Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Umbilical cord insertion site in early gestation and development of placenta

Abstract Aim: To study the relation of umbilical cord insertion (CI) site in early gestation and placental development from the chorion villosum. Methods: We ultrasonically measured the distance between the internal cervical Os and the CI site (CID), the distance between the internal cervical Os and lower placenta edge (PLD), and placental thickness at early (10–12 weeks) and mid-gestation (18–20 weeks). Results: CID in early gestation (CID-Early) correlated with CID in mid-gestation (r2=0.171; P<0.01). CID-Early correlated with PLD in mid-gestation (r2=0.093; P<0.01). Thickness of chorion villosum or placenta in early gestation did not correlate with that at mid-gestation. Increasing thickness of placenta was significantly higher in long CID-Early (≥20 mm) cases than short cases (<20 mm) (P<0.05). Conclusions: The process of placental development and the placental location are affected by CI location at early gestation, and suggests that this process might be affected by poor blood supply from the low uterine segment when CI site is close to the internal cervical Os.
Is consumption of vegetables and fruit a protective factor against kidney cancer?

The role of vegetable and fruit consumption in the aetiology of kidney cancer was analyzed using data from a case-control study conducted in two centres in the Czech Republic between 1999 and 2003. The study comprised 300 patients with newly diagnosed, histologically confirmed kidney cancer and 335 controls. Information on dietary habits was obtained using a standardized food frequency questionnaire including 23 food items. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals were calculated using logistic regression models. A strong protective effect of vegetables consumption on renal cell carcinoma risk was observed among people with high consumption of fresh vegetables (OR 0.42 95% CI (0.29–0.60)) and cooked vegetables (OR 0.71, 95% CI (0.51–1.00)). The protective role of fresh fruit was significant as crude OR 0.71, 95% CI (0.50–1.00), but after adjusting for the main risk factors no association was found (OR 1.08, 95% CI (0.71–1.64)). The protective role of pickled vegetables disappeared after adjustment for the main risk factors.
Maintenance of Normal Range Body Iron Store Levels for up to 4.5 Years in Thalassemia Major Patients Using Deferiprone Monotherapy

New gold standard protocols are tested for the complete removal of iron overload in thalassemia using the International Committee on Chelation (ICOC) Maintaining Normal Body Iron combination protocol therapy of deferiprone (L1)/deferoxamine (DFO) and maintenance of normal range body iron store levels (NRBISL) using L1 monotherapy. Deferiprone (80–100 mg/kg/day) was administered for a mean of 21.3 months (range 7–91, total 171) in eight thalassemia major patients (four males and four females, 29–47 years) who have achieved serum ferritin (mean 108.5 μg/L, range 25–408), cardiac T2* (mean 31.5 ms, range 24–41) and liver T2* (30.1 ms, range 9.1–41) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) relaxation times. At the end of the study normal range MRI T2* relaxation time was maintained in all eight patients with a cardiac mean of T2* 30.3 ms (range 23–37), liver T2* 28.8 ms (range 9.8–43) and serum ferritin with a mean of 173.7 μg/L (range 86–406). In one patient, this NRBISL was maintained for more than 4.5 years. No toxic side effects have been observed during the L1 monotherapy period.
Hb Charlieu [α106(G13)Leu→Pro (α1)]: A New Phenotypically Silent Hemoglobin Variant Associated with a Mild α-Thalassemia Phenotype

A chronic microcytosis and hypochromia without any iron deficiency were observed in an 11-year-old boy of French Caucasian origin. The same hematological findings were also found for his mother. No abnormal hemoglobin (Hb) was detected using isoelectric focusing, cation exchange liquid chromatography and reversed phase liquid chromatography of the globin chains but DNA sequencing revealed a CTG>CCG transition at codon 106 (Leu→Pro) of the α1-globin gene in both of them. As the α/β mRNA ratios, determined by reverse-transcriptase real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR), are not concordant with an α-thalassemia (α-thal) state, we hypothesize that the underlying physiopathologic mechanism is an assembling defect of the Hb Charlieu molecule, rather than an instability of the αCharlieu mRNA. Moreover, genetic counseling and patient information are required in this family to prevent potentially severe α-thalassemias in following generations.
Identification of the Linkage of a 1.357 KB β-Globin Gene Deletion and A γ-Globin Gene Triplication in a Chinese Family

The 1.357 kb β-globin gene deletion was identified in a Chinese family by multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) followed by gap-polymerase chain reaction (gap-PCR) and sequencing. Interestingly, this form of the deletion was linked to a –Gγ–AGγ–Aγ triplication. The proband, a compound heterozygote for this linked mutant gene and a β-globin gene [−28 (A>G)] mutation, had a phenotype of β-thalassemia intermedia (β-TI). She was not transfusion dependent and had the following parameters: a Hb level of 5.3 g/dL, 72.8% Hb F and 55.1% Gγ chain in Hb F. Four members of the family, who were carriers of this linked mutant gene, had a hematological phenotype of β0-thalassemia (β0-thal) with high Hb F and low Gγ chain values. RNA analyses showed decreased levels of β-globin mRNA and increased levels of γ-globin mRNA in heterozygotes. Haplotype analyses indicated that the unusual form of the β-globin gene deletion and γ-globin gene triplication in cis were linked to halotype [+ – – – – – –].
Pregnancy-induced antithrombin deficiency

Abstract Objective: This retrospective study was performed to characterize the laboratory features and water metabolism of women with pregnancy-induced antithrombin deficiency (PIATD). Methods: Among 1493 women who gave birth to a singleton infant at our institution, 114 women who developed PIATD and/or pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) were reviewed with respect to perinatal changes in laboratory variables (hematocrit value, fibrinogen, fibrinogen degradation product, D-dimer, uric acid, aspartate aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase) and body weight. PIATD was defined as a gradual decline in antithrombin (AT) activity to ≤65% of normal activity levels. One hundred and fourteen women with neither PIATD nor PIH and matched for the cesarean delivery rate were selected as a control group. Results: Of the 81 women who developed PIH, 19 (23.4%) also developed PIATD. Thirty-three women developed PIATD in the absence of PIH. Coagulation-fibrinolysis was significantly more enhanced and the postpartum reduction in the hematocrit value was significantly larger in women with PIATD, irrespective of the presence or absence of hypertension, than in women without PIATD. The postpartum decrease in body weight was significantly smaller in women with PIATD, irrespective of the presence or absence of hypertension. Conclusions: A decrease in AT activity may occur in the absence of hypertension. Even in the absence of hypertension, a decreased plasma volume and enhanced coagulation-fibrinolysis seem to characterize women with PIATD. The monitoring of AT activity may help in distinguishing pregnant women with these insidious risks.
Women Filing Assault Charges on an Intimate Partner

To describe the criminal justice outcomes and violence experienced after women seek to file assault charges against an intimate partner, 90 women were interviewed and followed for six months. Threats of violence, physical assault, stalking, and danger were measured by interview questionnaires at the time of filing charges and at 3 and 6 months later. Among the 90 women, 48% had insufficient evidence for charges; of the 52% making charges, 11% dropped charges, 37% of the perpetrators were arrested, and 4% remained fugitives. With the exception of danger at 3 months for one group of women, levels of violence did not differ by charges accepted or perpetrator arrested at 3 and 6 months. The act of women attempting to file assault charges, whether the charges were accepted or the perpetrator arrested, resulted in equally lower levels of future violence.
Hb A2′ (Hb B2) in the Omani Population and Diagnostic Significance

Hb A2′ [δ16(A13)Gly→Arg], also called Hb B2, is a δ-globin chain variant that has been identified in several populations of African origin or ancestry and is easily identifiable in alkaline acetate cellulose electrophoresis as doubling of the Hb A2 band. However, in high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), commonly employed nowadays, it elutes in the S window. Over a period of 2 years at the Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Oman, we identified 25 Omanis with this variant. The quantity of Hb A2 ranged from 0.9 to 1.8% in heterozygotes and was undetectable in the single homozygous case. As both α- and β-thalassemia (α- and β-thal) as well as Hb S [β6(A3)Glu→Val] are common in the Omani population, it is important to be aware of the presence of Hb A2′ in this population to avoid misinterpretation of the HPLC data in terms of underdiagnosis of β-thal carriers and overestimation of α-thal based on Hb A2 levels in sickle cell carriers. The haplotype associated with Hb A2′ in Oman is identical to that described in African populations, suggesting a common origin for this mutation and its introduction into Oman by gene flow.
A study on the comparison of antioxidant effects between hot pepper extract and capsaicin

Objective : The objective of this study was to compare the antioxidant effects of hot pepper extract and capsaicin. Methods : In vitro, antioxidant activities were examined by DPPH radical scavenging activity, total antioxidant capacity(TAC), oxygen radical scavenging capacity(ORAC), inhibition of induced lipid peroxidation using liver mitochonria and total phenolic contents. Results : 1. DPPH free radical scavenging activities at the concentrations of both 1 and were 1.2 to 1.9 times higher in capsaicin than in hot pepper extract. The concentration of capsaicin required for 50% radical scavenging was lower than that of hot pepper extract(3.9 vs ), indicating that capsaicin had higher DPPH radical scavenging activity than hot pepper extract. 2. Total antioxidant capacities of capsaicin at the concentrations of 0.1 and 1mg/ml(13.8 and 41.3 nmol Trolox equivalent) were not significantly different from those at the concentrations of 1 and (11.4 and 41.2nmol Trolox equivalent), indicating that capsaicin showed 10 times higher ABTS radical scavenging activity compared to hot pepper extract. 3. ORAC of capsaicin at the concentrations of 1, 5, 10 and 100 mg/ml were 0.04, 0.17, 0.29 and 1.74nmol gallic acid equivalent, respectively. On the other hand, ORAC of hot pepper extract at the concentrations of 1, 5, 10 and were 0.15, 0.44, 0.75 and 2.49nmol gallic acid equivalent, respectively, indicating that capsaicin showed higher peroxyl radical scavenging activity than hot pepper extract. 4. Inhibition of lipid peroxidation caused by hot pepper extract at the concentrations of 1 and were 12.2 and 61.4%, respectively. Inhibition of lipid peroxidation caused by capsaicin at the concentrations of 1 and were 64.0 and 96.8%, respectively. Thus capsaicin showed 10 times stronger effect in inhibiton of lipid peroxidation than hot pepper extract. 5. Total phenolic contents of hot pepper extract at the concentrations of 0.1 and were 1.4 and 20.8nmol gallic acid equivalent, respectively. Total phenolic contents of capsaicin at the concentrations of 0.1 and were 6.1 and 55.4 nmol gallic acid equivalent, respectively, indicating that capsaicin had 2.7 to 4.3 times higher total phenolic contents than hot pepper extract. Conclusions : In summary, the results of this study demonstrate significant antioxidant activity of hot pepper extract, although the activity was lowered compared to capsaicin, suggesting that hot pepper extract play a role in prevention of oxidative-related diseases.
Normal fasting plasma glucose levels during pregnancy: a hospital-based study

Abstract Objective: Recently, the International Association of Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Groups have suggested new criteria for the diagnosis of gestational diabetes including a fasting glucose level of ≥92 mg/dL. We determined reference levels for normal fasting plasma glucose levels throughout pregnancy and evaluated the new normal cut-off for fasting glucose level. Methods: Charts of patients who delivered in our hospital between June 2001 and June 2006 were reviewed. Women with pregestational diabetes, fasting glucose level >105mg/dL or delivery at <24 weeks were excluded. Fasting glucose levels were assessed in 11 time categories between three months prior and four months postpartum in 7946 women. Results: Compared to preconception levels, fasting glucose levels decreased by a median of 3 mg/dL in the first trimester (81–78 mg/dL). During the third trimester a slight further glucose reduction was observed (median 76 mg/dL). After delivery fasting glucose levels increased sharply (84 mg/dL in the puerperium and 81 mg/dL by three months postpartum). Throughout pregnancy 5.2–9.0% of pregnant women had a fasting glucose level of ≥92 mg/dL ;ibcompared to 8.2% in the Hyperglycemia and Adverse Pregnancy Outcome (HAPO) study]. Conclusion: Fasting glucose levels decrease early in pregnancy with only slight further decrease later on. It seems that the same fasting glucose cut-off can be used throughout pregnancy for the diagnosis of gestational diabetes mellitus.
Pattern of biopsy-proven renal disease in a single center of south India: 19 years experience

The prevalence of biopsy-proven glomerulonephritis varies according to the geographic area, socioeconomic condition, race, age, demography and indication of renal biopsy. This study analyzed the distribution of biopsy-proven renal disease (BPRD) and its changing pattern over a period of 19 years from a tertiary care hospital in south India. All the renal biopsies performed from 1990 to 2008 were reviewed retrospectively. Biopsies were evaluated by light microscopy and immunofluorescence microscopy and also special stains when warranted. A total of 1849 biopsies were analyzed. The mean patient age was 32.27 ± 18.38 (range 10-80) years. The male:female ratio was 1.4:1. The most common indications of renal biopsy were nephrotic syndrome (49%), followed by chronic renal failure (13.6%) and rapidly progressive renal failure (12%). Primary glomerulonephritis (PGN) comprised 1278 (69.1%) of the total patients. Among the PGN cases, the most common one was minimal change disease (21.8%), followed by focal segmental glomerulosclerosis [FSGS (15.3%)], membranous glomerulonephritis (10%), chronic glomerulonephritis (9.7%), postinfectious glomerulonephritis (8.1%), mesengioproliferative glomerulonephritis (7.5%), diffuse proliferative glomerulonephritis (6.7%), crescentic glomerulonephritis (6.5%), IgA nephropathy [IgAN (6.3%)], membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (5.7%), focal proliferative glomerulonephritis (1.6%) and IgM nephropathy (0.5). Secondary glomerular disease (SGN) accounted for 337 (18.2%) of the cases. The most common SGN was lupus nephritis (80.1%), followed by amyloidosis (8%) and diabetic nephropathy (6.5%). Tubulointerstitial disease [124 (6.7%)] and vascular disease [60 (3.2%)] were less common. End-stage changes and miscellaneous disease were found in 37 (2%) and 13 (0.7%) cases, respectively. The incidence of FSGS and IgAN has been increasing since 1999. This study provides descriptive biopsy data and highlights the changing incidence of renal disease which is probably contributed by an increase referral due to increased awareness together with increased manpower and infrastructure.
Interaction between gentamicin and mycophenolate mofetil in experimentally induced pyelonephritis

Acute pyelonephritis (APN) is an inflammatory disease that leads to kidney malfunction. The objective of this investigation was to evaluate the impact of gentamicin (GEN) and ceftriaxone (CEF) alone and in combination with mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) on experimentally induced APN. Forty two Wistar male rats were assigned into seven groups +APN, APN +GEN, APN+CEF, APN+MMF, APN+GEN+MMF and APN+CEF+MMF. APN was induced by injecting E. coli in the left kidney. The control and +APN groups were treated with normal saline while the other APN groups received GEN, CEF, or MMF alone and/or in combination for 2 weeks. The elevated total white blood cells count and increased level of creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) in +APN groups returned to normal levels following 14 days treatment with GEN and CEF. Co-administration of GEN with MMF could not recover the APN-induced changes and resulted in a significant (P < 0.05) elevation of creatinine and BUN levels. Histopathological studies supported the biochemical findings as GEN and CEF alone could partly restore the APN-induced degeneration and leukocytic infiltration; however, the combination therapy of GEN plus MMF failed to reduce the APN-induced damages. The antibacterial susceptibility test demonstrated that the strain of E. coli used in this study was susceptible to GEN and CEF and the combination therapy did not change the antibacterial potency. These findings suggest that co-administration of GEN with MMF in APN may enhance kidney damage and the adverse effects of combination therapeutic regimen could be related partly to incompatibility of these compounds.
Hypogonadotrophic Hypogonadism and Diminished Gonadal Reserve Accounts for Dysfunctional Gametogenesis in Thalassaemia Patients with Iron Overload Presenting with Infertility

Improved care of β-thalassemia major (β-TM) patients has brought with it new challenges for the patient to have a family. We report our 15-year experience with 30 couples with 28 pregnancies following artificial reproductive techniques (ART). Sixty percent of females had hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism (HH) with diminished ovarian reserve and responded favorably to gonadotrophins with 80% success rate within three cycles. Pulsatile gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) infusion was used in one and clomiphene in another patient which resulted in successful pregnancies. Males responded less favorably than females. Gonadotrophins were used in 14 pulsatile HH patients for 6-24 months with variable outcomes. Although successful paternity did not occur, successful spermatogenesis with oligoasthenospermia occurred in six men. Two had in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intracytoplasmic injections (ICSI), which resulted in healthy offspring. In conclusion, successful pregnancy and fertility are feasible in β-TM patients with diminished gonadal reserves. Better outcome is expected in females than males. We report the first two cases of paternity following IVF and ICSI in β-TM patients with HH.
Predicting mortality in infants with persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn with the Score for Neonatal Acute Physiology-Version II (SNAP-II) in Thai neonates

Abstract Aim: To evaluate the ability of the Score for Neonatal Acute Physiology-Version II (SNAP-II) to predict mortality in infants with persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN). Methods: A prospective cohort study of 41 infants with PPHN admitted to our neonatal intensive care unit between June 2008 and March 2010, who underwent a SNAP-II test within 12 h of admission. Results: Of the 41 infants, 14 died (34.1%) and 27 survived (65.9%). The SNAP-II scores were significantly higher in infants who died (50.1±18.5 vs. 35.7±16.8, P=0.02). Each point increase in the SNAP score increased the odds of mortality by 1.04 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.01–1.07, P<0.01]. Infants who had a SNAP-II score of ≥43 had the greatest mortality risk with an odds ratio (OR) of 10.00 (95% CI 1.03–97.50). The SNAP-II model showed moderate discrimination in predicting mortality with a result of 0.72 (95% CI 0.56–0.88) under the receiver operating characteristic curve. The lowest blood pressure, lowest PaO2/FIO2 ratio, and urine output within the first 12 h of admission were also independently found to be good predictors of an increased risk for death. Conclusion: The SNAP-II scoring system significantly predicted mortality. PPHN infants with a SNAP-II score of ≥43 had the greatest mortality risk.
Comparison of glomerular filtration rate estimated by plasma clearance method with modification of diet in renal disease prediction equation and Gates method

Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) prediction equations are widely used in clinical practice for quick assessment of kidney function. Gates method using radionuclide technique is an alternative to prediction equations for quick assessment of GFR. Aim of the study was to compare Gates method and modification of diet in renal disease (MDRD) equation in a sizeable patient population with wide range of renal function to evaluate their clinical utility. GFR was estimated in 897 subjects with wide range of renal function by gates method, and MDRD equation and results were compared against measured GFR. Subjects were divided in to 4 groups (0-30 ml, 31-60 ml, 61-90 ml, >90 ml) on the basis of measured GFR and comparison between two methods done through linear regression analysis. Analysis of R2 indicated that 56% of the interindividual variability for Gates GFR was in accordance to variation in measured GFR, in the GFR range of (0-30 ml), this value dropped to 39% in the GFR range of 31-60 ml, 40% in the GFR range of 61-90 ml, 26.4% in the GFR range of >90 ml, the corresponding figure for MDRD GFR were 47.9%, 31.1%, 17.6% and 16.1%, respectively. Gates method is more precise for GFR estimation at all levels of renal function.
WORK-RELATED MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS: A SURVEY OF PHYSIOTHERAPISTS IN SAURASHTRA REGION

Background: Physiotherapists working in India are at high risk of Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WRMD). The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence, identify the risk factors and coping strategies for WRMDs among physiotherapists of Saurashtra region. Methods: A self administered semi structure questionnaire was sent via e-mail to 34 physiotherapists of Saurashtra region. The questionnaire consisted of demographic information including age and clinical experience; self reports of work related musculoskeletal injuries, perceived job related risk factors and strategies or responses that are adopted for prevention were obtained. The data obtained were analyzed using the Microsoft Excel 2007. Results: The questionnaire was returned by 29 physiotherapists, giving a response rate of 85%. Of 29 subjects, 20 were affected by WRMDs in at least one body part in last one year. Low back (35%) followed by neck (25%) and shoulders (15%) were the most commonly affected region. The risk factors quoted by most of the respondents were managing large number of patients in a day, adoption of constant uncomfortable postures and manual therapy techniques. The most commonly adopted coping strategy identified was decreased patients contact hours (22.2%). Conclusions: Physiotherapists who provide their services in prevention and treatment of musculoskeletal injuries are suffering from occupational musculoskeletal injuries. Incidence of WRMDs is very high. Risk factors and the coping strategies of WRMDs among physiotherapists of Saurashtra region are identified. Further research is required to build up effective preventive or ergonomic strategies.