Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Inflamed human carotid plaques evaluated by PET/CT exhibit increased temperature: insights from an in vivo study

Aims To explore the relationship between temperature measurements derived by microwave radiometry (MWR) and carotid flurodeoxyglucose (FDG) uptake and assess their association with histological and immunohistochemistry findings in patients with high-grade carotid stenosis. Methods and results In 21 patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy, carotid inflammation was evaluated by both FDG positron emission/computed tomography (FDG-PET/CT) imaging and MWR measurements. Carotid inflammation was assessed by PET/CT as target-to-background ratio (TBR) by obtaining measurements in consecutive axial slices 2 cm below to 2 cm above the carotid bifurcation. Temperature difference (ΔT) by MWR was assigned as the maximum-minimum temperature measurements over the corresponding carotid segments. The extent of lipid core, calcification as well as CD68 and CD31 levels were also assessed. There was a significant correlation between ΔT values and FDG uptake (R = 0.40, P = 0.01), but no correlation between the degree of angiographic stenosis and ΔT values (R = -0.02, P = 0.91) or PET/CT measurements (R = -0.28, P = 0.86). Patients with plaques containing high lipid core extension or low calcification exhibited higher ΔT (P = 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively) and FDG uptake values (P = 0.02 and P = 0.02, respectively). Patients with plaques containing increased CD68 expression exhibited higher ΔT and FDG uptake measurements. Conclusion Carotid plaque inflammation was evaluated by temperature measurements, which were correlated with FDG-PET/CT indices, confirmed by histopathology and immunohistochemistry findings. Structural changes did not predict inflammatory process. The implications of these findings in risk stratification and management of patients with carotid atherosclerosis and the precise algorithm for potential clinical utilization of MWR and PET/CT remain to be determined.
Metabolic Pathways as Possible Targets for a Pharmacogenetic Strategy

The currently used immunosuppressive drugs have a narrow therapeutic index which required to individualize the dose regimen for different recipients. Pharmacogenetic is the use of genetic screening to prevent metabolic responses to different immunosuppressive drugs. Since the oxidative enzymes cytochrome P450 CYP3A and the drug efflux pump P-glycoprotein (P-gp) play a pivotal role in immunosuppressive drugs metabolism, pharmacogenetic studies have been mainly focused on these two enzymes. This would provide an important aid toward drug regimen individualization during the post-transplant therapy and has potential to improve graft outcome. *Corresponding author: Mariano Ferraresso, M.D. Ph.D., Department of Surgical Science, University of Milan, Via San Vittore 12, 20122 Mila, Italy, Tel: +39 0250320382; Fax: +39 0250320384; E-mail: Mariano.ferraresso@unimi.it Received February 03, 2012; Accepted February 06, 2012; Published February 10, 2012 Citation: Ferraresso M (2012) Emerging Role of Pharmacogenetic in Organ Transplantation. J Transplant Technol Res 2:e110. doi:10.4172/21610991.1000e110 Copyright: © 2012 Ferraresso M. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.
Prevalence of medically compromised patients referred for periodontal treatment to a teaching hospital in Central Saudi Arabia.

OBJECTIVE Many patients seeking dental care have a significant medical condition that may alter both the course of their oral disease and the treatment provided. The aim of this study was to assess the systemic diseases profile of patients with periodontal diseases for specialized periodontal treatment. METHODS Seven hundred and forty-three patient's medical records were screened from the Periodontal Clinics and referred to the College of Dentistry, King Saud University, a teaching hospital in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for a special care during the period from January 2002 to June 2002. RESULTS One hundred and sixty-seven were males while 576 were females. The age ranged was from 18-64 years. Approximately 90% of the patients were systemically healthy. The remaining 10% of the patients were with different systemic diseases or sequelae. Diabetes mellitus, hypertension, asthma and rheumatic fever were most commonly present. Thirty-one (4.2%) of the medically compromised were diabetic. Hypertension was reported in 9 (1.2%) patients. Rheumatic fever and asthma were equally present in 7 (0.9%) patients. Periodontal diseases were equally prevalent in both male and female patients. Approximately 50% of the patients had moderate periodontitis while severe periodontitis was common among 9% of the male and female patients. CONCLUSION Diabetes and heart related conditions were most common among the specialist patients referred for periodontal treatment. The advanced periodontitis was prevalent among 9% of the patients. It is recommended that physicians are become more familiar with the systemic associations to periodontal diseases. The dental practitioners should be well versed in the interplay between oral and systemic disease. More extensive knowledge of oral and physical medicine will be needed in order to provide quality care and appropriate treatment of patients with periodontal diseases suffering with systemic conditions.
What impact does antenatal and postnatal care have on neonatal deaths in low- and lower-middle-income countries? Evidence from Bangladesh

ABSTRACT We investigated the contribution of antenatal and postnatal care in reducing the risk of neonatal deaths in Bangladesh. The effects of these services were examined using adjusted Cox regression models and secondary data with 7,314 live-born infants. We observed that neonatal mortality was significantly decreased for newborns whose mothers' attended antenatal care services but postnatal care did not show any effect. Health promotion programs offering antenatal care in Bangladesh and other low- and lower-middle-income countries may build awareness about these practices. Further research is required to examine the reasons for the lack of impact of postnatal care on mortality.
Archean kerogen as a new tracer of atmospheric evolution: Implications for dating the widespread nature of early life

Abundant ancient air in Archean kerogen reveals temporal atmospheric Xe evolution, providing a dating tool for early organics. Understanding the composition of the Archean atmosphere is vital for unraveling the origin of volatiles and the environmental conditions that led to the development of life. The isotopic composition of xenon in the Archean atmosphere has evolved through time by mass-dependent fractionation from a precursor comprising cometary and solar/chondritic contributions (referred to as U-Xe). Evaluating the composition of the Archean atmosphere is challenging because limited amounts of atmospheric gas are trapped within minerals during their formation. We show that organic matter, known to be efficient at preserving large quantities of noble gases, can be used as a new archive of atmospheric noble gases. Xe isotopes in a kerogen isolated from the 3.0–billion-year–old Farrel Quartzite (Pilbara Craton, Western Australia) are mass fractionated by 9.8 ± 2.1 per mil (‰) (2σ) per atomic mass unit, in line with a progressive evolution toward modern atmospheric values. Archean atmospheric Xe signatures in kerogens open a new avenue for following the evolution of atmospheric composition through time. The degree of mass fractionation of Xe isotopes relative to the modern atmosphere can provide a time stamp for dating Archean kerogens and therefore narrowing the time window for the diversification of early life during the Archean eon.
Comparison of isokinetic trunk flexion and extension torques and powers between athletes and nonathletes

This study is aimed to perform and compare maximal concentric isokinetic trunk extension and flexion torques and powers between high-level athletes and a control population. In addition, the ratio of isokinetic trunk extension and flexion torques was measured, and compared between groups. Eighteen high-level male athletes and 15 male nonathletes without low back pain were recruited. Subjects performed isokinetic trunk extension and flexion at 60°/sec, 90°/sec, and 120°/sec through a maximal range of motion in a dynamometer. Trunk extension torque of athletes was significantly higher than in nonathletes at 60°/sec and 90°/sec but not at 120°/sec. Trunk extension power of athletes was significantly higher than the control group at 90°/sec and 120°/sec but not at 60°/sec. There was no difference between the athlete and nonathlete groups in respect of trunk flexion torque or power at any angular velocity. Consequently, the ratio of trunk flexion to extension strength was greater in nonathletes than in athletes. Trunk extension and flexion torques tended to decrease, and trunk extension and flexion powers tended to increase, with increasing angular velocity. High-level athletes seem to display preferentially greater trunk extension strength and power in comparison with trunk flexion strength, compared to nonathletes. This could be caused by the use of strength training exercises such as squats and deadlifts, or it may be associated with greater athletic performance.
Bisphenol A at Low Nanomolar Doses Confers Chemoresistance in Estrogen Receptor-α–Positive and –Negative Breast Cancer Cells

Background Resistance to chemotherapy is a major problem facing breast cancer patients, and identifying potential contributors to chemoresistance is a critical area of research. Bisphenol A (BPA) has long been suspected to promote carcinogenesis, but the high doses of BPA used in many studies generated conflicting results. In addition, the mechanism by which BPA exerts its biological actions is unclear. Although estrogen has been shown to antagonize anticancer drugs, the role of BPA in chemoresistance has not been examined. Objective The objective of our study was to determine whether BPA at low nanomolar concentrations opposes the action of doxorubicin, cisplatin, and vinblastine in the estrogen receptor-α (ERα)-positive T47D and the ERα-negative MDA-MB-468 breast cancer cells. Methods We determined the responsiveness of cells to anticancer drugs and BPA using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) cytotoxicity assay. Specific ERα and ERβ inhibitors and real-time polymerase chain reaction were used to identify potential receptor(s) that mediate the actions of BPA. Expression of antiapoptotic proteins was assessed by Western blotting. Results BPA antagonizes the cytotoxicity of multiple chemotherapeutic agents in both ERα-positive and -negative breast cancer cells independent of the classical ERs. Both cell types express alternative ERs, including G-protein–coupled receptor 30 (GPR30) and members of the estrogen-related receptor family. Increased expression of antiapoptotic proteins is a potential mechanism by which BPA exerts its anticytotoxic effects. Conclusions BPA at environmentally relevant doses reduces the efficacy of chemotherapeutic agents. These data provide considerable support to the accumulating evidence that BPA is hazardous to human health.
Validation of the CrIS fast physical NH 3 retrieval with ground-based FTIR

Presented here is the validation of the CrIS (Cross-track Infrared Sounder) fast physical NH3 retrieval (CFPR) column and profile measurements using ground-based Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) observations. We use the total columns and profiles from seven FTIR sites in the Network for the Detection of Atmospheric Composition Change (NDACC) to validate the satellite data products. The overall FTIR and CrIS total columns have a positive correlation of Combining double low line ĝ€0.77 (N =218) with very little bias (a slope of 1.02). Binning the comparisons by total column amounts, for concentrations larger than 1.0 × 1016 molecules cm-2, i.e. ranging from moderate to polluted conditions, the relative difference is on average ∼0 5% with a standard deviation of 25-50%, which is comparable to the estimated retrieval uncertainties in both CrIS and the FTIR. For the smallest total column range (< 1.0 × 1016molecules cm-2) where there are a large number of observations at or near the CrIS noise level (detection limit) the absolute differences between CrIS and the FTIR total columns show a slight positive column bias. The CrIS and FTIR profile comparison differences are mostly within the range of the single-level retrieved profile values from estimated retrieval uncertainties, showing average differences in the range of 20 to 40%. The CrIS retrievals typically show good vertical sensitivity down into the boundary layer which typically peaks at 850hPa (g 1.5km). At this level the median absolute difference is 0.87(std =±0.08)ppb, corresponding to a median relative difference of 39%(std =±2%). Most of the absolute and relative profile comparison differences are in the range of the estimated retrieval uncertainties. At the surface, where CrIS typically has lower sensitivity, it tends to overestimate in low-concentration conditions and underestimate in higher atmospheric concentration conditions. © 2017 Author(s).
Giving Credit Where it is Due

This paper shows how the productive interplay of theory and experimental work has furthered our understanding of credit markets in developing countries. Descriptive facts motivated a body of theory, which in turned motivated experiments designed to test it. Results from these experiments reveal both the success and the limits of the theory, prompting new work to refine it. We argue that the literature on credit can be a template research in other domains.
Using proton pump inhibitors correlates with an increased risk of chronic kidney disease: a nationwide database-derived case-controlled study

Background Those taking proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) might have a higher risk of acute kidney injury. The long-term safety, especially the PPI-associated chronic kidney disease (CKD) is the subsequent concern. Objective This study explores the potential relationship between using PPIs and CKD in Taiwan. Methods Using a database collated by the Taiwan National Health Insurance programme, we conducted a population-based case-controlled study to identify 16 704 cases of patients aged 20 years or older with newly diagnosed CKD between 2000 and 2013. 16 704 controls were randomly selected and were matched by sex, age and comorbidities. 'Use' of PPIs was defined as when subjects had received at least a prescription for PPIs before the index date. 'Non-use' was defined as subjects who had never received a prescription for PPIs before the index date. The odds ratio (OR) for CKD associated with the use of PPIs was estimated by a logistic regression model. Results The OR for CKD was 1.41 for subjects using PPIs [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.34, 1.48] compared with subjects who had never used PPIs. Almost all major types of PPIs present a weak association with increased odds of CKD in cumulative duration and dosage regression analysis. The OR in relation to cumulative duration (per month) of PPIs use was 1.02 (95% CI 1.01, 1.02) and the OR in relation to cumulative dosage (per microgram) of PPIs use was 1.23 (95% CI 1.18, 1.28). Conclusions Using PPIs presented 1.4-fold higher odds of CKD in Taiwan health insurance claims data analysis.
CHEMICAL REACTIONS IN GEOTHERMAL CEMENTS

The Portland cements used for completion of geothermal wells undergo a series of chemical reactions as they cure in the increased temperatures of the wells. In hydrothermal conditions, the calcium silicate cements undergo transformations changing from the initial amorphous binder formed at room temperature into a crystalline one. On its own, Portland cement will slowly crystallise into a series of high Ca/Si ratio phases which have high porosity and low strength. The crystallisation of these phases causes a reaction known as ‘strength retrogression’, to occur with the actual phases formed depending on temperature. To avoid this phenomenon it is common practice to add ~40% silica flour (quartz) which allows the formation of low Ca/Si ratio phases such as tobermorite or xonotlite which have low porosity and high strength. These cements are placed in a formation that contains large amounts of reactive silica. Migration of silica and calcium during the curing reaction changes the phases that form and alters the durability. In the New Zealand fields, the level of dissolved CO2 in the geothermal fluids creates a further chemical reaction in the hardened cement, that of carbonation. This reaction occurs throughout the depth of the well with the rate dependent on CO2 concentration and inversely proportional to the Ca/Si ratio of the binder, the stronger ones carbonating fastest. In many fields, an impermeable layer traps CO2 so an acidic fluid forms which readily dissolves or corrodes the carbonated cement leaving the casing unprotected so the wells may corrode within a few years.
Why primate models matter

Research involving nonhuman primates (NHPs) has played a vital role in many of the medical and scientific advances of the past century. NHPs are used because of their similarity to humans in physiology, neuroanatomy, reproduction, development, cognition, and social complexity—yet it is these very similarities that make the use of NHPs in biomedical research a considered decision. As primate researchers, we feel an obligation and responsibility to present the facts concerning why primates are used in various areas of biomedical research. Recent decisions in the United States, including the phasing out of chimpanzees in research by the National Institutes of Health and the pending closure of the New England Primate Research Center, illustrate to us the critical importance of conveying why continued research with primates is needed. Here, we review key areas in biomedicine where primate models have been, and continue to be, essential for advancing fundamental knowledge in biomedical and biological research. Am. J. Primatol. 76:801–827, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Extreme outcomes sway risky decisions from experience

Whether buying stocks or playing the slots, people making real-world risky decisions often rely on their experiences with the risks and rewards. These decisions, however, do not occur in isolation but are embedded in a rich context of other decisions, outcomes, and experiences. In this paper, we systematically evaluate how the local context of other rewarding outcomes alters risk preferences. Through a series of four experiments on decisions from experience, we provide evidence for an extreme-outcome rule, whereby people overweight the most extreme outcomes (highest and lowest) in a given context. As a result, people should be more risk seeking for gains than losses, even with equally likely outcomes. Across the experiments, the decision context was varied so that the same outcomes served as the high extreme, low extreme, or neither. As predicted, people were more risk seeking for relative gains, but only when the risky option potentially led to the high-extreme outcome. Similarly, people were more risk averse for relative losses, but only when the risky option potentially led to the low-extreme outcome. We conclude that in risky decisions from experience, the biggest wins and the biggest losses seem to matter more than they should.
Ultrasound vs. Computed Tomography for Severity of Hydronephrosis and Its Importance in Renal Colic

Introduction Supporting an “ultrasound-first” approach to evaluating renal colic in the emergency department (ED) remains important for improving patient care and decreasing healthcare costs. Our primary objective was to compare emergency physician (EP) ultrasound to computed tomography (CT) detection of hydronephrosis severity in patients with suspected renal colic. We calculated test characteristics of hydronephrosis on EP-performed ultrasound for detecting ureteral stones or ureteral stone size >5mm. We then analyzed the association of hydronephrosis on EP-performed ultrasound, stone size >5mm, and proximal stone location with 30-day events. Methods This was a prospective observational study of ED patients with suspected renal colic undergoing CT. Subjects had an EP-performed ultrasound evaluating for the severity of hydronephrosis. A chart review and follow-up phone call was performed. Results We enrolled 302 subjects who had an EP-performed ultrasound. CT and EP ultrasound results were comparable in detecting severity of hydronephrosis (x2=51.7, p<0.001). Hydronephrosis on EP-performed ultrasound was predictive of a ureteral stone on CT (PPV 88%; LR+ 2.91), but lack of hydronephrosis did not rule it out (NPV 65%). Lack of hydronephrosis on EP-performed ultrasound makes larger stone size >5mm less likely (NPV 89%; LR− 0.39). Larger stone size > 5mm was associated with 30-day events (OR 2.30, p=0.03). Conclusion Using an ultrasound-first approach to detect hydronephrosis may help physicians identify patients with renal colic. The lack of hydronephrosis on ultrasound makes the presence of a larger ureteral stone less likely. Stone size >5mm may be a useful predictor of 30-day events.
Evaluation of the Amplidiag CarbaR+VRE Kit for Accurate Detection of Carbapenemase-Producing Bacteria

ABSTRACT As carbapenemase-producing Gram-negative bacilli (CP-GNB) (Enterobacteriaceae, Pseudomonadaceae, and Acinetobacter spp.) are becoming a major public health issue, there is an urgent need for accurate and fast diagnostic tests. The Amplidiag CarbaR+VRE assay is a multiplex nucleic acid-based in vitro diagnostic test intended for the detection of CP-GNB and vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) from cultured colonies. We have evaluated its ability to detect carbapenemase genes in 100 well-characterized GNB and in 200 consecutive enterobacterial isolates with reduced susceptibility to carbapenems that were referred to the French National Reference Center for carbapenem resistance. The assay has been validated on purified DNA but also directly on colonies. The Amplidiag CarbaR+VRE assay could detect all KPC, NDM, VIM, IMP, and OXA-48-like variants tested and all acquired carbapenem-hydrolyzing oxacillinases from Acinetobacter baumannii (OXA-23, OXA-24/-40, and OXA-58) as well as the overexpressed chromosomally encoded OXA-51-like β-lactamase associated with an upstream inserted ISAba1. However, as claimed by the manufacturer, other carbapenemases such as GES-like carbapenemases (GES-2, GES-5, and GES-14), GIM-1, AIM-1, SPM-1, DIM-1, OXA-198 in Pseudomonas aeruginosa, or OXA-143-like in A. baumannii were not detected. Amplidiag CarbaR+VRE's performance values were high (100% sensitivity and 99% specificity) as it could detect the five major carbapenemases—NDM, VIM, IMP, KPC, and OXA-48—as well as OXA-type carbapenemases from Acinetobacter spp. that are currently emerging also among Proteus mirabilis and other enterobacterial isolates. It can provide a result directly from colonies growing on Mueller-Hinton (MH) agar or on selective screening medium in less than 2 h. Further evaluations are now necessary to determine the performance values directly on rectal swabs.