Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Influence of hormone supplementation to extended semen on artificial insemination, uterine contractions, establishment of a sperm reservoir, and fertility in swine.

This study was performed to quantify the effect of hormone addition to semen using a low-fertility model to evaluate its effectiveness and mode of action. At 24 h after the onset of estrus, all gilts received a single low-dose AI (0.5 x 10(9) sperm/80 mL) with no hormone (control, C), estrogens (E, 11.5 microg), PGF2alpha (PG, 5 mg of Lutalyse), or oxytocin (OT, 4 IU), which were then evaluated for semen backflow (n = 48), oviductal and uterine sperm numbers (n = 28), uterine contractions (n = 12), pregnancy rate (PR, n = 120), and number of fetuses (n = 67). In Exp. 1, backflow of semen from the uterus was collected for 8 h after AI, whereas PR and fetuses were assessed at d 25 to 30 after AI. In Exp. 2, backflow was collected and reproductive tracts flushed to determine sperm numbers in the oviducts and the anterior segments of the uterus. In Exp. 3, sows were monitored for uterine contractions for 1 h before AI and for 2 h after AI. In Exp. 1, there was a treatment x time interaction for fluid loss (P < 0.001), but by 8 h after AI, there was no difference in the total volume (70 +/- 1 mL) of semen lost between hormone treatments (85%) compared to controls (90%). There was also a treatment x time interaction (P < 0.05) for number of sperm lost in the backflow (2.1 +/- 0.1 x 10(8)), but by 8 h following AI, there was no effect on total sperm lost for the hormone treatments (38%) compared to C (54%). There was a trend (P = 0.10) for increased numbers of sperm in the uteri of hormone-treated gilts (6.0 +/- 1.3 x 10(4)) compared with C gilts (2.2 +/- 1.3 x 10(4), but there was no effect of treatment on sperm numbers in the oviducts (3.2 +/- 1.3 x 10(4)). Within 0.5 h of AI, there was an increase in the frequency of contractions for PG compared with the other treatments (14.2 vs. 6.3/h, P < 0.005), however there was no effect on amplitude (54 mmHg) or duration (35 s) of contractions. The PR was not influenced by treatment and averaged 54% (P > 0.60), but total numbers of healthy fetuses were increased (P < 0.04) by PG (8.7) and tended (P = 0.06) to be increased for OT (8.4), but not for E (7.2) compared to C (5.8). Hormone addition to semen increased numbers of fetuses and this may be related to an alteration in the pattern of fluid and sperm loss after AI and a tendency for increased numbers of sperm in the anterior segment of the uterus. Therefore, in situations of lowered fertility, hormone addition could be a strategy to limit infertility in swine.
Vitamin D: Physiology and Pathophysiology

Although vitamin D was initially considered a nutrient, it has been recognized that the molecules derived from vitamin D metabolism are best considered as a complex endocrine system. In this review article we summarize the basic concepts regarding vitamin D metabolism, transport, and genomic activity through the vitamin D receptor, facilitating activation or suppression of target genes. We also examine non-genomic actions, biological responses to vitamin D in classic target organs (intestine, bone, kidneys, and parathyroid glands), and in organs and tissues not related to mineral homeostasis.
Lack of association between common UGT2B nonsynonymous single‐nucleotide polymorphisms and breast cancer in populations of African ancestry

Chang Sun1,*, Dezheng Huo2,*, Barbara Nemesure3, Anselm Hennis3,4, M. Cristina Leske3, Suh-Yuh Wu3, Qun Niu5, Olufunmilayo I. Olopade5,#, and Anna Di Rienzo1,# 1Department of Human Genetics, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637 2Department of Health Studies, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637 3Department of Preventive Medicine, State University of New York at Stony Brook, Stony Brook, NY 11794
Narrowband ultraviolet B as monotherapy and in combination with topical calcipotriol in the treatment of generalized vitiligo

1 Goyal S, Brinster N, Goyal S. Ki-1 (CD30) positive anaplastic large cell lymphoma: primary nodal disease relapsing as erythroderma. J Am Acad Dermatol 2002; 47: S201–4. 2 Powell F, O Kane M. Management of pyoderma gangrenosum. Dermatol Clin 2002; 20: 347–55. 3 Kagaya M, Kondo S, Kamada A et al. Localized lymphomatoid papulosis. Dermatology 2002; 204: 72–4. 4 Fung M, Murphy M, Hoss D, Grant-Kels J. Practical evaluation and management of cutaneous lymphoma. J Am Acad Dermatol 2002; 46: 325–7. 5 Ward H, Russo G, McBurney E et al. Posttransplant primary cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. J Am Acad Dermatol 2001; 44: 675–80. 6 Ravat FE, Spittle MF, Russell-Jones R. Primary cutaneous T-cell lymphoma occurring after organ transplantation. J Am Acad Dermatol 2006; 54: 668–75. Narrowband ultraviolet B as monotherapy and in combination with topical calcipotriol in the treatment of generalized vitiligo
ESM-1 Is a Novel Human Endothelial Cell-specific Molecule Expressed in Lung and Regulated by Cytokines*

We here report the identification of a novel human endothelial cell-specific molecule (called ESM-1) cloned from a human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) cDNA library. Constitutive ESM-1 gene expression (as demonstrated by Northern blot and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis) was found in HUVECs but not in the other human cell lines tested. The cDNA sequence contains an open reading frame of 552 nucleotides and a 1398-nucleotide 3′-untranslated region including several domains involved in mRNA instability and five putative polyadenylation consensus sequences. The deduced 184-amino acid sequence defines a cysteine-rich protein with a functional NH2-terminal hydrophobic signal sequence. Searches in several data bases confirmed the unique identity of this sequence. A rabbit immune serum raised against the 14-kDa COOH-terminal peptide of ESM-1 immunoprecipitated a 20-kDa protein only in ESM-1-transfected COS cells. Immunoblotting and immunoprecipitation of HUVEC lysates revealed a specific 20-kDa band corresponding to ESM-1. In addition, constitutive ESM-1 gene expression was shown to be tissue-restricted to the human lung. Southern blot analysis suggests that a single gene encodes ESM-1. A time-dependent up-regulation of ESM-1 mRNA was seen after addition of tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) or interleukin (IL)-1β but not with IL-4 or interferon γ (IFNγ) alone. In addition, when IFNγ was combined with TNFα, IFNγ inhibited the TNFα-induced increase of ESM-1 mRNA level. These data suggest that ESM-1 may have potent implications in the areas of vascular cell biology and human lung physiology.
Mitek anchor-augmented static facial suspension.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the efficacy of the Mitek minianchor suture system as an adjunctive procedure for static facial suspension and assess its ability to improve functional and aesthetic outcomes in patients with complete facial paralyses. METHODS A retrospective review of 5 patients who underwent adjunctive static facial suspension with the Mitek GII minianchor suture system at a tertiary care academic center. A bone anchor in the maxilla connected to 2 suture arms was used. One suture arm elevated the oral commissure on the paralyzed side. The second suture arm adjusted for upper lip segment asymmetry and Cupid's bow deviation, or lateralized the external nasal valve. Outcome was evaluated by photodocumentation and clinical examination. RESULTS There was an average of 76.9% improvement in vertical symmetry of the oral commissure (range, 43%-100%), an average of 65.0% improvement in horizontal deviation of the Cupid's bow (range, 50%-100%), and an average of 85.3% improvement in symmetry of upper lip segments (range, 67%-100%). All patients experienced improvement in oral-nasal competency. CONCLUSIONS The Mitek minianchor suture system is a safe and effective adjunctive method to improve facial symmetry and oral-nasal competency in patients with facial paralyses. Its multivector design approximates the ideal positions of key anatomical points of the midface during static facial suspension surgery.
Nonnegative Matrix Factorization Via Archetypal Analysis

Abstract Given a collection of data points, nonnegative matrix factorization (NMF) suggests expressing them as convex combinations of a small set of “archetypes” with nonnegative entries. This decomposition is unique only if the true archetypes are nonnegative and sufficiently sparse (or the weights are sufficiently sparse), a regime that is captured by the separability condition and its generalizations. In this article, we study an approach to NMF that can be traced back to the work of Cutler and Breiman [(1994), “Archetypal Analysis,” Technometrics, 36, 338–347] and does not require the data to be separable, while providing a generally unique decomposition. We optimize a trade-off between two objectives: we minimize the distance of the data points from the convex envelope of the archetypes (which can be interpreted as an empirical risk), while also minimizing the distance of the archetypes from the convex envelope of the data (which can be interpreted as a data-dependent regularization). The archetypal analysis method of Cutler and Breiman is recovered as the limiting case in which the last term is given infinite weight. We introduce a “uniqueness condition” on the data which is necessary for identifiability. We prove that, under uniqueness (plus additional regularity conditions on the geometry of the archetypes), our estimator is robust. While our approach requires solving a nonconvex optimization problem, we find that standard optimization methods succeed in finding good solutions for both real and synthetic data. Supplementary materials for this article are available online
Blogs in a Changing Social Media Environment: Perspectives on the Future of Blogging in Scandinavia

In this paper, we investigate the change in the online landscape of blogging in the Scandinavian context through a mixed methods approach. The literature on blogs has emphasized the necessity of learning about why and how people blog as it can help us understand how information is created and shared online (Chau & Xu, 2012). Despite the rich literature on blogs, few studies have addressed the change in the landscape and in the paths of blogger participation. To gain a broader view on the perceptions of the future of blogging, we draw on findings from a focus group interview and in-depth one-on-one interviews with longterm bloggers as well as a blog reader survey. By organizing our findings with Schmidt’s (2007) analytical framework, our research furthers knowledge on how the changes in external expectations such as commercial entities and blog communities affect the rules and relations of bloggers. We argue that the growth and shifting landscape of blogging as core type of technology-mediated social participation system carries the potential to dramatically change the practice of online personal sharing and online communities of practice among bloggers.
Getting a Handle on the Role of Coenzyme M in Alkene Metabolism

SUMMARY Coenzyme M (2-mercaptoethanesulfonate; CoM) is one of several atypical cofactors discovered in methanogenic archaea which participate in the biological reduction of CO2 to methane. Elegantly simple, CoM, so named for its role as a methyl carrier in all methanogenic archaea, is the smallest known organic cofactor. It was thought that this cofactor was used exclusively in methanogenesis until it was recently discovered that CoM is a key cofactor in the pathway of propylene metabolism in the gram-negative soil microorganism Xanthobacter autotrophicus Py2. A four-step pathway requiring CoM converts propylene and CO2 to acetoacetate, which feeds into central metabolism. In this process, CoM is used to activate and convert highly electrophilic epoxypropane, formed from propylene epoxidation, into a nucleophilic species that undergoes carboxylation. The unique properties of CoM provide a chemical handle for orienting compounds for site-specific redox chemistry and stereospecific catalysis. The three-dimensional structures of several of the enzymes in the pathway of propylene metabolism in defined states have been determined, providing significant insights into both the enzyme mechanisms and the role of CoM in this pathway. These studies provide the structural basis for understanding the efficacy of CoM as a handle to direct organic substrate transformations at the active sites of enzymes.
Mitochondria and sarcoplasmic reticulum function in cardiac hypertrophy and failure.

WOOD, AND ARNOLD SCHWARTZ. Mitochondria and sarcoplasmic reticulum function in cardA hypertrophy and failure. Am. J. Physiol. 224(3) : 497-502. 1973. -Mitochondria and “sarcoplasmic reticulum” cardiac relaxing system (CRS) were isolated from rabbit hearts that were in various stages of hypertrophy and failure induced by progressive stenosis of the ascending aorta. The latter was produced by Ameroid clips that gradually swell causing left ventricular overload. Left ventricular and peak isovolumic pressures were measured prior to removal of the hearts for biochemical studies. Mitochondria exhibited marked increases in respiratory activity during early stages of hypertrophy, followed by decreases during later stages. Density gradient analysis revealed alterations in mitochondrial populations during hypertrophy and failure. Mitochondrial calcium uptake was not significantly different in hypertrophied hearts compared to controls, but was markedly reduced in failing hearts. In addition, previously bound calcium was more easily “released” from mitochondria isolated from failing hearts than from control hearts. CRS from hypertrophied and failing hearts revealed significantly decreased rates and total binding of calcium. The results suggest compensatory increases in mitochondrial respiratory function during early hypertrophy. Alteration in intracellular calcium metabolism is suggested with a depression of calcium-binding activity of CRS preceding that of mitochondria.
The importance of the regimen of screening in maximizing the benefit and minimizing the harms.

BACKGROUND In CT screening for lung cancer, the regimen of screening is critical in diagnosing lung cancer early while limiting unnecessary tests and invasive procedures. The International Early Lung Cancer Action Program (I-ELCAP) has developed a regimen based on evidence collected in the I-ELCAP cohort of more than 70,000 participants. METHODS Important in the development of the regimen is the recognition of the profound difference between the first, baseline round of screening and all subsequent rounds of repeat screening. For each person undergoing screening, the baseline round happens only once while repeat rounds will be performed annually for many years. This difference needs to be clearly recognized as it is these annual rounds which allow for identification of small, early, yet aggressive, lung cancers which have high cure rates despite their aggressiveness. The importance of nodule consistency and size are key factors in the regimen. The regimen needs to be continuously updated by incorporating advances in technology and knowledge. RESULTS The use of the I-ELCAP regimen reduces the workup of participants in the screening program to less than 10% in the baseline round and less than 6% in the annual repeat rounds. By use of this regimen, estimated cure rate of lung cancers diagnosed under screening is 80% or higher in both baseline and annual repeat rounds. CONCLUSIONS The I-ELCAP collaboration provides a new paradigm that answers the 2002 NCI call for multiple approaches to address relevant questions about screening and the Institute of Medicine (IOM) Roundtable on Evidence-based Medicine from the National Academy of Science's call for a "new clinical research paradigm that takes better advantage of data generated in the course of healthcare delivery would speed and improve the development of evidence for real-world decision making".
BURNOUT SYNDROME AMONG EDUCATORS IN PRE-SCHOOL INSTITUTIONS

Introduction: The occurrence of burnout syndrome (BS) has been recognized in many professions (pilots, firefighters, police officers, doctors…) that during their work are subjected to high levels of stress. For educators in preschool institutions stress level is very high thus creating the possibility of developing BS. Material and methods: For this research is selected preschool institution – kindergarten „Radost” (Joy) in Split, in which by use of questionnaires (modified scale by Freudenberger and modified scales by Girdin, Everly and Dusek) during 2014 among educators (100 respondents) is conducted a survey regarding the frequency of burnout syndrome. Research results: According to questionnaires by Girdin, Everly and Dusek there is no statistically significant difference between the number of educators who feel good and those that are under significant stress (χ2=1.04; p=0.307). According to questionnaire by Freudenberg educators are classified into 3 categories and distribution of educators by the groups is almost uniform (χ2=2.76; p=0.250), which means that one third of a teacher is in good condition, a third is in the risk area for burn-out syndrome, while one third are candidates for development of this syndrome. Comparing a teacher in good condition compared to other (at risk and those who are candidates for the burn-out syndrome) is up to 1.5 times higher in those who are at risk and the candidates for development of this syndrome than in others (χ2=4.5; p=0.033). Conclusion: The occurrence of burnout syndrome is very high for the group of educators (half of the educators! ) in pre-school institutions which should be taken into account by the institutions management. For this purpose, it is necessary to organize regular medical check-ups with particular reference to burnout syndrome with signs of the syndrome to prevent its further development.
Gynaecological correlates of hysterectomy in Danish women.

BACKGROUND The aim has been to assess the gynaecological characteristics of importance for hysterectomy performed for benign diseases. METHODS In a prevalence study, 2301 Danish women aged 30, 40, 50, or 60 years, were selected at random in 1982, and self-report questionnaires were collected from 77%. Information about gynaecological and obstetric history, social background, weight and dieting history, and various lifestyles were recorded. Weight and height were measured. In an incidence study, the cohort was followed during 1982-1990 via central registers to assess the incidence of hysterectomy. Logistic and Cox regression were used to analyse data. RESULTS In the prevalence study, 85% of the hysterectomies were performed for benign conditions. Early menarche (< or = 11 years old) and short-term use of oral contraceptives (OC) (1-4 years) were independent correlates of these hysterectomies by multivariate analyses, whereas multiparity (> or = 4 childbirths) was confounded by education and weight-related factors. Long-term use of OC was associated with lower prevalence of hysterectomy. In the incidence study, short-term use of OC and ever use of progestogen-only minipills were independent risk factors for hysterectomy performed recently for benign diseases in women under 50 in the multivariate analyses. Abortions did not reach significance, and neither multiparity, long-term use of OC, nor early menarche were important. CONCLUSION The most important gynaecological characteristics related to premenopausal hysterectomy performed for benign diseases are hormonal contraceptives. These findings imply that the decision-making process concerning hysterectomy might depend on women's choice of contraception and compliance with OC as medical treatment.
Better Clinical Practice Could Overcome Patient-Related Risk Factors of Vascular Surgical Site Infections

Purpose: To clarify the current status of surgical site infection (SSI) during endovascular aortic repair and to define risk factors for SSI among the patients who underwent thoracic or abdominal stent-graft repair through a groin incision. Methods: Between 2006 and 2013, data were collected from 1604 patients (mean age 75.2±9.5 years; 1282 men) with 2799 groin incisions for transfemoral access during aortic stent-graft procedures. SSIs were classified as superficial or deep (both occurring within 30 days) or organ/space infections (occurring within 1 year after surgery) according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines. Strategies in place for minimizing SSIs were (1) employing oblique groin incisions, (2) covering the incision with saline-soaked gauze, (3) irrigating the incision thoroughly with saline per layer, and (4) using absorbable sutures. Results: Overall incidence of SSI was 0.4% (6 patients). The majority of SSIs were late-onset prosthetic graft infections (5, 0.3%). Five of the 6 were successfully treated with conservative therapy; one patient died of sepsis. Univariate analysis showed additional therapy (eg, coil embolization) with a stent-graft procedure was a risk factor for SSI. Conclusion: Appropriate antibiotic administration, oblique groin incision, meticulous operative technique, protection against airborne infection during the operation, and closed dressings may avert vascular wound SSIs.
[Prevalence of iron and iodine deficiency, and parasitosis among children from Arandas, Jalisco, Mexico].

OBJECTIVE To estimate the prevalence of iron deficiency, iodine deficiency and parasitosis in children attending the Instituto Alteño para el Desarrollo de Jalisco (Highlands Institute for Development of Jalisco State, INADEJ), Arandas, Jalisco, Mexico. MATERIAL AND METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted between 1997 and 1999, among 432 children aged 12 to 120 months attending the INADEJ. Measurements included hematological values, urine iodine concentration, and presence of parasites. Student's t test chi square tests were used for parametric and nonparametric analysis. RESULTS The prevalence figures of anemia (20 vs 7.4%, p = 0.007) and iron deficiency (60.9 vs 44.4%, p = 0.02) were higher in preschool than in school children. Iodine deficiency was found in 29% (10.5% moderate or severe) and parasitosis in 47.2% of children, mainly E. histolytica (30.2%) and G. lamblia (28.9%). Low income, male gender and lack of social security policy holding were associated to parasitosis. CONCLUSIONS The high prevalence rates of iron deficiency, iodine deficiency, and parasitosis, should be addressed by state health services with effective interventions to restrain these preventable diseases. The English version of this paper is available at: http://www.insp. mx/salud/index.html.