Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Viable cells survive in fresh frozen human bone allografts

Background Fresh frozen bone allograft is available for human recipients after at least 6 months of quarantine at –80°C. It is assumed that cryopreservation without cryoprotectant removes all viable donor cells. Methods We studied the in vitro cell growth from samples of fresh frozen human femoral head allografts after they had been released for patient use, and compared it with cell growth from a control group of fresh cancellous bone specimens from excised femoral heads (8 samples in each group). Results Cell outgrowths were seen in all of the fresh cancellous bone specimens (100% of replicates, 48 replicates per specimen) but only in a small minority of replicates from 4 of the allograft samples (mean 3.1%). Reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) investigations revealed that cell outgrowths from both groups contained mRNA for transcription factors Runx2 and Osterix, and also for matrix proteins collagen type I, osteocalcin and bone sialoprotein. This is consistent with the cells being osteoblast-related. Interpretation This study confirms that fresh frozen human bone allograft cells have the potential to grow in vitro, but the significance of this in recipients is currently unknown.
A structural model of health behavior: a pragmatic approach to explain and influence health behaviors at the population level.

BACKGROUND Behavior is influenced by individual-level attributes as well as by the conditions under which people live. Altering policies, practices, and the conditions of life can directly and indirectly influence individual behavior. This paper builds on existing ecological theories of health behavior by specifying structural mechanisms by which population-level factors effect change in individual health behaviors. METHODS This paper moves ecological theory from model building to a pragmatic characterization of structural interventions. We examined social and environmental factors beyond individual control and mechanisms as to how they influence behavior. RESULTS Four categories of structural factors are identified: (1) availability of protective or harmful consumer products, (2) physical structures (or physical characteristics of products), (3) social structures and policies, and (4) media and cultural messages. The first three can directly influence individuals through facilitating or constraining behavior. The fourth, media, operates by changing individual-level attitudes, beliefs, and cognitions, as well as group norms. CONCLUSION Interventions that target the four identified structural factors are a means to provide conditions that not only reduce high-risk behavior but also prevent the adoption of high-risk behaviors. Structural interventions are important and underutilized approaches for improving our nation's health.
Role of Tyrosine Kinase in Desflurane-induced Preconditioning

BackgroundShort administration of volatile anesthetics preconditions myocardium and protects the heart against the consequences of subsequent ischemia. Activation of tyrosine kinase is implicated in ischemic preconditioning. The authors investigated whether desflurane-induced preconditioning depends on activation of tyrosine kinase. MethodsSixty-four rabbits were instrumented for measurement of left ventricular pressure, cardiac output, and myocardial infarct size (IS). All rabbits were subjected to 30 min of occlusion of a major coronary artery and 2 h of subsequent reperfusion. Rabbits underwent a treatment period consisting of either no intervention for 35 min (control group, n = 12) or 15 min of 1 minimum alveolar concentration desflurane inhalation followed by a 10-min washout period (desflurane group, n = 12). Four additional groups received the tyrosine kinase inhibitor genistein (5 mg/kg) or lavendustin A (1.3 mg/kg) at the beginning of the treatment period with (desflurane–genistein group, n = 11; desflurane–lavendustin A group, n = 12) or without desflurane inhalation (genistein group, n = 9; lavendustin A group, n = 8). ResultsHemodynamic values were similar in all groups during baseline (left ventricular pressure, 87 ± 14 mmHg [mean ± SD]; cardiac output, 198 ± 47 ml/min), during coronary artery occlusion (left ventricular pressure, 78 ± 12 mmHg; cardiac output, 173 ± 39 ml/min), and after 2 h of reperfusion (left ventricular pressure, 59 ± 17; cardiac output, 154 ± 43 ml/min). IS in the control group was 55 ± 10% of the area at risk. The tyrosine inhibitors had no effect on IS (genistein group, 56 ± 13%; lavendustin A group, 49 ± 13%; each P = 1.0 vs. control group). Desflurane preconditioning reduced IS to 40 ± 15% (P = 0.04 vs. control group). Tyrosine kinase inhibitor administration had no effect on IS reduction (desflurane–genistein group, 44 ± 13%; desflurane–lavendustin A group, 44 ± 16%; each P = 1.0 vs. desflurane group). ConclusionDesflurane-induced preconditioning does not depend on tyrosine kinase activation.
Cognitive change on the repeatable battery of neuropsychological status (RBANS) in parkinson's disease with and without bilateral subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation surgery

Cognitive change following bilateral subthalamic nucleus (STN) deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery in those with Parkinson's disease (PD) has led to equivocal results. The current study applied a standardized regression-based (SRB) method based on 20 medically managed PD patients and 20 STN DBS PD surgical patients who were administered the Repeatable Battery of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS). Of the medically managed PD participants, 94% remained stable compared to 73% of the DBS group. In the DBS group cognitive change was noted on the Total scale and the Immediate Memory Index. A secondary analysis also revealed reliable change on several subtest scores. Although preliminary, the current study provides change parameters for post DBS surgery on this brief battery.
Megakaryocytic alterations in thrombocytopenia: a bone marrow aspiration study.

CONTEXT Dysplastic changes are well documented in myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). However, they are also observed in non-MDS hematological conditions. AIMS To evaluate the megakaryocytic alterations in the bone marrow aspirations in cases of non-MDS related thrombocytopenia. SETTING AND DESIGN A prospective study of 144 bone marrow aspirates was conducted in the department of pathology, Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore. The aspirates were studied to assess the number and morphology of the megakaryocytes in non-MDS related thrombocytopenia and evaluate their significance when compared to changes in MDS. MATERIALS AND METHODS The bone marrow aspiration smears were stained with Leishman stain and examined under light microscope. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED Fisher's exact test. A P value less than 0.05 was considered significant. Sensitivity and specificity was calculated for those features which were significant in the relevant hematological disorders. RESULTS The sensitivity of immature megakaryocytes, dysplastic forms and micromegakaryocytes in cases of immune thrombocytopenic purpura was 100%, 89% and 42% respectively. The specificity of emperipolesis was 74%. In cases of infection-associated thrombocytopenia, immature megakaryocytes had a sensitivity of 100% and cytoplasmic vacuolization were 86% specific. The sensitivity of the dysplastic forms in megaloblastic anemia was 75%. However, no platelet budding was observed. The presence of micromegakaryocyte had a specificity of 83% in MDS, and was statistically significant when compared to cases of non-MDS conditions (P 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Careful understanding of the morphological changes of megakaryocytes in bone marrow aspirates can improve the diagnostic accuracy for a wide range of hematological disorders thereby enabling proper therapeutic interventions.
The talk test: a useful tool for prescribing and monitoring exercise intensity

Purpose of reviewThis review focuses on recent literature examining the validity and reliability of the talk test for prescribing and monitoring exercise intensity. The utility of the talk test for high-intensity interval training and recently proposed exercise training guidelines for patients with atrial fibrillation is also examined. Recent findingsIn healthy adults and patients with cardiovascular disease, comfortable speech is likely possible (equivocal or last positive talk test stage) when exercise intensity is below the ventilatory or lactate threshold, and not likely possible (negative talk test stage) when exercise intensity exceeds the ventilatory or lactate threshold. The talk test can be used to produce exercise intensities (moderate-to-vigorous intensity, 40–80% ) within accepted Canadian Association of Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation and American College of Sports Medicine guidelines for exercise training, to monitor exercise training for patients with atrial fibrillation, and help avoid exertional ischemia. The talk test has been shown to be consistent across various modes of exercise (i.e., walking, jogging, cycling, elliptical trainer and stair stepper). It may not be practical for high-intensity interval training. SummaryThe talk test is a valid, reliable, practical and inexpensive tool for prescribing and monitoring exercise intensity in competitive athletes, healthy active adults and patients with cardiovascular disease. Healthcare professionals should feel comfortable in advocating its use in a variety of clinical and health-promotion settings.
Exploring the cyber-organised crime narrative: the hunt for a new bogeyman?

This paper looks at the significance and the scale of the use of the OC representation when it comes to cybercrime and other Internet-facilitated crimes at the European and international level by conducting a document analysis on official outputs of the major security and intelligence agencies, centres, and other relevant organisations addressing the possible intersections between OC, cybercrimes, and internet-facilitated crimes. This contribution problematises the current use of the cyber-OC narrative and shows how this appears insufficient to guarantee a common level of understanding in public and scientific debates. Before moving to the core of this contribution, the following sections provide a concise overview of the existing academic literature dealing with cyber-OC and related problems, showing how evidence-based research is still indecisive as to the degree of organisation of offenders operating in cyberspace.
Mental health telephone triage: managing psychiatric crisis and emergency.

PURPOSE The study aims to identify and articulate how mental health telephone triage (MHTT) clinicians manage psychiatric crisis and emergency via the telephone. DESIGN AND METHODS An observational design was employed in the study. Wireless headsets were used to observe 197 occasions of MHTT. FINDINGS Clinicians use a range of practical strategies, therapeutic skills, and psychosocial interventions to manage psychiatric crises and emergencies via the telephone. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS The evidence base for managing psychiatric crisis/emergency in MHTT is minimal. These findings contribute to the MHTT knowledge base and provide evidence-based strategies for high-quality emergency mental health care.
Political Freedom and Growth

The relationship between political freedom and economic growth is considered very critical in political economics. On the one hand, political freedom is found to be positively correlated with economic growth (Lipset 1993; Przeworski and Limongi 1993; Barro 1997; Minier 1998; and Przeworski 2004). On the other hand, a number of high growing countries experienced low political rights such as: China, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. Besides, several democratic countries faced low economic growth such as: Greece and Spain (Arat 1988; Vanhanen 1990; Heo and Tan 2001). This study aims at examining the impact of political freedom on economic growth. Since, the literature covered three contradictory findings regarding the main driver of economic growth, an unbalanced panel of dataset running from 1970 to 2012 and spanning 92 (high and low income countries) was adopted to address our research question. The data was retrieved from the World Bank's World Development Indicators (WDI) and the Global Development Finance (GDF) databases. Furthermore, classification of countries political freedom was derived from the Transparency International. This study considered the following factors as the main determinants of growth: population growth rate, mortality rate, fertility rate, human capital, government expenditures, foreign direct investment, culture and political risk. In addition, the significance of the adopted variables was compared between two models: Model 1 (high political rights) and Model 2 (low political rights). Through comparing results based on income level, it is revealed that there are more differences between countries. Countries with high political rights (even with different income levels) show that all factors have similar effect on economic growth except the fertility rate. Conversely, countries with low political rights show different results. The growth rate of population is statistically significant in high income countries but not significant in low income ones. In contrast, mortality rate is not significant in high income countries but highly significant in low income countries. Likewise, the fertility rate is statistically significant in countries with high income but not significant in countries with low income. Finally, fiscal policy (government expenditures) does not seem to be effective in both groups. In summary, regardless of the income level, the lack of political rights makes both the fiscal policy and the foreign direct investment invaluable for economic growth. Contrary to Prescott (2014), Taylor (2014), and Summers (2014), this paper concludes that foreign investors prefer high political freedom over internal policies within a country.
Effects of D-003, a Mixture of Sugarcane Wax Acids, on Platelet Aggregation in Hypercholesterolemic Patients

Abstract Increased platelet aggregation contributes to vascular risk. D-003, a mixture of high molecular weight sugarcane wax acids, has shown antiplatelet effects in experimental models and healthy volunteers. This randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study investigated the effects of titrated doses of D-003 (5-20 mg/d) on platelet aggregation in hypercholesterolemic patients. After a 4-week baseline phase, 56 patients were randomised to D-003 5 mg/d or placebo. The doses were doubled every 15 days if arachidonic acid (AA)-induced platelet aggregation was not inhibited at least by 15%. AA (0.75 and 1.5 mmol/L) and collagen (1 µg/mL)-induced platelet aggregation, laboratory and physical safety indicators were assessed at baseline and every 15 days thereafter, when adverse events (AE) were also reported. No significant change of platelet aggregation was found in the placebo group. After 15, 30 and 45 on therapy, D-003 reduced platelet aggregation induced with both AA 0.75 mmol/L (18.1%, 19.0% and 30.3%, respectively) and AA 1.5 mmol/L (17.0%, 16.3% and 22.5%, respectively), and also collagen-induced platelet aggregation (26.6%, 20.8% and 29.4%) (p < 0.01 at days 15 and 30 versus placebo, p < 0.0001 at study completion). The mean inhibition of platelet aggregation with D-003 at day 15, at which all patients had received the lowest dose, was over 15%. Nineteen out of 28 D-003 randomised patients (67.9%) required dose titration to achieve such goal. At trial completion, the mean estimated dose was 11.6 mg/d. D-003 lowered low-density lipoprotein (22.0%), total cholesterol (14.7%) and raised high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (10.9%) (p < 0.0001 versus placebo). Six patients (2 placebo, 4 D-003) withdrew from the trial, none due to AE. D-003 did not modify the safety indicators with respect to placebo. Four patients (2 placebo, 2 D-003-treated) reported AE: pruritus and increased blood pressure (2 placebo) and rash and polyphagia (2 D-003). In conclusion, D-003 (5-20 mg/d) given as doses titrated every 15 days (5-20 mg/d) inhibited AA- and collagen-induced platelet aggregation in hypercholesterolemic patients and was well tolerated.
UMBILICAL CORD DISRUPTION SEQUENCE CAUSED BY LONG CORD IN TWO UNRELATED INFANTS WITH AMYOPLASIA

Encirclement of a fetal body part by the umbilical cord with or without vascular obstruction in either the umbilical cord or the encircled fetal part is considered an umbilical cord loop (UCL). Significant disruption of the encircled fetal parts is recognized as the umbilical cord disruption sequence (UCDS). UCL around fetal parts is an occasional anomaly in infants with amyoplasia. We report on 2 patients with amyoplasia and damage to the fetal limbs caused by UCDS and a long umbilical cord. Patient 1 showed two deep constrictions on the left lower limb caused by UCL with an intact skin and a mild mark of constriction on the left wrist. The umbilical cord in patient 2 produced 5 entanglements around the left thigh which resulted in a deep groove extending down to the femur and also showed an exposed fracture and gangrene of the entire lower limb with an unusual congenital paraumbilical “stoma” that corresponded to the afferent loops of a jejunal atresia. The UCDS in infants with amyoplasia has been associated with short umbilical cords, whereas in patients without congenital contractures, the UCDS or UCL has been related to long umbilical cords. Our observations of UCDS in patients with amyoplasia but with long umbilical cords suggest the influence of both pathogenic factors or the existence of additional mechanisms. Evidence in patient 2 may support a vascular pathogenesis.
Arthroscopic repair of isolated subscapularis tears: A prospective cohort with 2- to 4-year follow-up.

PURPOSE The goal of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of the arthroscopic repair of isolated subscapularis tears. Additionally, this study explores details of the clinical diagnosis, magnetic resonance arthrography findings, and surgical repair techniques. TYPE OF STUDY A prospective cohort. METHODS The preoperative and postoperative status of patients with isolated subscapularis tears were analyzed using the Constant Score, American Shoulder and Elbow Society Index (ASES Index), a visual analog pain scale (VAS), a single question of percent function compared with the opposite unaffected extremity, and a single question reflecting satisfaction: "Would you undergo the surgery and the postoperative rehabilitation to achieve the result you have today. " RESULTS There was a statistically significant difference for all outcome measures from preoperative to postoperative follow-up at 2 to 4 years, except for the objective Constant Score. There were no differences based on gender. Preoperative magnetic resonance arthrography aids in the confirmation of the subscapularis tear. CONCLUSIONS The arthroscopic repair of the isolated subscapularis tear provides for reliable expectations of improvement in function, particularly the use of the arm behind the back, decreases in pain, decreases in biceps subluxation or instability, and the return of active normal internal rotation. Subjectively, magnetic resonance arthrography is better than magnetic resonance imaging for visualizing the subscapularis tear.
Associations between multiple system atrophy and polymorphisms of SLC1A4, SQSTM1, and EIF4EBP1 Genes

Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is an adult‐onset sporadic neurodegenerative disease. Although the etiology of MSA remains obscure, recent studies suggest that oxidative stress is associated with the pathogenesis of MSA. The aim of this study was to evaluate genetic associations between the candidate genes involved in oxidative stress and MSA in a case‐control study. We examined 119 Japanese patients with MSA and 123 controls, and genotyped single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the following eight genes: CCAAT/enhancer‐binding protein homologous protein, activating transcription factor 3, CCAAT/enhancer‐binding protein‐β, sequestosome 1 (SQSTM1), cysteinyl‐tRNA synthetase, solute carrier family 1A4 (SLC1A4), activating transcription factor 4, and eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E‐binding protein 1 (EIF4EBP1). SLC1A4 SNP +28833 (V398I, rs759458, genotype: Pc = 0.0186, allele: Pc = 0.0303, Pc: P‐value with Bonferroni correction), two major haplotypes of SLC1A4 “T‐C‐C‐G” and “T‐C‐T‐A” (Pc = 0.0261 and 0.000768), two‐SNP haplotypes of SQSTM1 “C‐T” and “A‐T” (Pc = 0.0136 and 0.0369), and the most common haplotype of EIF4EBP1 “C‐T‐G‐C” (Pc = 0.0480) showed significant associations. This study revealed genetic associations of SLC1A4, SQSTM1, and EIF4EBP1 with MSA. These results may lend genetic support to the hypothesis that oxidative stress is associated with the pathogenesis of MSA. © 2008 Movement Disorder Society
The virulence of T-mycoplasmas, isolated from various animal species, assayed by intramammary inoculation in cattle

SUMMARY The virulence of T-mycoplasmas for cattle was tested by examining their ability to produce mastitis in cows. It was found that both virulent and avirulent strains of T-mycoplasmas can be isolated from cattle. All of four strains from pneumonic calf lungs and a strain from a case of bovine kerato-conjunctivitis caused mastitis but only two of four strains isolated from the urogenital tract of cows were virulent. None of the human, simian or canine T-mycoplasmas examined were able to cause mastitis in cattle. However, a bovine strain was found to be capable of causing mastitis in goats. Virulent and avirulent strains from the same and different species contain common antigens detected by the metabolic inhibition test. Pathogenicity could not be shown to be characteristic of any particular serotype. The possibility is raised of some species barrier being responsible for the inability of non-bovine strains to infect cattle.
TS‐1 enhances the effect of radiotherapy by suppressing radiation‐induced hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1 activation and inducing endothelial cell apoptosis

The therapeutic effect of concurrent chemoradiotherapy with TS‐1 has been confirmed in various solid tumors; however, the detailed mechanism of action has not yet been fully elucidated. In the present study, we identified hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1 (HIF‐1) as one of the targets of TS‐1 in chemoradiotherapy. In growth delay assays using a tumor xenograft of non‐small‐cell lung carcinoma, H441, TS‐1 treatment enhanced the therapeutic effect of single γ‐ray radiotherapy (14 Gy) and significantly delayed tumor growth by 1.58‐fold compared to radiotherapy alone (P < 0.01). An optical in vivo imaging experiment using a HIF‐1‐dependent 5HRE‐luc reporter gene revealed that TS‐1 treatment suppressed radiation‐induced activation of HIF‐1 in the tumor xenografts. The suppression led to apoptosis of endothelial cells resulting in both a significant decrease in microvessel density (P < 0.05; vs radiation therapy alone) and a significant increase in apoptosis of tumor cells (P < 0.01; vs radiation therapy alone) in tumor xenografts. All of these results indicate that TS‐1 enhances radiation‐induced apoptosis of endothelial cells by suppressing HIF‐1 activity, resulting in an increase in radiosensitivity of the tumor cells. Our findings strengthen the importance of both HIF‐1 and its downstream gene, such as vascular endothelial cell growth factor, as therapeutic targets to enhance the effect of radiotherapy. (Cancer Sci 2008; 99: 2327–2335)