Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Impact of BMI on Heart Failure by Race/Ethnicity from Get With The Guidelines-Heart Failure Registry

Objective—To evaluate race/ethnicity influence on BMI and mortality relationship among HFpEF and HFrEF patients. Background—Prior studies demonstrate an “obesity paradox” among overweight/obese patients, where they have a better HF prognosis compared to normal-weight patients. Less is known about BMI and mortality relationship among diverse HF patients, particularly given disparities in obesity and HF prevalence. Methods—Utilizing GWTG-HF data, we assessed BMI and in-hospital mortality relationship using logistic regression modeling. We assessed 30-day and 1-year all-cause mortality following discharge using Cox regression modeling. Results—39,647 HF patients were included[white=32,434(81.8%); black=3,809(9.6%); Hispanic=1,928(4.9%); Asian=544(1.4%); other=932(2.3%)] with 59.7% HFpEF and 30.7% obese. More black and Hispanic patients had class I obese or higher (BMI≥30 kg/m2) than white, Asian or patients of other racial/ethnic groups(P <0.0001). Among HFpEF, higher BMI was associated with lower 30-day mortality, up to 30 kg/m2 with a small risk increase above 30 kg/ m2[BMI=30 vs 18.5 kg/m2 hazard ratio(HR)=0.63, 95% confidence interval(CI) 0.54–0.73]. A modest relationship was observed in HFrEF(BMI=30 vs BMI=18.5 kg/m2 HR=0.73, 95% CI 0.60–0.89), with no risk increase above 30 kg/m2. There were no significant BMI by race/ethnicity interactions related to 30-day mortality(p>0.05). Conclusions—Our work is one of the first suggesting the obesity paradox for 30-day mortality exists at all BMI levels in HFrEF, not HFpEF. Higher BMI was associated with lower 30-day mortality across racial/ethnic groups in a manner inconsistent with the J-shaped relationship noted for CAD. The differential slope of obesity and mortality among HFpEF and HFrEF patients potentially suggests differing mechanistic factors requiring further exploration.
Search engine ranking, quality, and content of webpages that are critical vs noncritical of HPV vaccine

Purpose— Online information can influence attitudes toward vaccination. The aim of the present study is to provide a systematic evaluation of the search engine ranking, quality, and content of webpages that are critical versus noncritical of HPV vaccination. Methods— We identified HPV vaccine-related webpages with the Google search engine by entering 20 terms. We then assessed each webpage for critical versus noncritical bias as well as for the following quality indicators: authorship disclosure, source disclosure, attribution of at least one reference, currency, exclusion of testimonial accounts, and readability level less than 9 th grade. We also determined webpage comprehensiveness in terms of mention of 14 HPV vaccine relevant topics. Results— Twenty searches yielded 116 unique webpages. HPV vaccine-critical webpages comprised roughly a third of the top, top 5 and top 10-ranking webpages. The prevalence of HPV vaccine-critical webpages was higher for queries that included term modifiers in addition to root terms. Compared with noncritical webpages, webpages critical of HPV vaccine overall had a lower quality score than those with a noncritical bias ( p <.01) and covered fewer important HPV-related topics ( p <.001). Critical webpages required viewers to have higher reading skills, were less likely to include an author byline, and were more likely to include testimonial accounts. They also were more likely to raise unsubstantiated concerns about vaccination.
A novel family of RGD-containing disintegrin (Tablysin-15) from the salivary gland of the horsefly Tabanus yao targets integrins α IIb β 3 and α V β 3 and inhibits platelet aggregation and angiogenesis

A novel family of RGD-containing molecule (Tablysin-15) has been molecularly characterized from the salivary gland of the hematophagous horsefly Tabanus yao. Tablysin-15 does not share primary sequence homology to any disintegrin discovered so far, and displays an RGD motif in the N-terminus of the molecule. It is also distinct from disintegrins from Viperidae since its mature form is not released from a metalloproteinase precursor. Tablysin-15 exhibits high affinity for platelet α IIb β 3 and endothelial cell α v β 3 integrins, but not for α 5 β 1 or α 2 β 1 . Accordingly, it blocks endothelial cell adhesion to vitronectin (IC 50 ~ 1 nM) and marginally to fibronectin (IC 50 ~ 1 µM), but not to collagen. It also inhibits FGF-induced endothelial cell proliferation, and attenuates tube formation in vitro. In platelets, Tablysin-15 represents a novel template for studying the structure-function relationship of the disintegrin family of inhibitors.
Internal Migration and Sexual Initiation among Never Married Youths in Nigeria

The high rates of youth migration to urban and economic centers, in the context of persistent poverty and devastating HIV/AIDS burden, raises intricate social policy challenges in developing countries. This study examines patterns of internal migration and sexual initiation among Nigerian youths, using the 2003 Nigeria DHS data, descriptive statistics, Kaplan-Meier survival curves and discrete-time hazard regression models. Migrants generally show stronger association than nonmigrants, and urban-urban migrants show the strongest independent association to early sexual initiation. These outcomes underscore that loss of social capital and exposure to sexually lenient urban environment increase youth's propensity to sexual engagement. Other significant covariates are age, gender, ethnic origin, education, independent living arrangement and formal employment. The findings highlight the inadequacy of policy perspectives that neglect complex contextual nuances across groups and the need to address limited livelihood opportunities that fuel youth migration to urban destinations.
Clinical Diagnosis of Influenza in the Emergency Department

Background— Timely and accurate diagnosis of influenza remains a challenge, but is critical for patients who may benefit from antiviral therapy. This study determined the test characteristics of provider diagnosis of influenza, final ED electronic medical record (EMR) diagnosis of influenza, and influenza like illness (ILI) in patients recommended to receive antiviral treatment according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines. Additionally, we evaluated the compliance with CDC antiviral guidelines. Methods— A prospective cohort of adults presenting to a tertiary care ED with an acute respiratory illness who met CDC criteria for recommended antiviral treatment were enrolled and tested for influenza. A clinical diagnosis of influenza was assessed by asking the clinician: “Do you think this patient has influenza? ” ILI was defined according to current CDC criteria. Results— In this cohort of 270 subjects, 42 (16%; 95% CI 11-20%) had influenza. Clinician diagnosis had a sensitivity of 36% (95% CI 22-52%) and specificity of 78% (95%CI 72-83%); EMR final ED diagnosis had a sensitivity of 26% (95% CI 14-42%) and specificity of 97% (95% CI 94-99%); ILI had a sensitivity of 31% (95% CI 18-47%) and specificity of 88% (95% CI 83-92%). Only 15 (36%) influenza positive patients received antiviral treatment. Conclusion— Clinician diagnosis, final ED EMR diagnosis and ILI have low sensitivity for diagnosing influenza, and there is overall poor compliance with CDC antiviral treatment recommendations. Improved methods of influenza diagnosis are needed to help guide management in the clinical setting. years of age or older; 2) patient verbal report of symptoms of an acute respiratory tract infection defined as new symptoms of cough, sinus pain, nasal congestion, rhinorrhea, sore throat, shortness of breath, or fever which developed over the previous 2 weeks; and 3) one or more of the following CDC indications for influenza treatment: hospital or observation admission, potential influenza related complications (i.e. pneumonia), age 65 years old or older, chronic pulmonary disease, cardiovascular disease (except hypertension alone), renal disease, hepatic disease, hematologic disease, metabolic disorders, neurologic and neurodevelopment
HIV-1 Tat disrupts CX3CL1-CX3CR1 axis in microglia via the NF-κ B-YY1 pathway

Microglia play a central role in the pathogenesis of HIV-associated dementia not only by acting as conduits of viral entry but also as reservoirs for productive and latent virus infection, and as producers of neurotoxins. Interaction between CX3CL1 (fractalkine) and FKN receptor (CX3CR1) is highly functional in the brain, and is known to regulate a complex network of paracrine and autocrine interactions between neurons and microglia. The purpose of the present study was to determine what extent HIV-1 Tat protein causes the alteration of CX3CR1 expression and to investigate the regulatory mechanism for CX3CR1 expression. Here we showed that exposure of primary microglia and BV2 cells to exogenous Tat protein resulted in down-regulation of CX3CR1 expression at both the mRNA and protein levels, with a concomitant induction of proinflammatory responses. Next, we further showed that NF- κ B activation by Tat treatment negatively regulated CX3CR1 expression. Since a YY1 binding site ~10kb upstream of CX3CR1 promoter was predicted in rats, mice and humans, the classical NF- κ B-YY1 regulatory pathway was considered. Our findings indicated that Tat repressed CX3CR1 expression via NF- κ B-YY1 regulatory pathway. To gain insight into the effect of Tat on CX3CL1-CX3CR1 communication, calcium mobilization, MAPK activation and microglial migration, respectively, were tested in microglial cells after successive treatment with Tat and CX3CL1. The results suggested that Tat disrupted the responses of microglia to CX3CL1. Taken together, these results demonstrate that HIV-1 Tat protein suppresses CX3CR1 expression in microglia via NF- κ B-YY1 pathway and attenuates CX3CL1-induced functional response of microglia.
Characterization of 4-Nitrophenylpropyl- N -alkylamine Interactions with Sigma Receptors

Sigma receptors are small membrane proteins implicated in a number of pathophysiological conditions including drug addiction, psychosis and cancer; thus, small molecule inhibitors of sigma receptors have been proposed as potential pharmacotherapeutics for these diseases. We previously discovered that endogenous monochain N -alkyl sphingolipids including D- erythro sphingosine, sphinganine, and N,N -dimethyl sphingosine bind to the sigma-1 receptor at physiologically relevant concentrations [Ramachandran et al. 2009 Eur J Pharmacol. 609(1–3):19– 26]. Here, we investigated several N -alkylamines of varying chain lengths as sigma receptor ligands. Although the K I values for N -alkylamines were found to be in the micromolar range, when N -3-phenylpropyl and N -3-(4-nitrophenyl)propyl derivatives of butyl- (1a and 1b), heptyl-(2a and 2b), dodecyl- (3a and 3b), and octadecyl-amine (4a and 4b) were evaluated as sigma receptor ligands we found that these compounds exhibited nanomolar affinities with both sigma-1 and sigma-2 receptors. A screen of the high affinity ligands 2a, 2b, 3a and 3b against a variety of other receptors/transporters confirmed these four compounds to be highly selective mixed sigma-1 and sigma-2 ligands. Additionally, in HEK293 cells reconstituted with K v 1.4 potassium channel and the sigma-1 receptor, these derivatives were able to inhibit the outward current from the channel – consistent with sigma receptor modulation. Synthetic Scheme.
Is There an MRI-Discernible Etiology for Trigeminal Neuralgia? A Structured Review

Background—Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is a chronic brain condition involving the trigeminal nerve and characterized by severe and recurrent facial pain. While the etiology of TN has been researched extensively, there is a lack of convergence on the exact physiological processes leading to pain symptoms. This review seeks to better elucidate the underlying pathophysiology of TN by analyzing the outcomes of studies that utilize magnetic resonance (MR) structural imaging and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) to examine nerve damage in patients with TN.
Performance and robustness characterisation of SiC power MOSFETs

Over the last few years, significant advancements in the SiC power MOSFET fabrication technology has led to their wide commercial availability from various manufacturers. As a result, they have now transitioned from being a research activity to becoming an industrial reality. SiC power MOSFET technology offers great benefits in the electrical energy conversion domain which have been widely discussed and partially demonstrated. Superior material properties of SiC and the consequent advantages are both later discussed here. For any new device technology to be widely implemented in power electronics applications, it’s crucial to thoroughly investigate and then validate for robustness, reliability and electrical parameter stability requirements set by the industry. This thesis focuses on device characterisation of state-of-the-art SiC power MOSFETs from different manufacturers during short circuit and avalanche breakdown operation modes under a wide range of operating conditions. The functional characterisation of packaged DUTs was thoroughly performed outside of the safe operating area up until failure test conditions to obtain absolute device limitations. For structural characterisation, Infrared thermography on bare die DUTs was also performed with an aim to observe hotspots and/or degradation of the structural features of the device. The experimental results are also complemented by 2D TCAD simulation results in order to get a further insight into the underlying physical mechanisms behind failure during such operation regimes. Moreover, the DUTs were also tested for body diode characterisation with an aim to observe degradation and instability of electrical device parameters which may adversely affect the performance of the overall system. Such investigations are really important and act as a feedback to device manufacturers for further technological improvements in order to overcome the highlighted issues with an aim to bring about advancements in device design to meet the ever-increasing demands of power electronics.
Resting [Ca 2+ ] i , depolarizing GABA and possible role of local estradiol synthesis in the developing male and female hippocampus

The maturation of the hippocampus is impacted by a multitude of factors, including the regulation of intracellular calcium levels. Depolarizing actions of GABA can profoundly alter intracellular calcium in immature hippocampal neurons via influx through voltage gated calcium channels. We here report fundamental sex differences in properties of depolarizing GABA responses and in resting intracellular calcium in neonatal cultured hippocampal neurons. The effects of the ER antagonist, ICI 182,780, and the estradiol-synthesis inhibitor, formestane, indicate the sex differences in depolarizing GABA responses are at least in part due to de novo estradiol synthesis by female neurons, whereas a sex difference in resting calcium is independent of steroids. We postulate that local estradiol synthesis in cultured female hippocampal neurons affects the kinetics of either the GABA A receptor or voltage sensitive calcium channels. These data highlight the fact that immature hippocampal neurons exhibit fundamentally different physiological properties in males versus females. Elucidating how and where immature male and female neurons differ is essential for a complete understanding of normal brain development. (10 μ M) application. Two-way analysis for the effect of treatment and sex was performed on peak intracellular calcium concentration following application of various concentrations of muscimol. One-way analysis of variance for the effect of treatment was performed on Western blot analysis of pNKCC1 protein levels. χ 2 tests were run on the percent of cells responding with calcium transients. For all ANOVAs and post-hoc (Tukey’s) tests, a level of p<0.05 was required to obtain statistical significance. positives is genuine. More specific quantification techniques, such as Time-of-Flight mass spectrometry, do not have the sensitivity to detect the apparently very small quantities of steroids that are produced. in 2+ in hippocampal for represent mean ± SEM peak [Ca 2+ ] i value, obtained across 3 to 4 culture runs, with two fields of view per culture run for an n of 4 to 8 per group.
Do cultural factors predict mammography behavior among Korean immigrants?

Aim— This paper is a report of a study of the correlates of mammogram use among Korean American women. Background— Despite the increasing incidence of and mortality from breast cancer, Asian women in the United States of America report consistently low rates of mammography screening. A number of health beliefs and sociodemographic characteristics have been associated with mammogram participation among these women; however, studies systematically investigating cultural factors in relation to mammogram experience have been scarce. Methods— We measured screening-related health beliefs, modesty and use of Eastern medicine in 100 Korean American women in 2006. Hierarchical logistic regression was used to examine the unique contribution of the study variables, after accounting for sociodemographic characteristics. Findings— Only 51% reported past mammogram use. Korean American women who had previously had mammograms were statistically significantly older and had higher perceived benefit scores than those who had not. Perceived benefits (odds ratio=6.3, 95% confidence interval=2.12, 18.76) and breast cancer susceptibility (odds ratio=3.18, 95% confidence interval=1.06, 9.59) were statistically significant correlates of mammography experience, whereas cultural factors did not correlate. Post hoc analysis showed that for women with some or good English skills, cultural factors statistically significantly correlated with health beliefs and breast cancer knowledge (p < 0.05). Conclusion— Nurses should consider the inclusion in culturally-tailored interventions of more targeted outreach and healthcare system navigation assistance for promoting mammography screening in Korean American women. Further research is needed to unravel the interplay between acculturation, cultural factors, and health beliefs related to cancer screening behaviors of Korean American women.
Are Non-Newtonian Effects Important in Hemodynamic Simulations of Patients With Autogenous Fistula?

Given the current emphasis on accurate computational ﬂuid dynamics (CFD) modeling of cardiovascular ﬂows, which incor- porates realistic blood vessel geometries and cardiac waveforms, it is necessary to revisit the conventional wisdom regarding the inﬂuences of non-Newtonian effects. In this study, patient-speciﬁc reconstructed 3D geometries, whole blood viscosity data, and venous pulses postdialysis access surgery are used as the basis for the hemodynamic simulations of renal failure patients with native ﬁstula access. Rheological analysis of the viscometry data initially suggested that the correct choice of constitutive relations to capture the non-Newtonian behavior of blood is important because the end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patient cohort under observa- tion experience drastic variations in hematocrit (Hct) levels and whole blood viscosity throughout the hemodialysis treatment. For this purpose, various constitutive relations have been tested and implemented in CFD practice, namely Quemada and Casson. Because of the speciﬁc interest in neointimal hyperplasia and the onset of stenosis in this study, particular attention is placed on differences in nonhomeostatic wall shear stress (WSS) as that drives the venous adaptation process that leads to venous geometric evolution over time in ESRD patients. Surprisingly, the CFD results exhibit no major differences in the ﬂow ﬁeld and general ﬂow characteristics of a non-Newtonian simulation and a corre- sponding identical Newtonian counterpart. It is found that the vein’s geometric features and the dialysis-induced ﬂow rate have far greater inﬂuence on the WSS distribution within the numerical domain. [DOI: 10.1115/1.4035915]
Preferred Orientations of His-64 in Human Carbonic Anhydrase II

Histidine at position 64 (His-64) in Human Carbonic Anhydrase II (HCA II) is believed to be the proton acceptor in the hydration direction and the proton donor in the dehydration direction for the rate limiting proton transfer (PT) event. While the biochemical effect of histidine at position 64 has been thoroughly investigated, the role of its orientation in the PT event is a topic of considerable debate. X-ray data of HCA II suggests that His-64 can adopt either an “in” or “out” orientation. The “in” orientation is believed to be favored for the hydration direction PT event because the N δ of His-64 is closer to the catalytic zinc. This orientation allows for smaller water bridges, which are postulated to be more conducive to PT. In the present work, classical molecular dynamics simulations have been conducted to elucidate the role that the His-64 orientation may play in its ability to act as a proton donor/acceptor in HCA II. The free energy profile for the orientation of His-64 suggests that the histidine will adopt an “in” orientation in the hydration direction, which brings the delta nitrogen in close proximity to the catalytic zinc. When the histidine becomes protonated it then rotates to an “out” orientation creating a more favorable solvation environment for the protonated His-64. In this “out” orientation the imidazole ring releases the delta nitrogen’s excess proton into the bulk environment. After the second PT event and when the zinc bound water is regenerated the His-64 is again favored to reorient to the “in” orientation, completing the catalytic cycle.