Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Prolactin Levels Among Infertile Women in Maiduguri, Nigeria

Objective: The objectives of this study were to determine the manner of clinical presentation of women with unexplained infertility in Maiduguri, North-Eastern Nigeria and their plasma levels of prolactin. Materials and Methods:The records of 104 females undergoing infertility investigation at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital and for whom no organic cause had been found were scrutinised to extract the details of their modes of clinical presentation. All had plasma prolactin level assays. Results: The patients were aged between 20 and 40 years (mean: 28.3 years). Thirty-three (31.7%) of them had primary infertility while 71 (68.3%) had secondary infertility. Of the 104 patients, 33 (31.7%) had abnormal plasma prolactin levels. The women with secondary infertility were more likely to have abnormal prolactin levels: 22 (21.1%) compared to only 11(10.6%) among patients with primary infertility. About one-third of the patients presented with amenorrhoea (2% with primary and 34.6% with secondary amenorrhoea). Among patients presenting with amenorrhoea only 13 (12.5%) had elevated prolactin levels. Twenty four (23.1%) of the patients had galactorrhoea, of whom only 10 (9.6%) had hyperprolactinaemia. Patients with secondary infertility were more likely to have galactorrhea (17.3%) compared to patients with primary infertility (5.8%). The association of hirsutism, amenorrhoea and hyperprolactinaemia was not a common finding in our patients. Conclusion: The use of dopaminergic-agonist therapy in women with unexplained infertility requires careful consideration, ensuring that the plasma prolactin levels and the clinical mode of presentation are factored into the decision to prescribe the drugs. Key Words: Infertility, Anovulation, Prolactin, Amenorrhoea [Trop J Obstet Gynaecol, 2003, 20: 97-100]
How to get more from your quantitative LibQUAL+TM dataset: making results practical

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to outline three analytic tools utilized in the analysis and interpretation of LibQUAL+™ quantitative data.Design/methodology/approach – D‐M scores, value rankings, and split‐file cross‐tabulations were used to assess the service items from the 2004 LibQUAL+™ quantitative data. The D‐M score is methodologically superior to other methods used in that it is a single score that takes into account all three LibQUAL+™ perception/expectation scores as dictated by the theoretical model LibQUAL+™ is based upon.Findings – The paper finds that these tools provide a way to more easily utilize LibQUAL+™ results in taking actions and developing strategic plans designed to improve patrons' perceptions of service quality. These tools also allow for the continuous evaluation of implemented plans.Practical implications – The paper discusses how these tools helped produce findings that were informative and in a format that decision makers could easily comprehend and utilize.Originalit.
Neural networks-based approximation of fuzzy systems

During recent years, fuzzy-neural networks have found extensive applications in numerous engineering areas. It is well known that the fusion of neural networks and fuzzy logic can overcome their individual drawbacks and benefit merits from each other. However, current fuzzy-neural networks often have complex structures and training algorithms. In addition, some of them cannot deal with fuzzy knowledge directly. Inspired by the α-level cut representation of fuzzy numbers, we propose a simple neural networks-based approach to approximating fuzzy rules in this paper. Using numerical simulations, our scheme is illustrated capable of coping with fuzzy input and output without any need for a new network topology or learning algorithm.
Vascular Birthmarks: Hemangiomas and Malformations

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Differences by Victim Race and Ethnicity in Race- and Ethnicity-Motivated Violent Bias Crimes: A National Study

Over 80% of bias-motivated violent victimization is motivated by race or ethnicity and over 50% of bias victimization occurs in non-Hispanic Whites (NHW). Our aim was to determine the risk and health impacts of race/ethnicity-motivated violent victimization by victim race/ethnicity. We examined data from the National Crime Victimization Survey (2003-2015) to estimate violent victimization risk by victim race/ethnicity across race/ethnicity bias victimization, other types of bias victimizations, and non-bias violent victimizations. We examined incident and offender characteristics for race/ethnicity-motivated victimization by victim race/ethnicity. The risk of race/ethnicity-motivated violent victimization was greater for non-Hispanic Blacks (NHB) and Hispanics than for NHWs (incidence rate ratios [IRR] = 1.4; 95% confidence interval [CI] = [1.0, 2.0], and IRR = 1.6; 95% CI = [1.2, 2.1]). This translates into an additional 46.7 incidents per 100,000 person-years (95% CI = [1.4, 92.1]) for the NHB population and an additional 60.3 incidents per 100,000 person-years (95% CI = [20.3, 100.4]) for the Hispanic population. Violent incidents for NHB victims more frequently resulted in injury or medical care. Nearly 40% of NHB victims reported difficulties at school or work related to the incident where only 21.5% of NHWs and 11.7% of Hispanic victims reported similar problems. Roughly 37% of NHB victims identified a NHW offender and 45% of NHW victims identified a NHB offender. Hispanic victims identified NHB or NHW offenders in over 70% of incidents. Although literature suggests that NHWs account for the majority of bias victimizations, the risk of non-fatal violent victimization motivated by race/ethnicity is greater for NHBs and Hispanics. Crimes perpetrated against NHBs are likely more severe and victim/offender racial incongruity is common. Findings provide empiric evidence on race/ethnicity-related structural disadvantage with adverse health consequences.
Involvement of β‐Alkylation Machinery and Two Sets of Ketosynthase‐Chain‐Length Factors in the Biosynthesis of Fogacin Polyketides in Actinoplanes missouriensis

Fogacin and two novel fogacin derivatives, fogacins B and C, were isolated from the rare actinomycete Actinoplanes missouriensis. Biosynthesis of fogacin C apparently requires β alkylation of a polyketide chain. The fogacin biosynthetic type II polyketide synthase (PKS) gene cluster contains a hydroxymethylglutaryl‐coenzyme A synthase (HCS) cassette, which is usually responsible for β alkylation in the type I PKS system. Another characteristic of the fog cluster is that it encodes two sets of ketosynthase (KS) and chain‐length factor (CLF). Inactivation of either of the two KS genes in A. missouriensis and heterologous expression of the HCS cassette with either of the two KS‐CLF genes in Streptomyces albus indicated that each KS‐CLF had a different starter substrate specificity: one preferred an unusual β‐alkylated starter and the other preferred a normal acetyl starter. This study expands knowledge of HCS cassette‐dependent β alkylation into the type II PKS system and provides a natural example of combinatorial biosynthesis for producing diverse polyketides from different starter substrates.
Use of intravenous immunoglobulin G to treat spontaneous heparin‐induced thrombocytopenia

Spontaneous heparin‐induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is a rare but serious prothrombotic syndrome characterized by thrombosis, thrombocytopenia, and strong platelet‐activating HIT antibodies in the absence of heparin exposure, and is frequently characterized by a suboptimal response to standard therapies. Here, we present the first report of intravenous immunoglobulin G (IVIG) use in a patient with spontaneous HIT.
Cardiometabolic risks in PCOS: a review of the current state of knowledge

ABSTRACT Introduction: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder affecting up to 18% women of reproductive age. It is associated with a range of metabolic, reproductive, and psychological features. Current evidence indicates a role of PCOS in the development of metabolic and increased cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF) with implications for compromised cardiovascular endpoint disease, which may have a considerable impact on health and health care costs. Areas covered: Existing studies examining long-term cardiometabolic health in PCOS are heterogeneous with inconsistent findings. In the current review, we aim to explore and critically review retrospective, prospective, meta-analysis and review articles relating to PCOS on cardiometabolic risk factors and clinical consequences to summarize the evidence, note evidence gaps, and suggest implications for future research. Expert commentary: Although there is an established association between PCOS and metabolic health, implications on cardiac health are more uncertain with associations observed for CVRF and subclinical disease, yet limited and conflicting data on actual cardiovascular endpoints. There is a lack of population-based long-term studies examining cardiometabolic morbidity and mortality in PCOS with a need for further research to progress toward a better understanding of the long-term cardiometabolic impacts in women with PCOS.
Hospitalization risk factors in antipsychotic-treated schizophrenia, bipolar I disorder or major depressive disorder.

AIM To examine hospitalization risk factors in antipsychotic-treated patients with schizophrenia, bipolar I disorder (BD-I) or major depressive disorder (MDD). PATIENTS & METHODS Using Truven Health MarketScan® Commercial, Medicaid and Medicare Supplemental data (01/01/2012-06/30/2016), logistic regression models were performed to identify risk factors for both psychiatric and all-cause hospitalization in three separate analyses. RESULTS Significant risk factors included prior hospitalization (schizophrenia: odds ratio [95% CI]: 2.83 [2.50-3.21; psychiatric]; 2.58 [2.31-2.87; all-cause]; BD-I: 2.42 [2.23-2.63]; 2.09 [1.96-2.23]; MDD: 2.81 [2.49-3.16]; 2.21 [2.03-2.40]), previous antipsychotic treatment (schizophrenia: 1.71 [1.52-1.93]; 1.31 [1.18-1.46]; BD-I: 1.33 [1.23-1.44]; 1.22 [1.14-1.30]; MDD: 1.31 (1.11-1.54); 1.17 (1.04-1.32) and substance abuse (schizophrenia: 1.42 [1.27-1.60]; 1.37 [1.23-1.53]; BD-I: 1.72 [1.58-1.86]; 1.61 [1.50-1.72]; MDD: 1.90 [1.68-2.15] and 1.55 [1.41-1.71]). CONCLUSION Prior hospitalization, previous antipsychotic treatment and substance abuse were associated with increased hospitalization risk in schizophrenia, BD-I or MDD.
IL-37 suppresses migration and invasion of gallbladder cancer cells through inhibition of HIF-1α induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition.

OBJECTIVE Gallbladder carcinoma (GBC) is the seventh most common cancer across the globe and the most common malignancy of the biliary tract. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is an important pre-requisite for tumor metastasis; however, its mechanism in GBC has not yet been defined. In the present study, we investigated the effects of interleukin-37 (IL-37) on the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of gallbladder cancer cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS RT-qPCR and Western blotting were used to determine the expression of IL-37 in GBC cancer cells and non-tumorigenic human intra-hepatic biliary epithelial cell line. Western blotting was also used for detecting the expression of vimentin, Snail, and E-cadherin. RESULTS Expression level of IL-37 in GBC cells was decreased in GBC cancer cells compared with the non-tumorigenic human intra-hepatic biliary epithelial cell line. Decreased expression of vimentin and Snail and increased expression of E-cadherin were found in the groups which overexpress IL-37 when compared with the control. Mechanism study showed that IL-37 suppressed the expression of HIF1α in cells. However, HIF1α stabilization by CoCl2 could attenuate the function of IL-37. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate that IL-37 plays an antitumor role during the progression of gallbladder carcinoma. IL-37 could inhibit HIF1α induced EMT. Our data provide a new strategy for the treatment of gallbladder cancer.
Priming integrin α5 promotes human dental pulp stem cells odontogenic differentiation due to extracellular matrix deposition and amplified extracellular matrix‐receptor activity

Our previous study showed that knocking down integrin α5 (ITGA5) expression by using a lentiviral vector in human dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) led to weakening proliferation and migration capacity while enhanced odontogenic differentiation. To seek for possible clinical application, we investigated the effect of the ITGA5 priming synthetic cyclic peptide (SCP; GA‐CRRETAWAC‐GA) on proliferation, migration, and the odontogenic differentiation of DPSCs. Remarkably, the involved mechanism was explored by isobaric tag for relative and absolute quantitation proteomic technique, and the in vivo effect of ITGA5 was investigated by nude mice subcutaneous transplantation of cell and hydroxyapatite/β‐tricalcium phosphate complex. Results showed that SCP weakened the proliferation and migration capacity while enhanced odontogenic differentiation of DPSCs as lentivirus. The phosphorylation of FAK, PI3K/AKT, and MEK1/2/ERK1/2, along with IGF2/IGFBP2 and Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway play an important role in this process. Proteomic Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analysis revealed the key role of extracellular matrix (ECM) and ECM‐receptor activity pathway were involved. ECM constituents, secreted protein acidic and cysteine‐rich (SPARC), lumican, vitronectin, prolargin, decorin, collagen type VI α1 chain (COL6A1), COL6A2, COL14A1, and COL5A1 were upregulated in the ITGA5‐silenced group. Inhibited expression of ITGA5 in DPSCs increased osteoid tissue formation and stronger related genes expression in vivo. In conclusion, the ITGA5 priming peptide could promote DPSCs odontogenic differentiation as lentivirus. Proteomics and bioinformatic analysis revealed that this may be due to the deposition of ECM and amplified ECM‐receptor activity, which could fuel the application process of utilizing priming ITGA5 on dental clinical practice.
ACVR1‐knockout promotes osteogenic differentiation by activating the Wnt signaling pathway in mice

Osteogenic differentiation refers to the process of bone formation and remodeling, which is controlled by complex molecular mechanisms. Activin A receptor type I (ACVR1) is reported to be associated with osteogenic differentiation. However, the underlying molecular mechanism remains elusive. Therefore, this study evaluates the function of ACVR1 in osteogenic differentiation through the Wnt signaling pathway. The expression of osteocalcin (Oc) and osterix together with osteogenic differentiation and mineralization was examined in ACVR1‐knockout (KO) mouse. Furthermore, the Wnt signaling pathway was inhibited in bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) of mice to explore the role of the Wnt signaling pathway in osteogenic differentiation by means of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity detection and evaluation of mineralized nodules and calcium content. Subsequently, the effect of ACVR1 on the Wnt signaling pathway was assessed by determining the expression of ACVR1, β‐catenin, glycogen synthase kinase 3 β (GSK3β), dickkopf‐related protein 1 (DKK1), and frizzled class receptor 1 (FZD1). Both their effects on osteogenic differentiation were further evaluated by determination of Oc, osterix, and Runx2 expression. AVCR1 KO mice exhibited increased Oc and osterix expression and promoted bone resorption and formation. ACVR1‐knockout was observed to activate the Wnt signaling pathway with an increase of β‐catenin and reductions in GSK3β, DKK1, and FZD1. With the inhibited Wnt signaling pathway expression of Oc, osterix, and Runx2 was decreased, and ALP activity, mineralized nodule, and calcium content in cellular matrix were decreased as well, indicating that inactivation of the Wnt signaling pathway reduced the differentiation of BMSCs into osteoclasts. These findings indicate that ACVR1‐knockout promotes osteogenic differentiation by activating the Wnt signaling pathway in mice.
Wheat gluten intake increases the severity of experimental colitis and bacterial translocation by weakening of the proteins of the junctional complex

Abstract Gluten is only partially digested by intestinal enzymes and can generate peptides that can alter intestinal permeability, facilitating bacterial translocation, thus affecting the immune system. Few studies addressed the role of diet with gluten in the development of colitis. Therefore, we investigate the effects of wheat gluten-containing diet on the evolution of sodium dextran sulphate (DSS)-induced colitis. Mice were fed a standard diet without (colitis group) or with 4·5 % wheat gluten (colitis + gluten) for 15 d and received DSS solution (1·5 %, w/v) instead of water during the last 7 d. Compared with the colitis group, colitis + gluten mice presented a worse clinical score, a larger extension of colonic injury area, and increased mucosal inflammation. Both intestinal permeability and bacterial translocation were increased, propitiating bacteria migration for peripheral organs. The mechanism by which diet with gluten exacerbates colitis appears to be related to changes in protein production and organisation in adhesion junctions and desmosomes. The protein α-E-catenin was especially reduced in mice fed gluten, which compromised the localisation of E-cadherin and β-catenin proteins, weakening the structure of desmosomes. The epithelial damage caused by gluten included shortening of microvilli, a high number of digestive vacuoles, and changes in the endosome/lysosome system. In conclusion, our results show that wheat gluten-containing diet exacerbates the mucosal damage caused by colitis, reducing intestinal barrier function and increasing bacterial translocation. These effects are related to the induction of weakness and disorganisation of adhesion junctions and desmosomes as well as shortening of microvilli and modification of the endocytic vesicle route.
Finding fault: Criticism as a care management strategy and its impact on outcomes for dementia caregivers

Despite a large literature on the stress process, little attention has focused on how caregivers for persons living with dementia (PLWDs) provide care and how this may impact care outcomes. Criticism is a management strategy caregivers may use to respond to behavioral symptoms. We consider whether criticism is associated with caregivers' mental health and service utilization.
Prevalence of Interpersonal Violence Among Latinas: A Systematic Review

Violence against women continues to be a great concern in today’s society. In the United States, women experience high rates of interpersonal violence throughout their lifetime. Among Latinas, interpersonal violence is also highly prevalent however the wide variation of interpersonal prevalence rates among Latinas is problematic. The aims of this systematic review of the literature were to (1) document the prevalence rates of violence among Latinas, (2) determine the types of violence that Latinas are most impacted by, and (3) assess the prevalence rates of interpersonal across Latina subethnicities. The research was based on seven databases including PsycArticles, PsycCRITIQUES, PsycINFO, ScienceDirect, Social Services Abstracts, Social Work Abstracts, and PubMED for articles published from January 2007 up to July 2017. The following key words were used in the search: (Latinas OR Latinos OR Hispanics) AND (victim OR victimization) AND (domestic violence OR intimate partner violence OR Interpersonal Violence). We identified 41 articles in our search that reported rates of interpersonal violence which ranged from 1% to 83% with intimate partner violence and domestic violence being the most prevalent. Interpersonal violence was found to be more prevalent among individuals who identified as Mexican. Based on the findings, it is clear that efforts should be focused on conducting a lager national survey of interpersonal violence among Latinas. It would need to include subethnicity, immigration status, and type of abuse experienced and possibly add socioeconomic factors.
The prevalence and characteristics of local allergic rhinitis in Poland.

BACKGROUND Local allergic rhinitis (LAR) is found in some patients with typical symptoms but who have negative skin prick tests and negative IgE to aeroallergens while presenting with positive nasal provocation tests for proper allergens. Little information about the clinical characteristics and prevalence of LAR has been published. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and characteristics of LAR in patients with symptoms of chronic rhinitis. METHODS In total, 680 patients out of 3400 pre-screened subjects with chronic rhinitis who were at least 5 years old were included from 17 sites in Poland in the study protocol. The following medical history and diagnostic procedures were performed with aeroallergens: skin prick tests, allergen specific serum IgE and nasal provocation tests. In addition to LAR, allergic rhinitis (AR) and non-allergic (NAR) rhinitis were explored and compared. RESULTS In total, 621 patients were examined. LAR was diagnosed in 109 (17.6%) patients; AR was diagnosed in 251 (40.4%) patients; and NAR was diagnosed in 261 (42%) patients. In the LAR group, younger, non-smoker patients with allergies to D. pteronyssinus or grass pollen were predominant. Polysensitization was more prevalent in AR patients than in LAR patients. Bronchial asthma was at a similar level in patients diagnosed with AR (38%) and LAR (35%) but was significantly less prevalent in patients diagnosed with NAR (16%). The mean age of disease onset was similar between patients with AR and LAR (17.6 plus or minus 4.8 yrs), and it was significantly lower than that in patients with NAR (24.5 plus or minus 6.9 yrs, p less than 0.05). CONCLUSIONS LAR is a significantly understudied problem in patients of various ages with chronic nasal symptoms. Patients with LAR and AR have similar clinical phenotypes.