Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
WU polyomavirus infection among children in South China

This study aimed at investigating the prevalence and clinical characteristics of children with respiratory infection by WU polyomavirus (WUPyV) in Southern China. Nasopharyngeal aspirate samples were collected from 771 children with acute respiratory tract infection admitted to hospital and 82 samples from healthy subjects for routine examination at the outpatient service at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University, Medical College from July 2008 to June 2009. WUPyV was detected by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and DNA sequencing. All WUPyV‐positive specimens were characterized further for nine viruses causing common respiratory infections, including inﬂuenza A and B, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), parainfluenza virus (PIV) 1 and 3, human metapneumovirus, human bocavirus, adenovirus, and rhinovirus by PCR or real time (RT)‐PCR. Fifteen out of 771 specimens from patients with acute respiratory tract infection, but none from healthy subjects, were positive for WUPyV and the positivity rate was 2%. Patients with WUPyV infection were between 2 and 48 months of age, and nine of the patients were male while six female. Four out of 15 patients were co‐infected with RSV, one with adenovirus or rhinovirus, respectively. Patients with WUPyV infection displayed predominantly cough, moderate fever, and wheezing, and were diagnosed with pneumonia (n = 8), bronchiolitis (n = 4), upper respiratory tract infections (n = 2) and bronchitis (n = 1). One patient developed encephalitis. Therefore, WUPyV infection can cause acute respiratory tract infection with atypical symptoms, including severe complications, in children. J. Med. Virol. 83:1440–1445, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Delayed Visual Maturation And Autism

Three boys are described with a mixed developmental disorder, which so far appears to have a relatively good prognosis. Each boy presented in early infancy with visual unresponsiveness, which spontaneously resolved. This delayed visual maturation was accompanied or followed by severe autistic impairment, general developmental delay, hypotonia and clumsiness. Subsequent progress has been unexpectedly favourable, with striking improvements in language, play, social interest and social competence. Widespread, patchy delay in brain maturation could possibly account for this combination of delayed visual maturation and autism, with a good prognosis.
Long-Term Study of Simulator Sickness: Differences in EEG Response Due to Individual Sensitivity

This study identifies differences in the electroencephalogram (EEG) responses caused by individual sensitivity to simulator sickness. Simulator sickness was investigated by studying the changes in simulator sickness in two different subject groups (sick group and nonsick group). Subjective evaluations using the simulator sickness questionnaire and the EEG response data were gathered every 5 min while the subjects were driving at 60 km/h for 60 min in the driving graphic simulator. The response to every item of the subjective evaluation increased linearly with time; the response level in the sick group was higher than in the nonsick group. The EEG analysis showed that the sick and nonsick groups were statistically significantly different with respect to the parameter θ/total at frontal lobe and parietal lobe.
Gastrointestinal Mucormycosis of the Jejunum in an Immunocompetent Patient

Rationale: Gastrointestinal Mucormycosis (GIM) is a kind of opportunistic fungal infection with poor prognosis. It usually occurs in patients with immune deficiency. We reported a case of immunocompetent male patient. Patient concerns: This patient was presented as abdominal distension and gastrointestinal bleeding. Diagnoses: A variety of hemostatic methods was ineffective to stop the bleeding. The patient finally received laparotomy, and the jejunum lesions were found. Interventions: Pathological examination confirmed it to be gastrointestinal mucormycosis in jejunum. Outcomes: However, after systemic anti-fungi therapy, the patient died of septic shock. Lessons: The diagnosis mainly relies on pathological examination. Early diagnosis and early application of systemic amphotericin B liposome were fundamental for improving the prognosis.
Understanding motivation for exercise: A self-determination theory perspective.

Understanding the factors that motivate health-enhancing physical activity has considerable merit given the role of this lifestyle behaviour in combating disease and promoting quality of life. The purpose of this article is to provide a broad overview of research investigating participation issues in exercise from the perspective of self-determination theory (SDT; Deci & Ryan, 2002). Evidence informing the application of SDT to the study of motivational issues in exercise is reviewed around three central questions: (a) Does the quality of motivation regulating exercise behaviour “matter”? , (b) How important are basic psychological needs within exercise contexts? , and (c) Can contextual variables be manipulated to create adaptive environments for exercise? The available evidence is supportive of many propositions set forth within SDT by Deci and Ryan’s (2002). Future avenues for exercise motivation research are offered based on the available evidence with a view to addressing unresolved issues and advancing SDT’s development.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Derivative with 7% Simian Immunodeficiency Virus Genetic Content Is Able To Establish Infections in Pig-Tailed Macaques

ABSTRACT A human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) derivative (HIVNL-DT5R) containing sequences encoding a 7-amino-acid segment of CA and the entire vif gene from simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) was previously shown to establish spreading infections in cultured macaque peripheral blood mononuclear cells. To assess its replicative and disease-inducing properties in vivo, HIVNL-DT5R was inoculated into pig-tailed macaques. HIVNL-DT5R generated plasma viremia in all five of the monkeys and elicited humoral responses against all of the HIV-1 structural proteins but did not cause CD4+ T-lymphocyte depletion or clinical disease. Additional adaptation will be required to optimize infectivity in vivo.
Hypovitaminosis D in African Americans Residing in Memphis, Tennessee With and Without Heart Failure

Background:Factors contributing to heart failure (HF) in African Americans (AA) are under investigation. Reduced 25(OH)D confers increased cardiovascular risk, including HF. Methods:We monitored serum 25(OH)D, 1,25(OH)2D3, parathyroid hormone (PTH), and creatinine clearance in 102 AA residing in Memphis: 58 hospitalized with decompensated HF of ≥4 weeks in 34 (21 men; 53.3 ± 1.8 years) or of 1 to 2 weeks in 24 (17 men; 49.6 ± 2.4 years) and associated with a dilated cardiomyopathy and reduced ejection fraction (<35%); 19 outpatients with compensated HF (14 men; 52.6 ± 2.7 years) with comparable ejection fraction; 16 outpatients (9 men; 55.4 ± 2.9 years) with heart disease, but without HF; and 9 healthy volunteers (3 men; 35.8 ± 3.5 years). Results:Serum 25(OH)D ≤30 ng/mL was found in 96% and 90% with protracted or short-term decompensated HF, where it was of moderate to marked severity (<20 ng/mL) in 83% and 76%, respectively. In patients with either compensated or no HF, 25(OH)D <30 ng/mL was found in 95% and 100%, respectively, and in 30% of volunteers. Normal serum 1,25(OH)2D3 did not differ between patients. Serum PTH >65 pg/mL was found in all AA with decompensated HF of ≥4 weeks (132.4 ± 12.0 pg/mL) and 67% with 1 to 2 weeks duration (82.3 ± 7.9 pg/mL), but only 11% with compensated HF (45.8 ± 6.1 pg/mL), 12% without HF (29.6 ± 5.4 pg/mL), and none of the volunteers (31.1 ± 3.9 pg/mL). Creatinine clearance did not differ between patient groups. Conclusions:Hypovitaminosis D is prevalent amongst AA residing in Memphis, with or without HF. Elevations in serum PTH in keeping with secondary hyperparathyroidism are only found in AA with decompensated HF, where hypovitaminosis D and other factors are contributory.
Outpatient Radioiodine Therapy for Thyroid Cancer: A Safe Nuclear Medicine Procedure

Purposes: To evaluate the dosimetric effect of outpatient radioiodine therapy for thyroid cancer in members of a patient's family and their living environment, when using iodine-131 doses reaching 7.4 GBq. The following parameters were thus defined: (a) whole-body radiation doses to caregivers, (b) the production of contaminated solid waste, and (c) radiation potential and surface contamination within patients' living quarters. Methods: In total, 100 patients were treated on an outpatient basis, taking into consideration their acceptable living conditions, interests, and willingness to comply with medical and radiation safety guidelines. Both the caregivers and the radiation dose potentiality inside patients' residences were monitored by using thermoluminescent dosimeters. Surface contamination and contaminated solid wastes were identified and measured with a Geiger-Müller detector. Results: A total of 90 monitored individuals received a mean dose of 0.27 (±0.28) mSv, and the maximum dose registered was 1.6 mSv. The mean value for the potential dose within all living quarters was 0.31 (±0.34) mSv, and the mean value per monitored surface was 5.58 Bq/cm2 for all the 1659 points measured. The overall production of contaminated solid wastes was at a low level, being about 3 times less than the exemption level indicated by the International Atomic Energy Agency. Conclusions: This study indicates that the treatment of thyroid cancer by applying radioiodine activities up to 7.4 GBq, on an outpatient basis, is a safe procedure, especially when supervised by qualified professionals. This alternative therapy should be a topic for careful discussion considering the high potential for reducing costs in healthcare and improving patient acceptance.
Alcohol use and initial smoking lapses among heavy drinkers in smoking cessation treatment.

INTRODUCTION This study examined alcohol use and its association with initial smoking lapses among heavy nondependent drinkers in smoking cessation treatment. METHODS Participants were 236 heavy drinking smokers in a randomized clinical trial testing the efficacy of incorporating brief alcohol intervention into smoking cessation treatment. RESULTS Of the 178 participants who reported a smoking lapse, 41.5% lapsed when drinking alcohol. Those who had alcohol-involved lapses had significantly lower tobacco dependence severity and drank more drinks per week than those who had non-alcohol-involved lapses. The majority of alcohol-involved lapses were in a bar/restaurant, with other people, and when they were in a happy/good mood. In survival analyses with alcohol consumption as a time-varying covariate, moderate drinking days were associated with almost four times greater risk of smoking lapse than non-drinking days, and heavy drinking doubled the risk of lapsing compared with moderate drinking. DISCUSSION Results suggest that alcohol-related lapses are qualitatively different from lapses that do not involve alcohol. Furthermore, among heavy drinkers in cessation treatment, even moderate alcohol use is associated with increased risk of smoking, with heavy drinking further increasing the risk. Smoking cessation treatments for heavy alcohol drinkers should highlight the lapse risk associated with any alcohol consumption and with heavy drinking during a quit smoking attempt.
Alcohol dehydrogenase 2 variant is associated with cerebral infarction and lacunae

The authors examined the association of the alcohol dehydrogenase 2 (ADH2) genotype with vascular events in community-dwelling Japanese (1,102 men/1,093 women). The allele ADH2*2 encodes an isozyme with a higher level of activity than ADH2*1. Here, the authors show that the ADH2*1 carriage is associated with high prevalence of cerebral infarction and lacunae in men. Multiple regression analyses confirmed that the risk of lacunae and cerebral infarction was increased by the ADH2*1 allele.
Study of tooth loss in an adolescent Brazilian population.

Data concerning tooth loss in developing countries may indicate the dental health status in young people and serve as baseline data for evaluation of future dental health programs. The study population consisted of 304 schoolchildren (145 males, 159 females) from Belo Horizonte, M.G. Brazil. The mean age was 14.5, ranging from 13 to 16 yr. The number of teeth already lost and teeth indicated for extraction were assessed from two posterior bitewing radiographs and one frontal color photo which were obtained from all participants. The results showed that 2/3 of the studied population had lost one or more permanent teeth. The average number of missing teeth was 1.8 in both males and females. Of the various teeth, the mandibular first molars had most frequently been lost. Differences between the sexes concerning amount and pattern of lost teeth were small.
Effects of Methylphenidate on Impulsive Responding in Children With Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

The present investigation examined the effects of methylphenidate on impulsivity in children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). A task was designed to measure empirically the ADHD child's proclivity to blurt out incorrect answers before giving a final and/or correct response. Twenty-six ADHD children referred for double-blind placebo-controlled assessment of medication responsiveness and 14 non-ADHD controls were given a visual search word-matching task to assess impulsive responding. An analysis of covariance showed that ADHD children on methylphenidate made fewer impulsive errors than ADHD children on placebo. The control group made fewer impulsive errors than the ADHD children in the placebo condition, but the performance of the ADHD children on medication approximated the performance of the children without ADHD. These preliminary findings suggest that the word-matching task may be a useful tool for assessing impulsive responding and determining the benefits of stimulant medication on impulsivity. ( J Child Neurol 1993;8:157-163).
Direct Antitumor Activity of Interferon-Induced Dendritic Cells of Healthy Donors and Patients with Primary Brain Tumors

Dendritic cells (DCs) are well known for their capacity to induce adaptive antitumor immune response through their unique ability to uptake, processing and presenting antigens (Ags), and tumor-specific T cell activation. In addition, cytokines produced by dendritic cells are able to regulate the direction and strength of immune response, activate the cytotoxic cells (NK-, NKT-cells) and participate in the coordination of the humoral immune response (Melief, 2008; Banchereau et al., 2000). An increasing number of reports evidenced that besides this role, DCs may display additional antitumor effects. Indeed, DCs in vitro can inhibit proliferation and provide a direct cytotoxic effect on tumor cells. In this, human monocyte-derived DCs might exert antitumor activity through multiple TNF family members (i.e. TNF-┙, lymphotoxin-┙1┚2, FasL, TRAIL), as well as perforin and/or granzyme (Wesa & Storkus, 2008; Chauvin & Josien, 2008). Direct tumor cell killing by DCs themselves appear to be highly important since involves immediate presentation of tumor-associated Ags in the context of MHC molecules for recognition by cognate T cells, inducing a specific immune response. Importantly, pleiotropy in DC mechanisms of cytotoxicity allows DCs to overcome the resistance of tumor cells that are heterogeneous with regard to their sensitivity to the various death pathways. A number of evidence suggests that the direct antitumor effect of DCs is not purely in vitro phenomenon, and is implemented in vivo. First, DCs are present in the tumors, and their higher content correlates with a more favorable prognosis (Becker 1999). Second, intra-tumoral injection of intact DC (not loaded with tumor antigen) has been shown to correlate with reduced tumor growth and even regression (Becker et al., 2001; Ehtesham et al., 2003). Finally, it is shown that the intra-tumoral introduction of DCs improves the effectiveness of chemotherapy, which may be due to synergistic effects of cytostatics and DCs (Vanderheyde et al., 2004).
Prevalence and Correlates of Perceived Societal Racism in Older African‐American Adults with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Although experiences of racism in day‐to‐day life may affect minority patients' interaction with the health system and may influence health outcomes, little is known about these experiences in patients with chronic diseases. The goal of this study was to explore the frequency and correlates of perceived societal racism in 42 African Americans aged 50 and older with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Regulation of Macrophage Polarization and Wound Healing.

BACKGROUND Macrophages (Mφs) participate in wound healing by coordinating inflammatory and angiogenic processes. Mφs respond to environmental cues by adopting either "classically" activated (M1) proinflammatory or "alternatively" activated (M2a, M2b, M2c, M2d) wound healing phenotypes. THE PROBLEM Mφ polarization is essential for wound healing and aberrations in this process are linked to several pathologies. It is important to elucidate molecular mechanisms underlying Mφ polarization. BASIC/CLINICAL SCIENCE ADVANCES Mφs are categorized as proinflammatory (M1) or anti-inflammatory/wound healing (M2). M1 Mφs are observed in initial tissue damage responses, are induced by exogenous pathogen-associated molecular patterns or endogenous damage-associated molecular patterns, and exhibit increased phagocytosis and pro-inflammatory cytokine production, facilitating innate immunity and wound debridement. M2 Mφs predominate later in repair, express vascular endothelial growth factor, transforming growth factor beta, and interleukin 10 (IL-10), are activated by varied stimuli, assist in the resolution of inflammation, and promote tissue formation and remodeling. Recent work has characterized a novel "M2d" phenotype resulting from adenosine-dependent "switching" of M1 Mφs that exhibits a pattern of marker expression that is distinct from canonical IL-4/IL-13-dependent M2a Mφs. Recent studies have demonstrated important roles for specific transcriptional elements in M1 and M2a Mφ polarization, notably members of the interferon regulatory factor family interferon regulatory factor 5 (IRF5) and IRF4, respectively. The role of these IRFs in M2d polarization and wound healing remains to be determined. CLINICAL CARE RELEVANCE Knowledge of microenvironmental signals and molecular mechanisms that mediate Mφ polarization should permit their manipulation to regulate important physiological processes and resolve pathological conditions. CONCLUSION Proper Mφ polarization is essential to effective wound healing, and distinct phenotypes, such as the angiogenic M2d Mφ, may be of critical importance to this process. The IRF5 transcription factor has been shown to play a key role in M1 Mφ activation and the Jumonji domain containing-3-IRF4 pathway has been implicated in M2 Mφ activation.
Reducing urinary tract infections among female clean room workers.

OBJECTIVES A higher prevalence of urinary tract infection (UTI) was observed among clean room workers than among others in our previous study in 2001. We implemented intervention programs for reducing UTI and evaluated their effects 2 years later. METHODS We conducted an intervention study in four factories in the industrial park where the previous study was conducted and recruited participants from women workers who received annual health examinations at the clinic of the park. The intervention included health education programs during the new employee orientation and seasonal on-the-job training. We also implemented other measures, including placing posters in the workplace and disseminating knowledge of UTI prevention through e-mail and oral communications. One-on-one education was provided to workers who were found to have UTI in the previous study. RESULTS All the 1666 qualified workers, including 1414 clean room workers and 252 nonclean room workers, agreed to participate. We found a similar prevalence (both 0.8%) of symptomatic UTIs (patients with clinical symptoms, such as voiding frequency, urgency, and burning sensation during voiding) in clean room and nonclean room workers. In the 366 participants who also participated in the previous study, we found a significant decrease in the prevalence of UTI (from 9.8% to 1.6%) and significant increases in the prevalence of water intake and urine voiding, three times or more during a shift (p < 0.001 for all McNemar tests). CONCLUSIONS The interventions had achieved behavior modification and decreases in the prevalence of UTI.
A twin study of genetic and environmental influences on suicidality in men

Background. Previous studies that have examined genetic influences on suicidal behaviour were confounded by genetic vulnerability for psychiatric risk factors. The present study examines genetic influences on suicidality (i.e. suicidal ideation and/or suicide attempt) after controlling for the inheritance of psychiatric disorders. Methods. Sociodemographics, combat exposure, lifetime DSM-III-R major depression, bipolar disorder, childhood conduct disorder, adult antisocial personality disorder, panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, drug dependence, alcohol dependence and lifetime suicidal ideation and attempt were assessed in 3372 twin pairs from the Vietnam Era Twin Registry who were assessed in 1987 and 1992. Genetic risk factors for suicidality were examined in a multinomial logistic regression model. Additive genetic, shared environmental and non-shared environmental effects on suicidality were estimated using structural equation modelling, controlling for other risk factors. Results. The prevalence of suicidal ideation and suicide attempt were 16·1% and 2·4% respectively. In a multinomial regression model, co-twin’s suicidality, being white, unemployment, being other than married, medium combat exposure and psychiatric disorders were significant predictors for suicidal ideation. Co-twin’s suicidality, unemployment, marital disruption, low education attainment and psychiatric disorders (except childhood conduct disorder) were significant predictors for suicide attempt. Model-fitting suggested that suicidal ideation was influenced by additive genetic (36%) and non-shared environmental (64%) effects, while suicide attempt was affected by additive genetic (17%), shared environmental (19%) and non-shared environmental (64%) effects. Conclusions. There may be a genetic susceptibility specific to both suicidal ideation and suicide attempt in men, which is not explained by the inheritance of common psychiatric disorders.
Caring: Nurse‐Patient Perceptions

&NA; Evidence suggests patients will follow through with self‐care more readily and will cope with the stress of illness and disability better when they feel their needs are understood. This descriptive study identified the perceptions of rehabilitation patients (N = 26) and nurses (N = 26) of the most and least important nurse caring behaviors. Using the Caring Assessment Report Evaluation Q‐Sort (CAREQ), both patients and nurses ranked as the most important item “knows when to call the doctor” and “monitors and follows through” as the most important subscale. Demonstrated competency of skills and accessibility preceded the patient's need for a trusting relationship and comfort, which was different from what the nurses predicted. Results differ from other professional nurses’ perceptions of important nurse caring behaviors, but are similar to other studies of hospitalized patients’ perceptions of caring. The greatest implication for practice is for nurses to validate the effect their intended caring had on their patients.