Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Phosphorus supply drives nonlinear responses of cottonwood (Populus deltoides) to increases in CO2 concentration from glacial to future concentrations.

SUMMARY *Despite the importance of nutrient availability in determining plant responses to climate change, few studies have addressed the interactive effects of phosphorus (P) supply and rising atmospheric CO(2) concentration ([CO(2)]) from glacial to modern and future concentrations on tree seedling growth. *The objective of our study was to examine interactive effects across a range of P supply (six concentrations from 0.004 to 0.5 mM) and [CO(2)] (200 (glacial), 350 (modern) and 700 (future) ppm) on growth, dry mass allocation, and light-saturated photosynthesis (A(sat)) in Populus deltoides (cottonwood) seedlings grown in well-watered conditions. *Increasing [CO(2)] from glacial to modern concentrations increased growth by 25% across P treatments, reflecting reduced [CO(2)] limitations to photosynthesis and increased A(sat). Conversely, the growth response to future [CO(2)] was very sensitive to P supply. Future [CO(2)] increased growth by 80% in the highest P supply but only by 7% in the lowest P supply, reflecting P limitations to A(sat), leaf area and leaf area ratio (LAR), compared with modern [CO(2)]. *Our results suggest that future [CO(2)] will minimally increase cottonwood growth in low-P soils, but in high-P soils may stimulate production to a greater extent than predicted based on responses to past increases in [CO(2)]. Our results indicate that the capacity for [CO(2)] stimulation of cottonwood growth does not decline as [CO(2)] rises from glacial to future concentrations.
Pain thresholds in women with chronic pelvic pain

Purpose of review To update on the latest developments in sensory changes of female patients with chronic pelvic pain (CPP). CPP is very common, but its pathophysiology is still controversial. Evaluation of pain sensitivity in painful and nonpainful areas is key to understanding the underlying peripheral vs. central contributions to the symptom. This in turn is fundamental to improving the treatment strategies. Recent findings We reviewed the experimental studies published over the last year on pain thresholds to different stimuli measured at both the somatic and visceral level in women with different forms of recurrent or CPP. The majority of the studies indicate a pain threshold decrease to most stimuli in skin, subcutis and muscle in painful pelvic areas, the site of referred pain from pelvic viscera, as well as a decreased pain threshold in most viscera (colon and urinary bladder). A significant threshold decrease is also found in deep somatic tissues (subcutis and muscle) outside the painful zone in the most severe cases, indicating a state of central sensitization. Summary These findings have important implications for clinical practice: pain threshold measurement in both painful and nonpainful sites could have important predictive value of the clinical evolution and response to therapy of CPP.
Effect of brief periodic fluoride treatments on the virulence and composition of a cariogenic biofilm

Abstract The present study investigated the effect of periodic 1-min fluoride treatments on Streptococcus mutans biofilms and then determined the relationship between anti-biofilm activity, treatment frequency, and fluoride concentration using a linear-fitting procedure. S. mutans biofilms were periodically treated (1-min/treatment) with fluoride during biofilm formation and analyzed using microbiological methods, confocal microscopy, and real-time PCR. The results indicated that reductions in the dry weight and acidogenicity of biofilms due to periodic fluoride treatment occurred in a concentration dependent manner. The reduction in dry weight without affecting bacterial cell viability was observed mainly due to the inhibitory effect of fluoride on gtfB and gtfC gene expression, which suppresses EPS production and avoids reduction of the pH below the critical point on the tooth surface. This study suggests that brief periodic exposure to appropriate fluoride concentrations through mouthwashes and toothpastes may affect the virulence and composition of cariogenic biofilms and subsequently prevent dental caries.
Does Physical Contact with a Dog or Person Affect Performance of a Working Memory Task?

ABSTRACT Working memory (WM) plays a critical role in the execution of a wide variety of cognitive tasks and predicts academic success. This study was designed to compare the impact of the presence of a dog or a person, and physical contact with them, on the performance of a WM task. It also exam- ined whether the impact differed for two dogs, and whether these factors im- pacted arousal during the WM task. College students (n=31, aged 18–23 years) performed a WM task in five counterbalanced conditions; dog-touch, dog-no-touch, person-touch, person-no-touch, and alone. Participants were randomly assigned to one of two dogs; Miniature Poodle (n=16) or Border Collie (n=15). The WM task involved replicating increasingly complicated se- quences of colored lights by touching them on an iPad®. Linear mixed model analyses revealed there was a significant interaction between collaborator and touch (p=0.05); best WM scores occurred without touch with either the per- son or the dog present, and worst WM scores occurred when the participant was touching a dog. Analyzing WM test during the dog conditions, touch (p=0.027) and dog breed (p=0.042) contributed independently to it; task completion was worse when the poodle was present and better without touch. Physiological measures [heart rate (HR) and heart rate variability] during the ex- periment indicated that the WM task was physiologically arousing (p<0.001) compared with listening, and HR was higher when touching a person than a dog during the task (p<0.046). These results are consistent with facilitation of performance by the presence of an observer. If there is a beneficial effect on cognition from a dog, physical contact with the dog might not be a necessary component. Aspects of the dog (e.g., breed) are also likely factors in WM task performance. This study highlights the importance of situational characteristics in studies evaluating the impact of companion animals.
Minimally invasive surgery for endometrial cancer

Purpose of review To critically appraise the pertinent literature on traditional laparoscopy and robotically assisted laparoscopy for the treatment of endometrial cancer. Recent findings Multiple retrospective and prospective studies on traditional laparoscopy and retrospective studies on robotically assisted laparoscopy for the treatment of uterine cancers have shown reduced blood loss, shorter length of hospital stay and decreased incidence and severity of postoperative surgical complications compared with laparotomy. Minimally invasive techniques maintain equivalent oncologic results with regard to the number of dissected lymph nodes and overall and disease-free survival rates. Compared with traditional laparoscopy, robotic surgery has a lower rate of conversion to laparotomy, lower blood loss and presents significant ergonomic advantages for the surgeon facilitating execution of complex oncologic procedures. Minimally invasive techniques are particularly advantageous in obese patients, reducing perioperative and postoperative abdominal wound complications. Summary A thorough review of the literature indicates that minimally invasive approach has a number of established advantages over laparotomy that makes it the surgical treatment option of choice in endometrial carcinoma patients.
Advantages of robotics in benign gynecologic surgery

Purpose of review The purpose of this article is to review the literature and discuss the advantages of robotics in benign gynecologic surgery. Recent findings Minimally invasive surgery has become the preferred route over abdominal surgery. The laparoscopic or robotic approach is recommended when vaginal surgery is not feasible. Thus far, robotic gynecologic surgery data have demonstrated feasibility, safety, and equivalent clinical outcomes in comparison with laparoscopy and better clinical outcomes compared with laparotomy. Robotics was developed to overcome challenges of laparoscopy and has led to technological advantages such as improved ergonomics, visualization with three-dimensional capabilities, dexterity and range of motion with instrument articulation, and tremor filtration. To date, applications of robotics in benign gynecology include hysterectomy, myomectomy, endometriosis surgery, sacrocolpopexy, adnexal surgery, tubal reanastomosis, and cerclage. Though further data are needed, robotics may provide additional benefits over other approaches in the obese patient population and in higher complexity cases. Challenges that arose in the earlier adoption stage such as the steep learning curve, costs, and operative times are becoming more optimized with greater experience, with implementation of robotics in high-volume centers and with improved training of surgeons and robotic teams. Robotic laparoendoscopic single-site surgery, albeit still in its infancy where technical advantages compared with laparoscopic single-site surgery are still unclear, may provide a cost-reducing option compared with multiport robotics. The cost may even approach that of laparoscopy while still conferring similar perioperative outcomes. Summary Advances in robotic technology such as the single-site platform and telesurgery, have the potential to revolutionize the field of minimally invasive gynecologic surgery. Higher quality evidence is needed to determine the advantages and disadvantages of robotic surgery in benign gynecologic surgery. Conclusions on the benefits and risks of robotic surgery should be made with caution given limited data, especially when compared with other routes. Route of surgery selection should take into consideration the surgeons’ skill and comfort level that allows for the highest level of safety and efficiency. Ultimately, the robotic device is an additional minimally invasive surgical tool that can further the goal of minimizing laparotomy in gynecology.
Smoking Cessation and Time Course of Decreased Risks of Coronary Heart Disease in Middle-Aged Women

Background: We examined prospectively the relation of time since stopping smoking with risk of coronary heart disease in middle-aged women. Methods: The study was based on 12 years' follow-up data (1976 through 1988) from the Nurses' Health Study, an ongoing prospective cohort study, in which information on smoking habits was updated every 2 years by a mailed questionnaire. The study population consisted of 117 006 female registered nurses aged 30 to 55 years in 1976 who were free of coronary heart disease, stroke, and cancer at baseline. The outcome measure used was incident coronary heart disease, defined as nonfatal myocardial infarction plus fatal coronary heart disease. Results: A total of 970 incident cases of coronary heart disease (215 among participants who never smoked, 214 among former smokers, and 541 among current smokers) occurred during 1.37 million person-years of follow-up. The multivariate relative risk of total coronary heart disease among current smokers compared with participants who never smoked was 4.23(95% confidence interval, 3.60 to 4.96). Risk of coronary heart disease was highest among smokers who started smoking before the age of 15 years (relativerisk, 9.25; 95% confidence interval, 5.27 to 16.23). The relative risk among former smokers was 1.48 (95% confidence interval, 1.22 to 1.79). On stopping smoking, one third of the excess risk of coronary heart disease was eliminated within 2 years of cessation. Thereafter, the excess risk returned to the level of those who never smoked during the interval 10 to 14 years following cessation. Conclusion: Women who stop smoking will experience an immediate benefit as well as a further longerterm decline in excess risk of coronary heart disease to the level of those who never smoked. (Arch Intern Med. 1994;154:169-175)
Automated analysis of three-dimensional xylem networks using high-resolution computed tomography.

Connections between xylem vessels represent important links in the vascular network, but the complexity of three-dimensional (3D) organization has been difficult to access. This study describes the development of a custom software package called TANAX (Tomography-derived Automated Network Analysis of Xylem) that automatically extracts vessel dimensions and the distribution of intervessel connections from high-resolution computed tomography scans of grapevine (Vitis vinifera) stems, although the method could be applied to other species. Manual and automated analyses of vessel networks yielded similar results, with the automated method generating orders of magnitude more data in a fraction of the time. In 4.5-mm-long internode sections, all vessels and all intervessel connections among 115 vessels were located, and the connections were analyzed for their radial distribution, orientation, and predicted shared wall area. Intervessel connections were more frequent in lateral than in dorsal/ventral zones. The TANAX-reconstructed network, in combination with commercial software, was used to visualize vessel networks in 3D. The 3D volume renderings of vessel networks were freely rotated for observation from any angle, and the 4.5 μm virtual serial sections were capable of being viewed in any plane, revealing aspects of vessel organization not possible with traditional serial sections.
Local injury to the endometrium: its effect on implantation

Purpose of review To review the effect of local injury to the endometrium on the implantation rate in IVF-embryo transfer. Recent findings In 2003, Barash et al. reported that endometrial sampling of IVF patients using a biopsy catheter substantially increases their chances to conceive at the following IVF-embryo transfer cycle. Such a favorable influence of local injury to the endometrium was later confirmed by Raziel et al. Our previous studies demonstrated that removal of ploys or thickening endometrium 2 weeks before embryo transfer significantly improves the incidence of successful pregnancies in patients undergoing IVF. In 2008, our study suggested that the gene-expression profile of endometria from patients with different pregnancy results are different. Summary Local injury to endometria of IVF patients in controlled ovarian hyperstimulation cycle may increase the incidence of embryo implantation.
Is Elder Abuse and Neglect a Social Phenomenon? Data from the First National Prevalence Survey in Israel

This article discusses findings from the First National Survey on Elder Abuse and Neglect in Israel, conducted during 2004–2005 under the sponsorship of The Association for Planning and Development of Services for the Aged in Israel (ESHEL) and the National Insurance Institute. The goals were to examine the prevalence and severity of various forms of abuse and neglect from the victims' perspective, to examine correlates and predictors, and to develop profiles of elders at risk. Data were collected through personal interviews from a national representative sample of community urban dwellers age 65 and older, using cluster sampling techniques and sampling proportionately both Arab and Jewish elders. The sample was composed of 392 males and 650 females, 89% were Jews and 11% were non-Jews. The instrument included sociodemographic data, health and activities of daily living (ADL), a measure of safety, and a battery to examine seven types of abuse (physical, emotional, verbal, limitation of freedom, financial exploitation, sexual, and neglect). Findings indicate that 18.4% of the respondents were exposed to at least one type of abuse during the 12 months preceding the interview, the highest form being verbal abuse followed by financial exploitation. The rates were quite similar between Jews and Arabs. Women were more exposed to physical violence and Arab women were the most vulnerable. Physical, emotional, verbal, limitation of freedom, and sexual abuse occurred mostly among partners. The rates of physical, sexual, and limitation of freedom abuse, however, were relatively low. Financial exploitation was mostly inflicted by adult children. Partners as perpetrators had more chronic health problems and physical and mental disabilities. Children as perpetrators were unemployed, had various mental health problems, and were substance abusers, often in a process of separation or divorce and tended to live with the victims. Neglect in answering primary needs was found among 20% of the sample, regarding the 3 months preceding the interview. This high rate might be related to elders tending to avoid seeking help or sharing their needs with their families. When victims sought help it was mostly from medical and health services. The findings thus corroborate that elder abuse and neglect is a social problem in Israeli society and has to be addressed in policy discourse and service developments.
Breast Cancer Molecular Subtypes Predict Response to Anthracycline/Taxane-Based Chemotherapy.

Background : Classifying breast cancer into molecular subtypes (Luminal A/B, Her2-enriched, and Basal-like) has proven to be biologically and clinically informative. Recently, we developed a gene expression based protocol (PAM50) that provides reliable subtype classification as well as independent prognostic utility (Parker et al, J Clin Oncol 2009). In this study, we evaluated the ability of the PAM50 subtypes to predict pathological complete response (pCR) to anthracycline/taxane-based chemotherapy in the neoadjuvant setting. Methods : Gene expression data were combined from three independent neoadjuvant studies totaling 361 subjects. Complete clinical data (hormone receptor levels, tumor size, node status, and grade) were available for 186 subjects. The I-SPY cohort (n=129; fresh-frozen, Agilent) was treated with doxorubicin/cyclophosphamide (ACx4) followed by paclitaxel (Tx4). The NSABP B-27 cohort (n=103; FFPE, Affymetrix) was treated with ACx4 followed by docetaxel (4 cycles). The third cohort from MD Anderson Cancer Center (MDACC) (n=129; fresh-frozen tissue, Affymetrix) was treated with paclitaxel/T followed by sequential fluorouracil-AC (FAC). Subtype assignments and prognosis scores were generated as previously described (Parker et al., 2009). Univariate and multivariate testing for pCR was performed with Fisher9s exact test and logistic regression. Statistical learning methods were also implemented in order to identify an improved predictor of pCR. Results : There was no difference between the cohorts/studies with respect to estrogen receptor (ER) status (p=0.23), subtype distribution (p=0.77), or pCR rate (p=0.95). ER, PR, HER2, grade, node status, and subtype were all associated with pCR in univariate analyses. Multivariable logistic regression indicated that molecular subtype is an independent predictor of pCR (p Conclusions : In this combined analysis, using ER, PR, HER2, node status, tumor size, and subtype, the intrinsic molecular subtype classification is the most significant predictor of pCR across three anthracycline/taxane-based neoadjuvant cohorts.Interestingly, hormone receptor status is no longer significant when subtype is included in the model. These results indicate robust predictive information provided by the subtype classification, and highlights the chemotherapy insensitivity of the poor prognosis luminal B breast cancer subtype. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2009;69(24 Suppl):Abstract nr 2019.
Mapping the Elder Mistreatment Iceberg: U.S. Hospitalizations With Elder Abuse and Neglect Diagnoses

Purpose: This study describes U.S. hospitalizations with diagnostic codes indicating elder mistreatment (EM). Method: Using the 2003 Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) of the Healthcare Costs and Utilization Project (HCUP), inpatient stays coded with diagnoses of adult abuse and/or neglect are compared with stays of other hospitalized adults age 60 and older. Results: Few hospitalizations (< 0.02%) were coded with EM diagnoses in 2003. Compared to other hospitalizations of older adults, patients with EM codes were twice as likely to be women (OR = 2.12, 95% CI = 1.63–2.75), significantly more likely to be emergency department admissions (78.0% vs. 56.8%, p < .0001), and, on average, more likely to have longer stays (7.0 vs. 5.6 days, p = 0.01). Patients with EM codes were also three to four times more likely to be discharged to a facility such as a nursing home rather than “routinely” discharged (i.e., to home or self-care) (OR = 3.66, 95% CI = 2.92–4.59). Elder mistreatment–coded hospitalizations compared to all other hospitalizations had on average lower total charges ($21,479 vs. $25,127, p < .001), with neglect cases having the highest charges in 2003 ($29,389). Implications: Knowledge about EM is often likened to the “tip of the iceberg. ” Our study contributes to “mapping the EM iceberg”; however, findings based on diagnostic codes are limited and should not be used to minimize the problem of EM. With the so-called graying of America, training is needed in recognizing EM along with research to improve our nation's response to the mistreatment of our elderly population.
Immune deficiencies , infection , and systemic immune disorders T-cell receptor ligation causes Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein degradation and F-actin assembly downregulation

Abbreviations used Arp: Actin-related protein Cbl: Casitas B-lineage lymphoma EVH1: Ena-VASP homology domain 1 IS: Immune synapse TCR: T-cell receptor WAS: Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome WASP: Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein WIP: WASP-interacting protein WT: Wild-type ZAP-70: z Chain–associated protein kinase of 70 kDa Background: Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein (WASP) links T-cell receptor (TCR) signaling to the actin cytoskeleton. WASP is normally protected from degradation by the Ca-dependent protease calpain and by the proteasome because of its interaction with the WASP-interacting protein. Objective: We investigated whether WASP is degraded after TCR ligation and whether its degradation downregulates F-actin assembly caused by TCR ligation. Methods: Primary T cells, Jurkat T cells, and transfected 293T cellswere used in immunoprecipitation experiments. Intracellular F-actin content was measured in splenic T cells from wild-type, WASP-deficient, and c–Casitas B-lineage lymphoma (Cbl)-b– deficient mice by using flow cytometry. Calpeptin and MG-132 were used to inhibit calpain and the proteasome, respectively. Results: A fraction of WASP in T cells was degraded by calpain and by the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway after TCR ligation. The Cbl-b and c-Cbl E3 ubiquitin ligases associated with WASP after TCR signaling and caused its ubiquitination. Inhibition of calpain and lack of Cbl-b resulted in a significantly more sustained increase in F-actin content after TCR ligation in wildtype T cells but not in WASP-deficient T cells. Conclusion: TCR ligation causes WASP to be degraded by calpain and to be ubiquitinated by Cbl family E3 ligases, which targets it for destruction by the proteasome. WASP degradation might provide a mechanism for regulating WASP-dependent TCR-driven assembly of F-actin. (J Allergy Clin Immunol 2013;132:648-55.)
Resident-to-Resident Abuse in Nursing Homes as Reported by Nurse Aides

Information on the scale and scope of resident-to-resident abuse, including verbal, physical, material, psychological, and sexual abuse, is presented. Nursing homes (n = 249) from ten states were used, with a total of 4,451 nurse aides in these facilities returning the questionnaire. Most nursing homes experienced verbal, physical, material, and psychological abuse, but sexual abuse was less common. Our findings clearly show that both the scale and scope of resident-to-resident abuse is high in nursing homes. Resident-to-resident abuse is common enough to be considered an issue of concern impacting the quality of life and safety of many residents.