Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Associations between alcohol misuse and risks for HIV infection among men who have multiple female sexual partners in Cape Town, South Africa

Abstract The occurrence of high rates of alcohol consumption in a context of high HIV prevalence in South Africa poses a significant health challenge for this country. This paper aims to answer three questions that could further our knowledge regarding the links between alcohol use and HIV infection: (a) “Are problem drinkers more likely to have multiple concurrent partners than those who are not? ”; (b) “Are condoms applied less effectively and less consistently by problem drinkers compared to those who are not? ”; (c) “Are the female sexual partners of problem drinkers different from those who are not? ” Two cross-sectional HIV bio-behavioural surveillance surveys using Respondent-Driven Sampling were conducted in two peri-urban settings on the outskirts of Cape Town, South Africa. Eight hundred and forty-eight men aged 25–55 years who have multiple, concurrent female sexual partners were recruited. Problem drinkers had a score of ≥3 on the CAGE questionnaire. Questions enquired about partner numbers, condom use and partner traits. Multivariate logistic regression models were developed to determine significant associations between outcome variables and problem drinking. Fifty-eight percent of men were problem drinkers. Compared to non-problem drinkers, problem drinkers were significantly more likely to report having any symptom of a STI; not using condoms due to drinking; inconsistent condom use with all partner types; that their most recent once-off partner was unemployed; having met their most recent partner at an alcohol-serving venue; and having had a once-off sexual relationship. Alcohol may fuel once-off sexual encounters, often characterised by transactional sex and women's limited authority to negotiate sex and condom use; factors that can facilitate transmission of HIV. HIV prevention interventions specifically targeting drinkers, the contexts in which problem drinking occurs and multiple sexual partnering are urgently needed.
Intratumoral Injection of Lipopolysaccharide Causes Regression of Subcutaneously Implanted Mouse Glioblastoma Multiforme

OBJECTIVEAnecdotal reports documented extended survival times for patients who developed infections at the site of resection of malignant gliomas. Hypothesized mechanisms for this phenomenon include immune responses triggered by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). This investigation assessed whether LPS could produce tumor regression in an in vivo model of malignant glioma. METHODSDelayed brain tumor cells (2 × 106) were injected subcutaneously into female BALB/c mice. LPS (300–500 &mgr;g) was injected intratumorally or subcutaneously at a contralateral site on Days 10, 17, and 24. Control animals received phosphate-buffered saline intratumorally or subcutaneously. Mice were killed on Day 28, and tumors were removed. Mean tumor masses for control animals and the two LPS-treated groups (intratumoral or contralateral subcutaneous treatment) were compared. Histological assessments of treated and control tumors were performed. RESULTSComplete or nearly total tumor regression was achieved in all 20 mice with subcutaneous delayed brain tumor cell tumors treated intratumorally with 400 &mgr;g of LPS (mean tumor mass of 0.09 ± 0.38 g versus 2.42 ± 2.46 g for control animals, P < 0.0001). Intratumoral administration of 300 &mgr;g of LPS or subcutaneous injection of 300 or 400 &mgr;g of LPS at a contralateral site resulted in less consistent regression of subcutaneous tumors. Administration of 500 &mgr;g of LPS resulted in tumor regression similar to that observed with lower doses but was limited by treatment-related deaths in 40% of animals. Histological assessment revealed lymphocytic infiltration of LPS-treated tumors. CONCLUSIONIntratumoral injections of LPS caused dramatic regression of subcutaneously implanted delayed brain tumor cell mouse gliomas. Investigation of this antitumoral effect may improve treatment responses for patients with malignant gliomas.
Emerging therapies for Clostridium difficile infections

Introduction: Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is the leading identifiable gastrointestinal disease in healthcare institutions, but the response rates to the two standard therapies for CDI are declining and so innovative therapies are being developed for CDI. The purpose of this paper is to review the data on the efficacy and safety of emerging therapies for CDI and assess their potential for effectiveness based on the clinical phase of development and marketing challenges. Areas covered: Emerging therapies for CDI are reviewed including new antibiotics, peptides, immune regulators, probiotics and toxin binders. PubMed, Medline and Google Scholar and online clinical trial registers are searched from 1976 to 2010 for articles unrestricted by language. Secondary searches by author, manufacturing companies and FDA websites are also performed. Expert opinion: Of the emerging therapies for CDI, several may ultimately reduce the incidence of CDI and the economic burden of this disease on the healthcare system. Several emerging treatments (fidaxomicin, rifaximin and mAbs) show the most promise, although only one is currently being actively developed. Use of other clostridial strains, probiotic strains and immune enhancers have great potential as therapies, but require further development.
Adherence to the combination of sulphadoxine–pyrimethamine and artesunate in the Maheba refugee settlement, Zambia

Artemisinin‐based combination therapy (ACT) is one strategy recommended to increase cure rates in malaria and to contain resistance to Plasmodium falciparum. In the Maheba refugee settlement, children aged 5 years or younger with a confirmed diagnosis of uncomplicated falciparum malaria are treated with the combination of sulphadoxine–pyrimethamine (1 day) and artesunate (3 days). To measure treatment adherence, home visits were carried out the day after the last treatment dose. Patients who had any treatment dose left were considered certainly non‐adherent. Other patients’ classification was based on the answers to the questionnaire: patients whose caretakers stated the child had received the treatment regimen exactly as prescribed were considered probably adherent; all other patients were considered probably non‐adherent. Reasons for non‐adherence were assessed. We found 21.2% (95% CI [15.0–28.4]) of the patients to be certainly non‐adherent, 39.4% (95% CI [31.6–47.6]) probably non‐adherent, and 39.4% (95% CI [31.6–47.6]) probably adherent. Insufficient explanation by the dispenser was identified as an important reason for non‐adherence. When considering the use of ACT, the issue of patient adherence remains challenging. However, it should not be used as an argument against the introduction of ACT. For these treatment regimens to remain efficacious on a long‐term basis, specific and locally adapted strategies need to be implemented to ensure completion of the treatment.
The Influence of Culture in the Effect of Age and Gender on Social Influence in Persuasive Technology

Research has shown that social influence can be used to effect behavior change. However, research on the role culture plays in the effect of age and gender on social influence in persuasive technology is scarce. To address this, we investigate the effect of age and gender on the susceptibility of individuals to Competition, Reward, Social Comparison and Social Learning in individualist and collectivist cultures, using a sample of 360 participants from North America, Africa and Asia. Our results reveal that there are more significant differences between males and females and between younger and older people in collectivist cultures than individualist cultures. In individualist culture, we found that males and females differ with respect to Competition only, with males being more susceptible. However, in collectivist culture, we found males differ from females with respect to Reward and Competition, with males being more susceptible, while younger people differ from older people with respect to Competition, Social Comparison and Social Learning, with younger people be more susceptible. Our findings provide designers of gamified persuasive applications with empirical insights for tailoring to the different cultures based on age and gender
Patients with Osteoporosis on Steroid Medication Tend to Sustain Subsequent Fractures

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Repeat fractures after percutaneous vertebroplasty can be seen in patients with osteoporotic compression fractures. The purpose of this study was to identify characteristics of patients with new fractures after vertebroplasty. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-five consecutive patients were treated with vertebroplasty for painful osteoporotic compression fractures at our institution. The charts and radiographic studies of all patients were retrospectively reviewed. Special attention was paid to patient age and sex, imaging studies, long-term use of steroid medication, and treatment for osteoporosis. We used logistic regression analysis and the Fisher exact test for statistical evaluation. RESULTS: Thirty-five patients were treated with vertebroplasty at one time and did not develop new fractures, whereas 20 patients returned with new fractures. Sixteen of 55 patients had been on steroid medication. The incidence of subsequent vertebral compression fractures after vertebroplasty in patients on long-term steroid therapy was 69% (11/16), compared with 23% (9/39) in those with primary osteoporosis (ie, those who were not on steroid therapy). There was a statistically significant association between use of steroids and new fractures (P < .01). No statistically significant difference was noted in patient age, sex, and medication for osteoporosis. CONCLUSION: Patients who are on long-term steroid medication have an elevated risk of developing new fractures after vertebroplasty.
Reference ranges for tissue Doppler measures of maternal systolic and diastolic left ventricular function

Tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) is an echocardiographic technique that evaluates longitudinal myocardial tissue velocities during left ventricular systolic and diastolic function, relatively independently of loading conditions. Limited data are available regarding maternal cardiac function using TDI. The aim of this study was to construct reference charts for TDI indices in normal pregnancy.
Recombinational repair in yeast: functional interactions between Rad51 and Rad54 proteins

Rad51p is a eukaryotic homolog of RecA, the central homologous pairing and strand exchange protein in Escherichia coli. Rad54p belongs to the Swi2p/Snf2p family of DNA‐stimulated ATPases. Both proteins are also important members of the RAD52 group which controls recombinational DNA damage repair of double‐strand breaks and other DNA lesions in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Here we demonstrate by genetic, molecular and biochemical criteria that Rad51 and Rad54 proteins interact. Strikingly, overexpression of Rad54p can functionally suppress the UV and methyl methanesulfonate sensitivity caused by a deletion of the RAD51 gene. However, no suppression was observed for the defects of rad51 cells in the repair of γ‐ray‐induced DNA damage, mating type switching or spontaneous hetero‐allelic recombination. This suppression is genetically dependent on the presence of two other members of the recombinational repair group, RAD55 and RAD57. Our data provide compelling evidence that Rad51 and Rad54 proteins interact in vivo and that this interaction is functionally important for recombinational DNA damage repair. As both proteins are conserved throughout evolution from yeasts to humans, a similar protein–protein interaction may be expected in other organisms.
Age, gender, and skeletal variation in bone marrow composition: a preliminary study at 3.0 Tesla.

PURPOSE To evaluate the efficacy of MR Spectroscopy (MRS) at 3.0 Tesla for the assessment of normal bone marrow composition and assess the variation in terms of age, gender, and skeletal site. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 16 normal subjects (aged between eight and 57 years) were investigated on a 3.0 Tesla GE Signa system. To investigate axial and peripheral skeleton differences, non-water-suppressed spectra were acquired from single voxels in the calcaneus and lumbar spine. In addition, spectra were acquired at multiple vertebral bodies to assess variation within the lumbar spine. Data was also correlated with bone mineral density (BMD) measured in six subjects using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). RESULTS Fat content was an order of magnitude greater in the heel compared to the spine. An age-related increase was demonstrated in the spine with values greater in men compared to female subjects. Significant trends in vertebral bodies within the same subjects were also shown, with fat content increasing L5 > L1. Population coefficient of variation (CV) was greater for fat fraction (FF) compared to BMD. CONCLUSION Significant normal variations of marrow composition have been demonstrated, which provide important data for the future interpretation of patient investigations.
Free Amino Acids in Serum of Patients with Epilepsy: Significant Increase in Taurine

More than half the amino acids determined in serum were lower in patients with epilepsy than in control subjects. Taurine was the only amino acid to be increased in epilepsy. The changes could represent a compensatory metabolic reaction to limit the imbalance of amino acids in epileptic brain and to facilitate uptake of taurine, which has an anticonvulsant action.
A Pharmacokinetic Study of the Combined Administration of Amiodarone and Ximelagatran, an Oral Direct Thrombin Inhibitor

The oral direct thrombin inhibitor ximelagatran is being developed for the prevention and treatment of thromboembolism. This single‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled, parallel‐group study investigated the potential for the interaction of ximelagatran (36 mg every 12 hours for 8 days, measured as its active form melagatran in blood) and amiodarone (single 600‐mg oral dose on day 4) in healthy male subjects (n = 26). For amiodarone + ximelagatran versus amiodarone + placebo, geometric mean ratios (90% confidence intervals for amiodarone AUC0–120 and Cmax were 0.87 (0.69–1.08) and 0.86 (0.66–1.11), respectively. For desethylamiodarone, the principal metabolite of amiodarone, the corresponding ratios were 1.00 (0.89–1.12) for AUC0–120 and 0.92 (0.77–1.09) for Cmax. The geometric mean ratios (90% confidence intervals) for ximelagatran + amiodarone versus ximelagatran were 1.21 (1.17–1.25) for melagatran AUC0–12 and 1.23 (1.18–1.28) for melagatran Cmax. These confidence intervals were within or only slightly outside the interval, suggesting no interaction (0.8–1.25 for the effect of amiodarone on melagatran and 0.7–1.43 for the effect of melagatran on amiodarone or desethylamiodarone). Amiodarone did not affect the concentration‐effect relationship of melagatran on activated partial thromboplastin time. Ximelagatran was well tolerated when coadministered with a single dose of amiodarone. Evaluation of the safety of the combination is needed to confirm that the relatively small pharmacokinetic changes in this study are of no clinical significance.
A low observed-to-expected postoperative mortality ratio in a Swiss high-standard peri-operative care environment - an observational study.

QUESTIONS UNDER STUDY/PRINCIPLES The objective was to assess observed-to-expected in-hospital postoperative 30-day mortality and to identify associated risks. METHODS A single centre, retrospective study was performed in Geneva University Hospitals, Switzerland. Hospitalised adult surgical patients who received anaesthesia and stayed in the Post Anaesthesia Care Unit - Intermediate Care Unit (PACU-IMC) between July 2008 and June 2011 were included. Outcome measure was in-hospital 30-day mortality. Expected probabilities of in-hospital death were estimated with the surgical mortality probability model (S-MPM). Descriptive statistics were calculated. Univariate and multivariate logistic regressions (odds ratio [OR] with 95% confidence interval [95% CI]) were used to identify risk factors of mortality. RESULTS Overall in-hospital mortality was 0.8% (176/24 160 patients). Observed 30-day in-hospital mortality was 0.7%; expected mortality from the S-MPM was 1.2%. Independent risk factors were age (OR 1.05, 95% CI 1.03-1.06), American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status score (ASA PS 3-5 vs ASA PS 1-2: OR 5.48, 95% CI 3.12-9.63), nonelective surgery (vs elective surgery) (OR 3.15, 95% CI 2.04-4.86), head surgery (OR 2.83, 95% CI 1.41-5.67) and duration of PACU-IMC stay (OR 1.00, 95% CI 1.00-1.00). A protective factor was a high body mass index (OR 0.92, 95% CI 0.89-0.96). The procedural risk, type and time of anaesthesia and day of intervention were not independent risk factors of mortality. CONCLUSION The postoperative observed-to-expected mortality ratio was favourable. Independent postoperative risk factors for mortality were well-established factors such as age, ASA PS, non elective surgery but also duration of PACU-IMC stay which was considered as a surrogate of postoperative complications.
Confocal microscopy in vivo in corneas of long-term contact lens wearers.

PURPOSE To compare keratocyte density, stromal backscatter, epithelial thickness, and corneal sensitivity between corneas of long-term contact lens wearers and those of non-contact lens wearers. METHODS Twenty corneas of 20 daily contact lens wearers (>10 years' duration) and 20 corneas of 20 age-matched (+/-5 years) control subjects who had never worn contact lenses, were examined by confocal microscopy in vivo. The contact lens wearers removed their lenses 12 to 24 hours before the examination. Full-thickness images were recorded from the central and temporal cornea, and bright objects (keratocyte nuclei) in images were manually counted to calculate keratocyte density. Stromal intensity (backscatter) was measured by calculating the mean grayscale value (corrected for camera and light source variations) from the center of stromal images. Epithelial thickness was determined from the distance between images of the surface epithelium and subbasal nerve plexus. Central corneal sensitivity was measured by Cochet-Bonnet esthesiometry and correlated with the number of nerve fiber bundles in the subbasal nerve plexus. RESULTS Full-thickness central and temporal keratocyte densities in contact lens wearers were 22,122 +/- 2,676 cells/mm(3) (mean +/- SD) and 20,731 +/- 2,627 cells/mm(3), respectively, and were not significantly different from central and temporal keratocyte densities in control subjects (P = 0.29). The minimum detectable difference in cell density was 11% (2346 cells/mm(3) and 2235 cells/mm(3) in central and temporal stroma, respectively). Temporal epithelial thickness was 46.3 +/- 4.7 microm in contact lens wearers and 50.9 +/- 4.7 microm in control subjects (P = 0.02). Central epithelial thickness and stromal backscatter did not differ between contact lens wearers and control subjects (P > 0.05). Corneal sensitivity was lower in contact lens wearers than it was in control subjects (P = 0.05) and did not correlate with the number of nerve fiber bundles in the subbasal nerve plexus. CONCLUSIONS Long-term daily contact lens wear and its associated stromal hypoxia and acidosis have no demonstrable effect on keratocyte density. The temporal epithelium is thinner in corneas of long-term contact lens wearers than in control subjects. Decreased corneal sensitivity in contact lens wearers is not accompanied by decreased nerve fiber bundle density.
Tracheal tube cuff pressure depends on the anaesthesiologist's experience. A follow-up study.

BACKGROUND Excessive tracheal tube cuff pressure can cause ischemia of the tracheal mucosa, and possible serious complications, such as tracheal stenosis, formation of tracheo-oesophageal fistula or even life-threatening haemorrhage. Inadequate cuff pressure increases the risk of aspiration of gastric contents. METHODS The cuff pressures were analysed on the basis of the anaesthesiologists' experience. The results were compared to those obtained during the previous study which had been conducted seven years earlier (2002). The physicians were divided into three groups, according to their experience: group I - less than 2 years of practice; group II--2 to 10 years of practice; and group III--over 10 years of practice. High-volume, low-pressure tubes were used for intubation. The anaesthesiologists were not informed of the planned audit. RESULTS Statistical analysis demonstrated significant differences between cuff pressure readings in the respective study groups. Cuff pressures in group II (p < 0.05) and group III (p < 0.0005) were greater than those in group I. In 2002, no statistically significant differences had been observed between the three groups (p = 0.1156). When comparing results from 2002 and present one differences were observed inside individual groups, concerning group II (p < 0.05) and group III (p < 0.0005). CONCLUSION There is a tendency to overinflation of endotracheal tube cuffs in all groups. This problem is more common in the group of highly experienced anaesthesiologists, and is more more prevalent at present than in 2002.
Hyperactivation is the mode conversion from constant‐curvature beating to constant‐frequency beating under a constant rate of microtubule sliding

Flagellar beating of hyperactivated golden hamster spermatozoa was analyzed in detail using digital image analysis and was compared to that of nonhyperactivated (activated) spermatozoa in order to understand the change in flagellar beating during hyperactivation and the active microtubule sliding that brought about the change in flagellar beating. Hyperactivated flagellar beating, which was characterized by a sharp bend in the proximal midpiece and low beat frequency, was able to alter the waveform with little change in beat frequency (constant‐frequency beating), whereas activated flagellar beating, which was characterized by a slight bend in the proximal midpiece and high beat frequency, was able to alter beat frequency with little change in the waveform (constant‐curvature beating). These results demonstrate that flagellar beating of hyperactivated and activated spermatozoa were essentially different modes and that hyperactivation was the mode conversion from constant‐curvature beating to constant‐frequency beating. Detailed analysis of flagellar bends revealed that the increase in curvature in the proximal midpiece during hyperactivation was due to the increase in total length of microtubule sliding in a nearly straight region between bends, while the rate of microtubule sliding remained almost constant. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 73: 1412–1421, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.