Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Association between nucleoside analogues and risk of hepatitis B virus–related hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence following liver resection.

CONTEXT Tumor recurrence is a major issue for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) following curative liver resection. OBJECTIVE To investigate the association between nucleoside analogue use and risk of tumor recurrence in patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV)--related HCC after curative surgery. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS A nationwide cohort study between October 2003 and September 2010. Data from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database. Among 100 938 newly diagnosed HCC patients, we identified 4569 HBV-related HCC patients who received curative liver resection for HCC between October 2003 and September 2010. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The risk of first tumor recurrence was compared between patients not taking nucleoside analogues (untreated cohort, n = 4051) and patients taking nucleoside analogues (treated cohort, n = 518). Cumulative incidences and hazard ratios (HRs) were calculated after adjusting for competing mortality. RESULTS The treated cohort had a higher prevalence of liver cirrhosis when compared with the untreated cohort (48.6% vs 38.7%; P < .001), but lower risk of HCC recurrence (n = 106 [20.5%] vs n = 1765 [43.6%]; P < .001), and lower overall death (n = 55 [10.6%] vs n = 1145 [28.3%]; P < .001). After adjusting for competing mortality, the treated cohort had a significantly lower 6-year HCC recurrence rate (45.6%; 95% CI, 36.5%-54.6% vs untreated, 54.6%; 95% CI, 52.5%-56.6%; P < .001). Six-year overall mortalities for treated cohorts were 29.0% (95% CI, 20.0%-38.0%) and for untreated 42.4% (95% CI, 40.0%-44.7%; P < .001). On modified Cox regression analysis, nucleoside analogue use (HR, 0.67; 95% CI, 0.55-0.81; P < .001), statin use (HR, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.53-0.87; P = .002), and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or aspirin use (HR, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.73-0.88; P < .001) were independently associated with a reduced risk of HCC recurrence. Multivariable stratified analyses verified the association in all subgroups of patients, including those who were noncirrhotic (HR, 0.56; 95% CI, 0.42-0.76) and diabetic (HR, 0.52; 95% CI, 0.31-0.89). CONCLUSION Nucleoside analogue use was associated with a lower risk of HCC recurrence among patients with HBV-related HCC after liver resection.
Identification of Familiar and Unfamiliar Faces from Internal and External Features: Some Implications for Theories of Face Recognition

Three experiments are reported in which recognition of faces from whole faces or internal or external features was compared. In the first experiment, where the faces were of famous people, an advantage was found for identification from internal features. In the second experiment involving unfamiliar faces, however, no difference was found in recognition rates when subjects were given the internal or the external features. In a third experiment famous faces were presented and mixed with other famous faces for a recognition test. As in experiment 1, better recognition occurred from internal as compared with external features. It is argued that the internal representation for familiar faces may be qualitatively different from that for faces seen just once. In particular some advantage in feature saliency may accrue to the internal or ‘expressive’ features of familiar faces. The implications of these results are considered in relation to general theories of face perception and recognition.
CYP2C19 genotypes in a population of healthy volunteers and in children with hematological malignancies in Gaza Strip.

BACKGROUND Cytochrome P450 2C19 (CYP2C19) participates in the metabolism of many clinically important drugs and xenobiotic compounds. Genetic polymorphisms of the CYP2C19 gene are described to have possible effect on drug treatment and increasing susceptibility to carcinogenic substances. The aim of this study was to determine the frequencies of the common polymorphic CYP2C19 alleles (CYP2C19*2 and CYP2C19*3) in Gaza Strip population and to investigate their association with occurrence of childhood hematological malignancies as compared to healthy subjects. METHODS The polymorphism of CYP2C19 was analyzed by PCR-RFLP. DNA was extracted from blood samples obtained from 52 previously diagnosed hematological malignancy children and 200 normal subjects. RESULTS In the patient group the frequencies of CYP2C19*2 and CYP2C19*3 were 9.62% and 0.96%, respectively; while in the control group the respective frequencies were 5.75% and 3%. There is no significant difference between the healthy and the patient groups in terms of the frequencies of CYP2C19*2 and CYP2C19*3. The genotyping analysis showed the following results: 15.39% (1*/2*), 1.92% (1*/3*), 1.92% (2*/2*) and 80.77% (1*/1*) in the patients, while in the normal subjects the distribution of CYP2C19*1/*1, *1/*2, *1/*3, *2/*2, *2/*3 and *3/*3 genotypes were 86.5, 6.5, 3, 1.5, 2, and 0.5 %, respectively. CONCLUSION There is no significant association between the CYP2C19 polymorphism and the occurrence of the childhood hematological malignancies. The distribution of CYP2C19*2 in the Gaza Strip population is lower than that in Caucasians, Africans and the Asian populations. The CYP2C19*3 allele, which was not reported in the Caucasian populations, is present in 3% of the Gaza Strip population. Further studies are needed to investigate the role of other CYPs' polymorphisms in our patient group.
Work ability of workers in western China: reference data.

BACKGROUND The Work Ability Index (WAI) is a validated and widely used research tool. Reference data for Chinese workers by age, gender and work content are poorly documented or lacking. OBJECTIVE To provide reference data for work ability among workers in western China. METHODS A random sample of 10 218 workers (including manual, professional, clerical and semi-skilled workers) in western China, aged 16-69 years, was taken from several studies and the WAI questionnaire was administered. RESULTS All the WAI scores were distributed continuously and nearly normally. The WAI for female workers was significantly higher than for males (P < 0.01) and the 'poor' WAI category only accounted for 3% of females, against 6% of males. WAI scores declined with age and changed variably among workers according to work content and age. Mean WAI scores of manual workers declined rapidly beyond the age of 35 years, and beyond age 45 years for professional and clerical workers. WAI scores were distributed differently according to work content and age group (P < 0.01). WAI categories differed by work content and age group both for male and female workers. CONCLUSION WAI is validated in Chinese occupational practices. Some reference data are different from Finnish data. This study provides gender, age and work-content-specific WAI reference values that will help enable comparison and intervention evaluation in further studies.
Levels of Matrix Metalloproteinases in Arthroplasty Patients and Their Correlation With Inflammatory and Thrombotic Activation Processes

An imbalance of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their inhibitors is thought to play a major role in the pathophysiology of joint diseases. The aim of this study is to provide additional insights into the relevance of MMP levels in arthroplasty patients in relation to inflammation and thrombosis. Deidentified plasma samples from 100 patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty or total knee arthroplasty were collected preoperatively, on postoperative day 1, and on postoperative day 3. Tissue inhibitor of MMP 4, tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), pro-MMP1, MMP3, MMP9, MMP13, and d-dimer were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. A biochip array was used to profile interleukin (IL) 2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), interferon gamma, TNF-α, IL-1α, IL-1β, monocyte chemoattractant protein 1, and endothelial growth factor (EGF) levels. The levels of MMP1, MMP9, MMP13, and TNF-α were elevated preoperatively in arthroplasty patients when compared to healthy individuals. The concentrations of MMP1 and MMP9 increased slightly in postsurgical samples. d-Dimer levels were elevated preoperatively, increased postoperatively, and started decreasing on postoperative day 3. Significant correlations between MMP9 with TNF-α, IL-6, IL-8, VEGF, and EGF were identified. Elevated preoperative MMP1, MMP9, and MMP13 concentrations suggest that they may play a role in the pathogenesis of arthritis. There is also evidence of increased coagulation activity and possible upregulation of several MMPs postsurgically. Correlation analysis indicates that MMP9 levels may potentially be related to inflammation and thrombosis in arthroplasty patients.
Immunolocalization of detergent‐susceptible nucleoplasmic lamin A/C foci by a novel monoclonal antibody

The A‐type lamins are localized in the interior of the nucleus as well as on the nuclear periphery. In this study, we have characterized a monoclonal antibody LA‐2F9 produced against recombinant rat lamin A which stains a subpopulation of various cell types in a pattern of small nucleoplasmic foci that are unusually susceptible to mild detergent/salt extraction. The specific reactivity of mAb LA‐2F9 towards lamins was confirmed by immunoblotting of HeLa and C3H10T½ whole cell lysates and nuclear lysates. The epitope for LA‐2F9 was narrowed down to amino acid residues 268–278 (SAKLDNARQSA). To check whether the appearance of lamin foci was cell‐cycle‐dependent, C3H10T½ cells were serum‐starved and then refed to trigger cells to enter the G1 phase of the cell‐cycle. The intensity of staining increased 3.5‐fold within 6 h of refeeding, when the maximum number of cells were labeled with LA‐2F9. We also checked whether the LA‐2F9 foci colocalized with nuclear proteins known to be distributed in small foci such as hnRNPs, snRNPs, SC‐35, and p80 coilin, but did not find evidence of colocalization. Our studies suggest that LA‐2F9 has a novel and specific reactivity towards detergent‐susceptible lower order lamin structures that are likely to be assembly intermediates. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Current principles of sunscreen use in children

Purpose of review Physicians need to be prepared to counsel patients on why and how to protect themselves from damaging ultraviolet (UV) radiation, including the proper use of sunscreens. In this article, we review the interplay between UV radiation, sunscreens and the skin, highlighting current controversies and recommendations surrounding sunscreen use. Recent findings An important concept is that excessive UV exposure has long-term damaging effects on the skin beyond the immediate sunburn. Recent discoveries of the role of UVA radiation in skin cancer development have set high standards for broad-spectrum coverage to be met by sunscreens. Current evidence does not support an association between sunscreen use and melanoma, systemic toxicity or vitamin D deficiency. Although sunscreen application is the most common modality for sun protection, many people do not use it correctly. Regular sunscreen use during childhood and adolescence can significantly reduce lifetime incidence of skin cancer; therefore, targeting children in pediatric offices regarding unprotected UV exposure may be a practical approach. Summary Sunscreens continue to be a major method of photoprotection among the public, offering numerous benefits that clearly outweigh potential risks; however, optimizing the use of sunscreens, especially among children and adolescents, remains a major challenge.
The Qualitative Similarity Hypothesis: Research Synthesis and Future Directions

In the penultimate article of a two-part special issue of the American Annals of the Deaf examining the qualitative similarity hypothesis (QSH), findings of nine research teams with articles in the special issue are summarized. The teams addressed three questions: (a) For students who are d/Deaf or hard of hearing (d/Dhh), is reading qualitatively similar to the reading process of hearing students (per the QSH)? (b) Is it, rather, qualitatively different (per the qualitative difference hypothesis [QDH])? (c) Or is reading qualitatively similar and qualitatively different? All nine teams recognized that aspects of the reading acquisition process of d/Dhh children resemble those of hearing children and that the QSH is tenable if it is independent of a child’s language modality. Two teams concluded that there is research supporting both the QSH and the QDH. Implications for teacher education, future research, and language policymaking are discussed.
Oblique convergence in the Himalayas of western Nepal deduced from preliminary results of GPS measurements

A GPS network consisting of 29 sites was installed in central and western Nepal, with measurements taken in 1995 and partial remeasurements in 1997. Data suggest 15 +/−5 mm/yr of N180° convergence between the Higher Himalayas and India, a result that is consistent with N‐S shortening across the arcuate shape of the Nepalese Himalayas and an oblique underthrusting of the Indian crust below the High Himalayas of western Nepal. A 4 +/−3 mm/year E‐W extension and deviation of the principal shortening axes are inferred east of 83°E, where Quaternary faults (Darma‐Bari Gad fault system and Thakkhola graben) delineate a crustal wedge. This wedge is located on the SE projection of the Karakorum fault and may segment the Himalayan thrust belt. The convergence between the outer belt of western Nepal and India is less than 3 mm/yr, an attenuation consistent with creep on a dislocation locked beneath the Lesser Himalayas. A preliminary model suggests that this N 120°E striking dislocation is affected by a 19 mm/yr thrust component and a 7 mm/yr right lateral component.
Gene flow between sexual and asexual strains of parasitic wasps: a possible case of sympatric speciation caused by a parthenogenesis‐inducing bacterium

Sympatric speciation is strictly defined as the emergence of two species from a population in which mating has been random with respect to the place of birth of the mating partners. Mathematical models have shown that sympatric speciation is possible, but very few examples have been documented in nature. In this article, we demonstrate that arrhenotokous and thelytokous strains of a parasitic wasp, Neochrysocharis formosa, speciated sympatrically through infection by a symbiotic bacterium Rickettsia for the following reasons: First, Rickettsia infection was detected in all of the thelytokous strains collected throughout Japan. Second, the arrhenotokous and thelytokous strains have been collected sympatrically. Third, crossing experiments between the two strains did not result in fertilized offspring. In addition, the two strains were genetically isolated at the nuclear and mitochondrial genes. Fourth, the two strains showed a sister relationship in nuclear 28S rRNA gene. Finally, thelytokous females treated with antibiotics produced Rickettsia‐free male offspring of the same reproductive form as arrhenotokous females indicating that the thelytokous strain could have speciated sympatrically from an individual of the arrhenotokous strain.
The structure of the epididymis, efferent ductules and ductus deferens of the guinea pig: A light microscope study

In the guinea pig, the narrow part of the epididymis that traverses the upper pole of the testis and passes downward over the entire length of the gonad is composed exclusively of efferent ductules and the initial segment (zone I) of the epididymal duct. At the beginning of zone II, the narrow contour of zone I expands into a large globular region which lies adjacent to the caudal pole of the testis. The globular region of the guinea pig epididymis is commonly referred to as the cauda epididymidis but in the present study, examination with the light microscope reveals that it is composed of five histologically distinct zones (zones III through VII). A detailed histological analysis of the characteristics of the epithelium in the seven zones of the guinea pig epididymis and in the efferent ductules and ductus deferens was undertaken to obtain a better understanding of structure‐function relationships in the epididymis of the guinea pig. It was found that each of the zones could be readily distinguished on the basis of its histological features and primarily on the basis of the appearance of the principal cells.
Filter Performance Degradation of Electrostatic N95 and P100 Filtering Facepiece Respirators by Dioctyl Phthalate Aerosol Loading

Polydisperse dioctyl phthalate (DOP) aerosols are employed for testing filter penetration with loading of R- and P-series particulate filters for National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) certification. Penetration for filters must not exceed NIOSH allowed maximum levels during the entire loading of 200 mg DOP indicating no filter degradation. Degradation of respirators loaded with DOP by other aerosols as well as respirators exposed to both oil and non-oil aerosols found in some workplaces is not well studied. To better understand the degradation of respirators with electrostatic filter media, two models of N95 and P100 filtering facepiece respirators (FFRs) were loaded with polydisperse DOP aerosols up to 200 mg as employed for NIOSH certification testing with simultaneous measurement of filter penetration. In parallel experiments, both N95 and P100 FFRs were loaded with 10 to 200 mg DOP and challenged with polydisperse NaCl aerosol employed for NIOSH certification testing as well as monodisperse NaCl aerosol, and filter penetration was measured. Results showed that filter penetration for both N95 models increased with increasing amounts of DOP loading and exceeded NIOSH allowed maximum penetration (5%) by both DOP and NaCl aerosols indicating filter degradation. Monodisperse NaCl aerosols (20–400 nm) gradually increased the penetration and shifted the most penetrating particle size from ~40 nm to larger sizes. In the case of P100 FFRs, DOP aerosol penetration was below 0.03% for up to 200 mg DOP loading as required for NIOSH certification. Interestingly, one of the two P100 FFR models loaded with 10–50 mg DOP showed >0.03% penetration with polydisperse, as well as monodisperse, NaCl aerosol testing. Overall, the results obtained in the study indicate that some P100 models loaded with DOP at lower amounts may show higher penetration with other aerosols such as NaCl. Further studies are needed to better understand the filter degradation of DOP loaded respirators.
ELASTIC PROPERTIES OF SILICA POLYMORPHS – A REVIEW

The elastic properties of silica phases are reviewed. Available monocrystal data for crystalline SiO2 polymorphs (low-quartz, high-quartz, low-cristobalite, high-cristobalite, stishovite) are collected from the literature, and effective elastic constants (Young's moduli, shear moduli, bulk moduli and Poisson ratios) are calculated from these using Voigt-Reuss-Hill averaging. Both experimental data and simulation results are taken into account. A table of room temperature elastic constants for crystalline silica polymorphs and silica glass is given that lists the recommended current "state-of-the-art" values. All data are consistent with the well-known auxetic behavior of cristobalite at room temperature, and high-temperature simulation data published for cristobalite confirm auxetic behavior for all temperatures from room temperature up to more than 1500°C. The calculations of this paper show that also quartz can be auxetic, but only in a very limited temperature range around the low-to-high-quartz transition temperature (420 - 577°C). Experimental measurements of elastic properties of tridymite and cristobalite, including high-temperature measurements, are identified as a desideratum of future research.
Condom effectiveness for prevention of Chlamydia trachomatis infection

Background/objectives: A growing body of evidence is increasingly demonstrating the effectiveness of condoms for sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevention. The purpose of the present analysis was to provide a disease specific estimate for the effectiveness of condoms in preventing Chlamydia trachomatis infection while controlling for known exposure to infection. Methods: Condom effectiveness for C trachomatis was estimated using a medical record database from a public sexually transmitted disease clinic (n = 1455). Clients were classified as having known exposure to C trachomatis if they presented to the clinic as a contact to an infected partner. Results: Among clients with known exposure, 13.3% of consistent condom users were diagnosed with C trachomatis infection compared to 34.4% of inconsistent condom users (adjusted odds ratio = 0.10; 95% CI: 0.01 to 0.83). Among clients with unknown exposure, there was no observed protective effect of condoms. Conclusions: This study provides further evidence that condoms are effective in preventing C trachomatis infection by reporting a disease specific estimate and restricting analyses to individuals with known exposure.
Pediatric HIV Infection

This article provides an overview of the spectrum of pediatric HIV-1 infection. It discusses the epidemiology of the virus modes of transmission natural history of the disease diagnostic techniques and the management of HIV infection in the pediatric population. Estimates in 1999 note that almost 16 million women and 1.3 million children who are younger than 15 years old have become infected with HIV-1. More than 95% of these cases are in the developing world and most of the pediatric cases had been acquired through perinatal transmission. However the quality of life of HIV-infected children has improved dramatically due to advancements in antiretroviral regimens. New diagnostic tools such as polymerase chain reaction assays allow for rapid diagnosis and provide an opportunity for early initiation of potent therapy. Efficient suppression of viral replication and maintenance of normal immune function have also become achievable for many children infected with HIV. Although more numerous treatment options have become available new challenges are emerging. Managing drug-associated toxicities and assuring that the quality of life and treatment adherence are not compromised by the complexity of the drug regimens are just two of the issues that HIV clinicians must continuously address.
Spectrophotometric determination of nickel(II) with 2-hydroxy-3-methoxy-benzaldehyde thiosemicarbazone

2-Hydroxy-3-methoxy benzaldehyde thiosemicarbazone has been synthesized, characterized and its analytical application investigated. It reacts with nickel(II) in aqueous solution at pH 4.0-8.0 and at room temperature to form a yellow coloured ML (1:1) complex with absorption maximum at 410 nm and molar absorptivity 2.05x10 4 1 mol -1 cm -1 . Beer's law is obeyed in the range of 0.058-2.347 μg ml -1 of Ni(II). A method for the determination of nickel(II) by second order derivative spectrophotometry has also been proposed. Interference of various diverse ions has been studied. The proposed methods have been successfully applied to determination of nickel in aluminium-based steels, drinking water, plant samples and in vegetable oil.
Emotion socialization practices in Latina and European-American mothers of preschoolers with behavior problems

The present study examined mothers’ emotion socialization of three-year-old children with behavior problems to determine whether emotion socialization practices, as well as the relation between these practices and child functioning, varied across ethnicities. Participants were 134 preschoolers with behavior problems. Mothers were European-American (n = 96) and Latina (n = 38; predominantly Puerto Rican). Audiotaped mother-child interactions were coded for emotion socialization behaviors. Latina and European-American mothers used similar emotion socialization practices on most dimensions. Latina mothers were more likely to minimize or not respond to their children's negative affect. However, this difference did not appear to have ramifications for children. This study provided evidence for both differences and similarities across ethnicities on emotion socialization practices.