Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Prevalence, genotype distribution and risk factors of cervical HPV infection in Yangqu, China: a population-based survey of 10086 women

ABSTRACT Human papillomavirus(HPV) infection is a necessary factor for the development of cervical cancer. The HPV vaccine is currently available, but there is still a lack of large-scale research on the distribution and risk factors of HPV. The aim of this study is to investigate the genotype distribution and risk factors of HPV infection in Yangqu which is located in North China. This study enrolled 10086 women aged <65 years from Yangqu County. HPV genotypes were identified via standard HPV DNA testing. The overall prevalence of HPV infection was 8.92%. The prevalence of high-risk HPV types was 8.80%, and it was 0.38% for low-risk HPV types. Single genotype infection accounted for 67.91% in HPV-positive cases. The most common HPV genotypes were HPV-16, −52, and −58. HPV-18 was only the 11th most common type in HPV-positive cases. Women ≥50 years of age had the highest prevalence rate of HPV, and women <30 years had the lowest prevalence rate. The distribution of HPV genotypes also varied among the three age groups: <30, 30–49, and ≥50 years. The risk factors that contributed to the rate of HPV infection included low educational level, low income, smoking, age at first sexual encounter <23 years old, and number of births ≥3 times. This large routine clinical practice report of HPV prevalence and genotype distribution revealed the characteristics of HPV infection-type distributions in Shanxi Province, which should be considered in formulating comprehensive prevention strategies including vaccination for cervical cancer in China.
Exploring the Relationship Between Patient Falls and Levels of Nursing Education and Certification.

OBJECTIVE To examine if increasing the percentage of nurses with bachelor degrees (BSNs) and/or certified nurses leads to improved patient outcomes, specifically the number of reported falls. BACKGROUND Research suggests a link between higher levels of education and expertise and positive patient outcomes, including falls. The Institute of Medicine recommends an increase in BSN nurses. METHODS This was a retrospective cross-sectional cohort analysis using data from the National Database of Nursing Quality Indicators from 2010 to 2016 from multiple medical centers in Central and Southern Illinois. RESULTS With every 1-unit increase in the percentage of BSN nurses or certified nurses, a reduction in total patient falls per 1000 patient-days can be expected in the amount of 0.02 to 0.04 and 0.01 to 0.03, respectively, all else held constant. CONCLUSIONS Improvements to patient outcomes may be optimized with increased percentages of nurses with bachelor degrees and/or certifications.
Guinea pigs as a model of cholesterol-induced cardiac concentric remodeling

Hypercholesterolemia contributes to the progression of atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, and hypertension in humans. Normotensive hypercholesterolemic patients develop cardiac (leftventricular) concentric remodeling by unknown mechanisms. We used the cholesterol-fed guinea pig to examine the effects of hypercholesterolemia on cardiovascular homeostatic mechanisms. Guinea pigs that consumed a 1% dietary cholesterol regimen for 13 weeks developed cardiac concentric remodeling of the left ventricle, which was characterized by an increase in relative left ventricular wall thickness without an increase in left ventricular mass. Fractional shortening, a determinant of cardiac contractility, was unchanged. The baroreceptor reflex (BR) modulates mean arterial pressure by regulating sympathetic and parasympathetic discharge to the heart and vasculature. BR activity was impaired in hypercholesterolemic guinea pigs although these animals were normotensive. The gain and sensitivity of the BR were markedly diminished. A loss of BR activity in guinea pigs with cholesterol-induced cardiac concentric remodeling may be attributed to many mechanisms involved in autonomic regulation. Our studies determined that hyperholesterolemia may disrupt central processing of baroafferent function, and causes both down-regulation of cardiac β-adrenoceptors and elevations in intrinsic heart rate. Systemic injections of the 5-HT3 receptor agonist phenylbiguanide, elicit Bezold-Jarisch reflex (BJR)mediated falls in heart rate and mean arterial blood pressure. The BJR responses elicited by phenylbiguanide in conscious control and cholesterol-fed guinea pigs were due primarily to increases in cardiovagal drive. The BJR responses elicited by phenylbiguanide were reduced in hypercholesterolemic animals perhaps by down-regulation of 5-HT3 receptors rather than diminished central/efferent processing of the BJR reflex. We also obtained evidence that hypercholesterolemia markedly affects the rate of desensitization/resensitization of 5-HT3 receptors and that endogenous nitrosyl factors in vagal afferents of the rat regulate the rate of desensitization/resensitization of 5-HT3 receptors on vagal afferents mediating the BJR. Finally, we found that endothelium-dependent relaxation was reduced in cholesterol-fed guinea pigs via the reduced potency of endothelium-derived L-S-nitrosocysteine and that these guinea pigs have diminished vesicular stores of L-S-nitrosocysteine.
The Role of C-X-C Chemokine Receptor Type 4 (CXCR4) in Cell Adherence and Spheroid Formation of Human Ewing’s Sarcoma Cells under Simulated Microgravity

We studied the behavior of Ewing’s Sarcoma cells of the line A673 under simulated microgravity (s-µg). These cells express two prominent markers—the oncogene EWS/FLI1 and the chemokine receptor CXCR4, which is used as a target of treatment in several types of cancer. The cells were exposed to s-µg in a random-positioning machine (RPM) for 24 h in the absence and presence of the CXCR4 inhibitor AMD3100. Then, their morphology and cytoskeleton were examined. The expression of selected mutually interacting genes was measured by qRT-PCR and protein accumulation was determined by western blotting. After 24 h incubation on the RPM, a splitting of the A673 cell population in adherent and spheroid cells was observed. Compared to 1 g control cells, EWS/FLI1 was significantly upregulated in the adherent cells and in the spheroids, while CXCR4 and CD44 expression were significantly enhanced in spheroids only. Transcription of CAV-1 was upregulated and DKK2 and VEGF-A were down-regulated in both, adherent in spheroid cells, respectively. Regarding, protein accumulation EWS/FLI1 was enhanced in adherent cells only, but CD44 decreased in spheroids and adherent cells. Inhibition of CXCR4 did not change spheroid count, or structure. Under s-µg, the tumor marker EWS/FLI1 is intensified, while targeting CXCR4, which influences adhesion proteins, did not affect spheroid formation.
Toward the identification of ZDHHC enzymes required for palmitoylation of viral protein as potential drug targets

ABSTRACT Introduction: S-acylation is the attachment of fatty acids not only to cysteines of cellular, but also of viral proteins. The modification is often crucial for the protein´s function and hence for virus replication. Transfer of fatty acids is mediated by one or several of the 23 members of the ZDHHC family of proteins. Since their genes are linked to various human diseases, they represent drug targets. Areas covered: The authors explore whether targeting acylation of viral proteins might be a strategy to combat viral diseases. Many human pathogens contain S-acylated proteins; the ZDHHCs involved in their acylation are currently identified. Based on the 3D structure of two ZDHHCs, the regulation and the biochemistry of the palmitolyation reaction and the lipid and protein substrate specificities are discussed. The authors then speculate how ZDHHCs might recognize S-acylated membrane proteins of Influenza virus. Expert opinion: Although many viral diseases can now be treated, the available drugs bind to viral proteins that rapidly mutate and become resistant. To develop inhibitors for the genetically more stable cellular ZDHHCs, their binding sites for viral substrates need to be identified. If only a few cellular proteins are recognized by the same binding site, development of specific inhibitors may have therapeutic potential.
Hypertension Programmed by Perinatal High-Fat Diet: Effect of Maternal Gut Microbiota-Targeted Therapy

Hypertension can originate in early life caused by perinatal high-fat (HF) consumption. Gut microbiota and their metabolites short chain fatty acids (SCFAs), trimethylamine (TMA), and trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) are involved in the development of hypertension. Despite the beneficial effects of prebiotic/probiotic on human health, little is known whether maternal use of prebiotics/probiotics could protect offspring against the development of hypertension in adulthood. We investigated whether perinatal HF diet-induced programmed hypertension in adult offspring can be prevented by therapeutic uses of prebiotic inulin or probiotic Lactobacillus casei during gestation and lactation. Pregnant Sprague–Dawley rats received regular chow or HF diet (D12331, Research Diets), with 5% w/w long chain inulin (PRE), or 2 × 108 CFU/day Lactobacillus casei via oral gavage (PRO) during pregnancy and lactation. Male offspring (n = 8/group) were assigned to four groups: control, HF, PRE, and PRO. Rats were sacrificed at 16 weeks of age. Maternal prebiotic or probiotic therapy prevents elevated blood pressure (BP) programmed by perinatal HF consumption. Both prebiotic and probiotic therapies decreased the Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes ratio and renal mRNA expression of Ace, but increased abundance of genus Lactobacillus and Akkermansia. Additionally, prebiotic treatment prevents HF-induced elevation of BP is associated with reduced fecal propionate and acetate levels, while probiotic therapy restored several Lactobacillus species. Maternal probiotic or prebiotic therapy caused a reduction in plasma TMAO level and TMAO-to-TMA ratio. The beneficial effects of prebiotic or probiotic therapy on elevated BP programmed by perinatal HF diet are relevant to alterations of microbial populations, modulation of microbial-derived metabolites, and mediation of the renin-angiotensin system. Our results cast a new light on the use of maternal prebiotic/probiotic therapy to prevent hypertension programmed by perinatal HF consumption. The possibility of applying gut microbiota-targeted therapies as a reprogramming strategy for hypertension warrants further clinical translation.
Education technology impact on Department of Defense financial manager continuing professional education programs

The Department of Defense (DOD) financial management (FM) career field is a challenging profession requiring extensive knowledge in many domains. To refresh and expand on the knowledge needed to be effective, DOD FM personnel receive continuing professional education (CPE) from various sources. This exploratory study uses qualitative research to identify critical knowledge areas as identified by service oriented financial manager career planning documents. The primary goal of this chapter is to produce a consolidated list of recommended professional knowledge areas for a workforce undergoing tremendous change. Using the results of this research, DOD CPE program directors may be able to identify existing gaps in current FM CPE curricula.
Therapeutic efficacy of hepatitis B virus vaccine in treatment of chronic HBV infections: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

There is a need for improved treatment of patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). We reviewed the literature to explore the efficacy of HB vaccines alone or in combination therapy (CT) with antiviral drugs in CHB patients and to meta‐analyze data from randomized controlled trials. We conducted a systematic search in ten databases. All studies investigating the efficacy of HBV vaccine in HBV infected patients were included with no restrictions. Among 1359 studies initially identified, 23 studies (n = 1956 patients) were included for the final analysis. CT showed a significant reduction of HBV DNA compared with analogue monotherapy (AM) at the 12‐month follow‐up period (odds ratio (OR) = 2.835, 95% confidence interval (CI) [1.275, 6.306], p = . 011). Additionally, CT also remarkably induce HbsAg loss in comparison with AM (OR = 11.736, 95% CI [1.841, 74.794], p = .009). Our pooled data revealed no difference between treatment and control regarding alanine aminotransferase normalization, HBeAg seroconversion, and HBeAg disappearance. In addition, CT using vaccine and NAs resulted in a statistically significant higher incidence of adverse effects than AM. The therapeutic effects of combination therapy for patients with CHB were encouraging, but future studies need to investigate all possible treatment combinations and assess their cost‐effectiveness.
Risk factors associated with fetal pleural effusion in prenatal diagnosis: a retrospective study in a single institute in Southern China

Abstract The aim of this study was to analyse the factors associated with fetal pleural effusion over the past five years in a single institute in the South of China. Between January 2011 and May 2016, 129 foetuses with pleural effusion were referred to the Fetal Medicine Unit in Guangzhou’s Women and Children’s Medical Center. Seventy-nine women accepted an invasive procedure to rule out chromosomal abnormalities, fetal anaemia, intrauterine infections or some of the submicroscopic chromosomal abnormalities. Our results showed that chromosomal anomalies occurred in 15.2% (12/79) of cases including 8 Turner syndrome (45, X) (10.1%), 3 trisomy 21 (3.8%) and 1 trisomy 13 (1.3%). Pathological microdeletion or microduplication syndrome occurred in 3 out of 36 (8.3%) prenatal samples with normal karyotype and structural defects. Eight foetuses (10.1%) affected with haemoglobin Bart’s disease showed pleural effusion at second or third trimester. Two cases (2.5%) were found to have an intrauterine infection. In conclusion, fetal pleural effusion has a close correlation with chromosomal abnormality. CMA may increase the detection rate of chromosomal aberrations, especially for micro-deletion or micro-duplication syndromes. In the South of China, Thalassemia must be considered when a fetal pleural effusion is detected. Impact statement What is already known on this subject? The aetiology of fetal pleural effusion includes a chromosomal abnormality, a congenital heart disease, congenital infections and a number of genetic syndromes. What do the results of this study add? This is the first retrospective study to analyse the aetiology of fetal pleural effusion in one institute in the South of China. What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? Besides the chromosomal abnormality, micro-deletion and micro-duplication syndromes were also detected in our study. We feel that thalassemia must be considered when fetal pleural effusion is detected in South China.
All‐trans retinoic acid (ATRA)‐induced TFEB expression is required for myeloid differentiation in acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL)

In acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL), normal retinoid signaling is disrupted by an abnormal PML‐RARα fusion oncoprotein, leading to a block in cell differentiation. Therapeutic concentrations of all‐trans‐retinoic acid (ATRA) can restore retinoid‐induced transcription and promote degradation of the PML‐RARα protein. Autophagy is a catabolic pathway that utilizes lysosomal machinery to degrade intracellular material and facilitate cellular re‐modeling. Recent studies have identified autophagy as an integral component of ATRA‐induced myeloid differentiation.
Consideration of Sex Differences in the Measurement and Interpretation of Alzheimer Disease-Related Biofluid-Based Biomarkers.

BACKGROUND The development of cerebrospinal fluid and blood-based biomarkers for Alzheimer disease (AD) and related disorders is rapidly progressing. Such biomarkers may be used clinically to screen the population, to enhance diagnosis, or to help determine prognosis. Although the use of precision medicine methods has contributed to enhanced understanding of the AD pathophysiological changes and development of assays, one aspect not commonly considered is sex differences. CONTENT There are several ways in which sex can affect the concentration or interpretation of biofluid biomarkers. For some markers, concentrations will vary by sex. For others, the concentrations might not vary by sex, but the impact or interpretation may vary by sex depending on the context of use (e.g., diagnostic vs prognostic). Finally, for others, there will be no sex differences in concentrations or their interpretation. This review will first provide a basis for sex differences, including differences in brain structure and function, and the means by which these differences could contribute to sex differences in biomarker concentrations. Next, the current state of sex differences in AD-related biofluid markers (i.e., amyloid-β, phosphorylated τ, total τ, neurofilament light chain, and neurogranin) will be reviewed. Lastly, factors that can lead to the misinterpretation of observed sex differences in biomarkers (either providing evidence for or against) will be considered. SUMMARY This review is intended to provide an impetus to consider sex differences in the measurement and interpretation of AD-related biofluid-based biomarkers.
A Novel Video-Based Patient Education Program to Reduce Penile Prosthetic Surgery Cancellations

Penile prosthetic surgery is an effective treatment for men with erectile dysfunction. Cancellation of surgery is disruptive and costly to patients, physicians, and the healthcare system. This pilot study sought to analyze surgery cancellations and implement a video-based patient education program to decrease surgery noncompletion. Baseline penile prosthetic surgery completion, rescheduling, and cancellation rates among consecutively scheduled surgeries were determined using a national cohort. Selected prosthetic surgeons then implemented Vidscrip, a video-based patient education program. Prerecorded videos were delivered via text message 14 days, 7 days, and 1 day preoperatively, as well as 1 day postoperatively. Subsequent analysis determined noncompletion rates, reasons for noncompletion, surgeon volume, and video utilization. Two-hundred twenty-six surgeries were scheduled in the baseline cohort; 141 were completed, and 85 were rescheduled or canceled. Among the intervention cohort, 290 patients completed, 7 rescheduled, and 37 canceled surgery. After program implementation, the surgery noncompletion rate was reduced compared to baseline (13.2% vs. 37.6%, p < .05), corresponding to a number needed to treat of 4.1. When stratified by surgeon volume, there was no difference in noncompletion rate (>20 cases vs. ≤20 cases: 8.20% vs. 32.0%, p = .35). Video utilization was widely variable among practices (median viewing time 58.6 min, IQR 5.09–113). Penile prosthetic surgery is frequently rescheduled or canceled. Implementing a video-based patient education program reduces surgery noncompletion, improving efficiency and quality of care. Wider implementation is needed to validate these findings, while cost-effectiveness analyses may further support their broad adoption.
Impact of Patient Interface Diameter and Vacuum Level on Suction Stability Using a Flat Applanating Interface for Femtosecond Laser-Assisted LASIK

ABSTRACT Purpose To investigate the impact of different patient interface (PI) diameters and different vacuum levels on the suction stability during vacuum application for femtosecond laser-assisted LASIK. Methods Break-away forces as a marker for suction stability were measured by an automated test bench set-up. The test bench was based on a customized stamp connected to a digital load cell. Three flat applanating PI with different diameters (8.5, 9.5 and 10.0 mm) and four different vacuum levels (500, 600, 700 and 800 mbar) were investigated using the FEMTO LDV Z8 (Ziemer Ophthalmic Systems AG, Switzerland). Results Mean break-away force was 5.23N (±0.99N) using the 8.5 mm PI and 500 mbar vacuum, 8.18N (±1.39N) using the 8.5 mm PI and 800 mbar, 3.37N (±0.56N) using the 10.0 mm PI and 500 mbar, and 6.14N (±0.68N) using the 10.0 mm PI and 800 mbar vacuum (p < .001; CI95%). Increasing the PI diameter from 8.5 to 10.0 mm resulted in a 28.89% (+1.97 ± 1.02N) lower break-away force (p < .001) when using default vacuum settings (700 mbar) compared to increasing vacuum from 500 to 800 mbar, which resulted in a 60.37% (+1.95 ± 1.40N) higher mean break away force (p < .001). Conclusion The vacuum level and the diameter of the PI showed significant impact on suction stability measured as break-away force during flat applanating docking for corneal and refractive surgery. Break-away forces were inversely related to the PI diameter and directly to the vacuum level. Increasing the PI diameter by one step or reducing vacuum by 100 mbar resulted in a comparable decrease of break-away forces. Therefore, the surgeon could potentially maintain stabile suction by increasing vacuum when choosing a larger PI diameter to obtain a larger treatment zone. Furthermore, reduction of the PI diameter and/or increasing vacuum could help improving suction stability in situations of poor suction and in situations with increased risk of suction loss during LASIK.
A potential diagnostic pitfall for hobnail variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma

Hobnail variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is an aggressive PTC subtype characterised by a hobnail cytomorphology. However, some classic PTC have a ‘hobnail‐like’ cytomorphology associated with thick, hyalinised, variably oedematous fibrovascular cores that appears to be a form of ischaemic/degenerative atypia.
How Does Childhood Trauma Impact Women’s Sexual Desire? Role of Depression, Stress, and Cortisol

ABSTRACT The relationship between childhood trauma and adult sexual dysfunction is well documented; however, there is a paucity of research that examines the physiological and psychological mechanisms that may potentiate this relationship. As depression, perceived stress, and hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis dysregulation are correlates of childhood trauma and sexual dysfunction, the current study sought to examine the association of each of these domains with low sexual desire in a sample of (N = 275 [n = 137 women with low sexual desire; n = 138 sexually healthy women]) non-clinically depressed women. First, we assessed the relative contributions of HPA axis dysregulation (as indexed by the diurnal cortisol slope), childhood trauma, depression symptoms and perceived daily stress on low sexual desire. Next, we examined the degree to which HPA axis dysregulation, perceived stress, and depressive symptoms, respectively, mediated the relationship between childhood trauma and sexual desire. Results indicate that diurnal cortisol slope and depression symptoms contribute to low desire over and above perceived stress and childhood trauma and that childhood trauma is associated with low sexual desire predominantly through depressive symptomatology. Theoretical and clinical implications of the findings are discussed.