Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
HPV Knowledge and Factors Associated with Intention to Use Condoms for Reducing HPV Infection Risk among Adolescent Women in Taiwan

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a frequent cause of sexually transmitted infection worldwide, and has a key role in the etiology of cervical cancer. Young people are the most vulnerable age group for acquiring HPV infection, but this particular age group in Taiwan knows little about it. This study investigated Taiwanese adolescent women’s knowledge of HPV and factors associated with intention to use condoms for reducing HPV-related diseases among adolescent women. A descriptive cross-sectional design was used, and a convenience sample of 384 adolescent women aged 15 to 16 years in Southern Taiwan was recruited. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire and analyzed with descriptive statistics, t-test or ANOVA, and multiple regression analysis. Only 26.6% of the participants were aware of HPV. The percentage of correct answers for knowledge about HPV was 35.4%. Factors associated with intention to use condoms for HPV prevention were discussion of sexual issues, attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavioral control, and HPV knowledge. These variables accounted for 55.8% of the variance in scores for intention to use condoms for HPV prevention. These findings could be used in future HPV prevention education and campaigns. Future intervention programs might be particularly focused on insufficient HPV knowledge among adolescent females.
Mammography use and mode of detection among breast cancer patients in Estonia

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to examine past mammography use and mode of detection among breast cancer (BC) patients in Estonia, a country that has low screening coverage and high BC mortality. Women newly diagnosed with primary BC in Estonia in 2008–2010 were interviewed. Determinants of past mammography use and the detection of BC by mammography were studied using multivariate logistic regression. Among 977 participants, almost half reported no mammograms prior to the detection of BC. Overall, 22% of the cases were detected by mammography (16% by screening mammography). Detection by mammography was strongly related to age, past mammography use, and obesity. Among cases detected by mammography, 10% were stage III/IV at diagnosis (32% among cases detected by other modes). This study showed low mammography utilization and high rate of self-detection of BC in Estonia. Increased detection by mammography would help diagnose the disease at an earlier stage and consequently avoid premature BC deaths. Efforts should be undertaken to increase participation in screening and improve the availability of mammography among older and high-risk women. The results are likely to be relevant for other countries and population groups with low screening coverage.
Techniques for investigation of skin lymphatics

37 lighting can be experimented with to achieve the optimum modelling effect. The results obtained are accurate and reproducible. This technique has been used for photomicroscopy of normal skin features and abnormalities of the skin. Skin diseases that have been studied include Gorlin's syndrome, graft-versus-host disease, disseminated superficial actinic porokeratosis, Anderson-Fabry disease and acne vulgaris. Some examples will be demonstrated.
“My hair or my health:” Overcoming barriers to physical activity in African American women with a focus on hairstyle-related factors

ABSTRACT Physical activity disparities among African American (AA) women may be related to sociocultural barriers, including difficulties with restyling hair after exercise. We sought to identify physical activity barriers and facilitators in AA women with a focus on sociocultural factors related to hairstyle maintenance. Participants (n = 51) were AA women aged 19–73 years who completed valid surveys and participated in structured focus groups, stratified by age and physical activity levels, from November 2012 to February 2013. The Constant Comparison method was used to develop qualitative themes for barriers and facilitators. The most frequently reported general physical activity barrier among exercisers was “lack of money” (27%) and among non-exercisers was “lack of self-discipline” (57%). A hairstyle-related barrier of “sweating out my hairstyle” was reported by 7% of exercisers and 29% of non-exercisers. This hairstyle-related barrier included the need for extra time and money to restyle hair due to perspiration. Hairstyle-related facilitators included: prioritizing health over hairstyle and high self-efficacy to restyle hair after perspiration. Participants were interested in resources to simplify hairstyle maintenance. AA women whose hairstyle is affected by perspiration may avoid physical activity due to time and financial burdens. Increasing self-efficacy to restyle hair after perspiration may help to overcome this barrier.
An overview of Hutchinson Gilford Progeria Syndrome (HGPS).

Hutchinson Gilford Progeria Syndrome (HGPS) is a rare genetic disorder. The disorder is characterized by premature aging, generally leading to death. The purpose of this article is to review Hutchinson Gilford Progeria Syndrome and its characteristics. There are many symptoms from various organs such dermatology characteristics, facial features, and musculoskeletal disorders. The syndrome is characterized by specific radiological and histological findings. The diagnosis is based on the identification of common clinical features and the detection of mutation of specific gene. There are some types of treatment may facilitate or delay some of the signs and symptoms.A multidisciplinary team should intervene in order to increase the quality of life and survival of Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome. Mini -review Article
Correlates of misperception of breast cancer risk among Korean-American Women

ABSTRACT In this study, the authors investigate the factors associated with misperception of breast cancer risk, including unrealistic optimism and unrealistic pessimism, among Korean-American women (KAW). Baseline data were collected between March 2010 and October 2011 from 421 KAW aged 40–65 years who participated in a community-based randomized intervention trial designed to promote breast and cervical cancer screening. Multivariate multinomial regression was performed to identify correlates of misperception of breast cancer risk among KAW. A total of 210 KAW (49.9%) had breast cancer risk perception consistent with their objective risk, whereas 50.1% of KAW in the study had some form of misperception of risk. Specifically, 167 participants (39.7%) were unrealistically optimistic about their own breast cancer risk; 44 (10.5%) were unrealistically pessimistic. In multivariate multinomial logistic regression analysis, living with a partner and higher education were significantly associated with higher odds of having unrealistic optimism. High social support is associated with a lower likelihood of having a pessimistic risk perception. Higher worry is associated with a higher likelihood of having unrealistic pessimism. Misperception of breast cancer risk among KAW and related factors must be considered when developing behavioral interventions for this population.
Relationship between abortion and contraception: A comparative socio-demographic analysis of Czech and Slovak populations

ABSTRACT Before 1990, abortions were highly prevalent in Eastern Europe, including Czechoslovakia. After 1990, the Czech and Slovak populations experienced a significant decrease in the abortion rate. Because both states have complete statistics on abortion and identical histories of abortion legislation, trends in abortion rates between 1988 and 2008 can be compared in detail using standard and decomposition methods. Binary logistic regression with odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were used to identify the variables associated with changes in attitudes toward abortion between 1991 and 2008. First, a convergence in abortion rates was confirmed, although a higher abortion rate among unmarried Czech women remained in 2008. In contrast, a divergence in contraceptive practices was found; Slovaks have significantly lagged behind Czechs in the use of modern contraceptives. Differentials in attitudes toward abortion significantly increased (p < .001). Additionally, although a decline in the abortion rate was achieved without legal restrictions to access to abortions, various factors were responsible for this outcome. In the Czech Republic, improvements in family planning and increasing awareness of reproductive health have played key roles in promoting responsible sexual behavior, whereas in Slovakia, the stronger influence of the Catholic Church has contributed to the prevention of abortions.
Neuropeptide SP activates the WNT signal transduction pathway and enhances the proliferation of bone marrow stromal stem cells

Substance P (SP) mediates multiple activities in various cell types, such as proliferation, anti‐apoptotic response, and inflammation. We have investigated the effects of SP, NK1 antagonist and DKK1 on proliferation of bone marrow stromal stem cells (BMSCs), as well as the underlying mechanism. Isolated BMSCs were exposed to SP (10−8 M) (group A), SP + NK1 antagonist (1 µM) (group B), SP + DKK1 (0.2 µg/mL) (group C), or the same amount of PBS (group D). Expression of gene and protein of Wnt/β‐catenin signalling was detected using quantitative PCR and western blotting. SP (10−8 M) significantly enhanced the proliferation of BMSCs and the number of viable cells was reduced by treatment with NK1 antagonist (1 µM) or DKK1 (0.2 µg/mL). SP also significantly increased the expression of C‐myc mRNA, Lef1, β‐catenin protein and C‐myc protein, but decreased the expression of Tcf7 and p‐β‐catenin protein compared to group D. These roles of SP were inhibited by the NK1 antagonist and DKK1. Expression of CyclinD1 and β‐catenin mRNAs, however, was not significantly influenced by SP, NK1 antagonist and DKK1. These findings suggest that SP enhances BMSC proliferation via regulation of the Wnt/β‐catenin signalling pathway.
COMPARISON OF THREE METHODS FOR CALCULATING PORTAL BLOOD FLOW VELOCITY IN DOGS USING DUPLEX-DOPPLER ULTRASONOGRAPHY

Measurement of portal blood flow in dogs using duplex-Doppler ultrasonography has potential clinical utility for diagnosis of cirrhosis and portosystemic shunts. Three methods for calculating portal blood flow were compared to identify a consistent method with minimal potential for intraoperator variation. Sixteen unsedated, normal beagles had their mean portal blood flow velocity determined using three methods: method 1 used a small Doppler sample volume positioned over the center of the portal vein and manual selection of data points on the resulting velocity spectra, followed by arithmetic correction of the calculated maximum velocity to mean velocity using the factor 0.57; method 2 used a small centrally-located Doppler sample volume and computed maximum flow determination, again corrected using the factor 0.57; method 3 used a large Doppler sample volume that overlapped the walls of the portal vein followed by computed mean blood flow velocity determination. The calculated mean (SD) portal blood flow velocity was 15.8 (1.8), 15.1 (1.4), and 14.7 (2.5) cm/s using methods 1–3, respectively. There was no significant difference between the results of the three methods; however, method 3 (uniform insonation) was easier to use and produced a higher amplitude Doppler signal and therefore represents a useful alternative to the peak flow methods.
Behaviour of laboratory mice is altered by light pollution within the housing environment

Environmental light-dark cycles play an important role in behavioural and physiological processes. It is essential that laboratory vivaria be designed to properly control the light conditions in which laboratory mice are housed; however, this is not universally the case. Some laboratory vivarium doors are designed with windows, which allow light from the hallways to leak into the housing space during the rodents’ dark phase. Personnel entering and exiting the housing space during the dark phase can also create excessive light leak from brightly illuminated hallways. In this study, we investigated the hypothesis that exposure to dim light at night, as commonly experienced in many laboratory rodent housing spaces, alters mouse (Mus musculus) behaviour. We specifically analysed patterns of locomotor activity, anxietyand depressive-like responses. Exposure to dim (5 lux) light at night altered home-cage locomotor activity and increased anxiety and some depressive responses among laboratory mice. These results suggest that light conditions can alter mouse behaviour and potentially influence experimental outcomes. Increased care should be taken to properly control light-dark conditions for laboratory animals.
Zebularine significantly sensitises MEC1 cells to external irradiation and radiopharmaceutical therapy when administered sequentially in vitro

Zebularine is a cytidine analogue incorporated into DNA during replication, inhibiting DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1), resulting in demethylation and changes in gene expression. Such modification may improve radiosensitivity in resistant lymphoma cells. The hypothesis of this study was that zebularine and radiation would synergistically inhibit cell growth and viability. Human MEC1 malignant B cells were incubated with 0–200 µM zebularine for 48 h. Media containing zebularine was removed, and the cells were irradiated with 0–2 Gy of either external beam irradiation or 177Lu‐DOTA‐TATE, a radiolabelled somatostatin analogue. Concentration and viability were measured over 48–72 h. The proportion of apoptotic cells was identified using an active Caspase 3/7 assay. Zebularine inhibited growth of cells in a dose‐dependent manner during exposure. No residual growth inhibition occurred following removal of the drug. Zebularine and external irradiation inhibited cell proliferation in a dose‐dependent, synergistic interaction, but the effect on viability was additive. Treatment with zebularine and 177Lu‐DOTA‐TATE resulted in less inhibition of proliferation (P = 0.0135), but a synergistic decrease in viability. Apoptotic fraction was much higher in cells irradiated with 177Lu‐DOTA‐TATE than external irradiation. External irradiation induces growth arrest rather than apoptosis. Apoptosis is the primary effect of radiopharmaceutical therapy on tumour cells. Treatment with the methylation inhibitor, zebularine, appears to synergistically augment these natural effects in vitro, which could be exploited clinically.
Towards guidelines for post-disaster vulnerability reduction in informal settlements.

Although the development community has long recognised that securing land tenure and improving housing design can benefit significantly informal settlement residents, there is little research on these issues in communities exposed to natural disasters and hazards. Informal settlements often are located on land left vacant because of inherent risks, such as floodplains, and there is a long history worldwide of disasters affecting informal settlements. This research tackles the following questions: how can informal settlement vulnerabilities be reduced in a post-disaster setting? ; and what are the key issues to address in post-disaster reconstruction? The main purpose of the paper is to develop a set of initial guidelines for post-disaster risk reduction in informal settlements, stressing connections to tenure and housing/community design in the reconstruction process. The paper examines disaster and reconstruction responses in two disaster-affected regions-Jimani, Dominican Republic, and Vargas State, Venezuela-where informal settlements have been hit particularly hard.
A Phase II Study of Gemcitabine and Irinotecan in Patients With Locally Advanced or Metastatic Bladder Cancer

Background:The objectives of the current study were to evaluate the safety and efficacy of gemcitabine and irinotecan (Irinogem) in patients with metastatic bladder cancer. Irinotecan and gemcitabine are newer-generation chemotherapeutic agents with different mechanisms of action, nonoverlapping toxicity profiles, and synergistic activity in vitro. Methods:Sixteen patients have been enrolled, of which 13 are evaluable for response. The median age is 68.5 years (range, 52 to 82 y). According to the Bajorin prognostic model for metastatic bladder cancer, 8 patients were classified as “low risk” and 8 as “intermediate risk. ” Gemcitabine 1000 mg/m2 and irinotecan 100 mg/m2 were administered on days 1 and 8 of each 3-week cycle. All patients had histologically proven transitional cell cancer of the bladder with bidimensionally measurable disease. All but 2 patients were chemotherapy naive at enrollment. Results:The median number of cycles administered was 4. Among the 13 patients evaluable for efficacy, objective radiographic response was documented in 8 patients (2 complete and 6 partial responses), 4 had stable disease, and 1 progressed on therapy. Median progression-free survival was 8.78 months (95% confidence interval, 5.98-15.38) and median overall survival was 13.51 months (95% confidence interval, 8.02-21.93). Toxicity evaluated in all 16 patients was modest: 2 episodes of febrile neutropenia, grades 3 to 4 neutropenia in 4 patients, grades 3 to 4 diarrhea in 2 patients, grades 3 to 4 fatigue in 1 patient, grades 3 to 4 nausea/vomiting in 2 patients, grades 3 to 4 neurological toxicity in 1 patient, and no grades 3 to 4 thrombocytopenia. No toxic deaths were noted. One patient discontinued therapy due to grade 4 fatigue, 1 due to stroke, 1 due to grade 4 colitis, 1 due to progressive disease, and 1 declined to participate in the trial after receiving the first cycle of therapy. Conclusions:The results of the current study suggested that the combination of Irinogem was an effective treatment for patients with metastatic bladder cancer, with manageable toxicities. The study was closed early due to delays in accrual and loss of funding. Hence, the study lacks adequate power to make definite conclusions. Further studies in multi-institutional setting in patients with normal and compromised renal function are warranted.
Human endometrial stem cells differentiation into functional hepatocyte‐like cells

In spite of certain clinical limitations, such as teratoma formation, the use of stem cells is considered as an appropriate source in cell therapy and tissue engineering. This study shows human endometrial stem cells (hEnSCs) has exceptional differentiation ability in hepatocyte formation. hEnSCs have high purification rate and immune‐tolerance, and can be used as an appropriate substitute for hepatocytes in liver disorders. Differentiation required hepatogenic medium. Quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction and immunofluorescent staining of hepatic genes and proteins including cytokeratin 18 (ck18), alpha‐fetoprotein (afp), and albumin (alb) were used to assess differentiation. Cells differentiated with a hepatocyte‐like morphology and expressed hepatic markers on 30 days of differentiation. The Periodic Acid‐Schiff (PAS) reaction showed storage of glycogen, and albumin and afp secretions were also detected. In vitro hEnSCs behave like hepatocyte after differentiation and may be a suitable source of cells in liver regeneration.
Weight loss occurs over a decade prior to dementia diagnosis: comment on meta‐analysis of obesity as a risk factor for dementia and its subtypes

1. Two separate analyses of the same data from Nourhashemi et al. (2) were used within each pooled analyses of the effect of overweight and underweight on dementia. As stated in their methods, Beydoun et al. (1) should have only used the analysis that excluded follow-up under 2 years. Using two analyses from the same paper violates the assumption of independent data points fundamental to meta-analysis, and led to inaccurate risks of dementia with low BMI. 2. The authors used the standard definitions of normal, overweight and underweight to define BMI in their pooled analyses, and used normal (18.5–24.99 kg m) as their reference. However, the reference for Luchinger et al. (<23.4 kg m) includes both under and normal BMI (3), and the categories in the Nourhashemi were unique to that paper (2). There was enough heterogeneity in each category that we question whether a pooled analysis was appropriate, and believe that its implications should have been discussed. 3. Kivipelto et al. measured BMI as a part of midlife surveys where mean (standard deviation) age was 50.6 (6) years (4). Thus the baseline age as stated in Table 1 is incorrect, and the study should have been included in the <60 group in Table 2. The relative risks stratified by baseline age should have been equivalent to those after stratification by follow-up time. 4. Weight loss can occur more than a decade before the onset of dementia (5). Thus the possibility of reverse causation should be eliminated by following-up for over 10 years or using BMI in midlife. This likely explains why the relative risk of obesity on dementia and its subtypes was much higher with the studies that used longer-term follow-ups and BMI at younger ages. While Nourhashemi et al. found that elimination of shorter follow-ups in their analysis decreased the risk of a low BMI with dementia (2) and Beydoun et al. acknowledged that weight loss is a symptom, they do not discuss the impact of incorporating studies with short follow-up times on their findings (1).
Grosores Tisulares Faciales en Cadáveres de Españoles y su Aplicación en la Identificación Médicolegal

La reconstruccion facial a traves de la escultura forense es una tecnica en la cual, mediante el modelado con materiales plasticos sobre un esqueleto cefalico, se reproducen la estructuras blandas de la cara, con el proposito de ayudar al proceso de identificacion medicolegal. Uno de los datos mas relevantes para reproducir esta tecnica corresponde a los valores de grosor tisular en determinados puntos del esqueleto craneal. En el presente estudio se analizaron los grosores tisulares, en 14 puntos craneometricos medianos y paramedianos de 32 cadaveres de individuos, espanoles mediante la introduccion de agujas en la piel. Los cadaveres fueron divididos en grupos de acuerdo a sexo y grupo etareo. Se encontraron diferencias significativas en los valores de grosor tisular entre hombres y mujeres de ambos grupos etareos, observandose en los hombres un mayor grosor tisular en los puntos medianos, mientras que en las mujeres resultaron mayores los grosores medidos en puntos paramedianos
RIG‐I knockdown impedes neurogenesis in a murine model of Japanese encephalitis

Retinoic acid inducible gene I (RIG‐I) is a well established pattern recognition receptor (PRR) in neurons infected with Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) as reported previously from our laboratory. Japanese encephalitis (JE) virus infection in brain has been shown to decrease the proliferation of neural stem/progenitor cells (NSPCs) which has its implications in neurological sequelae in JE survivors. We have found that ablation of RIG‐I both in vivo and in vitro models results in significant decrease in NSPC proliferation post JEV infection. We hypothesize that knockdown of RIG‐I diminishes the expression of antiviral molecules resulting in an increase in viral replication, which in turn results in enhancement of the expression of cell cycle inhibitors, hence affecting the proliferation of NSPCs.