Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Baseline Behavioral Assessment for the New Jersey Health Wellness Promotion Act

Purpose. To determine baseline use rates for health-promoting behaviors of the recently adopted New Jersey Health Wellness Promotion Act and to examine the effects of demographic and socioeconomic factors on the use of preventive services included in the Act. Design. A random telephone survey of 3094 households was conducted using questions from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System supplemented by questions related to provisions of the Act. Setting. All New Jersey households. Subjects. State representative adult sample of 1246 subjects. Measures. Rates for getting timely screening tests, for obtaining influenza immunizations, and engaging in selected health-promoting behaviors. Results. Rates for receiving recommended screening tests ranged from 0.88 for blood pressure testing to 0.29 for osteoporosis screening. According to bivariate analysis, having insurance was the most consistent determinant associated with receiving preventive services but was associated only with sigmoidoscopy, mammography, and Pap smear testing in the multivariate modeling. Reminders were significantly associated with respective screening tests. Age was positively associated with receiving the majority of tests. Gender, ethnicity, education, and income affected receipt sporadically. Half the respondents were overweight and a quarter were current smokers. Conclusions. Receipt of appropriate screening tests and adoption of health-promoting behaviors fell short of desired goals. Having health insurance increased receipt rates, but was not enough to achieve usage goals. Procedure-specific reminders may improve usage rates.
NEO212 Inhibits Migration and Invasion of Glioma Stem Cells

Glioblastoma multiforme is a malignant brain tumor noted for its extensive vascularity, aggressiveness, and highly invasive nature, suggesting that cell migration plays an important role in tumor progression. The poor prognosis in GBM is associated with a high rate of tumor recurrence, and resistance to the standard of care chemotherapy, temozolomide (TMZ). The novel compound NEO212, a conjugate of TMZ and perillyl alcohol (POH), has proven to be 10-fold more cytotoxic to glioma stem cells (GSC) than TMZ, and is active against TMZ-resistant tumor cells. In this study, we show that NEO212 decreases migration and invasion of primary cultures of patient-derived GSCs, in both mesenchymal USC02 and proneural USC04 populations. The mechanism by which NEO212 reduces migration and invasion appears to be independent of its DNA alkylating effects, which cause cytotoxicity during the first hours of treatment, and is associated with a decrease in the FAK/Src signaling pathway, an effect not exhibited by TMZ. NEO212 also decreases the production of matrix metalloproteinases MMP2 and MMP9, crucial for GSC invasion. Gene expression analysis of epithelial and mesenchymal markers suggests that NEO212 increases the expression of epithelial-like characteristics, suggesting a reversion of the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition process. Furthermore, in an in vivo orthotopic glioma model, NEO212 decreases tumor progression by reducing invasion of GSCs, thereby increasing survival time of mice. These studies indicate that NEO212, in addition to cytotoxicity, can effectively reduce migration and invasion in GSCs, thus exhibiting significant clinical value in the reduction of invasion and malignant glioma progression. Mol Cancer Ther; 17(3); 625–37. ©2018 AACR.
Cognitive deficits after aneurysmal and angiographically negative subarachnoid hemorrhage: Memory, attention, executive functioning, and emotion recognition.

OBJECTIVE The authors' aim was to investigate cognitive outcome in patients with aneurysmal and angiographically negative subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH and anSAH), by comparing them to healthy controls and to each other. Besides investigating cognitive functions as memory and attention, they focused on higher-order prefrontal functions, namely executive functioning (EF) and emotion recognition. METHOD Patients and healthy controls were assessed with tests measuring memory (15 Words Test, Digit Span), attention and processing speed (Trail Making Test A and B), EF (Zoo Map, Letter Fluency, Dysexecutive Questionnaire), and emotion recognition (Facial Expressions of Emotion Stimuli and Tests). Between-groups comparisons of test performances were made. RESULTS Patients with aSAH scored significantly lower than healthy controls on measures of memory, processing speed, and attention, but anSAH patients did not. In the higher-order prefrontal functions (EF and emotion recognition), aSAH patients were clearly impaired when compared to healthy controls. However, anSAH patients did not perform significantly better than aSAH patients on the majority of the tests. CONCLUSIONS In the subacute phase after SAH, cognitive functions, including the higher-order prefrontal functions EF and emotion recognition, were clearly impaired in aSAH patients. Patients with anSAH did not perform better than aSAH patients, which indicates that these functions may also be affected to some extent in anSAH patients. Considering the importance of these higher-order prefrontal functions for daily life functioning, and following the results of the present study, tests that measure emotion recognition and EF should be part of the standard neuropsychological assessment after SAH. (PsycINFO Database Record
Control of helminth ruminant infections by 2030

Abstract Helminth infections have large negative impacts on production efficiency in ruminant farming systems worldwide, and their effective management is essential if livestock production is to increase to meet future human needs for dietary protein. The control of helminths relies heavily on routine use of chemotherapeutics, but this approach is unsustainable as resistance to anthelmintic drugs is widespread and increasing. At the same time, infection patterns are being altered by changes in climate, land-use and farming practices. Future farms will need to adopt more efficient, robust and sustainable control methods, integrating ongoing scientific advances. Here, we present a vision of helminth control in farmed ruminants by 2030, bringing to bear progress in: (1) diagnostic tools, (2) innovative control approaches based on vaccines and selective breeding, (3) anthelmintics, by sustainable use of existing products and potentially new compounds, and (4) rational integration of future control practices. In this review, we identify the technical advances that we believe will place new tools in the hands of animal health decision makers in 2030, to enhance their options for control and allow them to achieve a more integrated and sustainable approach to helminth control in support of animal welfare and production.
Effect of Irpex lacteus, Pleurotus ostreatus and Pleurotus cystidiosus pretreatment of corn stover on its improvement of the in vitro rumen fermentation.

BACKGROUND The present work investigated changes in corn stover pretreated with different white rot fungi. Corn stover was inoculated with Irpex lacteus, Pleurotus ostreatus and Pleurotus cystidiosus prior to incubation under solid-state fermentation conditions at 28 °C for 42 days. Changes in the chemical composition, in vitro rumen degradability, lignocellulolytic enzyme activity and multi-scale structure of the corn stover were analysed. RESULTS Content of all lignocellulose components decreased to a certain extent after fungal pretreatment. The total gas production of sterilized corn stover treated with I. lacteus for 42 days increased from 200 to 289 mL g-1 organic matter. Moreover, the cellulase activity was highest at the later stage of I. lacteus pretreatment. Multi-scale structural analysis indicated that white rot fungal pretreatment, and in particular that of I. lacteus, increased and enlarged substrate porosity and caused changes in the structure of corn stover. CONCLUSION Irpex lacteus pretreatment improved the nutritional value of corn stover as a ruminant feed by degrading both cellulose and acid-insoluble lignin as well as changing the structure of the cell walls. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.
Enhancing Diabetes Self-care Among Rural African Americans With Diabetes

Purpose The purpose of this study is to test the feasibility of conducting a community-based randomized controlled trial evaluating a culturally tailored community-based group diabetes self-management education (DSME) program among rural African Americans. Methods Thirty-two African American rural adults with type 2 diabetes were recruited and 25 adults were retained and participated in an interventional study designed to test the effectiveness of the “Taking Care of Sugar” DSME program for the 2-year follow-up. Participants were selected from rural central Virginia. Primary outcomes variables included average blood sugar levels, cardiovascular risk factors, and general physical and mental health. These outcomes were assessed at baseline, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months post baseline. Results From baseline to 3-month follow-up assessment, participants exhibited significant improvement on several physiological and behavioral measures. Given the small sample size, hypothesis testing was limited. Results show change from baseline over time, illustrating that the primary outcome of A1C decreased, although not significant. Additionally, participants reported more knowledge about diabetes self-management and personal care skills (ie, exercise and foot care) that persisted over time. The feasibility of the culturally tailored DSME was established, and participation with the program was high. Conclusions A community-based group DSME program using storytelling is feasible. This research will help to inform clinicians and health policymakers as to the types of interventions that are feasible in a larger rural population. If such a program is carried out, we can improve knowledge, reduce complications, and improve quality of life among rural African Americans.
The Differential Effect of Apyrase Treatment and hCD39 Overexpression on Chronic Renal Fibrosis After Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury

Background Renal ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) leads to acute kidney injury and renal fibrosis. CD39 is a key purinergic enzyme in the hydrolysis of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and increased CD39 enzymatic activity protects from acute IRI but its effect on renal fibrosis is not known. Methods Using a mouse model of unilateral renal IRI, the effects of increased CD39 activity (using soluble apyrase and mice expressing human CD39 transgene) on acute and chronic renal outcomes were examined. Nucleotide (ATP, adenosine diphosphate, adenosine monophosphate) and nucleoside (adenosine and inosine) levels were quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography. Soluble apyrase reduced acute renal injury at 24 hours and renal fibrosis at 4 weeks post-IRI, compared with vehicle-treated mice. Results Soluble apyrase reduced renal ATP, adenosine diphosphate, and adenosine monophosphate, but not adenosine levels, during ischemia. In comparison with wild-type littermates, hCD39 transgenic mice were protected from acute renal injury at 24 hours, but had increased renal fibrosis at 4 weeks post-IRI. hCD39 transgene expression was localized to the vascular endothelium at baseline and did not affect total renal nucleotide and nucleoside levels during ischemia. However, hCD39 transgene was more widespread at 4 weeks post-IRI and was associated with higher renal adenosine levels at 4 weeks post-IRI compared with wild-type littermates. Conclusions A single dose of apyrase administration before IRI protects from both acute and chronic renal injuries and may have clinical application in protection from ischemic-induced renal injury. Furthermore, transgenic expression of hCD39 is associated with increased renal fibrosis after ischemia.
Brainstem reticular nuclei that project to the thalamus in rats: a retrograde tracer study.

The precise nuclear origins of projections from the brainstem reticular formation to the thalamus were identified in rats using two retrograde tracing substances: wheat germ agglutinin-horseradish peroxidase conjugate, and Fluoro-Gold. Injections of these tracers were made into a variety of thalamic nuclei, including the intralaminar nuclei (most of these also involved the lateral part of the mediodorsal nucleus), the central part of the mediodorsal nucleus, the ventrolateral/ventromedial nuclei, and the ventral posterolateral/ventral posteromedial nuclei. Counts of retrogradely labeled cells were done on a large sample of select cases. The data generated by these cell counts indicate that brainstem reticular projections to the intralaminar/lateral mediodorsal complex are fairly strong, as are those to the ventrolateral/ventromedial nuclear complex. Ascending reticular projections to the mediodorsal nucleus per se are somewhat weaker, while those to the ventrobasal complex (or at least the ventral posterolateral nucleus) are weaker still. As a whole, reticular neurons projecting to the thalamus are by far most numerous in the midbrain, and then decline gradually at successively caudal levels through the pons and medulla. Midbrain reticular groups evincing very strong ascending projections include nucleus reticularis (n.r.) pedunculopontinus (particularly its pars compactus), n.r. cuneiformis and n.r. subcuneiformis (together known as the deep mesencephalic nucleus). Strong thalamic projections arise from the medial part of n.r. pontis oralis, the medial (beta) part of n.r. pontis caudalis, and the mid-pontine dorsomedial tegmental area. Within the medullary reticular formation, a 'trans-nuclear field' of neurons encompassing n.r. paragigantocellularis dorsalis and dorsal parts of n.r. gigantocellularis and n.r. parvocellularis was consistently labeled contralateral to the injection site. In general, ascending reticulothalamic projections are largely ipsilateral from midbrain reticular groups, bilateral from pontine reticular groups, and contralateral from medullary reticular groups. Within individual reticular nuclei, the morphology of labeled neurons is identical to that reported previously by this laboratory subsequent to spinal, cortical, or cerebellar tracer injections, thus strengthening our hypothesis that the various brainstem reticular nuclei can be distinguished on the basis of neuronal morphology. As a whole, thalamic-projecting reticular neurons are mostly small or medium-sized cells.
Early identification of cerebrovascular events in patients presenting with vertigo or dizziness

Dear editor, Dizziness was the most frequent symptom in large studies of patients with posterior circulation ischemia. Previous studies have shown that imbalance or gait instability and subtle neurologic findings including positive Romberg test, gait instability, and dysmetria were associated with posterior circulation strokes in patients who present with dizziness/vertigo or isolated dizziness symptoms. However, no large studies to date have investigated the characteristics of dizziness/vertigo presentation (e.g., the time of onset and duration) in predicting a cerebrovascular event. We retrospectively reviewed 883 consecutive patients who presented to a tertiary care center in a large city in China with a primary complaint of vertigo or dizziness and identified those who were found to have a cerebrovascular event. The final diagnosis was a cerebrovascular event in 4.6% (95% CI: 3.3–6.3%). There were 25 ischemic strokes (20 posterior, 5 anterior), 11 transient ischemic attacks, and 4 intracranial hemorrhages. Acute onset (p1⁄4 0.001), dysarthria (p1⁄4 0.001), gait instability (p1⁄4 0.008), dysmetria (p< 0.0001), Babinski’s sign (p1⁄4 0.025), numbness (p1⁄4 0.008), consciousness disturbance (p1⁄4 0.015), smoking (p1⁄4 0.042), and previous transient ischemic attack (p1⁄4 0.02) were positively associated with a cerebrovascular event, while isolation (p1⁄4 0.001) and intermittent frequency (p1⁄4 0.059) of dizziness had a negative association (Table 1).
Low False-Positive Rate of Aneuploidy Detection Using Fetal Cells Isolated from Maternal Blood

a National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Bethesda, Md. ; b Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Ill. ; c Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Tex. ; d Departments of Pediatrics and Obstetrics and Gynecology, New England Medical Center, Boston, Mass. ; e Division of Medical Genetics, Jefferson Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Penn. ; f Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University, Detroit, Mich. , USA; g Universitats-Frauenklinik, University of Basel, Switzerland; h Genzyne Genetics, Framingham, Mass. , USA Received: November 4, 1998 Accepted: November 4, 1998
In‐vitro oxidation model for UHMWPE incorporating synovial fluid lipids

Post‐irradiation melting of ultra‐high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) reduced the oxidation potential of UHMWPE in vivo. After mid‐term (5–10 years) use in vivo, there is detectable oxidation in irradiated and melted joint implant retrievals. The absorption of the synovial fluid lipid squalene was identified as a possible factor initiating oxidation. We investigated the role of lipids in UHMWPE oxidation by asking: (1) Do other synovial fluid lipids initiate oxidation in irradiated and melted UHMWPE? ; (2) What is the effect of the absorption of multiple lipids on UHMWPE oxidation? ; (3) How does lipid‐initiated oxidation in vitro compare to what is observed in long‐term retrievals? We diffused emulsified single and mixed lipids into irradiated and melted UHMWPE and accelerated aged them. We analyzed the oxidation in these samples and in four long‐term highly crosslinked, irradiated, and melted Longevity™ UHMWPE liner retrievals (in vivo for up to 190 months) using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). We showed that lipids other than squalene could initiate oxidation in UHMWPE and that the types of absorbed lipids determined the amount of resultant oxidation. Although mixed lipids doping and accelerated aging reproduced the average and maximum oxidation values and oxidation products observed in vivo, the oxidation depth profile and its effect on cross‐link density was different. One reason for this was the variability of oxidation in retrievals, suggesting additional factors contributing to oxidation. The understanding of oxidative processes in vivo and the development of clinically relevant in vitro protocols to evaluate implant materials is crucial for their long‐term performance. © 2018 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:1833–1839, 2018.
When Perception Trumps Reality

Is semantic priming driven by the objective or perceived meaning of the priming stimulus? This question is relevant given that many studies suggest that the objective meaning of invisible stimuli can influence cognitive processes and behavior. In an experiment involving 66 participants, we tested how the perceived meaning of misperceived stimuli influenced response times. Stroop priming (i.e., longer response times for incongruent than for congruent prime-target pairs) was observed in trials in which the prime was correctly identified. However, reversed Stroop priming was observed when the prime stimulus was incorrectly identified. Even in trials in which participants reported no perception of the prime and identified the primes at close to chance level (i.e., trials that meet both subjective and objective definitions of being subliminal), Stroop priming corresponded to perceived congruency, not objective congruency. This result suggests that occasional weak percepts and mispercepts are intermixed with no percepts in conditions traditionally claimed to be subliminal, casting doubt on claims of subliminal priming made in previous reports.
Investigations of Takeout proteins’ ligand binding and release mechanism using molecular dynamics simulation

Takeout (To) proteins exist in a diverse range of insect species. They are involved in many important processes of insect physiology and behaviors. As the ligand carriers, To proteins can transport the small molecule to the target tissues. However, ligand release mechanism of To proteins is unclear so far. In this contribution, the process and pathway of the ligand binding and release are revealed by conventional molecular dynamics simulation, steered molecular dynamics simulation and umbrella sampling methods. Our results show that the α4-side of the protein is the unique gate for the ligand binding and release. The structural analysis confirms that the internal cavity of the protein has high rigidity, which is in accordance with the recent experimental results. By using the potential of mean force calculations in combination with residue cross correlation calculation, we concluded that the binding between the ligand and To proteins is a process of conformational selection. Furthermore, the conformational changes of To proteins and the hydrophobic interactions both are the key factors for ligand binding and release.
Calcium ion cyclotron resonance in dissipative water structures

ABSTRACT Weak magnetic and electromagnetic fields affect physiological processes in animals, plants, and microorganisms. Ion cyclotron resonance (ICR) is discussed as one of the sensitive mechanisms, which enable perception of the geomagnetic field and its orientation. Numerous biological effects are observed involving several small ions, showing windows of predicted frequencies and intensities. The pioneering work of Guiliano Preparata and Emilio Del Giudice using quantum electrodynamics showed that spontaneously originating coherent regions in water facilitate ICR effects at incoherent water phase boundaries. Here we examine the ICR response of the calcium ion (Ca2+), crucial for many life processes. We use an aqueous solution containing the biologically ubiquitous membrane lipid L-α-phosphatidylcholine that serves as a biomimetic proxy for dynamic light scattering (DLS) and nonlinear dielectric spectroscopy (NLDS) measurements. One notable result is that this system approaches a new equilibrium upon addition of calcium by means of the oscillatory Belousov–Zhabotinsky chemical reaction, oscillations are significantly reduced under Ca2+ ICR application. Secondly an “oscillator” of calcium ions appears to be able to itself couple coherently and predictably to large-scale coherent regions in water. This system appears able to regulate ion fluxes in response to very weak environmental electromagnetic fields.