Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Characteristics of men who pay for sex: a UK sexual health clinic survey

Background: Populations surveys in the United Kingdom have documented a doubling in the number of men paying for sex over the decade 1990 to 2000. We report the prevalence of this behaviour in men attending a sexual health clinic, and describe their characteristics. Methods: Retrospective case note review. Results: Of 2665 men completing a standard health screening questionnaire, 10% (267) reported paid sex. We reviewed case notes of 258 men. The mean age was 34.7 years. The majority reported paying women, with 4.3% paying men for sex. Men reported paying for sex abroad (51%), locally (40%), or elsewhere in the United Kingdom (11%), with only 1.7% paying for sex both in the United Kingdom and abroad. The majority (66%) had paid for sex in the previous 12 months, and 27% were repeated users of prostitutes. Almost half the men (43%) paid for sex while in another relationship. Unprotected vaginal sex was more common in men who had paid for sex abroad. None of the men had HIV infection, but 20% had a sexually transmitted infection (8% chlamydia, 1.3% gonorrhoea, 7% non-gonococcal urethritis, and 1.1% syphilis) Conclusion: Routine questions about commercial sexual contacts could allow targeted health promotion and harm minimisation for this group of men, protecting their partners—both unsuspecting and commercial.
A Randomized, Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Trial of Iron in Restless Legs Syndrome

Background: Previous open-label trials have shown iron to be efficacious in the treatment of restless legs syndrome. We performed a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of iron sulfate. Methods: Twenty-eight patients were randomized to receive either ferrous sulfate 325 mg b.i. d. or placebo for 12 weeks. The primary outcome measure was the dichotomous variable of improvement or no improvement in average quality of sleep as recorded by a visual analog scale nightly over a 2-week period, comparing a pretreatment 2-week baseline to weeks 13–14. Secondary outcome measures included a comparison of the quality of sleep as measured by a visual analog scale, effect of restless legs syndrome on life as a whole as measured by a different visual analog scale, and the percentage of nights patients were symptomatic. Results: No significant differences were noted between iron and placebo groups for both primary and secondary outcome measures. Responders taking iron did have a significant increase in their iron saturation compared to nonresponders taking iron. Conclusions: Iron sulfate does not appear to be an effective empiric treatment for restless legs syndrome.
Voxel-based morphometry study on brain structure in children with high-functioning autism

Earlier studies have suggested abnormal brain volumes in autism, but inconsistencies exist. Using voxel-based morphometry, we compared global and regional brain volumes in 17 high-functioning autistic children with 15 matched controls. We identified significant reduction in left white matter volume and white/gray matter ratio in autism. Regional brain volume reductions were detected for right anterior cingulate, left superior parietal lobule white matter volumes, and right parahippocampal gyrus gray matter volume, whereas enlargements in bilateral supramarginal gyrus, right postcentral gyrus, right medial frontal gyrus, and right posterior lobe of cerebellum gray matter in autism. Our findings showed global and regional brain volumes abnormality in high-functioning autism.
Assessment of SS-A and SS-B in parotid saliva of patients with Sjögren's syndrome.

BACKGROUND The purpose of this study was to compare the sensitivity of parotid saliva to that of serum in detecting anti-SSA/Ro and anti-SSB/La autoantibodies in patients with Sjögren's syndrome. METHODS Forty patients and 20 controls participated in the study; all patients met the 1993 European Community criteria for the diagnosis of Sjögren's syndrome. Healthy controls were age- and sex-matched individuals with no signs or symptoms of Sjögren's syndrome. Serum and saliva samples were evaluated using AffiniTech SSA/Ro and SSB/La antibodies kits (AffiniTech, Ltd. Bentonville, AR, USA). The results were also compared with serological status of SS-A and SS-B as reported by an independent clinical laboratory. RESULTS Serum was significantly more sensitive than saliva in detecting SSA/Ro and SSB/La antibodies (P = 0.001). There was high agreement between the results with the AffiniTech kits and the independent laboratory (kappa = 0.80; P < 0.001). However, there was poor agreement between saliva and serum results (kappa = 0.174; P = 0.168). CONCLUSIONS The overall results appear to support that serum analysis is effective method for evaluating the presence of SS-A and SS-B autoantibodies.
Attitudes to gender, age and sexual preferences in a Swedish setting : Results with the Implicit Association Test

This paper presents 4 experiments with Swedish participants using the implicit association test (Greenwald, McGhee, & Schwartz, 1998). The method measures the relative strength of association between two conceptual dimensions. One often represents opposing social categories, the other an evaluation. The experimental hypotheses concern basic attitudes: a positive evaluation of the self, including one of one’s own sex as compared to the other; an association between masculinity and potency/activity; a preference for youth as compared to old age, and a preference for heteroas compared to homosexuality. With the exception of own sex – positive evaluation for males, these hypotheses were supported by results at better than p < . 01.
The Fruiting Body Formation of Armillaria mellea on Oak Sawdust Medium Covered with Ground Raw Carrots

To produce an artificial fruiting body of Armillaria mellea on the oak sawdust medium, seven strains of A. mellea were used. The top surface of oak sawdust medium covered with ground raw carrot was inoculated with each of 7 strains and cultured for 30 days at 25°C in the dark condition until the myeelia of A. mellea completely colonized the medium from top to bottom. Then, the mycelia which were fully covered on the top surface of the medium were scratched slightly’ with a spatula and filled with tap water for 3 hours. To induce the primordial formation, the 7 strains of A. mellea were transferred to the growth chamber under the illumination (350 lux) of 12 hours and relative humidity of 85 ± 5% in a day and then cultured at 16 ± 1°C. Only A. mellea IUM 949 could form primordia on the sawdust medium, but the other strains did not make primordia at the same condition. The primordia of A. mellea IUM 949 were formed 10 days after complete colonization of the medium and the fruiting bodies were produced 7 days after a primordial formation. The experimental results suggested that IUM 949 strain might be a good candidate for mass production of fruiting bodies of A. mellea.
Monoclonal antibodies in the treatment of autoimmune cytopenias

In recent years, clinical studies have been undertaken with selected monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs) in the treatment of several hematological diseases, especially in malignant disorders. However, some clinical observations indicate that MoAbs may be an important alternative for the conventional therapy of some autoimmune disorders. Two MoAbs directed against CD20 antigen (rituximab, Rituxan, Mabthera) and CD52 antigen (alemtuzumab, Campath‐1H) seem to be especially useful for this purpose. Autoimmune cytopenias have been investigated in the last few years with positive preliminary results. Rituximab seems to be an effective and safe agent for the treatment of immune thrombocytopenias, autoimmune hemolytic anemia, cold agglutinin disease and pure red cell aplasia. Although the case series are small, rituximab seems to be an effective and safe agent for the treatment of these diseases. Clinical experience with alemtuzumab in patients with autoimmune cytopenias is even more limited than with rituximab. However, preliminary results indicate that further studies with this MoAb are warranted. A longer follow‐up and the studies on larger number of patients are needed to determine the real value of these new approaches in autoimmune cytopenias. Recent experiences with the use of MoAbs in treatment of these diseases are the subject of this review.
Human O6‐methylguanine‐DNA methyltransferase containing C145A does not prevent hepatocellular carcinoma in C3HeB/FeJ transgenic mice

The prevalence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was diminished from 60% to 18% at 15 months of age in C3HeB/FeJ male transgenic mice expressing hMGMT in our previous studies. To directly test if the methyltransferase activity is required for diminished tumor prevalence, two separate lines of transgenic mice bearing an enzymatically inactive form of hMGMT were used. In these lines, cysteine 145 was substituted with alanine (C145A). Expression of the hMGMT C145A transgene in liver was demonstrated by Northern blots and Western blots. Immunohistochemistry revealed predominantly nuclear localization of the hMGMT C145A protein. hMGMT C145A transgenic mice were crossed with lacI transgenic mice to assess mutant frequencies in the presence of the mutant protein. Mutant frequencies were similar among livers of lacI × hMGMT C145A bi‐transgenic mice and lacI × wild‐type (WT) mice. DNA sequence analysis of recovered lacI mutants revealed similar mutation spectra for hMGMT C145A and WT mice. The prevalence of HCC was also similar for the two tested lines of hMGMT C145A mice, 45% and 48% prevalence with median tumor sizes of 11 and 8 mm, and WT mice, 40% prevalence and median tumor size of 10 mm. These results provide evidence that residue C145 in hMGMT is required to reduce the prevalence of HCC in C3HeB/FeJ mice transgenic for hMGMT. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Patterns of calcium‐binding proteins support parallel and hierarchical organization of human auditory areas

The human primary auditory cortex (AI) is surrounded by several other auditory areas, which can be identified by cyto‐, myelo‐ and chemoarchitectonic criteria. We report here on the pattern of calcium‐binding protein immunoreactivity within these areas. The supratemporal regions of four normal human brains (eight hemispheres) were processed histologically, and serial sections were stained for parvalbumin, calretinin or calbindin. Each calcium‐binding protein yielded a specific pattern of labelling, which differed between auditory areas. In AI, defined as area TC [see C. von Economo and L. Horn (1930) Z. Ges. Neurol. Psychiatr. ,130, 678–757], parvalbumin labelling was dark in layer IV; several parvalbumin‐positive multipolar neurons were distributed in layers III and IV. Calbindin yielded dark labelling in layers I–III and V; it revealed numerous multipolar and pyramidal neurons in layers II and III. Calretinin labelling was lighter than that of parvalbumin or calbindin in AI; calretinin‐positive bipolar and bitufted neurons were present in supragranular layers. In non‐primary auditory areas, the intensity of labelling tended to become progressively lighter while moving away from AI, with qualitative differences between the cytoarchitectonically defined areas. In analogy to non‐human primates, our results suggest differences in intrinsic organization between auditory areas that are compatible with parallel and hierarchical processing of auditory information.
Late Pleistocene colonization of South Georgia by yellow‐billed pintails pre‐dates the Last Glacial Maximum

Glacial cycles had a major influence on the distribution of high‐latitude species, and while genetic consequences of these cycles have been well studied in the Circumpolar North, notably fewer studies have been undertaken in the Antarctic. Here, we use multilocus genetic data from the South Georgia pintail (Anas georgica georgica) as a proxy to study the presence and timing of ice‐free refugia on South Georgia, a glaciated subantarctic island in the South Atlantic Ocean that has been the subject of intense geomorphological and palaeoenvironmental study.
Establishment of latency in vitro by the herpes simplex virus type 1 mutant in1814.

The herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) mutant in1814 possesses an insertion mutation that abolishes trans-activation of immediate early (IE) transcription by the virion protein Vmw65. Interactions between in1814 and the host cell were examined by use of an in vitro latency system which relies on infection of human foetal lung (HFL) cells at 42 degrees C to prevent lytic growth of virus. Mutant in1814 was retained in HFL cells after infection at low m.o. i. and incubation at 42 degrees C, and was reactivated by superinfection of monolayers with viruses that express the HSV-1 IE protein Vmw110. Moreover, latency was established by in1814 in an analogous manner at 37 degrees C. The low cytotoxicity of in1814 enabled an investigation of latency after infection at high m.o. i. (five particles per cell) to be undertaken. At 42 degrees C, or at 37 degrees C in the presence of an inhibitor of DNA synthesis, in1814 DNA was maintained at low abundance (one to eight copies per infected cell) in a non-linear configuration. The absence of trans-activation by Vmw65 therefore predisposes HSV to latency, as opposed to lytic growth, in HFL cells, resulting in the retention of the genome in a form resembling that found in vivo.
Evaluation of Right Atrial Size in Patients with Atrial Arrhythmias: Comparison of 2D versus Real Time 3D Echocardiography

Aim: This study compares different parameters of right atrial size evaluated by two‐dimensional (2D) echocardiography with right atrial volume measured using three‐dimensional echocardiography (3DE). Methods and Results: One hundred sixty‐three consecutive patients with a history of atrial arrhythmias were studied by standard two‐dimensional and by real time 3DE. Of these 142 (87%) recordings were of sufficient quality for interpretation of the right atrium by both imaging techniques. The following parameters of right atrial size were measured: apical four‐chamber short‐axis diameter (4CH short axis), apical four‐chamber long axis diameter (4CH long axis), and apical four‐chamber planimetry area. The 2D‐derived right atrial volume was calculated by using the single plane area‐length method (4CH area‐length). The 2D parameters were then correlated with right atrial volume measured by real time 3DE. Linear regression analysis showed moderate correlation for four‐chamber planimetry area (r = 0.72, P < 0.001) and 2D‐derived volume calculation (r of 4CH single plane area‐length RA volume = 0.70, P < 0.001). Diameters correlated clearly less well with 3DE volume (r of 4CH short axis = 0.61, 4CH long axis = 0.59, P < 0.001 respectively). Conclusion: Real time 3DE is highly feasible for right atrial volume determination. The results demonstrate that measurements of dimensions using 2D echocardiography may not accurately assess right atrial size. If 3DE is not available, apical 4CH planimetry area is a simple alternative that may be used for evaluating right atrial size in clinical practice. The 2D‐derived right atrial volume by single plane area‐length method was not better correlated with 3DE volume than four‐chamber planimetry area.
Ethnocultural community leaders’ views and perceptions on biobanks and population specific genomic research: a qualitative research study

Substantial investments were made in population based biobanks over the past decade. Ethnocultural community members are both sponsors and beneficiaries of biobanks. In addition, the success of biobank projects depends on community support and participation. Yet there are few empirical data on views, perceptions and interests of ethnocultural communities on biobanks. This silent gap in genomics, ethics and policy literatures has to be addressed. We conducted a qualitative research study with in-depth interviews of ethnocultural community leaders (e.g., members of the Canadian Parliament, school commissioners) on their perspectives concerning population specific genomics research and biobanks. An equal partnership model where public is not only informed, but also involved in decision-making processes was perceived as an essential democratic requisite. These empirical data on ethnocultural community leaders’ views, interests and perceptions identify several key socio-cultural and ethical factors that can be decisive for effective and sustainable community involvement in biobanks.
Local reflex in microcirculation in human subcutaneous tissue.

The effect of changes in transmural pressure in the vessles of the extremities on blood flow in subcutaneous adipose tissue were investigated in three healthy subjects. Changes in transmural pressure were obtained either by postural changes of a limb, by locally induced subatmospheric pressure, or be venous stasis. Blood flow in subcutaneous tissue was measured 10 cm distal to the fibular head and at the lateral malleolus in the leg, or in the distal part of the forearm by the local 133Xenon washout technique. When transmural pressure increased 25 mmHg or more, blood flow decreased about 50 per cent due to an increase in vascular resconstrictor response to increase in transmural pressure could be blocked by infiltrating the area under study with phentolamine or lidocaine or by induced counterpressure. In these cases blood flow remained constant. The findings indicate that the vasoconstrictor response to increase in transmural pressure of 25 mmHg or more is due to a local nervous mechanism involving adrenergic nerves. The receptors are presumably stretch receptors placed in the small veins. The effector site is probably the arterioles. When the vasoconstrictor response is blocked, autoregulation of blood flow in subcutaneous tissue, i.e. maintenance of constant blood flow during changes in perfusion pressure head or during changes in transmural pressure, is revealed. The vasoconstrictor response to increase in transmural pressure will counteract an increase in transmural pressure in the exchange vessles and thereby act as an edema protecting factor.
On the Global Solvability of a Class of Fourth-Order Nonlinear Boundary Value Problems

In this paper we prove the global solvability of a class of fourth-order nonlinear boundary value problems that govern the deformation of a Hollomon's power-law plastic beam subject to an axial compression and nonlinear lateral constrains. For certain ranges of the acting axial compression force, the solvability of the equations follows from the monotonicity of the fourth order nonlinear differential operator. Beyond these ranges the monotonicity of the operator is lost. It is shown that, in this case, the global solvability may be generated by the lower order nonlinear terms of the equations for a certain type of constrains. Mathematics Subject Classification: 49G99, 73H05, 73K15
Modeling Workplace Bullying Behaviors Using Catastrophe Theory

Workplace bullying is defined as negative behaviors directed at organizational members or their work context that occur regularly and repeatedly over a period of time. Employees' perceptions of psychosocial safety climate, workplace bullying victimization, and workplace bullying perpetration were assessed within a sample of nearly 5,000 workers. Linear and nonlinear approaches were applied in order to model both continuous and sudden changes in workplace bullying. More specifically, the present study examines whether a nonlinear dynamical systems model (i.e., a cusp catastrophe model) is superior to the linear combination of variables for predicting the effect of psychosocial safety climate and workplace bullying victimization on workplace bullying perpetration. According to the AICc, and BIC indices, the linear regression model fits the data better than the cusp catastrophe model. The study concludes that some phenomena, especially unhealthy behaviors at work (like workplace bullying), may be better studied using linear approaches as opposed to nonlinear dynamical systems models. This can be explained through the healthy variability hypothesis, which argues that positive organizational behavior is likely to present nonlinear behavior, while a decrease in such variability may indicate the occurrence of negative behaviors at work.
Subcutaneous hepatitis B immune globulin after liver transplantation

We read with interest the recent article by Franciosi et al., who reported their development and validation of a new quality-of-life instrument specific to the use of hepatitis B immune globulin (HBIG) after liver transplantation. Comparing intramuscular (IM) and intravenous HBIG administration, they reported that patients receiving IM HBIG had superior healthrelated quality-of-life scores yet did not fare as well in terms of side effects. Although in the future prophylaxis against hepatitis B graft recurrence may well rest with oral nucleoside/ nucleotide antiviral agents, HBIG use is entrenched in Canada, at least at the present time. At Vancouver General Hospital, our group has been administering subcutaneous (SC) HBIG both clinically and in the context of a clinical study for the past 7 years. Clinical use began when HBIG was required but contraindications to IM injections existed, and we did not have access to an intravenous formulation. Our clinical study, which investigated the conversion from IM HBIG to SC HBIG, documented its efficacy with the successful achievement of target HBIG titers (>100 IU/L); dosing was required every 56.5 days on average. In terms of patient satisfaction, our measures admittedly were considerably less sophisticated than those of Franciosi et al.: on a pain rating scale of 0 to 10, patients rated their previous IM injections as 5, whereas SC administration was rated as 1.6. Moreover, the patients reported a preference for SC administration versus IM administration. In conclusion, Franciosi et al. have underscored the importance of quality of life and satisfaction from the patient’s perspective. With respect to medication administration, SC HBIG may further improve these very important endpoints. We note that Yahyazadeh et al. recently reported the efficacy of SC HBIG administration at home, and this will undoubtedly further improve patient convenience and satisfaction.