Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Postmenopausal estrogen use among African American and white patients at an urban clinic.

Our objective was to compare the use of estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) in African American and white women patients in clinical practice using a cross-sectional survey of patients and their primary medical providers. Participants were perimenopausal and postmenopausal African American women (n = 88) and white women (n = 53) who were active patients at the hospital-based clinic of an urban academic medical center. The outcome measurements were the proportion of women for whom ERT was indicated according to authoritative guidelines, past and present use of ERT, and the proportion of women with an ERT gap (i.e., women for whom ERT was indicated but who had never used it). The effect on ERT use of personal and medical characteristics (e.g., coronary heart disease risk) was also assessed. African-American patients were significantly younger than white patients and significantly more often had histories of hysterectomy or high coronary heart disease risk. Education level was similar in the two groups, with only a small proportion of women having any education beyond high school. Thirty percent of African American patients had used ERT compared with 21% of white patients (p > 0.1). Age-adjusted and multivariate analyses confirmed that race was not independently associated with ERT use. ERT was indicated for 71% of African American patients and 58% of white patients. This difference was not significant, nor was there a significant difference in the proportion of women with an ERT gap in the two groups. In contrast to previously published reports, African American women in our sample of active patients were not less likely to have used ERT than white women. This finding may reflect similar access to care, comparable level of education, or increasing awareness in clinical practice that ERT should be considered for African American patients for indications other than osteoporosis, such as past hysterectomy or coronary disease risk. According to authoritative guidelines, ERT was substantially underused in patients of both races. Our study did not have sufficient sample size or diversity of sites to exclude conclusively lower rates of ERT use in African American patients than in white patients, but our findings suggest that additional, larger studies of ERT use among women of diverse races should be undertaken.
Evaluation of DeltaGard® Ground Application Against Aedes albopictus in a Residential Area in St. Augustine, Florida

Abstract Aedes albopictus is an invasive species that poses a health threat in many residential neighborhoods throughout Florida. Aedes albopictus is a high priority for mosquito control efforts in the state. The efficacy of DeltaGard® (AI 2% deltamethrin) application against Ae. albopictus was evaluated in a residential area in St. Augustine, FL. DeltaGard was applied using a truck-mounted ultra-low-volume aerosol generator along 3 streets in a residential neighborhood. Caged mosquito mortality and droplet density data were recorded. Leaf clippings from houses on treated streets were bioassayed against laboratory-reared Ae. albopictus. Overall, the DeltaGard application was found to be more effective in the front yard of the houses, resulting in 78.3% mortality in caged mosquitoes, 42 % mortality in leaf bioassays, and 50.5 nl/cc in spray density. Based on the amount of vegetation and residential barriers around the houses, the application caused only 46.3% mortality in caged mosquitoes, 7.5% mortality in leaf bioassays, and 5.4 nl/cc in spray density in the back yard sites.
FLIM-FRET imaging in vivo reveals 3D-environment spatially regulates RhoGTPase activity during cancer cell invasion

Many conceptual advances in biology have been achieved by experimental studies using planar two-dimensional cell culture systems. Recent adaptations of molecular techniques to three-dimensional model systems are bridging the gap in our understanding of biological events in vitro and in vivo in the study of disease progression. Recently, in vitro studies using Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) have shown that the prototypical RhoGTPases Cdc42, Rac and RhoA are temporally and spatially synchronized during cell migration, with initial RhoA activity inducing protrusion prior to activation of Rac. This simultaneous FRET approach illustrates the tight control and dynamic regulation of RhoGTPase activity necessary for coordinated cell migration in vitro. Here, we discuss our recent work using FLIM-FRET analysis in a three-dimensional setting to reveal another layer of regulation in which RhoA activity is governed by the extracellular microenvironment. We demonstrate that RhoA is spatially regulated into discrete fractions of activity at the leading edge and rear of cells during invasion in vivo or within three-dimensional matrices. Significantly, this spatial regulation of RhoA was absent in two-dimensional in vitro settings. This distinct sub-cellular regulation of RhoA at the poles of invading cells in three-dimensions sets a precedent that other RhoGTPases or signaling proteins may also be differentially regulated in a context-dependent manner during key biological processes such as invasion.
Early Events in the Infection of Permissive Cells with Simian Virus 40: Adsorption, Penetration, and Uncoating

The early events in the interaction of simian virus 40 (SV40) with permissive cells were investigated. Evidence is presented that 30 min after infection intact virions penetrate the nuclei of infected cells. The uncoating of the virus is carried out in the nuclei with a complete dissociation of the viral genome from the protein coat. Opening of the circular parental deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), i.e., conversion of component I to component II of SV40 DNA, takes place after uncoating, followed by the appearance of a new component sedimenting faster than component I at alkaline pH.
Relationships between contraception and abortion: a review of the evidence.

CONTEXT The relationship between levels of contraceptive use and the incidence of induced abortion continues to provoke heated discussion, with some observers arguing that use of abortion decreases as contraceptive prevalence rises and others claiming that increased use of family planning methods causes abortion incidence to rise. METHODS Abortion trends are examined in countries with reliable data on abortion and with contraceptive prevalence information from two points in time showing increases in contraceptive use. The role of changes in fertility in mediating the relationship between abortion and contraception is also explored. RESULTS In seven countries--Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Uzbekistan, Bulgaria, Turkey, Tunisia and Switzerland--abortion incidence declined as prevalence of modern contraceptive use rose. In six others--Cuba, Denmark, Netherlands, the United States, Singapore and the Republic of Korea--levels of abortion and contraceptive use rose simultaneously. In all six of these countries, however, overall levels of fertility were falling during the period studied. After fertility levels stabilized in several of the countries that had shown simultaneous rises in contraception and abortion, contraceptive use continued to increase and abortion rates fell. The most clear-cut example of this trend is the Republic of Korea. CONCLUSIONS Rising contraceptive use results in reduced abortion incidence in settings where fertility itself is constant. The parallel rise in abortion and contraception in some countries occurred because increased contraceptive use alone was unable to meet the growing need for fertility regulation in situations where fertility was falling rapidly.
Shape identification performance and pin-matrix density in a 3 dimensional tactile display

Tactile display devices use an array of pins mounted in the form of a matrix to present three-dimensional shapes to the user by raising and lowering the pins. With a denser matrix of mounted pins, it can be expected that shape identification will become easier and the time required for identification will also become shorter, but that problems of difficulty in fabrication will arise. It is necessary to consider such trade-offs in the development of such devices. The authors conducted experiments to study the effect of pin pitch on shape identification as part of the fundamental investigation of this subject. The experiment used three tactile display devices with pin pitches of 2 mm, 3 mm and 5 mm for geometrical shape identification, with response time and rate of misidentification taken as the performance data. Surfaces, edges and vertices of three-dimensional shapes were used as the shape primitives for displayed shapes and several of each type were selected for presentation. The results obtained revealed that performance has different relationships to pin pitch with different shape primitives.
Dabigatran in clinical practice for atrial fibrillation with special reference to activated partial thromboplastin time.

BACKGROUND The distribution of activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) patients under dabigatran therapy remains to be clarified. METHODS AND RESULTS The study population was 196 NVAF patients who were treated with dabigatran in 2011 (126 with 220 mg/day). The APTT values showed a wide distribution among the patients, especially in those with a reduced dose, who seemed to show a high value even in patients without contraindications. CONCLUSIONS We found a wide distribution of APTT in NVAF patients under dabigatran treatment. High APTT might help screen for bleeding risks among patients under dabigatran, but requires future investigation.
Rituximab, Cyclophosphamide, Dexamethasone (RCD) Regimen Induces Cure in WSU-WM Xenograft Model and a Partial Remission in Previously Treated Waldenstrom's Macroglobulinemia Patient

Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia (WM) is an uncommon lymphoproliferative disease which remains incurable with current treatment protocols. We have previously established a permanent WM cell line, WSU-WM, which grows as a xenograft in severe combined immune deficient (SCID) mice. In this study, we investigated the antitumor effects of Rituximab (RTX), Cyclophosphamide (CTX), Dexamethasone (DEX) [RCD]-Regimen in vivo WSU-WM SCID xenograft and in a patient with WM. For the pre-clinical efficacy study, WSU-WM-bearing SCID mice were randomly assigned to receive RTX (150 mg/kg/inj, i.v., QDX5), CTX (90 mg/kg/inj, s.c. QDX5) as single agents or diluent. The combination group received RTX at 150 mg/kg/inj, QDX5; CTX at 150 mg/kg/inj, QODX3 and DEX at 1.0 mg/kg/inj, i.v. , QDX5. Tumor growth inhibition (T / C) , tumor growth delay (T – C) , and log 10 kill (net) for RTX and CTX were 24.5%, 37 days, 5.52 and 88%, 0.0 days, 0.0 log 10 kill, respectively. No cures were observed with either agent; however, all mice (6/6, with bilateral tumors) were cured when treated with RCD-regimen. A 57-year-old patient with relapsed WM was treated with the RCD-regimen and showed an excellent partial remission for seven months. The patient tolerated the treatment very well, the hemoglobin improved dramatically, platelets remained stable, the IgM level normalized and there was only minimal involvement of bone marrow. Based on these results, the RCD regimen is effective against WM and its activity should be further evaluated in clinical trials.
Treatment of severe malaria.

In the treatment of severe Plasmodium falciparum infection antimalarial drugs should, ideally, be given by controlled rate intravenous infusion until the patient is able to swallow tablets. In cases where infection has been acquired in a chloroquine resistant area, and where it has broken through chloroquine prophylaxis or where the geographical origin or species are uncertain, quinine is the treatment of choice. When access to parenteral quinine is likely to be delayed, parenteral quinidine is an effective alternative. A loading dose of quinine is recommended in order to achieve therapeutic plasma concentrations as quickly as possible. In the case of chloroquine sensitive P. falciparum infection, chloroquine, which can be given safely by slow intravenous infusion, may be more rapidly effective and has fewer toxic effects than quinine. There is limited experience with parenteral administration of pyrimethamine sulphonamide combinations such as Fansidar, and resistance to these drugs has developed in South East Asia and elsewhere. Mefloquine and halofantrine cannot be given parenterally. Qinghaosu derivatives are not readily available and have not been adequately tested outside China. Supportive treatment includes the prevention or early detection and treatment of complications, strict attention to fluid balance, provision of adequate nursing for unconscious patients and avoidance of harmful ancillary treatments. Anaemia is inevitable and out of proportion to detectable parasitaemia. Hypotension and shock ('algid malaria') are often attributable to secondary gram-negative septicaemia requiring appropriate antimicrobial therapy and haemodynamic resuscitation. Many patients with severe falciparum malaria are hypovolaemic on admission to hospital and require cautious fluid replacement. Failure to rehydrate these patients may lead to circulatory collapse, lactic acidosis, renal failure and severe hyponatraemia. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Effects of a Cognition‐enhancer, Linopirdine (DuP 996), on M‐type Potassium Currents (IK(M)) Some Other Voltage‐ and Ligand‐gated Membrane Currents in Rat Sympathetic Neurons

Linopirdine is a cognition enhancer which augments depolarization‐induced transmitter release in the cortex and which is under consideration for potential treatment of Alzheimer's disease. It has previously been reported to inhibit M‐type K+ currents in rat hippocampal neurons. In the present experiments we have tested its effect on whole‐cell M‐currents and single M‐channels, and on a range of other membrane currents, in dissociated rat superior cervical sympathetic ganglion cells. Linopirdine inhibited the whole‐cell M‐current with an IC50 of 3.4 μM and blocked M‐channels recorded in excised outside‐out membrane patches but not in inside‐out patches. This suggests that linopirdine directly blocks M‐channels from the outside. It was much less effective in inhibiting other voltage‐gated potassium currents [delayed rectifier (IK(v)), IC50 63 μM; transient (IA) current, IC50 69 μM] and produced no detectable inhibition of the fast and slow Ca2+‐activated K+ currents Ic and IAHP or of a hyperpolarization‐activated cation current (IQ/Ih), at 10–30 μM. However, it reduced acetylcholine‐activated nicotinic currents and GABA‐activated Cl‐ currents with IC50 values of 7.6 and 26 μM respectively. It is concluded that linopirdine shows some 20–fold selectivity for M‐channels among different K+ channels but can also block some transmitter‐gated channels. The relationship between M‐channel block and the central actions of linopirdine are discussed.
Gene transfer as a future therapy for rheumatoid arthritis

Inhibiting key pathogenic processes within the rheumatoid synovium is a most attractive goal to achieve, and the number of potential intra- and extracellular pathways operative in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) that could be used for a gene therapy strategy is increasing continuously. Gene transfer or gene therapy might also be one of the approaches to solve the problem of long-term expression of therapeutic genes, in order to replace the frequent application of recombinant proteins, in the future. However, at present, gene therapy has not reached a realistic clinical stage, which is mainly due to severe side effects in humans, the complexity of RA pathophysiology and the current state of available gene transfer techniques. On the other hand, novel gene delivery systems are not restricted to vectors or certain types of cells, as mobile cells including macrophages, dendritic cells, lymphocytes and multipotent stem cells can also be used as smart gene transfer vehicles. Moreover, the observation in animal models that application of viral vectors into a joint can exert additional therapeutic effects in nearby joints might also facilitate the transfer from animal to human gene therapy. Future strategies will also examine the potential of novel long-term expression vectors such as lentiviruses and cytomegalovirus (CMV)-based viruses as a basis for future clinical trials in RA.
An adaptive ontology-mediated approach to organize agent-based supply chain negotiation

Effective supply chain management (SCM) comprises activities involving the demand and supply of resources and services. One important aspect of SCM is that companies in the supply chain may have to make decisions which are conflicting with the other partners. Negotiation is an essential approach to solve transaction and scheduling problems among supply chain members. Multi-agent systems (MAS) are being increasingly used in SCM applications. The advances in agent technology have provided the potential of automating supply chain negotiations to alleviate human interactions. This paper proposes an ontology-mediated approach to organize the agent-based supply chain negotiation and equip the agents with sophisticated negotiation knowledge. Firstly, a generic agent negotiation scheme is developed involving the agent intelligence modules, the knowledge representation method and the interaction behaviors. Then, the negotiation knowledge is structured through the usage of ontology, which performs as a hierarchical architecture as well as a descriptive language. The relationships between negotiation ontology concepts are defined through SWRL inference rules. Through this method, agents' negotiation behaviors will be more adaptive to various negotiation environments in accordance with different negotiation knowledge.
The prevalence of sexually transmitted diseases in children and adolescents evaluated for sexual abuse in Cincinnati: rationale for limited STD testing in prepubertal girls.

OBJECTIVE To determine the prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Trichomonas vaginalis, syphilis, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in sexually abused children and to develop selective criteria for sexually transmitted disease (STD) testing in these children in our community. DESIGN Prospective. SETTING University-affiliated children's hospital in Ohio. PARTICIPANTS All children evaluated at our hospital for sexual abuse were eligible. Eight hundred fifty-five children were evaluated over a 1-year period. The study included 704 girls and 151 boys. Children ranged in age from 3 weeks to 18 years old. METHODS AND RESULTS Standard STD testing (American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations) was defined as serum rapid plasma reagin test, examination for Trichomonas, N gonorrhoeae culture of the throat, rectum, and genitalia and C trachomatis culture of the rectum and genitalia. STD testing in this study was recommended in children with 1) a history of genital discharge or contact with the perpetrator's genitalia, 2) examination findings of genital discharge or trauma, and 3) all adolescents. HIV testing was obtained in children with risk factors for HIV infection, those with contact with a perpetrator with HIV risk factors, or if the family was concerned about HIV acquisition. A total of 423 children were tested for N gonorrhoeae, 415 for C trachomatis, 275 for syphilis, 208 for Trichomonas, and 140 for HIV. Twelve children were determined to have N gonorrhoeae infection, 11 had C trachomatis infection, and four had Trichomonas infection. Overall, the prevalence of STDs in prepubertal girls was 3.2% and 14.6% in pubertal girls. The prevalence of N gonorrhoeae in prepubertal girls with vaginal discharge was 11.1% and 0% in prepubertal girls without discharge (P < .001). C trachomatis infection was diagnosed in 0.8% of prepubertal girls compared with 7.0% of pubertal girls (P < .001). None of the children tested positive for syphilis or HIV and no males had a STD. CONCLUSIONS In our community, N gonorrhoeae testing in prepubertal girls can be limited to those with a vaginal discharge on examination unless other risk factors are present. The prevalence C trachomatis and Trichomonas in prepubertal girls is low and may be omitted from routine evaluations. All pubertal girls evaluated for sexual abuse should be tested for STDs because of the high prevalence of asymptomatic infection in this patient population.
MYOPIC STRETCH LINES: Linear Lesions in Fundus of Eyes With Pathologic Myopia That Differ From Lacquer Cracks

Purpose: To clarify the pathophysiology of linear hypofluorescent lesions observed by fluorescein angiography (FA) in the posterior fundus of eyes with pathologic myopia and to compare the features of these lesions with those of lacquer cracks. Methods: Medical records of 117 eyes of 81 highly myopic patients, which had linear lesions with abnormal fluorescence by FA were reviewed. Features obtained by fundus autofluorescence, indocyanine green angiography, and optical coherence tomography were also analyzed. Results: In 37 of 117 eyes, the linear lesions were hyperfluorescent in the fluorescein angiograms and appeared yellowish ophthalmoscopically. Optical coherence tomography showed discontinuities of retinal pigment epithelium; thus, they were considered to represent lacquer cracks. In the remaining 80 eyes, the linear lesions were hypofluorescent by FA and ophthalmoscopic observation showed pigmented brown lines. Optical coherence tomography showed clumps of retinal pigment epithelium at the corresponding sites. Although indocyanine green angiography showed hypofluorescence in both types of lesions, fundus autofluorescence showed hyperautofluorescence of hypofluorescent lines by FA and hypoautofluorescence of lacquer cracks. Hypofluorescent lines by FA were considered to be the same as myopic stretch lines. Conclusion: There are two types of linear lesions in the posterior fundus of highly myopic eyes; lacquer cracks and myopic stretch lines, and they should be differentiated.
Saturation power dependence of amide proton transfer image contrasts in human brain tumors and strokes at 3 T

Amide proton transfer (APT) imaging is capable of detecting mobile cellular proteins and peptides in tumor and monitoring pH effects in stroke, through the saturation transfer between irradiated amide protons and water protons. In this work, four healthy subjects, eight brain tumor patients (four with high‐grade glioma, one with lung cancer metastasis, and three with meningioma), and four stroke patients (average 4.3 ± 2.5 days after the onset of the stroke) were scanned at 3 T, using different radiofrequency saturation powers. The APT effect was quantified using the magnetization transfer ratio (MTR) asymmetry at 3.5 ppm with respect to the water resonance. At a saturation power of 2 μT, the measured APT‐MRI signal of the normal brain tissue was almost zero, due to the contamination of the negative conventional magnetization transfer ratio asymmetry. This irradiation power caused an optimal hyperintense APT‐MRI signal in the tumor and an optimal hypointense signal in the stroke, compared to the normal brain tissue. The results suggest that the saturation power of 2 μT is ideal for APT imaging of these two pathologies at 3 T with the existing clinical hardware. Magn Reson Med, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.