Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Factors associated with acceptance of provider-initiated HIV testing and counseling among pregnant women in Ethiopia

Introduction The global human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemic disproportionately affects sub-Saharan African countries, including Ethiopia. Provider-initiated HIV testing and counseling (PITC) is a tool to identify HIV-positive pregnant women and an effective treatment and prevention strategy. However, its success depends upon the willingness of pregnant women to accept HIV testing. Objectives To describe the level of acceptance of PITC and associated factors among pregnant women attending 8 antenatal care clinics in Adama, Ethiopia. Methods Trained nursing students and employees from an HIV clinic conducted face-to-face structured interviews in private offices at the clinics from August to September, 2016. Results Among the 441 respondents, 309 (70.1%) accepted PITC. Women with more antenatal care visits (odds ratio [OR] =2.59, 95% CI: 1.01–6.63), reported better quality of the PITC service (OR =1.91, 95% CI: 1.19–3.08), and higher level of knowledge on mother-to-child transmission (OR =1.82, 95% CI: 1.03–3.20), were more likely to accept PITC, while women who were older in age (OR =0.37, 95% CI: 0.19–0.74) and perceived negative attitudes from their partners toward HIV-positive results (OR =0.31, 95% CI: 0.10–0.94) were less likely to accept the PITC service. Conclusion About one-third of pregnant women are not willing to accept PITC. When designing intervention program to improve the acceptance of PITC, we should take into consideration the personal factors, HIV-related knowledge, and attitude of women as well as institutional factors.
Comparable Efficacy of Abatacept Used as First-line or Second-line Biological Agent for Severe Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis-related Uveitis

Objective. Abatacept (ABA) has recently been proposed as second-line treatment in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA)–associated uveitis refractory to anti–tumor necrosis factor-α (anti-TNF) agents, but little is known about its efficacy as a first-line approach. The aim of the present study was to compare the safety and efficacy of ABA as a first-line biological agent (ABA-1) with that of ABA as a second-line treatment after 1 or more anti-TNF agents (ABA-2), in patients with severe JIA-related uveitis. Methods. In this multicenter study, we collected data on patients with severe JIA-related uveitis treated with ABA as a first-line or second-line biological agent. Changes in frequency of uveitis flares/year and ocular complications before and after ABA treatment, clinical remission, and side effects were recorded. Results. Thirty-five patients with a mean age of 10.8 years were treated with ABA for a mean period of 19.6 months. In 4 patients, ABA administration was discontinued, owing to inefficacy on arthritis in 3 cases and allergic reaction in 1. Thirty-one patients, 14 in the ABA-1 group and 17 in the ABA-2 group, completed the 12-month followup period; of these, 17 (54.8%) had clinical remission. The mean frequency of uveitis flares decreased from 4.1 to 1.2 in the ABA-1 group (p = 0.002) and from 3.7 to 1.2 in the ABA-2 group (p = 0.004). Preexisting ocular complications improved or remained stable in all but 5 patients, all in the ABA-2 group. No significant difference was found between the efficacy of the 2 treatment modalities. ABA confirmed its good safety profile. Conclusion. ABA, used as first-line biological treatment or after 1 or more anti-TNF agents, induces a comparable improvement in severe refractory JIA-related uveitis.
Experience With Featural-Cue Reliability Influences Featural- and Geometric-Cue Use by Mice (Mus musculus)

Orienting is a critical skill for all mobile animals. Two commonly studied visual components used to guide orientation in an environment are geometric (e.g., distance or direction) and featural cues (e.g., color or texture). Previous research has shown that visual-cue use and cue weighing can depend on the navigator’s previous experience, the nature and reliability of the cues, and genetic factors. Accordingly, the domestic mouse (Mus musculus) is a species of increasing interest because of its potential as a model for human neurological disorders with associated spatial disorientation, as is seen in Alzheimer’s disease. In the present study, adult C57BL/6 mice were trained to search for a hidden food reward in one corner of a rectangular environment with featural information displayed continuously along the walls. After training, one group of mice was given a block of testing in which the featural information was removed, followed by a second block of testing in which the featural information was put in conflict with the learned configuration of featural and geometric cues. A second group of mice was given the same set of tests, but in the reverse order. Our results show that the mice incidentally encoded the geometry of the environment if they had experience with featural cues being unreliable prior to tests, during which featural cues were completely removed (unstable). Furthermore, we found when featural and geometric cues provide conflicting spatial information, this unreliability of featural cues over the course of the study may influence cue weighing.
Altered hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical regulation in healthy subjects at high familial risk for affective disorders.

Altered negative feedback control of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) system is a frequent laboratory sign of major depression. It coincides with depressive episodes and partially reverses after recovery from psychopathology. Such an HPA disturbance in feedback control can be acquired as a result of stressful life experiences and be compounded by age or it can be genetically predetermined at all levels involved in fine-tuned neuroendocrine regulation. Major psychiatric disorders run in families and a high familial load for an affective illness therefore increases an individual's risk of becoming affected. We investigated whether the HPA feedback disturbance observed among patients with depression is present in otherwise healthy individuals who are at high risk for psychiatric disorders because they have a first-degree relative with an affective illness. Using rigid psychodiagnostic techniques, we screened 431 consecutively admitted patients with depression and identified 35 families with one or more high-risk probands (HRPs). The results of a combined dexamethasone/human corticotropin-releasing hormone (DEX-CRH) test showed that the group of dexamethasone-pretreated (1.5 mg; 23.00 h) HRPs released more cortisol after stimulation with human CRH (100 micrograms; 15.00 h the next day) than a control group (CPs), but less than a group of patients with an acute major depressive episode (DPs). The peak cortisol values were 146.1 +/- 147.7 nmol/l (mean +/- SD) (HRPs), 75.3 +/- 47.9 nmol/l (CPs) and 278.2 +/- 199.2 nmol/l (DPs), yielding significant (F = 9.66, p < 0.001) group differences, with values for HRPs vs. CPs and HRPs vs. DPs being significant at the 1% level (t test). (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Prevention of carboplatin-induced hypersensitivity reactions in women with ovarian cancer

Background Carboplatin-based chemotherapy offers high response rates and improved overall survival for women with epithelial ovarian cancer, but its use is limited by the occurrence of hypersensitivity reactions. To evaluate the efficacy of prophylactic diphenhydramine for hypersensitivity reaction prevention, we reviewed the incidence of hypersensitivity reactions and identified patients at high risk of hypersensitivity reactions. Methods Women receiving ≥6 cycles of carboplatin-based chemotherapy for epithelial ovarian cancer were identified from our institutional database at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre. Institutional policy was changed in 2009 to introduce diphenhydramine prophylaxis for patients receiving ≥6 cycles of carboplatin. Additional clinical data were abstracted from the patient record. Results Between 2006 and 2012, 450 women received ≥6 cycles of carboplatin-based chemotherapy for epithelial ovarian cancer. Two hundred and ninety-one women received prophylaxis with diphenhydramine. Carboplatin-induced hypersensitivity reactions occurred in 41 of 449 patients (9%). Univariable predictors of carboplatin-induced hypersensitivity reactions included administration of 8 to 10 cycles of carboplatin, history of other drug allergies and a platinum-free interval >12 months. BRCA mutational status was not predictive. In a multivariable analysis, the number of cycles of carboplatin and a platinum-free interval >12 months were independent predictors of hypersensitivity reactions. There was a trend towards diphenhydramine prophylaxis reducing the incidence of hypersensitivity reactions in women with a platinum-free interval compared to continuous delivery; this was most marked when the platinum-free interval was >12 months (n = 64) (OR: 0.2 (95% CI: 0.046–0.83), p = 0.03). Conclusions The administration of diphenhydramine to women who have a platinum-free interval may reduce the risk of hypersensitivity reaction, but prospective evaluation is required.
Exploring views about mindfulness groups for voice-hearing from the perspective of service users and staff: A Q-methodology study

Abstract Objectives: Despite prevailing beliefs about the potential benefits and harmfulness of mindfulness for people who hear voices, there is a paucity of research into staff and service user views. Q-methodology was used to explore views about mindfulness groups for voice-hearers. Method: Opportunistic sampling of mental healthcare staff (N = 14) and service users with psychosis (N = 17). Both samples were analysed using principle components factor analysis to identify the range of attitudes held by staff and service users. Results: Staff participants were particularly knowledgeable and interested in mindfulness. A single staff consensus factor was found suggesting mindfulness is helpful, and not harmful for mental health, but uncertainty surrounded its usefulness for voice-hearers. Service users held four distinct attitudes: (i) mindfulness helps to calm a racing mind; (ii) mindfulness helps to manage stress; (iii) mindfulness improves well-being, and does not alter the brain, reality beliefs, or cause madness; and (iv) mindfulness helps with managing thoughts, fostering acceptance, and is acceptable when delivered in a group format. Conclusions: Staff viewed mindfulness groups for psychosis as helpful, not harmful, but were uncertain about their utility. Consistent with previous research, service users viewed mindfulness groups as useful to promote well-being and reduce distress for individuals experiencing psychosis.
A novel homozygous missense variant in NECTIN4 (PVRL4) causing ectodermal dysplasia cutaneous syndactyly syndrome

Ectodermal dysplasia syndactyly syndrome 1 (EDSS1) is a rare form of ectodermal dysplasia including anomalies of hair, nails, and teeth along with bilateral cutaneous syndactyly of hands and feet. In the present report, we performed a clinical and genetic characterization of a consanguineous Pakistani family with four individuals affected by EDSS1. We performed exome sequencing using DNA of one affected individual. Exome data analysis identified a novel homozygous missense variant (c.242T>C; p.(Leu81Pro)) in NECTIN4 (PVRL4). Sanger sequencing validated this variant and confirmed its cosegregation with the disease phenotype in the family members. Thus, our report adds a novel variant to the NECTIN4 mutation spectrum and contributes to the NECTIN4‐related clinical characterization.
Design and Characterization of a Low-Cost FPGA-Based TDC

We present a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) implementation of a time-to-digital converter (TDC) based on a low-cost, low-area Spartan 6 device. The converter is based on a tapped delay line model. Several implementation details are discussed with a particular focus on critical blocks such as the input stage and thermometer-to-binary decoding techniques. We implemented a tap filtering technique to improve the differential nonlinearity (DNL) of the single delay line while keeping a good LSB value of 25.57 ps with a single-shot precision (SSP) between <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$0.69\div 1.46$ </tex-math></inline-formula> LSB. Measured DNL and integral nonlinearity (INL) lie in the range between <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$-0.90\div 1.23$ </tex-math></inline-formula> and <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$-0.43\div 2.96$ </tex-math></inline-formula> LSB, respectively. Measured DNL and INL lie in the range between <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$-0.90\div 1.23$ </tex-math></inline-formula> and <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$-0.43\div 2.96$ </tex-math></inline-formula> LSB, respectively. We then implemented an interpolating TDC to overcome the limitations of a single delay line in terms of linearity and measurement range. The interpolating TDC uses the sliding scale technique, where the time interval to be measured is asynchronous with respect to the FPGA clock, achieving DNL and INL in the range <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$-0.072\div 0.070$ </tex-math></inline-formula> and <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$-0.755\div 0.872$ </tex-math></inline-formula> LSB. SSP is in the <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$1.096\div 2.815$ </tex-math></inline-formula> range. Moreover, we present a novel comparison between the DNLs obtained with two different methods: statistical code density test and using a finely controlled delay source. Finally, we present the results of a Monte Carlo simulation used to investigate the effects of nonlinear propagation of the signal through the delay line.
Nitric Oxide (NO) Stimulates Gonadotropin Secretion in vitro through a Calcium-Dependent, cGMP-Independent Mechanism

In the last few years, nitric oxide (NO) has emerged as an important intra- and intracellular messenger involved in the control of hypothalamic-pituitary function. The present experiments were undertaken in order to evaluate the pituitary component in the modulatory action of NO on gonadotropin secretion, as well as the second messenger pathway(s) involved. In a first step, we assessed LH and FSH secretion by hemipituitaries incubated in the presence of increasing concentrations of sodium nitroprusside (SNP), a potent NO donor, and cyclic guanosin monophosphate (cGMP), the second messenger for a wide range of NO actions. In addition, given that SNP induces the release of NO and cyanide ions, the response to SNP was tested in the presence of hemoglobin (an NO scavenger) or rhodanese + sodium thiosulfate (inactivators of cyanides) in order to ensure that the effects of SNP on gonadotropin secretion were mediated by the release of NO. SNP (10–4–10–3 M) stimulated gonadotropin secretion in our incubation system, whereas cGMP, at all doses tested, was ineffective. Similar results were obtained using dispersed pituitary cells. The stimulatory action of SNP is attributable to its ability to induce NO release since it was blocked by hemoglobin, but preserved after incubation with rhodanese + sodium thiosulfate. In further experiments, we aimed to identify the mechanism(s) underlying SNP-induced gonadotropin secretion. First, to evaluate the involvement of calcium (Ca2+), the effects of SNP were analyzed in a calcium-free medium, after depletion of Ca2+ stores by caffeine, in the presence of the Ca2+ chelator ethylene glycol bis (p-aminoethyl ether) N,N-tetra-acetic acid (EGTA), and after incubation with the Ca2+ channel blockers verapamil and nifedipine. Second, to confirm that cGMP is not involved in the stimulatory action of SNP, the effects of the latter on gonadotropin secretion were tested in the presence of the antagonists of the guanylyl cyclases oxadiazoloquinoxaline and LY 83,583. Our results showed that the stimulatory action of SNP on gonadotropin release is blunted in Ca2+-free medium and after incubation with EGTA, verapamil, nifedipine, and caffeine. On the contrary, the effect of SNP remained unaltered after antagonization of guanylyl cyclases. We conclude that NO, acting at the pituitary level, stimulates gonadotropin secretion through a calcium-dependent, cGMP-independent mechanism.
Resolution of dopamine agonist-resistant hyperprolactinemia by hysterectomy: a case report

Abstract Prolactin-producing uterine leiomyomas are very rare. Although hyperprolactinemia rapidly improves after removal of such leiomyomas, no preoperative diagnostic test has been established for prolactin-producing uterine leiomyomas. A 45-year-old Japanese woman, gravida 3 para 3, was referred to our hospital for further examination of hyperprolactinemia resistant to a dopamine agonist. A pituitary prolactinoma was undetectable by brain magnetic resonance imaging. A bromocriptine loading test revealed an increased serum prolactin concentration after loading. Examination for the detection of an ectopic prolactinoma revealed a 9.0 cm diameter uterine leiomyoma that had measured 6.6 cm in diameter about six months before the first visit to our hospital. The hyperprolactinemia rapidly improved after hysterectomy. A prolactin-producing uterine leiomyoma should be considered as a possible cause of hyperprolactinemia resistant to dopamine agonists. Responsiveness to dopamine agonists; deterioration of hyperprolactinemia may be diagnostic for prolactin-producing uterine leiomyomas, although further research is required.
Whose gain is it anyway? Structurational perspectives on deploying ICTs for development in India's microfinance sector

The idea of information and communication technology (ICT) being a “hammer” that can be applied to a wide variety of “nails” across different geographic locations, sectors, organizations, and contexts to improve efficiency and/or have a beneficial social impact has come under severe criticism, particularly in the realm of implementing socioeconomic development programs. Structuration theory remains one of the key metatheories that deconstruct the complexity of technology introductions in the context of organizational and behavioral change. In this study, we use a structurational lens to examine two pilot ICT implementations in the Indian microfinance sector, specifically exploring the interactions between the ICT intervention, the organizations and people implementing the change, and the structural and institutional context within which these projects were rolled out. We showcase how an “ICT for development” intervention is inherently a political process, involving choices around defining efficiency and targeting particular social welfare improvements, with varying repercussions for the involved microfinance institution and client. Where the client's context, constraints, and welfare are placed at the heart of the “efficiency” discussion during the technology's design and implementation, the development impact is seen to be far greater and more sustained. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cytotoxic constituents from Vicia monantha subsp. monantha seeds

Abstract Chemical investigation of Vicia monantha subsp. monantha Retz. revealed isolation of one new hydroxy- fatty acid (6) identified as (6-Z, 10-E)-9-hydroxy henicosa-6,10-dienoic acid in addition to six known metabolites; hexadecanoic acid (1), β-sitosterol (2), β-amyrin (3), β-sitosterol-glucoside (4), 2,3-dihydroxypropyl tetradecanoate (5) and (Z)-9-hydroxypentadec-6-enoic acid (7). The cytotoxic effect of the isolated compounds was assessed by MTT assay using lung cancer A-549, prostate cancer PC3, breast cancer MCF-7, colon cancer HCT-116 and liver cancer HepG2 cell lines. Only compounds 1, 2, and 4 showed cytotoxic effect on HCT-116 cells where compound 2 was the most active with IC50 value of 22.61 μg/mL. In addition, compounds 1, 2, 3, and 4 showed promising cytotoxic effect on MCF-7 cells with IC50 values of 21.03, 15.42, 10.089, and 11.34 μg/mL, respectively.
Study of platelet‐rich fibrin combined with rat periodontal ligament stem cells in periodontal tissue regeneration

The objective of this study was to investigate the advantages and feasibility of periodontal tissue regeneration using platelet‐rich fibrin (PRF) combined with rat periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) for the first time. We first determined the effect of PRF on rat PDLSCs in vitro. We next conducted an in vivo study, in which a tissue engineering technique was performed to repair periodontal defects in five groups: a blank group, collagen group (implanted collagen membrane), collagen + cells group (implanted collagen membrane and rat PDLSCs), PRF group (implanted PRF membrane) and PRF + cells group (implanted PRF membrane and rat PDLSCs). PRF greatly enhanced cell proliferation, mRNA and protein expression levels of bone sialoprotein (BSP), osteocalcin (OC), and runt‐related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2) and activity of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in vitro. Transplantation of PRF combined with rat PDLSCs resulted in higher expression of osteopontin (Opn), collagen I (COL1A) and RUNX2 at both 12 and 24 days after surgery. Micro‐computed tomography and histological analysis showed substantially more new bone formation in the PRF + cells group at 24 days after surgery. Based on these results, we discuss the role of PRF in the proliferation and differentiation of rat PDLSCs and suggest that PRF combined with rat PDLSCs provides a valuable tool for periodontal tissue engineering.