Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The connection between human papillomavirus and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas in the United States: implications for dentistry.

BACKGROUND Results from studies conducted in the past several years suggest that some oropharyngeal cancers, those of the base of the tongue and the tonsils, are associated with high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV). In this article, the authors summarize the available evidence regarding the epidemiology of HPV-associated oropharyngeal cancers in the United States, the available HPV vaccines and the implications of these for dentistry. They also examine the differences in HPV prevalence between cancers of the oral cavity and those of the oropharynx. TYPES OF STUDIES REVIEWED The authors searched PubMed, Web of Science, The Cochrane Library and the National Guideline Clearinghouse to identify English-language systematic reviews and meta-analyses focused on HPV-associated oropharyngeal squamous cell cancers published from January 2005 through May 2011. RESULTS Molecular and epidemiologic evidence suggest a strong etiologic association of HPV with oropharyngeal cancers. The incidence of oropharyngeal cancers in the United States has increased between 1973 and 2007, whereas that of cancers at other head and neck sites has decreased steadily. Compared with HPV-negative cancers, HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancers are associated with certain sexual behaviors, occur more often among white men and people who do not use tobacco or alcohol, and may occur in a population younger by about four years (median ages, 52-56 years). Despite often having a later stage of diagnosis, people with HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancers have a lower risk of dying or recurrence than do those with HPV-negative cancers. The effectiveness of the HPV vaccine in preventing oropharyngeal cancers is unknown. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS Dental health care personnel (DHCP) should be knowledgeable about the role of HPV in carcinogenesis, the association of HPV with oropharyngeal cancers and HPV vaccines, and they should be prompt in referring patients with suggestive symptoms for evaluation. DHCP can play an important role in increasing patients' knowledge about HPV and oropharyngeal cancers.
Mental Health and Urban Life: A Study of 850 Families

Whereas there are many reports from Western societies on the prevalence of psychiatric disorders few systematic studies are available for a culture such as the Indian. Certain efforts in this direction have been made recently, and a few reports have emerged. Dube (1970), in a psychiatric survey conducted in Agra City and its suburban areas found a period prevalence of 18 per 1,000. In a study of 184 families of a rural community in India, Elnaggar et al. (1971) observed a prevalence rate of 27 per 1,000. In a study of 300 urban families, Sethi et al. (1967) found a psychiatric morbidity rate of 72 per 1,000 whereas this rate was only 39 per 1,000 in a surveyed population of 500 rural families (Sethi et al., 1972a). We also observed (Sethi et al., 1972b) that psychiatric disorders were commoner in the migrant families. The present study was undertaken to estimate the extent of mental illness in an urban society in India and to find out the relevant variables associated with various psychiatric disorders.
In vitro and ex vivo effects of cyclosporin A on phagocytic host defenses against Aspergillus fumigatus

Because cyclosporin A (CsA) is extensively used as an immunosuppressive agent, its effects on phagocytic defenses against Aspergillus fumigatus were studied in vitro and ex vivo. After incubation with 10 to 250 ng of CsA per ml at 37 degrees C for 60 min, polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) exhibited unaltered superoxide anion (O2-) production in response to phorbol myristate acetate and N-formylmethionyl leucyl phenylalanine, whereas > or = 500 ng/ml significantly suppressed it (P < 0.01). Moreover, at < 250 ng of CsA per ml, PMNs exhibited no change in their capacity to damage unopsonized hyphae of A. fumigatus compared with controls, whereas at > or = 250 ng/ml, CsA suppressed the function (P < 0.01). Although neither CsA (250 ng/ml) nor hydrocortisone (10 micrograms/ml) suppressed PMN O2- production in response to phorbol myristate acetate and N-formylmethionyl leucyl phenylalanine, combination of the two agents reduced the function compared with that at the baseline (P < 0.05). Incubation of monocytes with 100 ng of CsA per ml for 1 or 2 days suppressed their antihyphal activity. No essential change in phagocytic activity of monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs) against A. fumigatus conidia, tested as the percentage of phagocytosing MDMs and average number of MDM-associated conidia, was detected after 2 or 4 days of incubation with 10 to 1,000 ng of CsA per ml. Furthermore, in rabbits treated with CsA (up to 20 mg/kg of body weight per day intravenously for 7 days), neither O2- production and hyphal damage caused by PMNs or monocytes against hyphae nor phagocytosis of conidia by pulmonary alveolar macrophages was significantly suppressed. Thus, these results demonstrated that CsA within therapeutically relevant concentrations does not suppress antifungal activity of phagocytes except that of circulating monocytes. However, it may induce significant immunosuppression of phagocytes' antifungal function at relatively high concentrations in vitro, especially when combined with corticosteroids.
Australasian ( ACIS ) 2010 IBA Performance and Usability for Mobile Phones

Mobile phones are becoming increasingly sophisticated, enabling consumers to access more services and generate more data. However, the current PIN and password protection capabilities available on mobile phones are often misused resulting insufficient protection of the information stored within mobile phones. Image-based authentication (IBA) leverages the human ability to recognize graphics better than recalling a sequence of strings and results have shown increased pass-image memorability among users. In this paper, the performance results and user opinions of two IBA techniques, Picture Password and Awase-E, will be compared alongside PIN and password as control techniques. In summary, of the data on authentication speed and success rate were collected but results indicate that Awase-E is possibly a superior technique which is more preferred by users.
Signatures of selection in the human antibody repertoire: Selective sweeps, competing subclones, and neutral drift

Significance The immune system represents a compelling example of evolution in action: antibody diversity is created by a variety of molecular mechanisms, and then selection acts to preserve and propagate the most useful antibodies. We have combined immune repertoire sequencing with population genetics to measure the strength of selection on various antibody lineages in humans who have been vaccinated for influenza. Antibodies are created and refined by somatic evolution in B cell populations, which endows the human immune system with the ability to recognize and eliminate diverse pathogens. However, the evolutionary processes that sculpt antibody repertoires remain poorly understood. Here, using an unbiased repertoire-scale approach, we show that the population genetic signatures of evolution are evident in human B cell lineages and reveal how antibodies evolve somatically. We measured the dynamics and genetic diversity of B cell responses in five adults longitudinally before and after influenza vaccination using high-throughput antibody repertoire sequencing. We identified vaccine-responsive B cell lineages that carry signatures of selective sweeps driven by positive selection, and discovered that they often display evidence for selective sweeps favoring multiple subclones. We also found persistent B cell lineages that exhibit stable population dynamics and carry signatures of neutral drift. By exploiting the relationship between B cell fitness and antibody binding affinity, we demonstrate the potential for using phylogenetic approaches to identify antibodies with high binding affinity. This quantitative characterization reveals that antibody repertoires are shaped by an unexpectedly broad spectrum of evolutionary processes and shows how signatures of evolutionary history can be harnessed for antibody discovery and engineering.
Evaluation of an Algorithm for Electronic Surveillance of Hospital-Acquired Infections Yielding Serial Weekly Point Prevalence Scores

Surveillance of hospital-acquired infections can be approximated by repeated surveys that are performed in a standardized, cost-effective manner. We developed an integrated software system for serial electronic hospital-wide point prevalence surveys using algorithms that proved highly sensitive and specific over a 5-year period in a large university medical center. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2014;35(7):888–890
Characteristics of surface potential of disc spacers under different temperature

The problem of surface charge accumulation on gas-insulator interface is one of the critical factors for the insulation of DC-GIL. A GIL experiment platform which can heat central electrode with variable temperature is built to investigate the surface charge under different temperature. The surface potentials of insulator at different temperature under negative voltage are measured and the effect of temperature on the non-uniformity of potential distribution is discussed. The average potential at 70 °C is 231% higher than that at 30 °C. These data can be referred in the insulation design of DC-GIL.
Safety and efficacy of insulin detemir basal-bolus therapy in type 1 diabetes patients: 14-week data from the European cohort of the PREDICTIVE study

ABSTRACT Objective: PREDICTIVE is a multi-national, prospective, observational study, assessing the safety and efficacy of insulin detemir in patients with diabetes. Research design and methods: The European cohort includes 20 531 patients with diabetes (7420 type 1) from 11 countries. A subgroup of 4782 type 1 patients were transferred from a basal-bolus regimen with NPH insulin (n = 3117) or insulin glargine (n = 1665) to insulin detemir basal-bolus therapy; or from a human insulin basal-bolus regimen (n = 570) to insulin detemir/insulin aspart (part of the pre-study NPH group). Mean follow-up was 14.4 weeks. The primary endpoint was serious adverse drug reactions (SADRs), including major hypoglycaemia. Secondary endpoints were: incidence of overall and nocturnal hypoglycaemia; haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c); fasting glucose; within-patient fasting glucose variability; and change in body weight. Results: SADRs were reported by 62 (2.0%) patients previously receiving NPH insulin, 45 (2.7%) patients previously receiving insulin glargine and seven (1.2%) patients previously receiving human basal-bolus insulins. Major hypoglycaemia was significantly reduced in NPH insulin (55%), insulin glargine (51%), and human basal-bolus insulin groups (54%; p < 0.0001 for all). Total and nocturnal hypoglycaemic episodes were also significantly reduced in all groups ( p < 0.0001 for all). HbA1c was reduced in patients previously receiving NPH insulin (0.5%), insulin glargine (0.4%), and human basal-bolus insulins (0.6%; p < 0.0001 for all). Mean fasting glucose and within-patient fasting glucose variability significantly decreased in all patients ( p < 0.0001 for all). Body weight remained stable. Conclusions: In this open-label, prospective, observational study, insulin detemir basal-bolus therapy improved glycaemic control and reduced hypoglycaemia with weight neutrality in type 1 patients in actual clinical practice.
CRYSTAL VIOLET BINDING CAPACITY AND THE GRAM REACTION OF BACTERIAL CELLS

Kennedy and Barbaro (1953) presented data suggesting that crystal violet adsorption values correlated directly with the gram staining character of bacterial cells, and implied that such quantitative dye uptake studies might prove a basis for a much needed quantitative index of gram positivity. Their results are consistent with a popular theory of the mechanism of gram differentiation presented by Steam and Steam (1926). In a previous paper, the authors (Finkelstein and Bartholomew, 1953) presented a colorimetric method for measuring the maximum dye uptake of bacterial cells. This method then was used to determine whether or not a correlation existed between the gram reaction and dye uptake. The conclusions to be presented here, however, differ from those of Kennedy and Barbaro (1953).
Determination of thermal diffusivity in papaya pulp as a function of maturation stage

In order to determine the penetration of the thermal wave in the papaya fruit pulp (Carica papaya L.), cv. Golden, thermal diffusivity of the pulp was obtained measuring temperature at four different depths. Measurements were carried out initially with the fruit on the first stage of maturity. The changes of the thermal diffusivity were expressed as a function of ripening. A temporal decrease of the thermal diffusivity was observed. Chemical (pH, soluble solids and total titratable acidity) and physical (pulp firmness) properties were measured as well and the results were compared to the thermal diffusivity change.
Effects of long-term testosterone administration in HIV-infected women: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial

Objective:Androgen deficiency is common in HIV-infected women. We investigated the long-term effects of transdermal testosterone on body composition, bone mineral density, quality of life, and safety. Design:Twenty-five HIV-infected women with free testosterone below the median (≤3 pg/ml) of the female normal range were randomized to receive transdermal testosterone (300 μg twice weekly) or identical placebo over 18 months. Results:Women demonstrated low androgen levels (1.3 ± 0.1 pg/ml) with relatively low weight (22.8 ± 0.6 kg/m2) and low bone mineral density (−0.61 ± 0.17 SD hip T score) at baseline. No statistically significant differences were seen between the groups at baseline. The discontinuation rate was 16% and did not differ between treatment groups (P = 0.24). Free testosterone by equilibrium dialysis increased over 18 months (7.9 ± 1.8 vs. 0.3 ± 0.4 pg/ml; P = 0.002, testosterone vs. placebo). Testosterone was well tolerated and did not affect lipids, liver, or safety indices. Lean mass (1.8 ± 0.5 vs. 0.8 ± 0.9 kg; P = 0.04) and BMI (1.6 ± 0.4 vs. 0.8 ± 0.6 kg/m2; P = 0.03, testosterone vs. placebo) increased in response to testosterone, whereas fat mass remained unchanged. Testosterone increased bone mineral density at the hip (0.01 ± 0.01 vs. −0.01 ± 0.01 g/cm2; P = 0.02) and trochanter (0.01 ± 0.01 vs. −0.02 ± 0.01 g/cm2; P = 0.01, testosterone vs. placebo). Testosterone significantly improved depression indices (−6.8 ± 2.2 vs. −1.9 ± 3.1; P = 0.02) and problems affecting sexual function (−1.8 ± 0.8 vs. 0.5 ± 0.5; P = 0.01, testosterone vs. placebo). Conclusion:Long-term testosterone administration was well tolerated in HIV-infected women and resulted in significant improvements in body composition, bone mineral density, and quality of life indices. Further evaluation of the safety and efficacy of testosterone use among HIV-infected women is warranted.
Dietary fat, fatty acid intakes and colorectal cancer risk in Chinese adults: a case–control study

The associations between dietary fat intakes and the risk of colorectal cancer have been examined in many epidemiological studies, but the results have remained inconsistent. This study aimed to examine the associations of total fat and fatty acid intakes with the risk of colorectal cancer in Guangzhou, China. A case–control study was carried out between July 2010 and May 2012 in Guangzhou, China. Four hundred and eighty-nine consecutively recruited colorectal cancer cases were frequency matched to 976 controls by age (5-year interval) and sex. A validated food frequency questionnaire was used to collect dietary information by face-to-face interviews. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to estimate the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The total fat intake was not related to the risk of colorectal cancer, with an OR (95% CI) of 0.95 (0.68–1.32) comparing the highest with the lowest quartiles. Intakes of saturated fat, monounsaturated fat, and n-6 polyunsaturated fat were also not associated with the risk of colorectal cancer. However, a significant inverse association was found between total n-3 polyunsaturated fat, &agr;-linolenic acid, and long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fat consumption and the risk of colorectal cancer. The adjusted ORs of the highest versus the lowest quartile were 0.45 (95% CI=0.32–0.64, Ptrend<0.01) for total n-3 polyunsaturated fat, 0.54 (95% CI=0.38–0.76, Ptrend<0.01) for &agr;-linolenic acid, and 0.58 (95% CI=0.41–0.82, Ptrend<0.01) for long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fat. This study suggested that total fat, saturated fat, monounsaturated fat, and n-6 polyunsaturated fat intakes were not related to the risk of colorectal cancer. However, increased consumption of n-3 polyunsaturated fat might reduce the risk.
Reconstitution of Regulated Phosphorylation of FcϵRI by a Lipid Raft-excluded Protein-tyrosine Phosphatase*

To examine the exquisite regulation of IgE-FcϵRI tyrosine phosphorylation by Lyn kinase that is stimulated by antigen-mediated cross-linking, we utilized co-expression of FcϵRI and Lyn in Chinese hamster ovary cells, which results in high basal levels of Lyn kinase activity and spontaneous phosphorylation of FcϵRI. We found that co-expression of a lipid raft-excluded transmembrane tyrosine phosphatase, PTPα, suppresses Lyn kinase activity and markedly reduces the level of spontaneous phosphorylation of FcϵRI, while facilitating its antigen-stimulated phosphorylation. Other tyrosine phosphatases, including SHP-1, CD45, and a lipid raft-preferring chimeric version of PTPα fail to reconstitute antigen-dependent FcϵRI phosphorylation. We concluded that both substrate specificity and submembrane location are critical to phosphatase-mediated regulation of Lyn kinase activity that supports activation of FcϵRI.
Immunopathological recognition of autoantigens in multiple sclerosis.

Although the aetiology of multiple sclerosis (MS) has not been established, circumstantial evidence points to the involvement of both cell-mediated and humoral immune responses in the formation of demyelinating lesions. In view of the current controversy regarding the reactivity of T lymphocytes from MS patients to myelin basic protein (MBP), we reassessed T cell reactivity in MS using a sensitive and specific indicator of cell-mediated immune response. No significant difference in the reactivity to MBP was observed between MS patients and healthy subjects. Interestingly, significant reactivity to MBP was detected in the control group comprising patients with other diseases. Nevertheless, our demonstration that polymorphism in T cell receptor (TcR) alpha chain are related to MS and that, in demyelinating lesions, TcR usage is limited, suggests that T cells may recognise particular epitopes of a critical antigen involved in this disease. The search for a specific MS antigen recognised by the intrathecally synthesized immunoglobulins typical of MS has so far been unsuccessful. However, recent work, which has focused more particularly onto myelin components with externally located epitopes accessible to the immune response, appears to be more promising. One such antigen, myelin-oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG), is clearly a target for immune attack. Indeed, highly specific antibodies to MOG have been shown to cause demyelination not only in vivo but also in vitro, as demonstrated by our study of the demyelinating effects of a monoclonal anti-MOG antibody on aggregating fetal rat brain cell cultures. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
R type anion channel

Plant genomes code for channels involved in the transport of cations, anions and uncharged molecules through membranes. Although the molecular identity of channels for cations and uncharged molecules has progressed rapidly in the recent years, the molecular identity of anion channels has lagged behind. Electrophysiological studies have identified S-type (slow) and R-type (rapid) anion channels. In this brief review, we summarize the proposed functions of the R-type anion channels which, like the S-type, were first characterized by electrophysiology over 20 years ago, but unlike the S-type, have still yet to be cloned. We show that the R-type channel can play multiple roles.
Pb2+ Inhibition of Sympathetic α7-Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor-Mediated Nitrergic Neurogenic Dilation in Porcine Basilar Arteries

Chronic exposure to inorganic lead (Pb2+) has been shown to facilitate peripheral vasoconstriction causing hypertension. Effect of lead on cerebral vascular function has not been reported. We have suggested in isolated porcine cerebral arteries that α7-nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (α7-nAChRs) on perivascular sympathetic nerves mediate calcium influx in these neurons, resulting in release of norepinephrine. The released norepinephrine then acts on presynaptic β2-adrenoceptors located on the neighboring nitrergic nerve terminals, causing nitric oxide (NO) release and vasodilation. Because Pb2+ has been shown to inhibit α7-nAChR-mediated responses in the central nervous system, effects of Pb2+ on α7-nAChR-mediated nitrergic neurogenic dilation in isolated porcine basilar arteries and calcium influx in cultured superior cervical ganglion (SCG) cells of the pig were examined using in vitro tissue bath and confocal microscopic techniques. The results indicated that Pb2+ (but not Cd2+, Zn2+, or Al3+) in a concentration-dependent manner blocked relaxation of endothelium-denuded basilar arterial rings induced by nicotine (100 μM) and choline (1 mM) without affecting relaxation induced by sodium nitroprusside or isoproterenol. Furthermore, significant calcium influx in cultured SCG cells induced by choline and nicotine was attenuated specifically by Pb2+ with IC50 values comparable with those from tissue bath study. These results provide evidence supporting that lead is a likely antagonist for α7-nAChRs that are found on postganglionic sympathetic adrenergic nerve terminals of SCG origin. Furthermore, these results indicate that lead can attenuate dilation of cerebral arteries by blocking sympathetic nerve-mediated release of NO from the perivascular nitrergic nerves.