Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Significance of total and differential leucocyte count in patients with acute myocardial infarction treated with primary coronary angioplasty.

AIMS The aim of this study was to correlate total and differential leucocyte (WBC) count with myocardial blush, peak CK levels, and left ventricular (LV) functional recovery at 6 months in 238 consecutive acute myocardial infarction (MI) patients treated with successful primary coronary angioplasty (PCI). METHODS AND RESULTS Total and differential WBC counts were measured on admission and every 24 h for at least 4 days after PCI. ST-segment resolution and myocardial blush were evaluated immediately after successful primary PCI. LV functional recovery (defined as improvement involving at least two segments, or at least one segment, when only two were asynergic on the basal examination) was obtained through echocardiographic evaluation of LV wall motion at the baseline and at 6 months. Basal CK (P<0.001) and increased neutrophil levels (P<0.001) were the only independent factors related to peak CK, whereas neutrophils and monocytes peaks were related to ST-segment resolution as well as to myocardial blush grade (MBG) 2-3. MBG 2-3 and monocytes number (both as continuous values as well as percentile values) were the only variables independently associated with 6-month LV functional recovery. CONCLUSION The present study shows that neutrophils and monocytes counts on the first days after acute MI treated with primary PCI are related to markers of effective myocardial reperfusion such as MBG 2-3 and ST-segment resolution. However, only monocytes and MBG are significantly and independently associated with contractile recovery of the infarcted area at 6 months.
The cutaneous serotoninergic/melatoninergic system: securing a place under the sun

It was recently discovered that mammalian skin can produce serotonin and transform it into melatonin. Pathways for the biosynthesis and biodegradation of serotonin and melatonin have been characterized in human and rodent skin and in their major cellular populations. Moreover, receptors for serotonin and melatonin receptors are expressed in keratinocytes, melanocytes, and fibroblasts and these mediate phenotypic actions on cellular proliferation and differentiation. Melatonin exerts receptor‐independent effects, including activation of pathways protective of oxidative stress and the modification of cellular metabolism. While serotonin is known to have several roles in skin—e.g., pro‐edema, vasodilatory, proinflammatory, and pruritogenic—melatonin has been experimentally implicated in hair growth cycling, pigmentation physiology, and melanoma control. Thus, the widespread expression of a cutaneous seorotoninergic/melatoninergic system(s) indicates considerable selectivity of action to facilitate intra‐, auto‐, or paracrine mechanisms that define and influence skin function in a highly compartmentalized manner. Notably, the cutaneous melatoninergic system is organized to respond to continuous stimulation in contrast to the pineal gland, which (being insulated from the external environment) responds to discontinuous activation by the circadian clock. Overall, the cutaneous serotoninergic/melatoninergic system could counteract or buffer external (environmental) or internal stresses to preserve the biological integrity of the organ and to maintain its homeostasis. —Slominski, A. J., Wortsman, J., Tobin, D. J. The cutaneous serotoninergic/melatoninergic system: securing a place under the sun. FASEB J. 19, 176–194 (2005)
Efficacy, safety, and biomarkers of neoadjuvant bevacizumab, radiation therapy, and fluorouracil in rectal cancer: a multidisciplinary phase II study.

PURPOSE To assess the safety and efficacy of neoadjuvant bevacizumab with standard chemoradiotherapy in locally advanced rectal cancer and explore biomarkers for response. PATIENTS AND METHODS In a phase I/II study, 32 patients received four cycles of therapy consisting of: bevacizumab infusion (5 or 10 mg/kg) on day 1 of each cycle; fluorouracil infusion (225 mg/m(2)/24 hours) during cycles 2 to 4; external-beam irradiation (50.4 Gy in 28 fractions over 5.5 weeks); and surgery 7 to 10 weeks after completion of all therapies. We measured molecular, cellular, and physiologic biomarkers before treatment, during bevacizumab monotherapy, and during and after combination therapy. RESULTS Tumors regressed from a mass with mean size of 5 cm (range, 3 to 12 cm) to an ulcer/scar with mean size of 2.4 cm (range, 0.7 to 6.0 cm) in all 32 patients. Histologic examination revealed either no cancer or varying numbers of scattered cancer cells in a bed of fibrosis at the primary site. This treatment resulted in an actuarial 5-year local control and overall survival of 100%. Actuarial 5-year disease-free survival was 75% and five patients developed metastases postsurgery. Bevacizumab with chemoradiotherapy showed acceptable toxicity. Bevacizumab decreased tumor interstitial fluid pressure and blood flow. Baseline plasma soluble vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1 (sVEGFR1), plasma vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), placental-derived growth factor (PlGF), and interleukin 6 (IL-6) during treatment, and circulating endothelial cells (CECs) after treatment showed significant correlations with outcome. CONCLUSION Bevacizumab with chemoradiotherapy appears safe and active and yields promising survival results in locally advanced rectal cancer. Plasma VEGF, PlGF, sVEGFR1, and IL-6 and CECs should be further evaluated as candidate biomarkers of response for this regimen.
Testing for Differences in Survival with Delayed Ascertainment

Summary. During the interim stages of most large‐scale clinical trials, knowledge that a patient is alive or dead is usually not up‐to‐date. This is due to the pattern of patient visits to hospitals as well as the administrative set‐up used by the study to obtain information on vital status. On a two‐armed study, if the process of ascertaining vital status is not the same in both treatment groups, then the standard method of testing based on the logrank statistic may not be applicable. Instead, an ad hoc modification to the logrank test, which artificially truncates follow‐up prior to the time of analysis, is often used. These approaches have not been formally addressed in the literature. In the early stages of a clinical trial, severe bias or loss of power may result. For this situation, we propose a class of test statistics that extends the usual class of U statistics. Asymptotic normality is derived by reformulating the statistics in terms of counting processes and employing the theory of U statistics along with martingale techniques. For early interim analyses, a numerical study indicates that the new tests can be more powerful than the current practice when differential ascertainment is present. To illustrate the potential loss of information when lagging follow‐up to control for ascertainment delays, we reanalyze an AIDS clinical trial with the truncated logrank and the new statistics.
The Impact of a Population-Based Screening Program on Income- and Immigration-Related Disparities in Colorectal Cancer Screening

Background: A population-based program promoting the Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) for colorectal cancer screening was introduced in 2008 in Ontario, Canada, where opportunistic screening with colonoscopy had been increasing in frequency. We evaluated the impact of the program on income and immigration-related disparities in screening. Methods: We used linked administrative data to calculate colorectal cancer screening rates for eligible Ontarians in each year between 2001/02 (n = 2,852,619) and 2013/14 (n = 4,139,304). We quantified disparities using an “inequality ratio” of screening rates in the most disadvantaged group relative to the most advantaged group. We performed segmented logistic regression analyses stratified by screening modality and adjusted for age, sex, rurality, comorbidity, and morbidity. Results: Between 2001/02 and 2013/14, the income and immigration inequality ratios narrowed from 0.74 to 0.80 and 0.55 to 0.69, respectively. Before the screening program, the income inequality ratio was widening by 1% per year (95% CI 1% to 1%); in the year it was introduced, it narrowed by 4% (95% CI 2% to 7%) and in the years following, it remained stable [0% decrease (95% CI 1% decrease to 0% decrease) per year]. Results were similar for immigration-related disparities. After program introduction, disparities in receiving FOBT were narrowing at a faster rate while disparities in receiving colonoscopy were widening at a slower rate. Conclusions: Introduction of a population-based screening program promoting FOBT for colorectal cancer was associated with only modest improvements in immigration and income-related disparities. Impact: Reducing immigration and income-related disparities should be a focus for future research and policy work. Disparities in Ontario seem to be driven by a higher uptake of colonoscopy among more advantaged groups. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 26(9); 1401–10. ©2017 AACR.
Cubilin dysfunction causes abnormal metabolism of the steroid hormone 25(OH) vitamin D3

Steroid hormones are central regulators of a variety of biological processes. According to the free hormone hypothesis, steroids enter target cells by passive diffusion. However, recently we demonstrated that 25(OH) vitamin D3 complexed to its plasma carrier, the vitamin D-binding protein, enters renal proximal tubules by receptor-mediated endocytosis. Knockout mice lacking the endocytic receptor megalin lose 25(OH) vitamin D3 in the urine and develop bone disease. Here, we report that cubilin, a membrane-associated protein colocalizing with megalin, facilitates the endocytic process by sequestering steroid–carrier complexes on the cellular surface before megalin-mediated internalization of the cubilin-bound ligand. Dogs with an inherited disorder affecting cubilin biosynthesis exhibit abnormal vitamin D metabolism. Similarly, human patients with mutations causing cubilin dysfunction exhibit urinary excretion of 25(OH) vitamin D3. This observation identifies spontaneous mutations in an endocytic receptor pathway affecting cellular uptake and metabolism of a steroid hormone.
Melanized Poly(HEMA) Hydrogels: Basic Research and Potential Use

Synthetic melanogenesis, using epinephrine and other melanin precursors, within the matrix of hydrophilic polymers and copolymers of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate resulted in hydrogels able to absorb ultraviolet and visible radiation. This significantly enhances their value as materials for extraocular (contact lenses) or intraocular (artificial crystalline lenses) devices that should protect the retina of aphakic patients from potential damage induced by light. The two-phase morphology of melanized hydrogels, as investigated by TEM, revealed a fine structure that is possibly indicative of a true sequential interpenetrating polymer network. Their biocompatibility was evaluated by a set of different assays involving human choroidal fibroblasts. No cytotoxicity was found in the aqueous extracts of materials. By using an assay with cells and polymers embedded in a collagen gel, a short-range toxic effect was detected, presumably caused by melanin itself. However, in vivo experiments in animal eyes with melanized hydrogel intraocular lenses did not reveal any toxic reaction.
Functional analysis of the common carotid artery: relative distension differences over the vessel wall measured in vivo

Objectives Absolute (ΔD) and relative (ΔD/D) arterial diameter distension, parameters related to the elasticity of the vessel, can be measured in superficial arteries using ultrasound-based vessel ‘wall tracking’ techniques. Currently available systems (e.g. the Wall Track System; WTS) measure the displacement of the media-adventitia transition (outer wall). We hypothesize that, given volume incompressibility of the vessel wall, ΔD and ΔD/D measured at the outer wall, significantly underestimate vessel distension at the lumen–intima interface (inner wall). Methods We measured ΔD and ΔD/D at both the inner and outer wall of the common carotid artery in 39 subjects (aged 18–83 years) using a new prototype ‘wall tracking’ system based on the Vivid-7 scanner (GE Vingmed Ultrasound, Horten, Norway). In addition, ΔD and ΔD/D were also measured using WTS. Results As anticipated, tracking the inner wall yielded lower diastolic diameters than when tracking the outer wall (Ddia = 5.70 ± 0.80 and 6.91 ± 0.98 mm, respectively, P < 0.0001). ΔD (0.54 ± 0.16 versus 0.49 ± 0.16 mm; P < 0.0001) and ΔD/D (0.096 ± 0.030 versus 0.071 ± 0.026, P < 0.0001) were indeed larger at the inner than at the outer wall. For WTS, Ddia, ΔD and ΔD/D were 7.04 ± 1.02 mm, 0.45 ± 0.14 mm and 0.066 ± 0.022, respectively. Conclusions On average, ΔD and ΔD/D are 10 and 25% higher on the inner than on the outer wall, respectively. Follow-up studies in larger cohort trials are mandatory to assess whether tracking the inner wall yields arterial function parameters with a higher cardiovascular prognostic potential.
Amplifying role of convergence in olfactory system a comparative study of receptor cell and second-order neuron sensitivities.

1. Extracellular unitary responses of receptor cells of second-order neurons identified as output cells were recorded in the frog. Four odorants of defined concentrations distributed over a wide range were delivered in the form of 2-s square pulses to the olfactory mucosa with a multistage dynamic flow dilution olfactometer. Bulbar responses were studied under two conditions, the stimuli being delivered either to the ventral or to the entire mucosa. 2. Overall responsiveness of the cells was compared. For the second-order neurons, the response ratio (excitation or inhibition) clearly depended on the condition of stimulation when the entire mucosa was stimulated, the bulbar response ratio was increased, as compared with that obtained when only the ventral mucosa received stimuli. Furthermore, when the stimuli were delivered to the whole mucosa, the bulbar excitation ratio was found to be similar to those of receptor cells and second-order neurons. 3. Response thresholds were determined from a comparison of the interspike interval values in the 30-s pre- and in the 12-s poststimulus time periods, using the Mann-Whitney U test (Table 2). The distribution of response thresholds of receptor cells as a function of stimulus concentration did not significantly differ from that of second-order neurons as excited by stimulating the ventral mucosa. These two distributions differed significantly from the distribution of second-order neurons as stimulated through the entire mucosa. In this last experimental condition, the bulbar neurons displayed an improved sensitivity. 4. The overall recruitment process, represented by the cumulative percentage of cells responding with excitation as a function of concentration, was found to be continuous over the entire concentration range. At the bulbar level, when the entire mucosa was stimulated, the recruitment occurred at lower concentrations than when only the ventral mucosa was stimulated. In this last case, the dynamics of the bulbar recruitment did not differ from that of receptor cells. 5. The recruitment process was further studied for each stimulus, for receptor cells as well as for second-order neurons. Differences in recruitment were found between stimuli and, as for the bulbar neurons, they depended on the condition of stimulation. 6. The main outcome of these results is the demonstration that the convergence of receptor cells onto second-order neurons is functionally implicated in an amplification process of the primary signal in olfaction. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
A Reconstruction-Classification Method for Multifrequency Electrical Impedance Tomography

Multifrequency Electrical Impedance Tomography is an imaging technique which distinguishes biological tissues by their unique conductivity spectrum. Recent results suggest that the use of spectral constraints can significantly improve image quality. We present a combined reconstruction-classification method for estimating the spectra of individual tissues, whilst simultaneously reconstructing the conductivity. The advantage of this method is that a priori knowledge of the spectra is not required to be exact in that the constraints are updated at each step of the reconstruction. In this paper, we investigate the robustness of the proposed method to errors in the initial guess of the tissue spectra, and look at the effect of introducing spatial smoothing. We formalize and validate a frequency-difference variant of reconstruction-classification, and compare the use of absolute and frequency-difference data in the case of a phantom experiment.
Photorefractive keratectomy in the management of postradial keratotomy hyperopia and astigmatism

Background: The aim of this study is to evaluate the results of photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) in the management of postoperative hyperopia and astigmatism in patients with history of radial keratotomy (RK). Materials and Methods: This prospective nonrandomized noncomparative interventional case series enrolled consecutive eyes treated with PRK after RK. In cases, in which (1) wavefront (WF) scan was undetectable during primary examinations; and/or, (2) WF data were not transferable to the excimer laser device, patients were treated with the tissue-saving (TS) mode. Patients with detectable/transferable WF were assigned to WF-guided advanced personalized treatment (APT). Results: Thirty-two and 47 eyes were managed by APT and TS modes, respectively. Pooled analysis of both APT and TS groups showed improvement in uncorrected distant visual acuity and corrected distant visual acuity. The amount of sphere, cylinder, corneal cylinder, spherical equivalent, defocus equivalent, and total aberration showed improvement as well. Conclusion: PRK seems to bring favorable outcome and safety profile in the management of post-RK hyperopia and astigmatism. It is crucial for practitioners to warn their patients about the fact that they may still have progressive refractive instability regardless of their choice on the laser method of vision correction.
The association between interleukin-6 polymorphisms and systemic lupus erythematosus: a meta-analysis

The aim of this study was to determine whether the functional interleukin-6 (IL-6) promoter -174 G/C and -572 G/C polymorphisms confer susceptibility to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in ethnically different populations. Meta-analysis was conducted on the associations between the IL-6 polymorphisms and SLE using; 1) allele contrast, 2) the recessive model, 3) the dominant model, and 4) the additive model. A total of 11 studies were considered in this study, and ethnicity-specific meta-analysis was performed on European and Asian populations. Meta-analysis of the IL-6 -174 G/C polymorphism showed an association between SLE and the IL-6 -174 G allele in all study subjects (odds ratio (OR) = 1.344, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.052–1.718, p = 0.018). Furthermore, stratification by ethnicity indicated an association between the IL-6 -174 G allele and SLE in Europeans (OR = 1.264, 95% CI = 1.037–1.541, p = 0.020). Meta-analysis of the IL-6 -572 G/C polymorphism revealed that an association was found between SLE and the IL-6 -572 G/C polymorphism using the recessive model, but ethnicity-specific meta-analysis revealed no association between SLE and the IL-6 -572 G/C polymorphism in Asians. In conclusion, this meta-analysis demonstrates that the IL-6 -174 G/C polymorphism may confer susceptibility to SLE in Europeans, but that the IL-6 -572 G/C polymorphism is not associated with susceptibility to SLE in Asians.
Reliability of mandibular canines as indicators for sexual dichotomy.

INTRODUCTION Amongst the various calcified structures in the human body, teeth have gained lot of popularity in estimating the sex of an individual as they are highly resistant to destruction and decomposition. Using permanent mandibular canines many researchers have predicted a high level of accuracy in identifying the sex correctly. The purpose of our study was to gauge the effectiveness of mandibular canines in discerning sex. MATERIALS & METHODS Fifty dental casts each of males and females were utilized for the study. Mesio-distal dimension and inter-canine distance of mandibular right and left canine was recorded using digital vernier caliper and mandibular canine index was calculated. RESULTS The mean value of mesio-distal dimensions of right and left mandibular canine was slightly greater in males compared to females. The mandibular canine index was equal in both sexes. Inter-canine distance was marginally higher in males compared to females. Despite of higher values in males none of the parameters were statistically significant. CONCLUSION The results herein bolster contemporary studies that mesio-distal dimensions of mandibular canines and mandibular canine index do not reflect sexual dimorphism and that its application should be discontinued in sex prediction among Indian populations. How to cite this article: Hosmani J V, Nayak R S, Kotrashetti V S, Pradeep S, Babji D. Reliability of Mandibular Canines as Indicators for Sexual Dichotomy. J Int Oral Health 2013; 5(1):1-7.
Adoption of health information technologies: the case of a wireless monitor for diabetes and obesity patients

This paper explores what determines the adoption of health information technologies through the use of a case study of a wireless service prototype developed for patients with diabetes and obesity. A technology acceptance model was used as the basis for developing the theoretical framework, which was later tested through a field study. Results indicated that the usefulness of an e-health service was affected by the quality of service, its compatibility with users’ lifestyle, the quality of support, the quality of information presented in the service, usage time, image, accessibility, and ease-of-use characteristics of the service. Designers should develop services that do not require much usage time as users do not want to spend much time using the service. In addition, users should be able to access data presented in the service quickly and easily when they need it. Customisable menu items and short cut keys can be used to make data access quick and easy.
Genetic dissection reveals unexpected influence of β subunits on KCNQ1 K+ channel polarized trafficking in vivo

Targeted deletion of the Kcne2 potassium channel β subunit gene ablates gastric acid secretion and predisposes to gastric neoplasia in mice. Here, we discovered that Kcne2 deletion basolaterally reroutes the Kcnq1 α subunit in vivo in parietal cells (PCs), in which the normally apical location of the Kcnq1‐Kcne2 channel facilitates its essential role in gastric acid secretion. Quantitative RT‐PCR and Western blotting revealed that Kcne2 deletion remodeled fundic Kcne3 (2.9±0.8‐fold mRNA increase, n=10;5.3± 0.4‐fold protein increase, n=7) but not Kcne1, 4, or 5, and resulted in basolateral Kcnq1‐Kcne3 complex formation in Kcne2−/− PCs. Concomitant targeted deletion of Kcne3 (creating Kcne2−/−Kcne3−/− mice) restored PC apical Kcnq1 localization without Kcnel, 4, or 5 remodeling (assessed by quantitative RT‐PCR;n=5–10), indicating Kcne3 actively, basolaterally rerouted Kcnq1 in Kcne2−/− PCs. Despite this, Kcne3 deletion exacerbated gastric hyperplasia in Kcne2−/− mice, and both hypochlo‐rhydria and hyperplasia in Kcne2+/− mice, suggesting that Kcne3 up‐regulation was beneficial in Kcne2‐depleted PCs. The findings reveal, in vivo, Kcne‐dependent α subunit polarized trafficking and the existence and consequences of potassium channel β subunit remodeling. —Roepke, T. K. , King, E. C. , Purtell, K. , Kanda, V. A. , Lerner, D. J., Abbott, G. W. Genetic dissection reveals unexpected influence of β subunits on KCNQ1 K+ channel polarized trafficking in vivo. FASEB J. 25, 727–736 (2011). www.fasebj. org