Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Acceptability of HPV Vaccine for Males and Preferences for Future Education Programs Among Appalachian Residents

Appalachia is a geographic region with several disparities related to human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, yet little is known about acceptability of HPV vaccine for males among Appalachian residents. HPV vaccine acceptability and preferences for future HPV vaccine education programs were examined among residents of Appalachian Ohio. Focus groups and in-depth interviews were conducted with Appalachian Ohio residents between July and October 2011. Participants (n = 102 from 24 focus groups and 5 in-depth interviews) included four key stakeholder groups: health care providers, community leaders, parents with adolescent sons, and young adult men ages 18 to 26 years. Support for vaccinating males against HPV was high among participants, despite low awareness and knowledge about HPV vaccine for males. Participants reported three categories of potential barriers to vaccinating males against HPV: concerns about vaccine safety and side effects, access to care and vaccination logistics, and gender and cultural issues. Participants reported that HPV vaccine was viewed as being only for females in their communities and that receiving the vaccine may be emasculating or embarrassing to males. Participants suggested that future HPV vaccine education programs mainly target parents, include basic information about HPV-related diseases and HPV vaccine (e.g., number of doses, cost), and present the vaccine as having the potential to prevent cancer (as opposed to preventing genital warts). Acceptability of HPV vaccine for males was high among residents of Appalachian Ohio. Future HPV vaccine education programs in Appalachia should address common potential barriers to vaccination and help destigmatize vaccination among males.
The gastrointestinal tract as polyamine source for tumor growth.

It has previously been demonstrated that decarboxylation of ornithine in tumors, and the oxidative splitting of N1-acetylspermidine in tumor and normal tissues, are important sources of putrescine. Both these sources are utilised by tumors and other tissues with a high demand for polyamines to ensure their polyamine requirement. Consequently, combined treatment of tumor-bearing animals with an inhibitor of ornithine decarboxylase (e.g. alpha-difluoromethylornithine) and polyamine oxidase (e.g. N,N'- bis-allenylputrescine) has an antitumoral effect superior to that of either drug alone. In the present work, it was demonstrated that the alimentary tract is a third important source of polyamines which maintains tumor growth. Gastrointestinal polyamines are of alimentary origin, and are also formed by aerobic and anaerobic microorganisms. They can be reduced by feeding a polyamine deficient diet together with antibiotics that are suitable for decontaminating the gastrointestinal tract. This treatment combined with the administration of the mentioned inhibitors of ornithine decarboxylase and polyamine oxidase completely prevents Lewis lung carcinoma from growing, and prolongs considerably the average life span of L1210 leukemia mice. The results of the polyamine analyses of tumors, leukemia cells and tissues are compatible with the notion that the effective blocking of the three main putrescine sources (intracellular decarboxylation of ornithine, formation of putrescine from N1-acetylspermidine, and the gastrointestinal tract) produces a very strong cytostatic effect. It is expected that the clinical efficacy of polyamine antimetabolites can be considerably improved by measures analogous to those applied in this pilot study.
Computational exploration of wave propagation and heating from transcranial focused ultrasound for neuromodulation

Objective. While ultrasound is largely established for use in diagnostic imaging, its application for neuromodulation is relatively new and crudely understood. The objective of the present study was to investigate the effects of tissue properties and geometry on the wave propagation and heating in the context of transcranial neuromodulation. Approach. A computational model of transcranial-focused ultrasound was constructed and validated against empirical data. The models were then incrementally extended to investigate a number of issues related to the use of ultrasound for neuromodulation, including the effect on wave propagation of variations in geometry of skull and gyral anatomy as well as the effect of multiple tissue and media layers, including scalp, skull, CSF, and gray/white matter. In addition, a sensitivity analysis was run to characterize the influence of acoustic properties of intracranial tissues. Finally, the heating associated with ultrasonic stimulation waveforms designed for neuromodulation was modeled. Main results. The wave propagation of a transcranially focused ultrasound beam is significantly influenced by the cranial domain. The half maximum acoustic beam intensity profiles are insensitive overall to small changes in material properties, though the inclusion of sulci in models results in greater peak intensity values compared to a model without sulci (1%–30% greater). Finally, heating using currently employed stimulation parameters in humans is highest in bone (0.16 °C) and is negligible in brain (4.27 × 10–3 °C) for a 0.5 s exposure. Significance. Ultrasound for noninvasive neuromodulation holds great promise and appeal for its non-invasiveness, high spatial resolution and deep focal lengths. Here we show gross brain anatomy and biological material properties to have limited effect on ultrasound wave propagation and to result in safe heating levels in the skull and brain.
Croatia’s participation in the Seventh Framework Programme: a Moderate Success?

Abstract Background: The Framework Programme (FP7) is the main instrument of the EU for financing research, and participation in the programme benefits greatly to countries’ technological development. Objectives: The aim of this paper is to assess the participation of Croatian organisations in FP7 in terms of specific programmes, funding schemes and the coordinator organisations. Methods: In order to assess this participation, two analyses have been done: the first is the analysis of participation itself analysing the basic characteristics of Croatian participation in FP7 using participation data. The second analysis is the analysis of external conditions for participation, i.e. a framework that influenced the quantity and the quality of participation in FP7. Results: Participation of Croatian institutions in the FP7 has the following features: the positive rate of the national and the EU financial contribution; an unequal regional distribution; a small number of projects coordinated by Croatian participants; a low success rate and rare participation in large research projects. Conclusions: Support should be provided to researchers in order to increase the participation in future funding programmes. First, researchers should perform only research and not the project administration since it requires well-educated and trained administration staff. Second, participants in future projects, especially coordinators, should be financially rewarded.
Both NUP98/TOP1 and TOP1/NUP98 transcripts are detected in a de novo AML with t(11;20)(p15;q11)

The NUP98 gene is involved in several chromosomal abnormalities associated with acute leukemia. The recurrent t(11;20)(p15;q11) chromosomal translocation results in generation of the NUP98/TOP1 chimeric gene. This abnormality has been observed primarily in therapy‐related leukemias, and TOP1/NUP98 transcripts have not been demonstrated. We describe a case of de novo acute myeloid leukemia with t(11;20)(p15;q11), with no known history of exposure to chemicals. The translocation occurred in intron 13 of NUP98 and intron 7 of TOP1, as in the three previously reported cases. The breakpoint in NUP98 was exactly the same as that found in a previously reported case. In addition, a reciprocal TOP1/NUP98 transcript was detected for the first time in our patient. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The emergence of Mycobacterium paratuberculosis in farmed deer in New Zealand — a review of 619 cases

Abstract AIM: To review cases in which Mycobacterium paratuberculosis was identified in farmed deer in New Zealand. METHODS: Case histories were reviewed where M. paratuberculosis was identified in deer by either culture or a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test using primers from IS900. RESULTS: Between 1986 and 2000, M. paratuberculosis was identified by bacterial culture and/or PCR in 619 farmed deer from 299 herds, representing approximately 6% of deer herds in New Zealand. Over 85% of cases were identified during the last 6 years. In 60% of the infected herds, only one infected animal was identified. The maximum number of cases identified in a single deer herd was 47, and these were identified over a period of 8 years. Only 36 (5.8%) cases came from clinically affected animals identified on farms by veterinarians. The majority (89.7%) of the 619 cases were identified from lesions in mesenteric lymph nodes, including the ileocaecal lymph nodes, identified at meat inspection as being macroscopically either typical or equivocal of bovine tuberculosis (M. bovis). While the overwhelming majority of lesions were identified in mesenteric lymph nodes, M. paratuberculosis was also identified in 27 lesions in lymph nodes of the head, especially the retropharyngeal lymph node. CONCLUSIONS: The figures presented underestimate the true prevalence of infection with M. paratuberculosis, especially since not all suspect cases were submitted for culture or PCR. However, they do show that M. paratuberculosis appears to be spreading in farmed deer in New Zealand and highlight the possibility that Johne's disease is emerging as a potential major problem affecting this species. Identification of the organism by bacterial culture or PCR is required in many cases to distinguish lesions in mesenteric lymph nodes and lymph nodes of the head caused by M. paratuberculosis from those caused by M. bovis and M. avium.
Enhancing effect of diethylaminoethyl-dextran on the focus-forming titer of a murine sarcoma virus (Harvey strain)

The enhancing effect of the polycation diethylaminoethyl-dextran (DEAE-D) on virus plaque formation with respect to size (H. Liebhaber and K. K. Takemoto, Virology 14:502, 1961; K. K. Takemoto, Progr. Med. Virol. 8:314, 1966), on the cellular uptake of infectious viral ribonucleic acid (J. S. Pagano and A. Vaheri, Arch. Ges. Virusforsch. 17:456, 1965; A. Vaheri and J. S. Pagano, Virology 27:434, 1965; D. R. Tovell and J. S. Colter, Virology 32:84, 1967) and of viral deoxyribonucleic acid (J. S. Pagano et al., J. Virol. 1:891, 1967), and on virus growth and dissemination in animals (J. E. Craighead, J. Virol. 1:988, 1967) have been described. DEAE-D also enhances the infectivity of certain intact viruses in cell cultures (M. M. Kaplan et al. J. Virol. 1:145, 1967; P. K. Vogt, Virology 33:175, 1967). This report describes the enhancement by DEAE-D of the focus-forming titer of a murine sarcoma virus (MSV) in rat and mouse cells. The Harvey strain of MSV, kindly supplied by A. C. Allison, London, England, was maintained in newborn BALB/c mice by intramuscular inoculation. A 10% tumor extract was used throughout the study. Secondary fibroblast cultures prepared from the Osborne-Mendel rat and NIH Swiss mouse embryos, and established rat kidney NCINR(2) cells (H. Duc-Nguyen et al., J. Bacteriol. 92:1133, 1966), were used for infectivity assay. To determine the dose ofDEAE-D (Pharmacia, Uppsala, Sweden; molecular weight, 2.0 X 106) giving an optimal enhancing effect on the viral infectivity, 18-hr-old monolayers were exposed for 30 min to various concentrations of polycation in minimal essential medium (MEM). The cells were then washed three times with Earle's solution and inoculated with MSV. After 2 hr of incubation at 37 C, the cells were fed with MEM containing 10% fetal calf serum, 10% tryptose phosphate broth, and antibiotics. Foci of transformed cells were counted on the 5th (mouse cell) or on the 6th (rat cell) postinoculation day with the aid of an inverted microscope. A maximal enhancing effect was obtained with secondary rat and mouse cells pre-exposed to 25 ,ug of lo06 LLJ
Surgically Induced Changes in Gut Microbiome and Hedonic Eating as Related to Weight Loss: Preliminary Findings in Obese Women Undergoing Bariatric Surgery

Objective Weight loss surgery results in significant changes in the anatomy, function, and intraluminal environment of the gastrointestinal tract affecting the gut microbiome. Although bariatric surgery results in sustained weight loss, decreased appetite, and hedonic eating, it is unknown whether the surgery-induced alterations in gut microbiota play a role in the observed changes in hedonic eating. We explored the following hypotheses: (1) laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) results in changes in gut microbial composition; (2) alterations in gut microbiota are related to weight loss; (3) alterations in gut microbiome are associated with changes in appetite and hedonic eating. Methods Eight obese women underwent LSG. Their body mass index, body fat mass, food intake, hunger, hedonic eating scores, and stool samples were obtained at baseline and 1-month postsurgery. 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing was performed on stool samples. DESeq2 changes in microbial abundance. Multilevel-sparse partial least squares discriminant analysis was applied to genus-level abundance for discriminative microbial signatures. Results LSG resulted in significant reductions in body mass index, food intake, and hedonic eating. A microbial signature composed of five bacterial genera discriminated between pre- and postsurgery status. Several bacterial genera were significantly associated with weight loss (Bilophila, q = 3E-05; Faecalibacterium q = 4E-05), lower appetite (Enterococcus, q = 3E-05), and reduced hedonic eating (Akkermansia, q = .037) after surgery. Conclusions In this preliminary analysis, changes in gut microbial abundance discriminated between pre- and postoperative status. Alterations in gut microbiome were significantly associated with weight loss and with reduced hedonic eating after surgery; however, a larger sample is needed to confirm these findings.
Hereditary congenital deafness with onychodystrophy.

THERE ARE numerous genetic syndromes involving deafness associated with various dermatological conditions.1In 1961 Feinmesser and Zelig2first reported two sisters with congenital deafness and onychodystrophy. This combination of defects was transmitted as an autosomal recessive. To the best of our knowledge no other family with such a disorder has since been recorded. The purpose of this report is to describe and to discuss a family with similar findings, but having a different mode of inheritance. Report of Cases The proband is a 61-year-old white woman who was hospitalized at Orange County Medical Center in April 1968 with symptoms of congestive heart failure. Past history, physical examination, and various diagnostic procedures including cardiac catheterization supported the diagnosis of rheumatic heart disease with mitral stenosis. Further information revealed that the patient was born deaf and had abnormalities of the nails. In addition to her classical physical findings of congestive
Intrathecal administration of botulinum toxin type A improves urinary bladder function and reduces pain in rats with cystitis

Botulinum toxin A (Onabot/A) has been shown to have an antinociceptive effect. This might be due to an impairment of sensory nerves not only in the peripheral but also in the central nervous system. In this work, we analysed both systems by studying the effect of intrathecal (i.t.) administration of botulinum toxin A in an animal model of bladder pain and hyperactivity induced by cyclophosphamide (CYP).
Combustion and Oxidation Kinetics of Alternative Gas Turbines Fuels

Heavy duty gas turbines are very flexible combustion tools that accommodate a wide variety of gaseous and liquid fuels ranging from natural gas to heavy oils, including syngas, LPG, petrochemical streams (propene, butane…), hydrogen-rich refinery by-products; naphtha; ethanol, biodiesel, aromatic gasoline and gasoil, etc. The contemporaneous quest for an increasing panel of primary energies leads manufacturers and operators to explore an ever larger segment of unconventional power generation fuels. In this moving context, there is a need to fully characterize the combustion features of these novel fuels in the specific pressure, temperature and equivalence ratio conditions of gas turbine combustors using e.g. methane as reference molecule and to cover the safety aspects of their utilization.A numerical investigation of the combustion of a representative cluster of alternative fuels has been performed in the gas phase, namely two natural gas fuels of different compositions, including some ethane, a process gas with a high content of butene, oxygenated compounds including methanol, ethanol, and DME (dimethyl ether). Sub-mechanisms have specifically been developed to include the reactions of C4 species. Major combustion parameters, such as auto-ignition temperature (AIT), ignition delay times (AID), laminar burning velocities of premixed flames, adiabatic flame temperatures, and CO and NOx emissions have then been investigated. Finally, the data have been compared with those calculated for methane flames.These simulations show that the behaviors of alternative fuels markedly differ from that of conventional ones. Especially, DME and the process gases appear to be highly reactive with significant impacts on the auto-ignition temperature and flame speed data, which justifies burner design studies within premixed combustion schemes and proper safety considerations. The behaviors of alcohols (especially methanol) display some commonalities with those of conventional fuels. In contrast, DME and process gas fuels develop substantially different flame temperature and NOx generation rates than methane. Resorting to lean premix conditions is likely to achieve lower NOx emission performances. This review of gas turbine fuels shows for instance that the use of methanol as a gas turbine fuel is possible with very limited combustor modifications.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
Multifrequency Radar Imagery and Characterization of Hazardous and Noxious Substances at Sea

The increase in maritime traffic, particularly the transport of hazardous and noxious substances (HNSs), requires advanced methods of identification and characterization in environmental chemical spills. Knowledge about HNS monitoring using radar remote sensing is not as extensive as for oil spills; however, any progress on this issue would likely advance the monitoring of both chemical and oil-related incidents. To address the need for HNS monitoring, an experiment was conducted in May 2015 over the Mediterranean Sea during which controlled releases of HNS were imaged by a multifrequency radar system. The aim of this experiment was to establish a procedure for collecting evidence of illegal maritime pollution by noxious liquid substances using airborne radar sensors. In this paper, we demonstrate the ability of radar imagery to detect and characterize chemicals at sea. A normalized polarization difference parameter is introduced to quantify both the impacts of released product on the ocean surface and the relative concentration of the substance within the spill. We show that radar imagery can provide knowledge of the involved HNS. In particular, one can distinguish a product that forms a film on the top of the sea surface from another that mixes with seawater, the information that is critical for efficient cleanup operations.
Saccadic eye movements in families multiply affected with schizophrenia: the Maudsley Family Study.

OBJECTIVE Family studies have shown that abnormalities of smooth pursuit eye movement are increased in the adult relatives of schizophrenic probands as well as in the probands themselves. More recently, an inability of schizophrenic subjects to inhibit reflexive saccades reliably has been shown. This study aimed to test the hypothesis that the latter dysfunction is part of the extended schizophrenia phenotype. METHOD With the use of infrared oculography, measurements of reflexive saccades and antisaccades were undertaken in 29 probands with schizophrenia, 50 of their nonpsychotic first-degree relatives, and 38 unrelated healthy volunteers. RESULTS Probands, relatives, and healthy subjects showed no overall differences in the generation of reflexive saccades. However, in the antisaccade task, probands showed more saccadic distractibility when they were required to inhibit reflexive saccades. Analysis of corrective saccades showed that this was not due to failed comprehension or motivation. Relatives of the probands with high saccadic distractibility showed a higher distractibility rate than relatives of the probands with normal distractibility. Across all subjects, females showed a higher rate of distractibility errors than males. CONCLUSIONS The ability to suppress reflexive saccades is an objective neurocognitive measure that is impaired in schizophrenic patients and in a proportion of their biological relatives. This antisaccade abnormality may be a vulnerability marker in a subset of schizophrenic patients and their families.
Effect of RBP4 gene variants on circulating RBP4 concentration and Type 2 diabetes in a Chinese population

Aims Retinol binding protein 4 (RBP4) is a newly discovered adipokine, which plays a role in insulin resistance and obesity. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between genetic variants of the RBP4 gene, circulating RBP4 concentrations and phenotypes related to glucose and lipid metabolism in the Chinese population.