Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Attrition in Web-Based Treatment for Problem Drinkers

Background Web-based interventions for problem drinking are effective but characterized by high rates of attrition. There is a need to better understand attrition rates in order to improve the completion rates and the success of Web-based treatment programs. Objective The objectives of our study were to (1) examine attrition prevalence and pretreatment predictors of attrition in a sample of open-access users of a Web-based program for problem drinkers, and (2) to further explore attrition data from our randomized controlled trial (RCT) of the Web-based program. Methods Attrition data from two groups of Dutch-speaking problem drinkers were collected: (1) open-access participants enrolled in the program in 2009 (n = 885), and (2) RCT participants (n = 156). Participants were classified as noncompleters if they did not complete all 12 treatment sessions (9 assignments and 3 assessments). In both samples we assessed prevalence of attrition and pretreatment predictors of treatment completion. Logistic regression analysis was used to explore predictors of treatment completion. In the RCT sample, we additionally measured reasons for noncompletion and participants’ suggestions to enhance treatment adherence. The qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results The open-access and RCT group differed significantly in the percentage of treatment completers (273/780, 35.0% vs 65/144, 45%, χ2 1 = 5.4, P = .02). Logistic regression analysis revealed a significant contribution of treatment readiness, gender, education level, age, baseline alcohol consumption, and readiness to change to predict treatment completion. The key reasons for noncompletion were personal reasons, dissatisfaction with the intervention, and satisfaction with their own improvement. The main suggestions for boosting strategies involved email notification and more flexibility in the intervention. Conclusions The challenge of Web-based alcohol treatment programs no longer seems to be their effectiveness but keeping participants involved until the end of the treatment program. Further research should investigate whether the suggested strategies to improve adherence decrease attrition rates in Web-based interventions. If we can succeed in improving attrition rates, the success of Web-based alcohol interventions will also improve and, as a consequence, their public health impact will increase. Trial International Standard Randomized Controlled Trial Number (ISRCTN): 39104853; http://www.controlled-trials.com/ISRCTN39104853 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/63IKDul1T)
Expression of the Totivirus Helminthosporium victoriae 190S Virus RNA-Dependent RNA Polymerase from Its Downstream Open Reading Frame in Dicistronic Constructs

ABSTRACT The undivided double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) genome ofHelminthosporium victoriae 190S virus (Hv190SV) (genusTotivirus) consists of two large overlapping open reading frames (ORFs). The 5′-proximal ORF encodes a capsid protein (CP), and the downstream, 3′-proximal ORF encodes an RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RDRP). Unlike the RDRPs of some other totiviruses, which are expressed as a CP-RDRP (Gag-Pol-like) fusion protein, the Hv190SV RDRP is detected only as a separate, nonfused polypeptide. In this study, we examined the expression of the RDRP ORF fused in frame to the coding sequence of the green fluorescent protein (GFP) in bacteria andSchizosaccharomyces pombe cells. The GFP fusions were readily detected in bacteria transformed with the monocistronic construct RDRP:GFP; expression of the downstream RDRP:GFP from the dicistronic construct CP-RDRP:GFP could not be detected. However, fluorescence microscopy and Western blot analysis indicated that RDRP:GFP was expressed at low levels from its downstream ORF in the dicistronic construct in S. pombe cells. No evidence that the RDRP ORF was expressed from a transcript shorter than the full-length dicistronic mRNA was found. A coupled termination-reinitiation mechanism that requires host or eukaryotic cell factors is proposed for the expression of Hv190SV RDRP.
Comparison of single-dose and two-dose methotrexate protocols for the treatment of unruptured ectopic pregnancy

Summary The purpose of this study was to compare the safety and success rates of single- and two-dose methotrexate (MTX) protocols for the treatment of unruptured tubal ectopic pregnancy. This retrospective study included 87 patients with ectopic pregnancy who were treated with MTX therapy (single-dose protocol: 46 patients; two-dose protocol: 41 patients). Both protocol groups were compared with regard to success rates, β-hCG and progesterone levels, the presence of cardiac activity, a history of previous ectopic pregnancy, ectopic mass size, gestational age, adverse events, and number of repeat MTX doses. Success rates between the single-dose and two-dose methotrexate therapy groups were comparable (87% vs 90.2%; OR 0.7, 95% CI 0.18–2.75; p = 0.74). No significant differences were found between the groups in factors influencing MTX treatment success rate, including the mean β-hCG level, mean progesterone level, the presence of a positive cardiac activity, mean ectopic mass size, mean endometrial thickness, and the presence of a yolk sac. There were also no significant between-group difference were found in the percentage of women who needed a repeat dose of MTX (17.3% vs 7.3%; OR 0.3, 95% CI 0.09–1.52; p = 0.20) and in the percentage of adverse events (45.7% vs 58.7%; OR 1.6, 95% CI 0.71–3.93; p = 0.28). In conclusion, medical treatment with single-dose or with two-dose systemic MTX seem to be equal therapeutic options for patients with unruptured ectopic pregnancy.
Chemoattractant receptor cross talk as a regulatory mechanism in leukocyte adhesion and migration

Leukocytes express multiple chemoattractant receptors that can trigger adhesion and direct their migration. Regulation of such proadhesive and migratory responses must often occur in a complex cytokine milieu in vivo, in which multiple receptors may be engaged simultaneously or sequentially, Here we have examined the interplay between interleukin‐8 (IL‐8) receptor and formyl peptide receptor (fPR) stimulation and its consequences for leukocyte adhesion and chemotactic responses. IL‐8 has no significant effect on fMLP‐stimulated adhesion and migration of human neutrophils, indicating that leukocytes have the potential to respond to sequential proadhesive and chemoattractant stimuli during homing and targeted migration. In contrast, fMLP at ⩾ 10 nM totally abrogated proadhesive and chemoattractant responses to IL‐8, a trans effect to which the fPR itself is relatively resistant. N‐formyl peptides are released by invasive bacteria and lysed cells, and the dominance of the fPR may ensure that signals from these terminal phagocyte targets can override host‐derived recruitment signaling through IL‐8 and other chemokine receptors. Asymmetric inhibition of adhesion‐triggering responses is also observed in lymphoid cells transfected with IL‐8 receptor A and fPR, but in this cellular context chemotactic responses are bidirectionally abrogated, suggesting the potential for downstream desensitization of motility programs as well. Cross talk between chemoattractant receptors and their signaling pathways may help target leukocyte migration in the context of complex chemoattractant arrays in vivo.
Perspectives: A vital biomechanical model of the endochondral ossification mechanism

Background: Mechanical usage effects could explain many features of endochondral ossification and related processes. Mineralization of growth plate cartilage could reduce its mechanical strains enough to make its resorption begin and to guide it in space. By removing most of its mineralized vertical septae, resorption could overload the remainder enough to increase woven bone formation on them and construct the primary spongiosa. After it finishes mineralizing, the primary spongiosa could become stiff enough to begin partial disuse in strain terms, so BMU‐based remodeling would begin replacing it with lamellar bone. This would construct the secondary spongiosa. In transferring loads from the growth plate to the cortex, the central metaphyseal spongiosa becomes deloaded. This disuse would make remodeling remove it in the diaphyseal marrow space.
Intracortical multiple sclerosis lesions are not associated with increased lymphocyte infiltration

The present study examined the extent and distribution of lymphocyte infiltration in demyelinated lesions in the cerebral cortex of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. Tissue sections from the brain of 10 MS patients and five patients without neurological disease were double labeled for myelin basic protein and the lymphocyte markers C D3, C D4, C D8, C D45RO, and C D20. The highest density of C D3- positive T cells was found in MS white matter lesions (40.4/10 high power fields (hpf)). Fewer T cells were detected in cortical lesions that extended through both white and gray matter (12.1/10 hpf; P B-0.001). The lowest number of T cells was detected in intracortical demyelinated lesions (1.1/10 hpf). This was equal to the lymphocyte density in nondemyelinated cerebral cortex within the same tissue block (1.1/10 hpf) or cerebral cortex in control brains (1.8/10 hpf). A similar distribution was found using the C D4, C D8, and C D45RO markers. C D20-positive B cells were scarce in all specimens examined. These data indicate that areas of intracortical demyelination in chronic MS are not associated with an increased number of lymphocytes, or an altered distribution of lymphocyte subsets, when compared with control areas in MS and control patients. This finding indicates that the extent of lymphocyte infiltration in MS lesions is dependent on lesion location.
Predictive and prognostic value of peripheral blood cytokeratin-19 mRNA-positive cells detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction in node-negative breast cancer patients.

PURPOSE To evaluate the predictive and prognostic value of peripheral blood cytokeratin-19 (CK-19) mRNA-positive cells in axillary lymph node-negative breast cancer patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS Peripheral blood was obtained from 167 node-negative breast cancer patients before the initiation of any systemic adjuvant therapy, and was analyzed for the presence of CK-19 mRNA-positive cells using a real time polymerase chain reaction assay. The association with known prognostic factors and the effect of CK-19 mRNA-positive cells on patients' prognosis was investigated. RESULTS CK-19 mRNA-positive cells were detected in the blood of 36 (21.6%) of the 167 patients. There was no correlation between the detection of CK-19 mRNA-positive cells in the peripheral blood and the various known pathologic and clinical prognostic factors; only overexpression of HER2 receptor (score 2+/3+) on the primary tumor was associated with a higher incidence of CK-19 mRNA-positive cell detection (P = .033). Multivariate analysis revealed that detection of peripheral blood CK-19 mRNA-positive cells was associated with early clinical relapse (P < .00001) and disease-related death (P = .008). CONCLUSION Detection of peripheral-blood CK-19 mRNA-positive cells is an independent predictive and prognostic factor for reduced disease-free interval and overall survival, respectively, in node-negative breast cancer patients.
More examples of the 15-crown-5...H2O-M-OH2...15-crown-5 motif, M = Al3+, Cr3+ and Pd2+.

Five structures of co-crystals grown from aqueous solutions equimolar in 15-crown-5 (or 15C5) and [M(H(2)O)(6)](NO(3))(n), M = Al(3+), Cr(3+) and Pd(2+), are reported. The hydrogen-bonding patterns in all are similar: metal complexes including the fragment trans-H(2)O-M-OH(2) alternate with 15C5 molecules, to which they are hydrogen bonded, to form stacks. A literature survey shows that this hydrogen-bonding pattern is very common. In each of the two polymorphs of the compound [Al(H(2)O)(6)](NO(3))(3). 15C5.4H(2)O there are two independent cations; one forms hydrogen bonds directly to the 15C5 molecules adjacent in the stack, while the other cation is hydrogen-bonded to two water molecules that act as spacers in the stack. These stacks are then crosslinked by hydrogen bonds formed by the three nitrate counterions and the three lattice water molecules. The hydrogen-bonded stacks in [Cr(H(2)O)(5)(NO(3))](NO(3))(2). 1.5(15C5). H(2)O are discrete rather than infinite; each unit contains two Cr(3+) complex cations and three 15C5 molecules. These units are again crosslinked by the uncoordinated nitrate ions and a lattice water molecule. In [Pd(H(2)O)(2)(NO(3))(2)]. 15C5 the infinite stacks are electrically neutral and are not crosslinked. In [Pd(H(2)O)(2)(NO(3))(2)]. 2(15C5). 2H(2)O.2HNO(3) a discrete, uncharged unit containing one Pd complex and two 15C5 molecules is ;capped off' at either end by a lattice water molecule and an included nitric acid molecule. In all five structures the infinite stacks or discrete units form an array that is at least approximately hexagonal.
Human cataract formation.

The American Cooperative Cataract Research Group (CCRG) has adopted a system of classifying cataractous changes in excised human cataracts that is based on separate and independent photographic documentation of opacification and nuclear colour. The classification data can be simplified according to the needs of the scientist in his or her effort to measure clinically or scientifically significant associations between laboratory measures and cataractous change. The association between nuclear colour and the extent of cortical opacification and the intensity of nuclear opacification has been studied and found to be insignificant. These results justify the recommendation that nuclear colour be abandoned as the single index of severity of any type of senile cataractous change. The adaptability of this system to in vivo use in epidemiological and other studies of the natural history of cataractous change is discussed. Its limitations are outlined. The system may offer a basis for international cooperation in cataract classification. 1984 Human cataract formailon Pitman. London (Ciba Foundation symposium 106) p 3-24 In 1976, at the annual meeting of the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology in the US, an informal meeting of lens scientists discussed the feasibility of increasing the emphasis on human, as opposed to animal, cataract research. There was considerable enthusiasm for this idea, and shortly thereafter the Cooperative Cararact Research Group (CCRG) was formed. In 1980, funding as a consortium of 23 laboratories was obtained from the National Eye Institute. Initially the major objectives of the consortium were:(l) to increase the supply of human cataracts available to the lens scientist, so that studies of biochemistry, physiology, anatomy and so on could proceed in parallel with animal experimentation under way in the laboratory; (2) to develop a sound method of classifying cataractous changes in the human lens; and (3) to develop a method of exchanging information among CCRG scientists. In the
Taxon abundance, diversity, co-occurrence and network analysis of the ruminal microbiota in response to dietary changes in dairy cows

The ruminal microbiome, comprising large numbers of bacteria, ciliate protozoa, archaea and fungi, responds to diet and dietary additives in a complex way. The aim of this study was to investigate the benefits of increasing the depth of the community analysis in describing and explaining responses to dietary changes. Quantitative PCR, ssu rRNA amplicon based taxa composition, diversity and co-occurrence network analyses were applied to ruminal digesta samples obtained from four multiparous Nordic Red dairy cows fitted with rumen cannulae. The cows received diets with forage:concentrate ratio either 35:65 (diet H) or 65:35 (L), supplemented or not with sunflower oil (SO) (0 or 50 g/kg diet dry matter), supplied in a 4 × 4 Latin square design with a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments and four 35-day periods. Digesta samples were collected on days 22 and 24 and combined. QPCR provided a broad picture in which a large fall in the abundance of fungi was seen with SO in the H but not the L diet. Amplicon sequencing showed higher community diversity indices in L as compared to H diets and revealed diet specific taxa abundance changes, highlighting large differences in protozoal and fungal composition. Methanobrevibacter ruminantium and Mbb. gottschalkii dominated archaeal communities, and their abundance correlated negatively with each other. Co-occurrence network analysis provided evidence that no microbial domain played a more central role in network formation, that some minor-abundance taxa were at nodes of highest centrality, and that microbial interactions were diet specific. Networks added new dimensions to our understanding of the diet effect on rumen microbial community interactions.
Elucidation of the mechanism of mitochondrial iron loading in Friedreich's ataxia by analysis of a mouse mutant

We used the muscle creatine kinase (MCK) conditional frataxin knockout mouse to elucidate how frataxin deficiency alters iron metabolism. This is of significance because frataxin deficiency leads to Friedreich's ataxia, a disease marked by neurologic and cardiologic degeneration. Using cardiac tissues, we demonstrate that frataxin deficiency leads to down-regulation of key molecules involved in 3 mitochondrial utilization pathways: iron-sulfur cluster (ISC) synthesis (iron-sulfur cluster scaffold protein1/2 and the cysteine desulferase Nfs1), mitochondrial iron storage (mitochondrial ferritin), and heme synthesis (5-aminolevulinate dehydratase, coproporphyrinogen oxidase, hydroxymethylbilane synthase, uroporphyrinogen III synthase, and ferrochelatase). This marked decrease in mitochondrial iron utilization and resultant reduced release of heme and ISC from the mitochondrion could contribute to the excessive mitochondrial iron observed. This effect is compounded by increased iron availability for mitochondrial uptake through (i) transferrin receptor1 up-regulation, increasing iron uptake from transferrin; (ii) decreased ferroportin1 expression, limiting iron export; (iii) increased expression of the heme catabolism enzyme heme oxygenase1 and down-regulation of ferritin-H and -L, both likely leading to increased “free iron” for mitochondrial uptake; and (iv) increased expression of the mammalian exocyst protein Sec15l1 and the mitochondrial iron importer mitoferrin-2 (Mfrn2), which facilitate cellular iron uptake and mitochondrial iron influx, respectively. Our results enable the construction of a model explaining the cytosolic iron deficiency and mitochondrial iron loading in the absence of frataxin, which is important for understanding the pathogenesis of Friedreich's ataxia.
Towards deciphering the Helicobacter pylori cytotoxin

VacA, the major exotoxin produced by Helicobacter pylori, is composed of identical 87 kDa monomers that assemble into flower‐shaped oligomers. The monomers can be proteolytically cleaved into two moieties, one of 37 and the other of 58 kDa, named P37 and P58 respectively. The most studied property of VacA is the alteration of intracellular vesicular trafficking in eukaryotic cells leading to the formation of large vacuoles containing markers of late endosomes and lysosomes. However, VacA also causes a reduction in transepithelial electrical resistance in polarized monolayers and forms ion channels in lipid bilayers. The ability to induce vacuoles is localized mostly but not entirely in P37, whereas P58 is mostly involved in cell targeting. Until recently, H. pylori isolates were classified as tox+ or tox−, depending on whether they induced vacuoles in HeLa cells or not. Today, we know that almost all strains are cytotoxic. The major difference between tox+ and tox− resides in the cell binding domain, which exists in two allelic forms, only one of which is toxic for HeLa cells. The two forms, named m1 and m2, are found predominantly in Western and Chinese isolates respectively.
[Importance of D-dimer testing in ambulatory detection of atypical and "silent" phlebothrombosis].

BACKGROUND/AIM Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) is a life-threatening condition, which could be manifested with discrete symptoms (silent DVT). High mortality and disability of patients with DVT indicate the importance of early diagnosis, especially of "silent" DVT. The aim of this paper was to evaluate of reliability of early detection model for diagnosing DVT in ambulatory patients by using clinical probability of DVT presence, D-dimmer test (DD) and ultrasound evaluation (US). METHODS Ambulatory patients with suspected DVT were classified as "unlikely" and "likely" DVT by the Wells clinical model. The patients were randomly divided into the control and DD group. In the control group (629 patients) only US examination of lower limbs deep vein was done. All patients in the DD group (643 patients), with "unlikely" TDV, had DD, and in the positive patients US examination was done. In the "likely" patients US examination was done and negative US finding indicated DD test. Positive DD test was an indication for US examination after 7 days. The patients with initially excluded DVT were evaluated during 3 months. RESULTS A total number of 1 272 patients were examined; 117 (9.19%) patients were with DVT--62 (9.640%) in the DD and 55 (8.74%) in the control group. During the follow-up periods in the DD group (with 582 initially excluded DVT) we registered DVT in only one patient (0.17%). It was significantly lower (p < 0.05) compared to the control group where we registered 7 (1.10%) DVT (a group with 581 initially excluded DVT). The applied DD diagnostic strategy for 70.7% (p < 0.001) reduced the need for US examination. CONCLUSION The applied DD strategy in the diagnostic of DVT reduces the need for US examinations and reduces frequency of false negative results, with direct impact on cost and efficacy of procedures. DD diagnostic model should replace serial US examination in patients with suspect DVT.
Assessing the reliability and degradation of photovoltaic module performance parameters

Photovoltaic (PV) modules are renowned for their reliability. However, some modules degrade or even fail when operating outdoors for extended periods. To reduce the degradation, and the number of failures, extensive research is needed on the performance of PV modules. The aim of this study was to establish a photovoltaic degradation and failure assessment procedure. This procedure should assess all parameters of PV modules to completely analyze any observed degradation or failure. In this paper some degradation modes of PV modules are discussed and a procedure used to assess these degradation modes is then presented. Results obtained by subjecting Copper Indium Diselenide (CIS), single and triple junction amorphous silicon (a-Si and a-SiGe), Edge-defined Film-fed Growth (EFG) silicon and mono-crystalline silicon (mono-Si) modules to the assessment procedure are presented and discussed. Results obtained indicate that the thin-film modules degrade by up to 50% in performance after an initial outdoor exposure of 130 kWh/m/sup 2/. Visual inspection revealed that both crystalline modules had cracked cells. The mismatch due to the cracked cell in the EFG-Si module, however, was limited by the interconnect busbars. This paper accentuates the importance of characterizing all module performance parameters in order to analyze observed degradation and failure modes.
Calcitonin Deficiency in Mice Progressively Results in High Bone Turnover

Although the pharmacological action of calcitonin (CT) as an inhibitor of bone resorption is well established, there is still some controversy regarding its physiological function. Unexpectedly, Calca‐deficient mice lacking CT and α‐calcitonin gene‐related peptide (αCGRP) were described to have a high bone mass phenotype caused by increased bone formation with normal bone resorption. Here we show that these mice develop a phenotype of high bone turnover with age, suggesting that CT is a physiological inhibitor of bone remodeling.