Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Breaking Down Barriers to Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening: A University-based Prevention Program for Latinas

Abstract:Introduction. The lower rate of utilization of mammography and cervical cancer screening observed for Latinas in the United States has been attributed to cultural, economic, and linguistic barriers they may encounter. Methods. A screening program was implemented offering cancer prevention education plus breast and cervical cancer screening to Latinas, as well as all necessary follow-up care, at no cost to the participant. Results. In the first 6 years of this project, a total of 928 screening visits occurred; 53% were participants who had returned at least once for additional annual screening. Ninety-one percent of participants preferred speaking in Spanish to their health care providers; however, only 2% identified a primary care provider and 5% stated they had health care insurance. The participant characteristics and results of initial evaluation, as well as necessary follow-up studies, are presented. Conclusions. By removing economic concerns and by providing care and education through bilingual staff in a culturally sensitive environment, some of the barriers to cancer screening for Latinas were overcome. The success of the program is reflected by a high rate of return for additional annual screening by our participants.
The Major Bactericidal Activity of Human Seminal Plasma Is Zinc-Dependent and Derived from Fragmentation of the Semenogelins1

One of the major roles of seminal plasma is to provide antimicrobial protection for the spermatozoa in the female reproductive tract. We found that the bactericidal activity of seminal plasma was highest after resolution of the seminal clot and that this antibacterial activity subsequently became greatly diminished. The antibacterial activity was derived from peptides generated by fragmentation of the semenogelins while the semenogelin holoproteins displayed no antibacterial activity. After ejaculation the semenogelin-derived peptides were fragmented to smaller and smaller fragments over time and thereby lost antibacterial activity. This paralleled the loss of antibacterial activity of whole seminal plasma both in vitro and after sexual intercourse. Moreover, the antibacterial activity of the semenogelin-derived peptides generated in seminal plasma was strictly zinc-dependent both at neutral and low pH. These data provide novel roles for the resolution of seminal clots and for the high zinc concentration in human seminal plasma.
Role of heme axial ligands in the conformational stability of the native and molten globule states of horse cytochrome c.

One unique aspect of cytochrome c folding concerns the involvement of the covalently attached heme group and its axial ligands. To elucidate the role of the ligands in stabilizing the native and molten globule states, we studied the conformational and thermodynamic features of the iron-free derivative of horse cyctochrome c (porphyrin-cytochrome c). At neutral pH, far-UV circular dichroism suggested that porphyrin-cytochrome c has native-like alpha-helices, whereas near-UV CD suggested that the side-chains are flexible. Its stability against heat or denaturants was much less than that of the intact protein, and similar to that of the acidic molten globule state of the holoprotein. These results indicate that, at neutral pH, the ligation of His18 of the iron is important for the maintenance of the native structure whereas the Met80 ligation is not essential, and that porphyrin-cytochrome c assumes a molten globule-like state. Porphyrin-cytochrome c was largely unfolded at pH 2.0 in the absence of salt, but assumed another molten globule-like structure in the presence of anions. The salt-induced stabilization of the molten globule-like state was the same as that of apocytochrome c, requiring a much higher salt concentration than holocytochrome c. These results indicate that, at acidic pH, the His18 ligation is important, although not essential, for stabilizing the molten globule state. Taken together, both specific (i.e. the His18 axial ligand, as observed at acidic pH) and nonspecific interactions (the hydrophobic effects of the heme, as observed at neutral pH) contribute to stabilizing the molten globule state.
Anatomy of the Spinal Accessory Nerve Plexus: Relevance to Head and Neck Cancer and Atherosclerosis1

The term spinal accessory nerve plexus may be defined as the spinal accessory nerve with all its intra- and extracranial connections to other nerves, principally cranial, cervical, and sympathetic. The term is not new. This review examines its applied anatomy in head and neck cancer and atherosclerosis. Over the centuries, general studies of neural and vascular anatomy and embryology formed a basis for the understanding upon which the plexus is described. During the past century, its anatomy and blood supply have come to be better understood. The importance of almost all of the plexus to head, neck, and upper extremity motor and sensory functions has come to be realized. Because of this understanding, surgical neck dissection has become progressively more conservative. This historical progression is traced. Even the most recent anatomic studies of the spinal accessory nerve plexus reveal configurations, new to many of us. They were probably known to classical anatomists, and not recorded in readily available literature, or not recorded at all. Human and comparative anatomic studies indicate that the composition of this plexus and its blood supply vary widely, even though within the same species their overall function is very nearly the same. Loss of any of these structures, then, may have very different consequences in different individuals. As a corollary to this statement, data are presented that the spinal accessory nerve itself need not be cut during surgical neck dissections for severe impairment to occur. In addition, data are presented supporting the theory that atherosclerosis by obstructing vessels to this plexus and its closely connected brachial plexus will very likely result in their ischemic dysfunction, often painful. Finally evidence, as well as theory, is stated concerning anatomic issues, methodology, outcome, and possible improvements in surgical procedures emphasizing conservatism.
Transcranial direct current stimulation for children with perinatal stroke and hemiparesis

Objective: To determine whether the addition of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) to intensive therapy increases motor function in children with perinatal stroke and hemiparetic cerebral palsy. Methods: This was a randomized, controlled, double-blind clinical trial. Participants were recruited from a population-based cohort with MRI-classified unilateral perinatal stroke, age of 6 to 18 years, and disabling hemiparesis. All completed a goal-directed, peer-supported, 2-week after-school motor learning camp (32 hours of therapy). Participants were randomized 1:1 to 1 mA cathodal tDCS over the contralesional primary motor cortex (M1) for the initial 20 minutes of daily therapy or sham. Primary subjective (Canadian Occupational Performance Measure [COPM]), objective (Assisting Hand Assessment [AHA]), safety, and secondary outcomes were measured at 1 week and 2 months after intervention. Analysis was by intention to treat. Results: Twenty-four participants were randomized (median age 11.8 ± 2.7 years, range 6.7–17.8). COPM performance and satisfaction scores doubled at 1 week with sustained gains at 2 months (p < 0.001). COPM scores increased more with tDCS compared to sham control (p = 0.004). AHA scores demonstrated only mild increases at both time points with no tDCS effects. Procedures were safe and well tolerated with no decrease in either arm function or serious adverse events. Conclusion: tDCS trials appear feasible and safe in hemiparetic children. Lack of change in objective motor function may reflect underdosing of therapy. Marked gains in subjective function with tDCS warrant further study. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02170285. Classification of evidence: This study provides Class II evidence that for children with perinatal stroke and hemiparetic cerebral palsy, the addition of tDCS to moderate-dose motor learning therapy does not significantly improve motor function as measured by the AHA.
Is active participation in specific sport activities linked with back pain?

A cross‐sectional survey of 439 children/adolescents aged 12–13, living in Odense, Denmark, in the year 2001. To investigate (1) if there is any difference in back pain reporting among those practising specific sports as compared with non‐performers and (2) if there is an association between specific kinds of sports and self‐reported back problems. Back pain is a common complaint in young people and physical inactivity is generally thought to contribute to this. However, some specific sport activities may be detrimental or beneficial to the spine. Information was collected through a semi‐structured interview, a physical examination, and a questionnaire. Associations for back pain, low back pain, mid back pain and neck pain in the preceding month were investigated in relation to specific sports. Associations were controlled for body mass index, puberty stage and sex. There was no association between back problems and the practising of sports in general. However, some sports were either positively or negatively associated with back pain. Taking into account the relatively small subgroups and multiple testing, some sports seem to be potentially harmful or beneficial. These sports should be investigated in proper longitudinal study designs, in relation to their effects on back problems in the young.
Laboratory diagnostics of inherited platelet disorders

Abstract Inherited platelet disorders (IPDs) are the general and common denomination of a broad number of different rare and congenital pathologies affecting platelets. Even if these disorders are characterized by widely heterogeneous clinical presentations, all of them are commonly present as defects in hemostasis. Platelet number and/or function are affected by a wide spectrum of severity. IPDs might be associated with defects in bone marrow megakaryocytopoiesis and, rarely, with somatic defects. Although in the last few years new insights in the genetic bases and pathophysiology of IPDs have greatly improved our knowledge of these disorders, much effort still needs to be made in the field of laboratory diagnosis. This review discusses the laboratory approach for the differential diagnosis of the most common IPDs, suggesting a common multistep flowchart model which starts from the simpler test (platelet count) ending with the more selective and sophisticated analyses.
DNMT3a methylation in neuropathic pain

Background Mu opioid receptor (MOR) plays a crucial role in mediating analgesic effects of opioids and is closely associated with the pathologies of neuropathic pain. Previous studies have reported that peripheral nerve injury downregulates MOR expression, but the epigenetic mechanisms remain unknown. Objective Therefore, we investigated DNA methyltransferase3a (DNMT3a) expression or methylation changes within MOR promoter in the spinal cord in a neuropathic pain induced by a chronic constriction injury (CCI) mouse model and further determined whether these injury-associated changes are reversible by pharmacological interventions. Methods A CCI mouse model was established and tissue specimens of lumbar spinal cords were collected. The nociception threshold was evaluated by a Model Heated 400 Base. DNMT3a and MOR mRNA and protein level were detected by real-time-polymerase chain reaction and Western blot, respectively. Methylation of DNMT3a gene was measured by methylation-specific PCR. Results Our data showed that chronic nerve injury led to a significant upregulation of DNMT3a expression that was associated with increased methylation of MOR gene promoter and decreased MOR protein expression in the spinal cord. Inhibition of DNMT3a catalytic activity with DNMT inhibitor RG108 significantly blocked the increase in methylation of the MOR promoter, and then upregulated MOR expression and attenuated thermal hyperalgesia in neuropathic pain mice. Conclusion This study demonstrates that an increase of DNMT3a expression and MOR methylation epigenetically play an important role in neuropathic pain. Targeting DNMT3a to the promoter of MOR gene by DNMT inhibitor may be a promising approach to the development of new neuropathic pain therapy.
Topical and Oral Ketorolac Administration Increases the Intraocular Pressure-Lowering Effect of Latanoprost

Purpose: To verify the influence of a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), ketorolac (topical and oral) on the intraocular pressure reduction induced by 0.005% latanoprost topical administration, both in patients affected by primary open-angle glaucoma and in healthy controls. Methods: Two groups of subjects were enrolled for this randomized, prospective, masked clinical study: 16 glaucomatous patients well controlled with 0.005% latanoprost eyedrops (group I) and 16 healthy adult volunteers (group II). Group I subjects were treated at one-week intervals with 10 mg of oral ketorolac, oral placebo, topical ketorolac, and topical placebo, respectively; for each administration modality, the switch between drug and placebo was performed in a randomized, crossover, double-blind fashion. Group II subjects followed the same protocol, with the topical once-daily 0.005% latanoprost treatment starting three days prior to the ketorolac/placebo administration. Intraocular pressure (IOP) was investigated in both groups on the day of oral/topical administration of ketorolac or placebo at baseline (8:00 AM) and at the following intervals: 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, and 24 hours. Results: No significant IOP changes after oral and topical placebo administration were observed in either group. In contrast, when the subjects received ketorolac (either oral or topical), a marked decrease in IOP was recorded, with a noticeable fall at the first hour after the NSAID administration (p = 0.01), which remained still significant 8 hours later (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Topical and oral ketorolac strengthens the latanoprost-induced IOP-lowering effect both in glaucomatous patients and in healthy subjects.
Epidemiology and clinical outcomes of acute spine trauma and spinal cord injury: experience from a specialized spine trauma center in Canada in comparison with a large national registry.

BACKGROUND Because relevant changes in the epidemiology of the traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) has been reported, we sought to examine the demographics, injury characteristics, and clinical outcomes of patients with spine trauma who have been treated in our spine trauma center. METHODS All consecutive patients with acute spine trauma who were admitted in our center from 1996 to 2007 were included. Comparisons among the four triennia were performed for demographics, injury characteristics, and clinical outcomes. Also, our 2001/2002 SCI data were compared with the National Trauma Registry (NTR) dataset. RESULTS There were 569 patients (394 males, 175 females; ages from 15 to 102 years, mean age of 50 years) who were admitted with acute spine trauma. Although demographic profile has been steady over the last four triennia, the frequency of more severe spine trauma at the lumbosacral levels due to falls has increased overtime. The mean length of stay and in-hospital mortality rates have not significantly changed during the past 12 years. Our in-hospital mortality rate (4%) was significantly lower than the provincial rate from the Ontario Trauma Registry (7.5%; p = 0.005). Comparisons between our SCI data and the NTR dataset showed significant differences regarding age groups. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate that significant differences in the characteristics of acute spine trauma but not demographics have occurred overtime in our institution. Also, there were significant differences between our database and the NTR regarding age distribution. Our reduced in-hospital mortality rates in comparison with the provincial data reinforce the recommendations for early management of SCI patients in a spine trauma center.
Using spatial principles to optimize distributed computing for enabling the physical science discoveries

Contemporary physical science studies rely on the effective analyses of geographically dispersed spatial data and simulations of physical phenomena. Single computers and generic high-end computing are not sufficient to process the data for complex physical science analysis and simulations, which can be successfully supported only through distributed computing, best optimized through the application of spatial principles. Spatial computing, the computing aspect of a spatial cyberinfrastructure, refers to a computing paradigm that utilizes spatial principles to optimize distributed computers to catalyze advancements in the physical sciences. Spatial principles govern the interactions between scientific parameters across space and time by providing the spatial connections and constraints to drive the progression of the phenomena. Therefore, spatial computing studies could better position us to leverage spatial principles in simulating physical phenomena and, by extension, advance the physical sciences. Using geospatial science as an example, this paper illustrates through three research examples how spatial computing could (i) enable data intensive science with efficient data/services search, access, and utilization, (ii) facilitate physical science studies with enabling high-performance computing capabilities, and (iii) empower scientists with multidimensional visualization tools to understand observations and simulations. The research examples demonstrate that spatial computing is of critical importance to design computing methods to catalyze physical science studies with better data access, phenomena simulation, and analytical visualization. We envision that spatial computing will become a core technology that drives fundamental physical science advancements in the 21st century.
Tacrolimus and Cyclosporine A Are of No Benefit to Young Rats with Kaolin-Induced Hydrocephalus

Hydrocephalus causes damage to periventricular axons. Tacrolimus, cyclosporine A (CsA) and calpain inhibitors have been shown to protect axons in rat models of acute traumatic brain injury. We hypothesized that these agents would ameliorate the axon damage and behavioral effects in experimental hydrocephalus. Hydrocephalus was induced in 3-week-old rats by injection of kaolin into the cisterna magna. Tests of cognitive and motor function were performed on a weekly basis. In a blinded and randomized manner, tacrolimus (FK506; 3.6 mg/kg body weight) or CsA (10 mg/kg) was administered once daily by subcutaneous injection for 2 weeks, beginning 2 weeks after induction of hydrocephalus. In a separate experiment, calpain inhibitor I (10 mg/kg/day) was administered by continuous subcutaneous infusion. The brains were subjected to histopathological and biochemical analyses after 2 weeks of treatment. There was no statistically significant protection in regard to behavior, brain structure or brain composition in any of the experiments. However, there was biochemical and histological evidence of renal injury following chronic tacrolimus and CsA administration. Calcineurin inhibition does not offer significant protection in this rat model of hydrocephalus.
Resistive coupling of localized plasmon resonances in metallic nanostripes through a graphene layer

We study a hybrid graphene plasmonic device that consists of a gold nanostripe array combined with graphene. We have measured significant changes in the optical properties of the nanostripe array after the transfer of monolayer or bilayer graphene on the top of it. We suggest that this modification is partly due to the resistive coupling of localized plasmon resonances through the highly mobile electrons of the graphene layer. Our results open up new possibilities for designing active optical elements to exploit the high sensitivity of graphene carrier-density to bias voltage for ultra-fast light modulation. This is especially interesting as the plasmonic resonances of metal nanostructures can lie in the visible, NIR and UV; important areas for many applications.
An exploration of the experience of self in the social world for men following traumatic brain injury

This study explores the lived experience of male survivors of traumatic brain injury (TBI) in relation to perceived changes in their personal and social identity. The aim was to provide an understanding of the individuals' sense of self and sources of emotional distress and growth following injury. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with nine male survivors of TBI (aged 22–59 years). These men were 17 months to 21 years post-injury and were recruited through a UK holistic neuropsychological rehabilitation centre. Transcripts of their accounts were analysed using thematic analysis. Identified dominant themes related to the men's described experience of changes in self relating to their social world, were titled: “abnormality”, “hidden”, “the old-me–new-me” and “others treat me differently”. In response to these emotional experiences the themes of “self-criticism”, “need to be as others want me to be” and “withdrawal” emerged. The identified themes are considered alongside the alternative narrative of “positive growth” in relation to current understanding of identity and “self-conscious” emotions. Future research and clinical implications are suggested.
Investment laws in Saudi Arabia : restriction and opportunities

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia follows the holy Qur’an as its Constitution, and virtually every sphere of human activity is governed by the Shariah. Owing to the particular nature of the tenets of Shariah, several forms of business activity are held to be illegal and forbidden, including anything that pertains to gambling, pornography and alcohol. Moreover, the Shariah has its own code with regard to loans and investments, and the charging or paying of interest are both prohibited. Foreign direct investment (FDI) is almost universally regarded as significant for the growth of an economy. Nations vie with one another to attract FDI from multinational corporations. Numerous studies have suggested a link between FDI and the growth rate of the GDP or gross domestic product of a nation. Globalisation has caused a marked degree of homogeneity in the world economy and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia offers various business opportunities to foreign investors. However, the intricacies of the workings of the Shariah need to be clearly understood by overseas investors. In this thesis, an attempt is made to study the investment climate of the KSA, and to explore the various key factors of the Shariah, the desirability of FDI for development, the forces of globalisation, and the mechanisms by which the KSA can uphold its laws as well as profit from an increasing infusion of funds by overseas investors. The research yields several interesting insights into various aspects of the KSA investment climate, and concludes with a series of recommendations that are designed to reconcile the apparently conflicting interests and pressures.