Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Feasibility of a Computer-Based Intervention Addressing Barriers to HIV Testing Among Young Patients Who Decline Tests at Triage

Young people face greatly increased human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) risk and high rates of undiagnosed HIV, yet are unlikely to test. Many also have limited or inconsistent access to health care, including HIV testing and prevention education, and prior research has documented that youth lack knowledge necessary to understand the HIV test process and to interpret test results. Computer-based interventions have been used to increase HIV test rates and knowledge among emergency department (ED) patients, including those who decline tests offered at triage. However, patients aged 18–24 years have been less likely to test, even after completing an intervention, compared to older patients in the same ED setting. The current pilot study sought to examine the feasibility and acceptability of a new tablet-based video intervention designed to address established barriers to testing among ED patients aged 18–24 years. In particular, we examined whether young ED patients would: agree to receive the intervention; complete it quickly enough to avoid disrupting clinical workflows; accept HIV tests offered by the intervention; demonstrate increased postintervention knowledge; and report they found the intervention acceptable. Over 4 weeks, we recruited 100 patients aged 18–24 in a high-volume urban ED; all of them declined HIV tests offered at triage. Almost all (98%) completed the intervention (mean time <9 mins), 30% accepted HIV tests offered by the tablets. Knowledge was significantly higher after than before the intervention (t = −6.67, p < .001) and patients reported generally high acceptability. Additional research appears warranted to increase postintervention HIV testing.
Comparison of Knowledge and Attitudes Toward Human Papillomavirus, HPV Vaccine, Pap Tests, and Cervical Cancer Between US and Peruvian Women

Objectives The purpose of this study was to determine and compare the knowledge and attitudes toward human papillomavirus (HPV), HPV vaccine, Pap tests, and cervical cancer among US and Peruvian women. Materials and Methods A convenience sample of 275 US women in Augusta, GA, and 702 Peruvian women living in or near Cusco, Peru, completed 22- or 21-item questionnaires, respectively. These questionnaires determined their knowledge about HPV, the HPV vaccine, Pap tests, and cervical cancer. Simple logistic regression was used to determine the relationship between location and language on the correct responses. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals were calculated. Results US Spanish- (OR = 0.02), Quechua- (OR = 0.05), and Peru Spanish-speaking women (OR = 0.03) were significantly less likely to know that HPV causes cervical cancer compared with US non–Spanish-speaking women. US Spanish- (OR = 10.61, OR = 5.74), Quechua- (OR = 11.08, OR = 9.89), and Peru Spanish-speaking women (OR = 17.25, 14.43) were significantly more likely to be embarrassed and afraid, respectively, to get a Pap test compared with US non–Spanish-speaking women. US Spanish- (OR = 0.11), Quechua- (OR = 0.14), and Peru Spanish-speaking women (OR = 0.11) women were significantly less likely to know the HPV vaccine is safe and effective compared with US non–Spanish-speaking women. Conclusions Education must be implemented to address serious misconceptions and worrisome attitudes toward Pap tests and the HPV vaccine to decrease the rate of cervical cancer in Peru and US Spanish-speaking women.
Raytracing von Hornhauttopographiedaten zur Ermittlung der optischen Abbildungsqualität des Auges

Background: Optical aberrations in the optical system may downgrade image quality and cannot be fully compensated by spherocylindrical glasses. The subjectively evaluated visual acuity may be significantly reduced. The purpose of this study was to calculate the image forming properties of the eye using a spotlight source or alternatively extended objects. Methods: A convex and first derivative continuous (C1) surface from the rough height data of the anterior corneal surface (TMS-1, Tomey, Erlangen) or the anterior and posterior corneal surface (Orbscan, Orbtec, USA) was calculated by means of an interpolating subdivision scheme (modified Butterfly algorithm). The characteristics of the residual refractive surfaces were used according to Navarro's eye model. The focal distance was calculated from the exact raytracing calculation (Snellius' law) of the point-spread function by minimising the variance of the point-spread function. The diffraction property of the aperture stop was implemented with a transmission characteristic according to a radially symmetrical Bessel function within the entrance pupil. The algorithm was realised with a C code on the LINUX platform and applied to a normal eye (example 1, TMS-1), an eye with severe keratoconus (example 2, TMS-1) and an eye with corneal scars (example 3, Orbscan). Results: The focal distance in example 1 (22.5 mm, 22.6 mm, and 22.8 mm) increased with the pupil diameter (2 mm, 3 mm, and 5 mm). The variance of the approximately radially symmetrical point-spread function in the focal plane attained a minimum value with a pupil size of 3 mm (0.164, 0.104, and 0.230). In example 2, the focal distance changed inconclusively (21.1 mm, 21.0 mm, and 21.3 mm) with the pupil size (2 mm, 3 mm, and 5 mm). The variance of the markedly asymmetrical point-spread function in the focal plane was systematically higher compared to the values of example 1 and reached a minimum value with a pupil size of 3 mm (0.255, 0.224, and 0.371). The imaging of the sinus-modulated pattern is anisotropic due to the asymmetry of the point-spread function. In example 3, the focal distance (22.3 mm, 22.3 mm, and 22.5 mm) did not change systematically with the pupil size (2 mm, 3 mm, and 5 mm). The variance of the nearly radially symmetrical point-spread function changed only marginally between pupil sizes of 2 mm and 3 mm (0.231, 0.239, and 0.338). Conclusions: Raytracing of corneal topography height data based on refined eye models with the option of auto-focussing has the potential to trace the optical resolution of the eye for arbitrary objects. Further studies on contrast sensitivity and the conversion of the real image to a perceived image by the retina and brain are required for complete modeling of subjective visual acuity.
evelopment of cultivation strategies for friulimicin production in ctinoplanes friuliensis

Actinoplanes friuliensis is a rare actinomycete which produces the highly potent lipopeptide antibiotic friulimicin. This lipopeptide antibiotic is active against a broad range of multi-resistant gram-positive bacteria such as methicillin-resistant Enterococcus sp. and Staphylococcus aureus (MRE, MRSA) strains. Antibiotic biosynthesis and regulation in actinomycetes is very complex. In order to study the biosynthesis of these species and to develop efficient production processes, standardized cultivation conditions are a prerequisite. For this reason a chemically defined production medium for A. friuliensis was developed. With this chemically defined medium it was possible to analyze the influence of medium components on growth and antibiotic biosynthesis. These findings were used to develop process strategies for friulimicin production. The focus of the project presented here was to develop cultivation strategies which included fed-batch and continuous cultivation processes. In fed-batch processes, volumetric productivities for friulimicin of 1–2 mg/l h were achieved. In a perfusion process, a very simple cell retention system, which works via sedimentation of the mycelial cell pellets, was used. With this system, stable continuous cultivations with cell retention −1 were dependent on the dilution rate. With a dilution rate of 0.05 h , cell retention worked well and volumetric productivity of friulimicin was enhanced to 3–5 mg/l h. With a higher dilution rate of 0.1 h−1, friulimicin production ceased because cell retention was not possible any longer with this simple cell retention system. In order to support process development, cultivation data were used to characterize metabolic fluxes in the developed friulimicin production processes.
Remote Sensing and GIS for Schistosomiasis Control in Mountainous Areas in Sichuan, China

Abstract In this paper, we report some of our initial results obtained from a joint research project between a team at the University of California at Berkeley and the Sichuan Institute for Parasitic Diseases. The project began with an intent to apply mathematical modeling to schistosomiasis control and later evolved into the use of GIS and remote sensing to map and model the spatial heterogeneity for the study of schistosomiasis transmission dynamics and the identification of snail habitats. Following a description of our study site in China, we present our results on the use of Landsat Thematic Mapper imagery in mapping snail habitats and the use of a GIS database developed at the village level for schistosomiasis transmission control based on spatial network analysis.
Fine‐needle aspiration cytology of abdominal wall endometriosis

While about 15% of menstruating women develop endometriosis, abdominal wall endometriosis is relatively rare. We present 10 cases of abdominal wall endometriosis diagnosed by fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) cytology and confirmed by subsequent surgical excision. A palpable abdominal wall mass was the most common symptom, followed by pain. Nine cases were associated with previous surgery. The smear showed glandular epithelial cells and spindle or ovoid stromal cells accompanied by macrophages in eight cases. The nucleus was round‐to‐oval and the nucleolus was inconspicuous. Mitosis was not observed in any case. In two cases, which were suspicious of malignancy on FNA, the epithelial cells showed anisonucleosis, hyperchromasia, and small conspicuous nucleoli. The stromal cells were spindle or ovoid in shape, without metaplastic changes. Histiocytes were noted in nine cases and hemosiderin‐laden histiocytes were noted in two cases. The proportion of inflammatory cells varied. FNA diagnosis of abdominal wall endometriosis is possible when the cytological features are interpreted cautiously, together with the patient's clinical history. An accurate diagnosis on FNA will prevent unnecessary surgery. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2013. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Blood Culture Isolates in Hemodialysis Vascular Catheter-Related Bacteremia

Hemodialysis requires reliable and recurrent access to the central circulation and arteriovenous fistulas or grafts are the preferred modes of vascular access. However, in many patients the use of external tunneled vascular catheters may be necessary. The major complication of tunneled catheters is infection. Understanding local epidemiologic patterns of dialysis catheter-related bacteremia may help in the management of these patients. To address this issue, we reviewed the 5-year microbiologic culture results from all bacteremic hemodialysis patients with tunneled catheters at our institution. During this period, there were 203 organisms isolated from 153 positive blood cultures. Gram-positive, Gram-negative, and fungal species represented 55.7%, 43.3%, and 1% of isolates, respectively. Positive blood cultures classified according to the presence of a single Gram-positive or single Gram-negative organism, single fungus, or polymicrobial organisms, accounted for 41.8%, 29.4%, 0.6% and 28.1% of infectious events. From 2000–2004, there was a numerical trend toward a decrease in Gram-positive infection (64.3% versus 34.8% respectively, P = 0.12) and a numerical trend toward an increase in Gram-negative and polymicrobial bacteremias (17.9 versus 21.7, P = 0.07 and 17.9 versus 43.5, P = 0.09, respectively). These data indicate that bacteremic events in hemodialysis patients with vascular catheters are commonly due to a single Gram-positive organism, but the incidence of Gram-negative and polymicrobial bacteremia may be increasing. If confirmed in a prospective trial, adjustment of empiric antibiotic regimens for suspected catheter-associated bacteremia may be indicated.
Psammoma bodies in fine needle aspiration cytology of the breast: A clinicopathological study of 30 cases

Psammoma bodies (PBs) in breast lesions are rare and little is known about the role of these structures in breast pathology. This study has looked in to the diagnostic significance of PBs in fine needle aspiration (FNAC) of breast lesions. Over a 5‐year period, FNACs of the breast were done in 4,563 subjects, of which 1,678 were diagnosed to be malignant. On review of all breast aspirates including non‐neoplastic lesions, 30 cases showed PBs to be associated with breast carcinoma (BC). Cytological features were correlated with clinical, radiological, histological, and immunohistochemical findings. All 30 aspirates and their corresponding histological sections showed varying number of PBs and nonpsammomatous bodies (NPBs). For comparison, 31 cases of age‐matched BC without PBs and NPBs in both aspirates and sections were studied. Statistical analysis using Chi‐square test was done to compare BC with and without PBs. BC with PBs was characterized by papillary pattern of malignant cells, mucin in the background, infiltration by macrophages, cellular degeneration, overexpression of estrogen receptor (ER), and progesterone receptor (PR) and moderate positivity (2+) for Her2/neu. Calcium deposition has long been implicated in the pathogenesis of many degenerative diseases; hence the formation of PBs may be relevant in breast oncology. The presence of PBs in FNAC of clinically suspected breast lesions which are cytologically negative for malignancy warrants further histological confirmation. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2013. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder service delivery: Exploring current systems of care from the caregivers’ perspective

Walls, L. , & Pei, J. (2013). Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder service delivery: Exploring current systems of care from the caregivers’ perspective. The International Journal Of Alcohol And Drug Research, 2 (3), 87-92. doi:10.7895/ijadr.v2i3. 75 ( http://dx.doi.org/10.7895/ijadr.v2i3.75 ) Aims: The goals of this study were to: (1) gain improved understanding of the needs of caregivers caring for individuals with FASD; (2) gain improved understanding of the experiences of these caregivers as they attempt to access and implement supports in daily functioning; and (3) gain improved understanding of caregivers’ perceptions of strengths and challenges in systems of care for individuals with FASD. Design: Information for this study was gathered using a phenomenological in-depth interviewing method, allowing the researchers to explore existing services, policies, and local knowledge from the perspective of the caregivers who were accessing services. Participants: A total of eight participants ( N = 8) met the criteria for participation. Six of the participants in the study were adoptive parents and two were foster parents. Of the eight participants, seven were female and one was male. Three of the study participants resided in rural locations and five in urban centers. Findings: Results indicated that caregivers pass through four stages of caregiving, with each stage having a distinct primary need and requiring supports and services that best address that need. Three additional themes related to service delivery also emerged: caregiver considerations, program factors, and building on strengths. Conclusions: Study results emphasize the need for further research exploring the concept that caregivers experience specific caregiving stages, and that programming factors should align with caregivers’ needs in each of these stages. Participants’ narratives also suggest that the results of this study may be relevant beyond its regional specificity and limited sample size, and may in fact reflect the experiences of caregivers across jurisdictions.
Therapeutic Effects of Marine Collagen Peptides on Chinese Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Primary Hypertension

Introduction:Marine collagen peptides (MCPs) from deep sea fish are shown to ameliorate hyperlipidemia in animal models. The study aimed at examining the effects of MCPs on glucose and lipid metabolism in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and primary hypertension. Methods:One hundred patients with T2DM and primary hypertension and 50 healthy subjects (normal controls) were recruited for a randomized double blind study. The patients were randomized into MCPs treatment or patient control groups (n = 50 per group). Both patient controls and normal controls were given carboxymethylcellulose twice daily whereas the MCPs treatment group was given MCPs twice daily for 3 months. Blood pressure, glucose and lipid metabolism, serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, cytochrome P450, nitric oxide, bradykinin, prostacyclin, creatinine, uric acid and adipokines were measured at baseline, 1.5 and 3 months after treatment. All patients received regular medicines for control of hyperglycemia and hypertension. Results:Compared with patient controls, significantly reduced levels of fasting blood glucose, HbA1c, diastolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure and creatinine but increased levels of Insulin Sensitivity Index and Insulin Secretion Index were observed in patients receiving MCPs treatment. Furthermore, significantly reduced levels of serum triglycerides, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, free fatty acids, cytochrome P450, nitric oxide and prostacyclin but increased levels of high-density lipoprotein, bradykinin and adiponectin were detected in patients taking MCPs. Conclusions:MCPs supplement may benefit glucose and lipid metabolism, insulin sensitivity, renal function and hypertension management in Chinese patients with T2DM and hypertension.
Potential application of immobilized streptokinase extracted from Streptococcus equinus VIT_VB2

ABSTRACT Streptokinase purified from Streptococcus equinus VIT_VB2 isolated from bovine milk sample was immobilized in various solid supports namely entrapment in agarose gel, calcium alginate beads and gelatin gel by cross-linking with formaldehyde. Immobilization of streptokinase in calcium alginate beads showed maximum efficiency (81.8 ± 1.06%) when compared with entrapment with agarose gel (55.6 ± 2.17%) and cross-linked gelatin formaldehyde gel (71.0 ± 1.54%). The purified SK activity was expressed maximum in calcium alginate (1%) and gelatin gel (0.25%) with 1292.68 ± 1.33 and 1121.9 ± 1.2 U mL−1, respectively. Similarly, SK entrapped in gelatin gel and calcium alginate showed maximum in vitro blood clot lysis activity with 77.67 ± 2.64% and 76.16 ± 2.72%, respectively. The immobilized SK in gelatin gel showed complete clot lysis within 15 min; hence, this application of the study could be used in the treatment of superficial thrombophlebitis, phlebitis, and venous thrombosis. These beads were used for three repeated cycles to check the conversion of substrates into their products, and we concluded that SK can be immobilized in the suitable matrices. Therefore, this helps in the drug-delivery strategies in highly efficient way, moreover, economically competent process in the pharmaceutics.
Fluorescent dialdehyde ligand for the encapsulation of dinuclear luminescent lanthanide complexes.

Five dinuclear lanthanide complexes [Ln(III)(2)(hpd)(6)]. solvent, Ln(III) = Eu(III) (1.2MeCN), Gd(III) (2.2MeCN), Tb(III) (3.MeCN.MeOH), Dy(III) (4.2MeCN), Ho(III) (5.2MeCN) and Hhpd (2-Hydroxyisophthaldehyde) were synthesised and structurally and magnetically characterised. X-Ray structural analysis shows all complexes are isostructural and crystallise in the triclinic P1 space group. The dinuclear complexes are composed of eight-coordinate lanthanide ions linked by two phenoxide bridges from two hpd(-) ligands. Complex 1 exhibits characteristic fluorescence in the visible region.
The Effects of Kappa-Opioid Receptor on Stretch-Induced Electrophysiological Changes in Infarcted Rat Hearts

Introduction:Kappa-opioid receptors (&kgr;-OR) and mechanoelectric feedback seem to have common pathways that influence electrophysiological changes resulting from acute myocardial infarction (MI). This study aims to determine the effects of the &kgr;-OR on stretch-induced electrophysiological changes after acute MI. Methods:Male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: sham operated, MI, U-50488H (a selective &kgr;-OR agonist) -treated MI (MI+U-50488H) and nor-BNI (a selective &kgr;-OR antagonist) -treated MI (MI+nor-BNI). After Langendorff perfusion to maintain stabilization, a transient stretch (5 seconds) was delivered early in diastole. Electrophysiological changes were recorded for 1 minute before and after stretch. Similarly, the 20%, 50% and 90% monophasic action potential duration (MAPD20, MAPD50 and MAPD90, respectively) and stretch-induced arrhythmias were recorded. Results:MAPD90 significantly increased in all 4 groups. MAPD90 in the MI and MI+nor-BNI groups increased significantly before stretch (P < 0.05) and after stretch (P < 0.01) but was reversed in the MI+U-50488H group (P > 0.05). MAPD90 in the MI group was increased compared with that of the MI+U-50488H group but decreased compared with that of the MI+ nor-BNI group after stretch (P < 0.01). The arrhythmia score in the MI and MI+nor-BNI groups was higher than that of the sham-operated group (P < 0.01), and the arrhythmia score in the MI+nor-BNI group was higher than that in MI group after stretch (P < 0.01). The arrhythmia score of the MI+U-50488H group was lower than that of MI group after stretch (P < 0.01). Conclusions:The &kgr;-OR could influence the stretch-induced electrophysiological changes and play an antiarrhythmic role in stretch-induced arrhythmias after acute MI.
Causes and Manners of Death Among Users of Heroin, Methadone, Amphetamine, and Cannabis in Relation to Postmortem Chemical Tests for Illegal Drugs

A 12-year medicolegal investigation of deceased illegal drug users (ILDU) in Stockholm, Sweden, classified on the basis of postmortem chemical tests, showed noticeable variations in causes and manners of death as well as in the distribution of suicide methods. This study offers objective information about connection between the postmortem findings of illegal drugs and the causes and manners of death of their users. However, further studies, comparing prevalence of drug use in general population and at the postmortem tests, are needed for more detailed elucidation of this connection.
Selected Community Characteristics and Underage Drinking

This study assessed the relationship between community characteristics and alcohol use among 6,636 youth, aged from 14 to 20, in 2004. After adjusting for individual-level characteristics, youth from communities with a greater proportion of grandparents as caregivers, larger numbers of married couple families, and higher employment rates were significantly less likely to report past 30-day alcohol use. Youth from communities with higher median household income were significantly more likely to report past 30-day alcohol use. Adolescents in communities with a greater percentage of whites were significantly more likely to report binge drinking. The results indicate that the community context is an important predictor of alcohol use.