wheelchair for ambulation, from the affected young adults’ and their parents’ perspectives. Method: A qualitative and descriptive study design was used. Semi-structured interviews were held with 14 young adults diagnosed with recessive limb-girdle muscular dystrophy and 19 parents. Phenomenography was used for data analysis. Results: The diagnosis was described as being a shock and difficult to comprehend but also as a relief and a tool for information. Beginning to use a wheelchair was perceived to be mentally difficult but it also provided freedom. New ways of living involved physical, emotional, practical, and social difficulties as well as experiences of learning to adapt to the disease. The transition was overshadowed by concern about disease progression and influenced by facilitating factors, which were young adult being seen as a person; supportive family and friends; mobilized internal resources; meaningful daily activities; adapted environment; and professional support. Conclusions: The different perceptions expressed in this study highlight the importance of identifying personal perceptions and needs in order to optimize support provided by healthcare professionals. Implications for Rehabilitation The different perceptions described in this study emphasize the need for person-centered care for young adults living with recessive limb-girdle muscular dystrophy and their parents. Regular controls and professional support to cope with the disease and its consequences should be offered, not only at the time of diagnosis but also throughout disease progression. Beginning to use a wheelchair can be a psychologically distressing process, which has to be acknowledged by healthcare professionals when introducing it. Healthcare professionals should not only recognize the importance of having social relations and activities that are meaningful but also be a link to authorities in society and to interest organizations that can help to facilitate the person’s management of the disease.
INFLUENCE OF DEMOGRAPHIC FACTORS ON ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE AMONG PRIMARY TEACHER TRAINEES - A CASE STUDY OF MACHAKOS TEACHERS COLLEGE

This study was aimed at establishing the influence of demographic factors of age, gender and Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) entry grade on students’ academic achievement among primary teacher trainees. 312 first year students were included in the research and were placed in structured groups based on the academic predictors and were guided to study three subjects –Integrated Science, Christian Religious Education and Education /professional studies during their first term of admission. Their end-term examination test scores for the three pilot subjects were computed and compared to the demographic factors. Pearson product correlation and univariate analysis of variance were used to establish the inferential statistics . The study recorded no significant relationship between students Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education entry grade and their performance (r = 0.232, P > 0.05). Older students (30-39 years) performed slightly better than middle aged, 23-25 years and the younger students,19-21 years. The academic performance in various age brackets was however not significant (F = 0.11, P = 0.897, P > 0.05). Groups of male students scored lower than the groups of female students. However, gender had no significant relationship in the students’ performance (r = 0.168, P > 0.05). The findings reveal that the academic predictors did not have a significant influence on the students’ performance. It is suggested that the study can be extended to sister colleges and the scope of the subjects expanded in order to affirm or refute the result.
Start-up strategies of membrane-aerated biofilm reactor (MABR) for completely autotrophic nitrogen removal

Completely autotrophic nitrogen removal, coupling aerobic and anaerobic ammonium oxidation, can be achieved via redox stratified biofilms growing on gas-permeable membranes. These sequential reactions are mediated by aerobic and anaerobic ammonium oxidizing bacteria (AOB and AnAOB). The major downside of this process stems from a long start-up period due to the slow growth rate of AnAOB. Therefore, two different start-up strategies, i.e
Statistical channel modelling of 5G mmWave MIMO wireless communication

In this paper statistical channel modelling of fifth-generation (5G) millimeter-wave cellular communication is simulated. This study is based on statistical channel modelling software developed by NYUWireless known as NYUSIM. NYUSIM is built upon statistical channel model for broadband 5G cellular communication. The simulator can handle wideband of carrier frequencies from 500 MHz to 100 GHz and for different environment types which include urban microcell, urban macrocell and rural macrocell. It also supports RF bandwidth from 0 Hz to 800 MHz which makes it suitable software for statistical channel modelling of 5G mmWave based cellular communication. Here, we have considered operating carrier frequency of 28 GHz and the performance of urban microcell in LOS has been studied considering the directional, omnidirectional and small scale power delay profiles (PDPs).
Arabic character extraction and recognition using traversing approach

The intention behind this research is to present an original work undertaken for Arabic character extraction and recognition for attaining higher percentage of recognition rate. Copious techniques for character, text extraction were proposed in earlier decades, but very few of them shed light on Arabic character set. From literature survey, it was found that 100% recognition rate is not attained by earlier proposed implementations. The proposed technique is novel and is based on traversing of the characters in a given text and marking their directions viz. North-South (NS), East-West (EW), North EastSouth West (NE-SW), North West-South East (NW-SE) etc., in an array and comparing them with the pre-defined codes of every character in the dataset. The experiments were conducted on Arabic news videos, documents taken from Arabic Printed Text Image (APTI) database and the results achieved from this research are very promising with a recognition rate of 98.1%. The proposed algorithm in this research work can replace the existing algorithms used in present Arabic Optical Character Recognition (AOCR) systems.
Microbial functional diversity covaries with permafrost thaw‐induced environmental heterogeneity in tundra soil

Permafrost soil in high latitude tundra is one of the largest terrestrial carbon (C) stocks and is highly sensitive to climate warming. Understanding microbial responses to warming‐induced environmental changes is critical to evaluating their influences on soil biogeochemical cycles. In this study, a functional gene array (i.e., geochip 4.2) was used to analyze the functional capacities of soil microbial communities collected from a naturally degrading permafrost region in Central Alaska. Varied thaw history was reported to be the main driver of soil and plant differences across a gradient of minimally, moderately, and extensively thawed sites. Compared with the minimally thawed site, the number of detected functional gene probes across the 15–65 cm depth profile at the moderately and extensively thawed sites decreased by 25% and 5%, while the community functional gene β‐diversity increased by 34% and 45%, respectively, revealing decreased functional gene richness but increased community heterogeneity along the thaw progression. Particularly, the moderately thawed site contained microbial communities with the highest abundances of many genes involved in prokaryotic C degradation, ammonification, and nitrification processes, but lower abundances of fungal C decomposition and anaerobic‐related genes. Significant correlations were observed between functional gene abundance and vascular plant primary productivity, suggesting that plant growth and species composition could be co‐evolving traits together with microbial community composition. Altogether, this study reveals the complex responses of microbial functional potentials to thaw‐related soil and plant changes and provides information on potential microbially mediated biogeochemical cycles in tundra ecosystems.
Tracer studies of sheet flow in the Florida Everglades

Information on sheet flow patterns in the marsh ridge and slough habitat of the Florida Everglades is scarce, primarily because of difficulty in taking measurements across large enough spatial scales in such a heterogeneous environment. As part of the Everglades Tracer Release Experiment (EverTREx), two SF6 tracer releases were conducted to measure sheet flow in relatively intact ridge and slough habitats. The first was a pilot experiment that allowed the analytical equipment to be tested in the Everglades, and yielded some preliminary, coarse‐scale measurements of advection and dispersion in multiple sloughs. In the second experiment, higher‐resolution measurements of tracer distributions in a single slough showed that the mean advection ranged from 0.08 to 0.15 cm s−1, while longitudinal dispersion ranged from 3.7 × 102 to 2.6 × 103 cm2 s−1.
Keeping things under control: exploring migrant Eastern European womens’ experiences of pregnancy in Ireland

Abstract Objective This study explores migrant Eastern European women’s experience of pregnancy in Ireland. It contributes to understanding how the migration process may impact on pregnancy and motherhood. Method: Interviews were conducted with 12 Eastern European women, aged between 20 and 40 years, who had experienced, or who were experiencing, pregnancy in Ireland. Data were analysed using the grounded theory method. Results: A core category of ‘keeping things under control’ comprising three themes: ‘balancing conflicting demands’, ‘reconstructing cultural heritage’ and ‘negotiating discrepancies between expectations and reality’ was identified. The findings advance understanding of how migrant women try to gain control over their new life while managing two transformative life events: pregnancy and migration. Conclusions: Migrant women who experience pregnancy in their host country face multiple, multi-faceted challenges, which have bidirectional relationships with social support. Migrant Eastern European women may have particular struggles with transitioning to a less medicalised maternity healthcare system when they migrate to Ireland.