Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Predictors of Screening Mammography Among a North and South Carolina Medicare Population

Despite guidelines recommending that women aged 40 years and older undergo screening mammography at least biennially, reports find that many women do not adhere to these recommendations. The authors’ objective was to investigate the factors associated with undergoing a screening mammography. Eligible women were enrolled in Medicare during 2004 and 2005 and resided in North or South Carolina. Information on morbidities, demographics, and physician visits were assessed as predictors for whether a woman underwent a screening mammography. Approximately 50% of the women included in the study had undergone a screening mammography during the study period. An increasing number of physician visits was positively associated with having a screening mammography. Women making at least 1 visit to a gynecologist were more likely to be screened compared with women who saw only a primary care physician and/or a medical specialist. Older age, having certain morbidities, and Medicaid eligibility were inversely related to being screened.
Lactobacillus brevis CD2 inhibits Prevotella melaninogenica biofilm.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the ability of the probiotic strain Lactobacillus brevis CD2 to inhibit the opportunistic anaerobe Prevotella melaninogenica (PM1), a well-known causative agent of periodontitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS The inhibitory effect of Lactobacillus CD2 on Prevotella PM1 biofilm was assessed both by exposing the anaerobe to the supernatant of the probiotic strain and by growing the two strains to obtain single or mixed biofilms. The inhibitory effect of CD2 on PM1 was also checked by the agar overlay method. RESULTS The development of PM1 biofilm was strongly affected (56% decrease in OD value) by the CD2 supernatant after 96 h. A dose-dependent biofilm reduction was also observed at 1/10 and 1/100 dilutions of supernatant. Confocal microscopy on the mixed biofilms revealed the ability of CD2 to prevail on PM1, greatly reducing the biofilm of the latter. CONCLUSIONS It has been hypothesized a multifactorial nature of the inhibition mechanism, the strong adherence ability of CD2 strain together with the released metabolites presumably contributing to the reduction in the PM1 biofilm detected by confocal microscopy.
An MRI‐conditional motion phantom for the evaluation of high‐intensity focused ultrasound protocols

The respiratory motion of abdominal organs is a serious obstacle in high‐intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) treatment with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) guidance. In this study, a two‐dimensional (2D) MRI‐conditional motion phantom device was developed in order to evaluate HIFU protocols in synchronized and non‐synchronized ablation of moving targets.
Free cyclic AMP increases in PC12 cells on depolarization

The temporal dynamics of the intracellular second messenger cyclic AMP (cAMP) were monitored in living PC12 cells by digital fluorescence ratio imaging using FlCRhR, a single‐excitation dual‐emission cAMP indicator. When the cells were depolarized by exposure to high K+, the free cAMP concentration was elevated, and then slowly decreased back to resting levels when the depolarizing stimulus was removed. Furthermore, the cAMP elevation due to depolarization decreased with successive depolarizations. © 1997 Wiley‐Liss Inc.
Self‐reported student confidence in troubleshooting ability increases after completion of an inquiry‐based PCR practical

Inquiry‐based learning (IBL) activities are complementary to the processes of laboratory discovery, as both are focused on producing new findings through research and inquiry. Here, we describe the results of student surveys taken pre‐ and postpractical to an IBL undergraduate practical on PCR. Our analysis focuses primarily student perceptions of knowledge acquisition and their ability to troubleshoot problems. The survey results demonstrate significant self‐reported gains in knowledge related to DNA structure and PCR, and an increase in confidence with “troubleshooting problems during scientific experiments. ” We conclude that the IBL‐based approach that combines PCR primer design with wet laboratory experimentation using student‐designed primers, provides students a sense of confidence by imparting workplace and research skills that are integral to diverse forms and applications of laboratory practices. © 2015 by The International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 43(5):316–323, 2015.
Population dynamics of plant-parasite interactions: thresholds for invasion.

Thresholds are derived for the invasion of plant populations by parasites. The theory is developed for a generic model that takes into account two features characteristic of plant-parasite interactions: a dual source of inoculum (infection from primary or externally introduced inoculum and secondary infection from contact between susceptible and infected host tissue) and a host response to infection load. Each of the threshold criteria is shown to be the sum of the individual components for primary and secondary infection. This indicates that if parasite invasion is not possible through primary or secondary infection alone, when the two modes of transmission are combined, the parasite may be able to invade. The invasion criteria demonstrate that there is a threshold population of susceptible hosts below which the parasite is unable to invade. If there are nonlinearities in the population dynamics (arising through either the transmission process or the host response), there are also threshold densities for the infected hosts and parasite populations below which invasion does not occur. The implications of the results for the control of plant disease are discussed.
A Joint Neural Model for Fine-Grained Named Entity Classification of Wikipedia Articles

This paper addresses the task of assigning labels of finegrained named entity (NE) types to Wikipedia articles. Information of NE types are useful when extracting knowledge of NEs from natural language text. It is common to apply an approach based on supervised machine learning to named entity classification. However, in a setting of classifying into fine-grained types, one big challenge is how to alleviate the data sparseness problem since one may obtain far fewer instances for each fine-grained types. To address this problem, we propose two methods. First, we introduce a multi-task learning framework, in which NE type classifiers are all jointly trained with a neural network. The neural network has a hidden layer, where we expect that effective combinations of input features are learned across different NE types. Second, we propose to extend the input feature set by exploiting the hyperlink structure of Wikipedia. While most of previous studies are focusing on engineering features from the articles’ contents, we observe that the information of the contexts the article is mentioned can also be a useful clue for NE type classification. Concretely, we propose to learn article vectors (i.e. entity embeddings) from Wikipedia’s hyperlink structure using a Skip-gram model. Then we incorporate the learned article vectors into the input feature set for NE type classification. To conduct large-scale practical experiments, we created a new dataset containing over 22,000 manually labeled articles. With the dataset, we empirically show that both of our ideas gained their own statistically significant improvement separately in classification accuracy. Moreover, we show that our proposed methods are particularly effective in labeling infrequent NE types. We’ve made the learned article vectors publicly available. The labeled dataset is available if one contacts the authors. key words: named entity classification, wikipedia, multi-task learning, neural network
Neurotrophic factors as pharmacological agents for the treatment of injured auditory neurons.

Mature auditory neurons degenerate in response to a loss of target-derived trophic factors. Neurotrophic factors influence the health and viability of auditory neurons. This suggests that neurotrophic factors can be used as therapeutic agents to prevent neuronal cell death and to initiate repair of damaged neuronal processes in the injured auditory system. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments have been performed to determine which of the vast array of neurotrophic factors affect mature auditory neurons and how they can be delivered to the sites of injury within the auditory system. Neurotrophin 3 was found to be a major survival factor for auditory neurons. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor is a minor survival factor for auditory neurons and nerve growth factor, although not promoting survival, does elicit the repair of neuronal processes. Fibroblast growth factor 2, transforming growth factor beta 1 and ciliary neurotrophic factor function as injury-response factors in the auditory system. Combination of different classes of growth factors has an additive effect on neuronal survival. Growth factors may be able to be delivered to sites of injury within the cochlea by either direct perfusion or gene therapy (e.g. a defective virus expressing a growth factor gene).
The expression of MRTF-A and AQP1 play important roles in the pathological vascular remodeling.

BACKGROUND Objective Myocardin-related transcription factor (MRTF)-A is a Rho signaling-responsive co-activator of serum response factor (SRF). The purpose of this study is to investigate the role of MRTF-A and AQP1 (aquaporin 1) in pathological vascular remodeling. MATERIALS AND METHODS MRTF-A, AQP1 and neointima expression was detected both in the wire injured femoral arteries of wild-type mice and the atherosclerotic aortic tissues of ApoE-/- mice. Expression of ICAM-1, matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP-9) and integrin β1 were also assayed. The intercourse relationship between the molecules were investigated by interfering RNA and inhibitor assay. RESULTS MRTF-A and AQP1 expression were significantly higher in the wire injured femoral arteries of wild-type mice and in the atherosclerotic aortic tissues of ApoE-/- mice than in healthy control tissues. Both in wire-injured femoral arteries in MRTF-A knockout (Mkl1-/-) mice and atherosclerotic lesions in Mkl1-/-; ApoE-/- mice, neointima formation were significantly attenuated and the expression of AQP1 were significantly decreased. Expression of ICAM-1, matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP-9) and integrin β1, three SRF targets and key regulators of cell migration, and AQP1 in injured arteries was significantly weaker in Mkl1-/- mice than in wild-type mice. In cultured vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), knocking down MRTF-A reduced expression of these genes and significantly impaired cell migration. Underlying the increased MRTF-A expression in dedifferentiated VSMCs were the down-regulation of microRNA-300. Moreover, the MRTF-A inhibitor CCG1423 significantly reduced neointima formation following wire injury in mice. CONCLUSIONS MRTF-A could be a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of vascular diseases.
Functioning and disability in stroke

Purpose. To describe functioning and disability in patients with stroke according to the model endorsed by the International Classification of Functioning Disability and Health (ICF) in a rehabilitation hospital. Methods. Adult patients with stroke were consecutively enrolled. The Functional Independence Measure (FIM) and the WHO Disability Assessment Schedule II (WHO-DAS II) were administered in individual sessions. ICF checklist was applied on the basis of medical documentation and rehabilitation team meetings. Descriptive analyses were performed to report on FIM and WHO-DAS II scores. ICF categories reported as a problem by more than 20% of patients were described in detail. Results. Patients (197 in total) were mainly men, aged about 60, with average FIM score of 75. Within ICF Body Functions component 32 categories were applied in at least 20% of the patients, 5 within Body Structures, 27 within Activities and Participation and 7 within Environmental Factors. Conclusions. ICF represents a new integrative tool to help professionals dealing with stroke. The checklist captures the various sequels of stroke in terms of impairments, activity limitations and participation restrictions. It shows the extensive need for rehabilitation, whereby it facilitates consideration of the patient' needs.
Meta‐analysis of the human gut microbiome from urbanized and pre‐agricultural populations

Metagenomic studies of the human gut microbiome have only recently begun to explore the differences in taxonomic composition between subjects from diverse geographical origins. Here, we compared taxonomy, resistome and functional metabolic properties of publicly available shotgun datasets of human fecal samples collected from different geographical regions (Europe, North America, Asia and Oceania). Such datasets encompassed gut microbiota information corresponding to 13 developed/industrialized societies, as well as two traditional hunter-gatherer, pre-agricultural communities (Tanzanian and Peruvian individuals). Assessment of the retrieved taxonomic profiles allowed the most updated reconstruction of the global core-microbiome as based on currently available data, as well as the identification and targeted genome reconstruction of bacterial taxa that appear to have been lost and/or acquired during urbanization/industrialization. Functional characterization of these metagenomic datasets indicates that the urbanization/industrialization process which occurred in recent human history has shaped the gut microbiota through the acquisition and/or loss of specific gut microbes, thereby potentially impacting on the overall functionality of the gut microbiome.
Bipolar affective disorder and psychoeducation.

OBJECTIVE Bipolar affective disorder runs a natural course of frequent relapses and recurrences. Despite significant strides in the pharmacological treatment of bipolar disorder, most bipolar patients cannot be treated only by drugs. The limitations of using medication alone in symptomatic, relapse prevention, and satisfaction/quality of life terms have long prompted interest in wider forms of management. One of the promising way how to enhance remission seems to be combination of pharmacotherapy and psychoeducation. METHODS Studies were identified through PUBMED, Web of Science and Scopus databases as well as existing reviews. The search terms included "bipolar disorder", "psychoeducation", "psychotherapy", "psychosocial treatment", "family therapy", "individual therapy", "group therapy", and "psychoeducation". The search was performed by repeated use of the words in different combinations with no language or time limitations. This article is a review with conclusions concerned with psychoeducation in bipolar disorder. CONCLUSIONS Randomized controlled trials of cognitive behavioral therapy, interpersonal and social rhythm therapy, individual, group and family psychoeducation show that these approaches augment stabilizing effect of pharmacotherapy. Patients and their families should be educated about bipolar disorder, triggers, warning signs, mood relapse, suicidal ideation, and the effectiveness of early intervention to reduce complications. Psychosocial approaches are important therapeutic strategies for reducing relapse and rehospitalization in bipolar disorder.
IRS‐1 Regulation in Health and Disease

The global incidence of diabetes is increasing at epidemic rates. Estimates suggest there are currently 150 million people with diabetes and this number is expected to double in the next 20 years. Type 2 diabetes accounts for 95% of all cases and is characterized in part by impaired sensitivity to insulin or 'insulin resistance'. Defects in the insulin signalling pathways underpin this resistance. In the current article we discuss the regulation of Insulin Receptor Substrate‐1 (IRS‐1), a protein that plays a pivotal role in insulin signalling and whose function is impaired in subjects with insulin resistance. Coordination of IRS‐1 function is multi‐faceted, involving phosphorylation of IRS‐1 at multiple serine/threonine residues. This controls many aspects of IRS‐1, including its interaction with the insulin receptor and subsequent tyrosine phosphorylation, as well as its subcellular distribution and targeting for degradation by the proteasome. Such tight control ensures appropriate transduction and attenuation of the insulin signal, thereby regulating insulin action in healthy individuals. Emerging evidence indicates that 'diabetogenic factors' associated with insulin resistance, such as TNF αand elevated circulating fatty acids, impact on insulin signalling at the level of IRS‐1 serine/threonine phosphorylation. The expression and/or activity of several kinases, such as I κB kinase β(IKK β) and salt‐induced kinase 2 (SIK2), and the phosphorylation of IRS‐1 at key sites, such as Ser307 and Ser789, are increased in states of insulin resistance. Identifying the pathways by which such factors activate these and other kinases, and defining the precise roles of specific serine/threonine phosphorylation events in IRS‐1 regulation, represent important goals which may eventually provide a rationale for therapeutic intervention. IUBMB Life, 55: 367‐374, 2003
Sleep latency is shortened during 4 weeks of treatment with zaleplon, a novel nonbenzodiazepine hypnotic. Zaleplon Clinical Study Group.

BACKGROUND Zaleplon is a short-acting pyrazolopyrimidine hypnotic with a rapid onset of action. This multicenter study compared the efficacy and safety of 3 doses of zaleplon with those of placebo in outpatients with DSM-III-R insomnia. Zolpidem, 10 mg, was used as an active comparator. METHOD After a 7-night placebo (baseline) period, 615 adult patients were randomly assigned to receive, in double-blind fashion, I of 5 treatments (zaleplon, 5, 10, or 20 mg; zolpidem, 10 mg; or placebo) for 28 nights, followed by placebo treatment for 3 nights. Sleep latency, sleep maintenance, and sleep quality were determined from sleep questionnaires that patients completed each morning. The occurrence of rebound insomnia and withdrawal effects on discontinuation of treatment was also assessed. All levels of significance were p < or = . 05. RESULTS Median sleep latency was significantly lower with zaleplon, 10 and 20 mg, than with placebo during all 4 weeks of treatment and with zaleplon, 5 mg, for the first 3 weeks. Zaleplon, 20 mg, also significantly increased sleep duration compared with placebo in all but week 3 of the study. There was no evidence of rebound insomnia or withdrawal symptoms after discontinuation of 4 weeks of zaleplon treatment. Zolpidem, 10 mg, significantly decreased sleep latency, increased sleep duration, and improved sleep quality at most timepoints compared with placebo; however, after discontinuation of zolpidem treatment, the incidence of withdrawal symptoms was significantly greater than that with placebo and there was an indication of significant rebound insomnia for some patients in the zolpidem group compared with those in the placebo group. The frequency of adverse events in the active treatment groups did not differ significantly from that in the placebo group. CONCLUSION Zaleplon is effective in the treatment of insomnia. In addition, zaleplon appears to provide a favorable safety profile, as indicated by the absence of rebound insomnia and withdrawal symptoms once treatment was discontinued.
Genotypic influences on severity of exudative age-related macular degeneration.

PURPOSE Major genetic risk factors have recently been identified for age-related macular degeneration (AMD), including the ARMS2/LOC387715 and CFH at-risk polymorphisms. The study was conducted to establish correlations between the AMD genotype and both the phenotype and severity of AMD. METHODS In a prospective cohort of 1216 AMD patients, four genotypic homozygous groups were identified (n = 264): double homozygous for wild-type alleles (group 1, n = 49), homozygous for the at-risk allele of ARMS2/LOC387715 only (group 2, n = 57), homozygous for the at-risk allele of CFH only (group 3, n = 106), and double homozygous for both at-risk alleles (group 4, n = 52). The phenotypic classification of exudative AMD was based on fluorescein angiography. RESULTS Mean age at presentation was significantly lower in group 4 than in group 1 (P < 0.014). Patients in group 4 presented more often with bilateral CNV and fibrovascular scars than did patients in group 1 (P < 0.001 and < 0.0031 respectively) and with significantly lower visual acuity (VA) in the first affected eye than did patients in group 1 (P < 0.02). Patients in group 2 presented with worse VA than did patients in group 3 (P < 0.003). Classic CNV was more commonly associated with the at-risk allele of the ARMS2/LOC387715 locus than with the at-risk allele of the CFH gene (P < 0.026). CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates an association between the at-risk allele of the ARMS2/LOC387715 locus and classic CNV, fibrovascular lesions, and poor VA. Individuals double homozygous for both at-risk alleles had a higher risk of being affected with a severe form of AMD at an earlier age.
Thrombin receptor activating peptides induce Ca2+ mobilization, barrier dysfunction, prostaglandin synthesis, and platelet‐derived growth factor mRNA expression in cultured endothelium

Endothelial cell activation by thrombin is a key event in wound healing, Inflammation, and hemostasis. To better define thrombin‐endothelial cell interactions we synthesized several peptides of varying length corresponding to the initial 14 amino acid sequence of the cloned human platelet thrombin receptor after cleavage at an arginine41 site (R/SFLLRNPNDKYEPF). Thrombin receptor activating peptides (TRAPs) as short as 5 amino acids induced significant levels of PGl2 synthesis and expression of PDGF mRNA in human endothelium and produced dose‐dependent cellular contraction and permeability of confluent human umbilical vein and bovine pulmonary artery endothelial monolayers. To explore whether TRAPs utilized similar signal transducing pathways as α‐thrombin to accomplish endothelial cell activation, phospholipase C production of the Ca2+ secretagogue IP3 was measured and detected 10 seconds after either TRAP 7 or α‐thrombin. Furthermore, TRAPs ranging from 5‐14 residues induced significant dose‐dependent incsreases in Fura‐2 fluorescence indicative of Ca2+ 1 mobilization. These results indicate that thrombin‐mediated proteolytic cleavage of the human and bovine thrombin receptor initiates stimulus/coupling respones such phospholipase C activation, Ca2+ mobilization, and protein kinase C activation. The functional consequence of this cellular activation via the cleaved receptor is enhanced cellular contraction, barrier dysfunction, PGI2 synthesis, and expression of PDGF mRNA. © 1993 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.