Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of folk medicinal plant extract Ankaferd Blood Stopper® on early bone healing

Objective Several haemostatic agents are available for clinical use. Ankaferd Blood Stopper® (ABS), a mixture of five medicinal plant extracts, has been used historically as a haemostatic agent. The aim of this in vivo study was to investigate the effects of ABS on early bone healing using a rat tibia defect model. Material and Methods Sixteen male Wistar rats were randomized into two groups of 8 animals each. After deep anesthesia with ketamine, bone defects (3 mm diameter and 2 mm deep) were created in the right and left tibiae of all animals and either treated with 1 cc of ABS (Group 1) or left untreated (Group 2; control). Surgical areas were closed primarily. The animals were sacrificed on the 7th postoperative day and bone samples were collected from the tibias. The samples were examined histopathologically for infection, necrosis, fibrosis, new bone formation and foreign body reaction. The histomorphometric results were analyzed statistically by the chi square test, with the level of significance set at p<0.05. Results Significant differences were found in both groups in terms of inflammation, necrosis and new bone formation (p=0.001, p=0.0001, p=0.001). No foreign body reaction was observed in the experimental group. ABS application decreased fibrosis in the experimental group, but there were no statistically significant differences from the control group. Conclusions Histopathologically, it was observed that the application of ABS decreased the occurrence of inflammation and necrosis, while increasing new bone formation in early bone healing period. Further in vitro and in vivo studies are necessary for evaluating the benefits and possible adverse effects of the application of this herbal product on wound healing.
AUTONOMY: The First Randomized Trial Comparing Two Patient-Driven Approaches to Initiate and Titrate Prandial Insulin Lispro in Type 2 Diabetes

OBJECTIVE To compare two self-titration algorithms for initiating and escalating prandial insulin lispro in patients with type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled on basal insulin. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS The trial was designed as two independent, multinational, parallel, open-label studies (A and B), identical in design, to provide substantial evidence of efficacy and safety in endocrine and generalist settings. Subjects were 18–85 years old (study A: N = 528; study B: N = 578), on basal insulin plus oral antidiabetic drugs for ≥3 months, and had an HbA1c 7.0% to ≤12.0% (>53.0 to ≤107.7 mmol/mol). Once optimized on insulin glargine, subjects were randomized to one of two self-titration algorithm groups adjusting lispro either every day (Q1D) or every 3 days (Q3D) for 24 weeks. The primary outcome was the change in HbA1c from baseline. The primary and secondary objectives were evaluated for the overall population and subjects ≥65 years old. RESULTS Baseline HbA1c was similar (study A: Q1D 8.3% [67.2 mmol/mol] vs. Q3D 8.4% [68.3 mmol/mol], P = 0.453; study B: Q1D 8.3% [67.2 mmol/mol] vs. Q3D 8.4% [68.3 mmol/mol], P = 0.162). Both algorithms had significant and equivalent reductions in HbA1c from baseline (study A: Q3D –0.96% [–10.49 mmol/mol], Q1D –1.00% [–10.93 mmol/mol], Q3D–Q1D 0.04% [0.44 mmol/mol] [95% CI –0.15 to 0.22 (–1.64 to 2.40)]; study B: Q3D –0.92% [–10.06 mmol/mol], Q1D –0.98% [–10.71 mmol/mol], Q3D–Q1D 0.06% [0.66 mmol/mol] [95% CI –0.12 to 0.24 (–1.31 to 2.62)]). The incidence and rate of hypoglycemia were similar for Q3D and Q1D in both studies. In general, no clinically relevant differences were found between the two algorithms in subjects ≥65 years old in either study. CONCLUSIONS Prandial insulin lispro can effectively and safely be initiated, by either of two self-titrated algorithms, in a variety of practice settings.
Standard Trabeculectomy and Ex-PRESS Miniature Glaucoma Shunt: A Comparative Study and Literature Review

Purpose:The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety between standard trabeculectomy and the Ex-PRESS shunt implantation. Methods:A retrospective review of the records of 100 eyes of 100 patients who underwent trabeculectomy or Ex-PRESS shunt implantation between July 2010 and June 2012 was conducted. Of these, 61 (61%) eyes underwent trabeculectomy and 39 (39%) eyes underwent Ex-PRESS shunt implantation. Demographic information, glaucoma type, surgical details, preoperative, and postoperative data including intraocular pressure (IOP), number of medications, reoperation, and occurrence of any complications were recorded. Results:No differences in IOP reduction or number of postoperative IOP-lowering medications were demonstrated between the 2 procedures. Success rates were 86.9% for trabeculectomy and 84.6% for Ex-PRESS shunt. Rates of failure and hypotony were not significantly different between the groups. No parameter was correlated with success or failure of any procedure. Conclusions:Standard trabeculectomy and Ex-PRESS shunt have similar efficacy and safety profiles. As the Ex-PRESS shunt is considerably more expensive, its use may be unjustified, especially as a primary procedure.
ON FINITE DIFFERENCE SCHEMES FOR THE 3-D WAVE EQUATION USING NON-CARTESIAN GRIDS

In this paper, we investigate finite difference schemes for the 3-D wave equation using 27-point stencils on the cubic lattice, a 13-point stencil on the face-centered cubic (FCC) lattice, and a 9-point stencil on the body-centered cubic (BCC) lattice. The tiling of the wavenumber space for nonCartesian grids is considered in order to analyse numerical dispersion. Schemes are compared for computational efficiency in terms of minimising numerical wave speed error. It is shown that the 13-point scheme on the FCC lattice is more computationally efficient than 27-point schemes on the cubic lattice when less than 8% error in the wave speed is desired.
Integrating Biological Knowledge with Gene Expression Profiles for Survival Prediction of Cancer

Due to the large variability in survival times between cancer patients and the plethora of genes on microarrays unrelated to outcome, building accurate prediction models that are easy to interpret remains a challenge. In this paper, we propose a general strategy for improving performance and interpretability of prediction models by integrating gene expression data with prior biological knowledge. First, we link gene identifiers in expression dataset with gene annotation databases such as Gene Ontology (GO). Then we construct "supergenes" for each gene category by summarizing information from genes related to outcome using a modified principal component analysis (PCA) method. Finally, instead of using genes as predictors, we use these supergenes representing information from each gene category as predictors to predict survival outcome. In addition to identifying gene categories associated with outcome, the proposed approach also carries out additional within-category selection to select important genes within each gene set. We show, using two real breast cancer microarray datasets, that the prediction models constructed based on gene sets (or pathway) information outperform the prediction models based on expression values of single genes, with improved prediction accuracy and interpretability.
Whole Body Vibration Effects on Body Composition in the Postmenopausal Korean Obese Women: Pilot Study

Background Whole body vibration (WBV) confers a continuous vibration stimuli to the body. While some reports have described the effects of WBV on bone mineral density, muscle mass, muscle power, study of WBV effects on body composition in postmenopausal women is rare. The aim of this pilot study was to examine the effect of WBV on the changes of body weight and body composition in postmenopausal women. Methods Fifteen postmenopausal healthy and obese women who were on staff of one university hospital staff located in Suwon, Korea were voluntarily recruited. Inclusion criteria were age over 50 years, and body mass index (BMI) ≥25 kg/m2. WBV group training was performed in 10 minute sessions twice weekly for 8 weeks. Before and after training, anthropometric measurements and body composition analysis were performed. Results Weight (-1.18 ± 1.61 kg), BMI (-0.49 ± 0.66 kg/m2), waist circumference (-2.34 ± 2.48 cm) and muscle mass (-0.54 ± 0.59 kg) decreased significantly the 8 week intervention. Decrease of muscle mass was correlated with weight (r = 0.621, P = 0.013), BMI (r = 0.596, P = 0.019) and percent body fat (r = -0.518, P = 0.048). Linear regression analysis revealed that the changes of muscle mass had negative relationship with percent body fat change and a positive relationship with body weight changes. Conclusion WBV might display a weak but positive effect on body weight and waist circumference reduction in healthy postmenopausal obese women. However, attention must be given to avoid a decrease of muscle mass.
Comprehensive investigation of novel serum markers of pulmonary fibrosis associated with systemic sclerosis and dermato/polymyositis.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the association between serum levels and clinical signs of lung fibrosis in patients with systemic sclerosis and inflammatory myopathies. METHODS ELISA tests for a mucin-like glycoprotein KL-6, von Willebrandt factor (vWF), soluble E-selectin (sES) and surfactant protein D (SP-D) were performed in sera of 104 patients with systemic sclerosis, 31 patients with poly/dermatomyositis) and 24 patients with Raynaud's phenomenon as controls. The clinical and laboratory data were evaluated by a simple standard protocol including chest x-ray, lung function tests, echocardiography and, in selected cases, high resolution computer tomography (HRCT). Clinically significant pulmonary fibrosis (PF) defined as a simultaneous presence of radiological sign of pulmonary fibrosis and restrictive impairment. Severe PF was established if HRCT scans showed diffuse interstitial lung disease with low diffusing capacity. End stage PF was determined as severe PF with very low diffusing capacity. RESULTS Patients with pulmonary fibrosis on chest x-ray showed significantly elevated serum levels of KL-6, SP-D and vWF. Inverse correlation was found between serum levels of KL-6/SP-D and lung function parameters, such as DLCO% and FVC. With regard to HRCT findings, patients with elevated serum level of KL-6 showed significantly more frequently ground glass opacity, diffuse and honeycombing fibrosis than patients with normal level of KL-6. The sensitivity of KL-6 for PF in SSc is increased with the severity of PF (PF on chest x-ray < severe PF < end stage of PF). Lung fibrosis occurred more frequently in patients with simultaneously elevated KL-6 and sES compared to cases with a single positivity of either KL-6 or sES. CONCLUSION KL-6, SP-D, vWF and ES are good surrogate factors of pulmonary fibrosis but can not replace conventional diagnostic procedures. However, these markers are suitable for the assessment of progression and severity of pulmonary fibrosis in systemic autoimmune disorders once the diagnosis is established.
Helicobacter pylori activation of PARP-1

Chronic infection of the human stomach by Helicobacter pylori is an important risk factor for gastric cancer. H. pylori produces a cache of virulence factors that promote colonization and persistence, which, in turn, contributes to a robust inflammatory response at the host-pathogen interface. Recently, we reported that H. pylori activates the abundant nuclear regulator poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP)-1, resulting in the production of the catabolite poly(ADP-ribose) (PAR). PARP-1 is emerging as a key player in establishing homeostasis at the host-pathogen interface. In this article, we summarize the discovery of H. pylori-dependent PARP-1 activation, and discuss potential roles for PARP-1 in H. pylori-mediated gastric disease. In light of the remarkable successes that have reported for treating inflammatory disorders and cancers with PARP-1 inhibitors, we discuss the prospects of targeting PARP-1 for treatment of H. pylori-associated gastric disease.
Effect of consumer characteristics on the use of payment instruments

Predictions about a cashless and checkless society have been made for many years, but retail payments transactions made with electronic payment instruments still constitute only a small fraction of all payments made in the United States. This is the case despite differences in cost and despite marketing and educational campaigns conducted by the Federal Reserve and other institutions. One of the reasons the cost differences have little effect is that the differences in cost among payment instruments typically are not evident to consumers, who are charged the same amount regardless of how they pay. ; This article explores the possibility that consumer characteristics may affect the adoption of electronic payment instruments. Using data from the 1998 Survey of Consumer Finances, the author estimates the effect of several demographic characteristics on the probability of using electronic payments. She finds strong effects of demographic characteristics and of location on consumers' choices. She suggests that the importance of location may indicate demand-related network effects, although further analysis of the supply side would be needed to test that hypothesis.
A Pilot Study of Problem Gambling among Student Online Gamblers: Mood States as Predictors of Problematic Behavior

Within the last decade, interest in online gambling has increased. This pilot study examined online gambling among students to identify the extent to which student Internet gamblers manifest a propensity for problem gambling and to understand if mood states at various times are predictors of problem gambling. A questionnaire was administered to 127 student Internet gamblers. In addition to questions asking for basic demographic data, the questionnaire included the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS) and the South Oaks Gambling Screen (SOGS). Results showed that approximately one in five online gamblers (19%) was defined as a probable pathological gambler using the SOGS. Among this sample, results also showed that problem gambling was best predicted by negative mood states after gambling online and negative mood states more generally.
Clinical and genetic features in Italian Bietti crystalline dystrophy patients

Aim The aim of the study was to describe the clinical and genetic features of 15 Italian patients with Bietti crystalline dystrophy (BCD). Methods All study participants underwent a complete ophthalmological examination, including standard electroretinogram (ERG), optical coherence tomography, microperimetry, autofluorescence and multifocal electroretinogram. The 11 exons of the CYP4V2 gene were sequenced. The effect of mutations on protein function was estimated by a combination of web based programs. Results 15 patients (eight women, 7 men, aged 29–60 years) with BCD were recruited into this study. Sequencing of CYP4V2 revealed nine sequence variants in four unrelated families and six isolated individuals with BCD. Seven of these variants were novel. Among the patients, even with the same genotype, considerable variability in phenotypic expression with different degrees of accumulation of the typical intraretinal crystalline deposits was detected. Moreover, we found that more than 50% of patients had recordable standard ERG responses and in two patients the responses were within normal limits after 20 years of symptom onset. Conclusions In conclusion, we have reported seven new mutations and illustrated the large range of genotypic and phenotypic variability in BCD, highlighting the lack of a clear genotype–phenotype correlation and underlining the existence of less severe clinical manifestations, probably linked to relatively mild mutations.
Visual clutter management in augmented reality: Effects of three label separation methods on spatial judgments

This paper reports an experiment comparing three label separation methods for reducing visual clutter in Augmented Reality (AR) displays. We contrasted two common methods of avoiding visual overlap by moving labels in the 2D view plane with a third that distributes overlapping labels in stereoscopic depth. The experiment measured user identification performance during spatial judgment tasks in static scenes. The threemethods were compared with a control condition in which no label separation method was employed. The results showed significant performance improvements, generally 15–30%, for all three methods over the control; however, these methods were statistically indistinguishable from each other. Indepth analysis showed significant performance degradation when the 2D view plane methods produced potentially confusing spatial correlations between labels and the markers they designate. Stereoscopically separated labels were subjectively judged harder to read than view-plane separated labels. Since measured performance was affected both by label legibility and spatial correlation of labels and their designated objects, it is likely that the improved spatial correlation of stereoscopically separated labels and their designated objects has compensated for poorer stereoscopic text legibility. Future testing with dynamic scenes is expected to more clearly distinguish the three label separation techniques.
Protocols in a Data-Driven Computational Model Subthalamic Nucleus Deep Brain Stimulation Thalamocortical Relay Fidelity Varies Across

[PDF] [Full Text] [Abstract] , March , 2010; 133 (3): 746-761. Brain Jason C. Ho, Jerrold L. Vitek, Cameron C. McIntyre and Jay L. Alberts Anneke M. M. Frankemolle, Jennifer Wu, Angela M. Noecker, Claudia Voelcker-Rehage, computational modelling approach to deep brain stimulation programming motor impairments in Parkinson's disease patients using a − Reversing cognitive [PDF] [Full Text] [Abstract] , May 13, 2010; 368 (1918): 2269-2308. Phil. Trans. R. Soc. A Steven J. Schiff Towards model-based control of Parkinson's disease [PDF] [Full Text] [Abstract] , August , 2010; 104 (2): 911-921. J Neurophysiol Alan D. Dorval, Alexis M. Kuncel, Merrill J. Birdno, Dennis A. Turner and Warren M. Grill Activity Deep Brain Stimulation Alleviates Parkinsonian Bradykinesia by Regularizing Pallidal [PDF] [Full Text] [Abstract] , November 2, 2010; . Cereb. Cortex Benjamin Pasquereau and Robert S. Turner Spontaneous Activity of Pyramidal Tract-Type Neurons Primary Motor Cortex of the Parkinsonian Monkey: Differential Effects on the [PDF] [Full Text] [Abstract] , June , 2011; 21 (6): 1362-1378. Cereb. Cortex Benjamin Pasquereau and Robert S. Turner Spontaneous Activity of Pyramidal Tract-Type Neurons Primary Motor Cortex of the Parkinsonian Monkey: Differential Effects on the
CD4+ T cell-mediated immunological control of enterochromaffin cell hyperplasia and 5-hydroxytryptamine production in enteric infection

Background: Enterochromaffin (EC) cells are dispersed throughout the gastrointestinal (GI) mucosa and are the main source of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) in the gut. 5-HT has been implicated in the pathophysiology of several GI disorders, but the mechanisms regulating 5-HT production in the gut are unknown. Aim: To investigate the role of CD4+ T cells in the production of 5-HT using a model of enteric parasitic infection. Methods and results: Severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) mice and their wild-type controls were infected with the nematode Trichuris muris and killed on various days after infection to study colonic EC cells and 5-HT production. The number of EC cells and the amount of 5-HT produced were significantly higher in infected wild-type mice than in non-infected mice. The number of EC cells and the amount of 5-HT after infection were significantly lower in SCID mice after infection than in wild-type mice. The number of EC cells and the amount of 5-HT was significantly increased after reconstitution of SCID mice with CD4+ T cells from infected mice and this was accompanied by an upregulation of colonic CD3 T cells and T helper 2 (Th2) cytokines. Laser capture microdissection-based molecular and immunofluorescence techniques revealed the presence of interleukin 13 receptor α1-chain on EC cells. Conclusion: These results show an important immunoendocrine axis in the gut, where secretory products from CD4+ T cells interact with EC cells to enhance the production of 5-HT in the gut via Th2-based mechanisms. These results show new insights into the mechanisms of gut function, which may ultimately lead to improved therapeutic strategies in functional and inflammatory disorders of the GI tract.
Effects of histamine-1 receptor antagonism on leukocyte-independent plasma extravasation during endotoxemia.

PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of histamine in mediating leukocyte-independent microvascular permeability and mast cell activation during endotoxemia. Microvascular permeability and mast cell activity were determined after inhibition of the L-selectin mediated leukocyte-adherence by fucoidin and after inhibition of histamine effects by the histamine H1-receptor antagonist diphenhydramine. MATERIALS AND METHODS In male Wistar rats, leukocyte rolling, leukocyte adherence, microvascular permeability, and mast cell activity were determined in mesenteric postcapillary venules using intravital microscopy. After pretreatment with the histamine H1-receptor antagonist diphenhydramine, animals in the ETX/H1-ANT group received a continuous infusion of endotoxin. Animals in the ETX group underwent the same procedure, but received saline 0.9% instead of diphenhydramine. In both groups, leukocyte adherence was prevented by administration of fucoidin. Animals in the control group received volume-equivalent saline 0.9%. RESULTS In the endotoxin-challenged groups, fucoidin prevented leukocyte rolling and reduced leukocyte adherence to values comparable to control group. In the ETX group and the ETX/H1-ANT group both microvascular permeability and mast cell activity increased significantly, starting at 60 minutes. Differences in mast cell activity between the ETX group and the ETX/H1-ANT group were significant at 60 minutes and at 120 minutes. Differences in microvascular permeability between the ETX/H1-ANT group and the ETX group were not significant. CONCLUSIONS The leukocyte-independent microvascular damage during early endotoxemia cannot be inhibited efficiently by the H1-receptor antagonist diphenhydramine, indicating that histamine seems to play only a minor role in that pathophysiology. Furthermore, mast cells do not seem to be involved in the development of leukocyte-independent plasma extravasation during endotoxemia.
Effect of PVA Capping on the Optical and Structural Properties of hydrothermally synthesized ZnS Nanocrystals

The pure and PVA capped ZnS nanocrystals were synthesized by hydrothermal method using zinc nitrate and thioacetamide as the zinc source and sulphur source respectively. The XRD patterns confirmed the formation of cubic phase ZnS nanoparticles with particle sizes 32.6nm and 30.6nm respectively for the pure and PVA capped nanocrystals. The SEM micrographs show the improvement in the particle size distribution upon PVA capping. The presence of characteristic bands for the PVA in the FTIR spectrum reveals capping of ZnS nanocrystals. The strong absorption in wavelength range 263-328 nm along with a blue shift in the optical absorption edge also indicates the formation of nanocrystals. The optical gap of pure and PVA capped ZnS has been calculated using the Tauc’s relationship and blue shift in the optical gap has been reported. These results have been explained with the improvement in the passivation of surface defects for the PVA –ZnS nanocrystals.