Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Responses of anaerobic rumen fungal diversity (phylum Neocallimastigomycota) to changes in bovine diet

Anaerobic rumen fungi (Neocallimastigales) play important roles in the breakdown of complex, cellulose‐rich material. Subsequent decomposition products are utilized by other microbes, including methanogens. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of dietary changes on anaerobic rumen fungi diversity.
Anti-Citrullinated Peptide Antibodies in Tophaceous Gout: Prevalence in a Polynesian Population.

Age, median (range), y 65 (47–79) 57 (32–88) 0.24 Male:female, n 15:2 78:5 Gout duration, median (range), y 25.5 (3–57) 20 (1–48) 0.40 Ethnicity, n (%) White 6 (35.3) 31 (37.3) 0.85 Maori or Pacific 11 (64.7) 48 (57.8) Other 0 4 (4.8) Gout medications, n (%) Urate-lowering therapy Allopurinol 3 (17.6) 16 (19.3) 0.88 Uricosurics 1 (5.9) 16 (19.3) 0.18 Prednisone 1 (5.9) 16 (19.3) 0.1 Smoking Ever smoked, n (%) 11 (64.7) 53 (63.8) 0.95 Disease activity Tophus count, median (range), no. 3 (1–24) 5 (1–38) 0.72 Urate, median (range), mmol/L 0.31 (0–0.69) 0.35 (0–0.68) 0.67 C-reactive protein, median (range), mg/L 3.0 (1–28) 2.1 (1–67) 0.37
Evaluating glucose and xylose as cosubstrates for lipid accumulation and γ‐linolenic acid biosynthesis of Thamnidium elegans

To study the biotechnological production of lipids containing rich amounts of the medically and nutritionally important γ‐linolenic acid (GLA), during cultivation of the Zygomycetes Thamnidium elegans, on mixtures of glucose and xylose, abundant sugars of lignocellulosic biomass.
Takayasu Arteritis in Major Rheumatology Centers in Malaysia

ObjectiveThere is paucity of data for Takayasu arteritis (TAK) among South Asians. We aimed to evaluate the clinical features, angiographic findings, as well as treatment and outcome of TAK among Malaysian multiethnic groups. MethodsThis is a retrospective review of 40 patients with TAK seen in major rheumatology centres in Malaysia between April 2006 and September 2013. ResultsMajority were female patients (92.5%), with a female-to-male ratio of 12:1. Median duration of disease from diagnosis was 66 months (interquartile range, 33–177 months). Fifteen (37.5%) were Malays, 9 (22.5%) each were Indians and indigenous from East Malaysia and 7 (17.5%) were Chinese. Indian and indigenous from East Malaysia were overrepresented in this disease. The mean (SD) age of symptom onset and diagnosis were 25.5 (8.1) and 27.4 (8.4), respectively. The 3 most common clinical presentations at diagnosis were diminished or absent pulse, which occurred in 80% of the patients, followed by blood pressure discrepancy (60%) and arterial bruit (52.5%). There was no difference in clinical presentation among ethnic groups. The subclavian artery was the commonest vessel involved (72.5%), followed by the carotid artery (65%) and renal artery (47.5%). Eight patients had coronary artery involvement, and 2 patients had pulmonary artery involvement. Type I arterial involvement was the commonest (80.0%), followed by type IV (35%), present in isolation or mixed type. Glucocorticoid was the main medical treatment (90.0%). Nineteen patients (47.5%) underwent revascularization procedures. Five patients died during the follow-up period. ConclusionsThe Malaysian TAK cohort had similarities with and differences from other published TAK cohort. A nationwide TAK registry is needed to determine the prevalence of the disease among different ethnic groups.
The Notch Ligand Jagged1 Regulates the Osteoblastic Lineage by Maintaining the Osteoprogenitor Pool

Notch signaling is critical for osteoblastic differentiation; however, the specific contribution of individual Notch ligands is unknown. Parathyroid hormone (PTH) regulates the Notch ligand Jagged1 in osteoblastic cells. To determine if osteolineage Jagged1 contributes to bone homeostasis, selective deletion of Jagged1 in osteolineage cells was achieved through the presence of Prx1 promoter‐driven Cre recombinase expression, targeting mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and their progeny (PJag1 mice). PJag1 mice were viable and fertile and did not exhibit any skeletal abnormalities at 2 weeks of age. At 2 months of age, however, PJag1 mice had increased trabecular bone mass compared to wild‐type (WT) littermates. Dynamic histomorphometric analysis showed increased osteoblastic activity and increased mineral apposition rate. Immunohistochemical analysis showed increased numbers of osteocalcin‐positive mature osteoblasts in PJag1 mice. Also increased phenotypically defined Lin–/CD45–/CD31–/Sca1–/CD51+ osteoblastic cells were measured by flow cytometric analysis. Surprisingly, phenotypically defined Lin–/CD45–/CD31–/Sca1+/CD51+ MSCs were unchanged in PJag1 mice as measured by flow cytometric analysis. However, functional osteoprogenitor (OP) cell frequency, measured by Von Kossa+ colony formation, was decreased, suggesting that osteolineage Jagged1 contributes to maintenance of the OP pool. The trabecular bone increases were not due to osteoclastic defects, because PJag1 mice had increased bone resorption. Because PTH increases osteoblastic Jagged1, we sought to understand if osteolineage Jagged1 modulates PTH‐mediated bone anabolism. Intermittent PTH treatment resulted in a significantly greater increase in BV/TV in PJag1 hind limbs compared to WT. These findings demonstrate a critical role of osteolineage Jagged1 in bone homeostasis, where Jagged1 maintains the transition of OP to maturing osteoblasts. This novel role of Jagged1 not only identifies a regulatory loop maintaining appropriate populations of osteolineage cells, but also provides a novel approach to increase trabecular bone mass, particularly in combination with PTH, through modulation of Jagged1. © 2017 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Ultrasound-Guided Nonsurgical Closure of Postangiographic Femoral Artery Injuries

Postcatheterization injuries at the vascular access site include pseudoaneurysms and arteriovenous fistulas. Traditional treatment of this complication has been surgical repair. This study describes a recently developed method for closing femoral pseudoaneurysms and arteriovenous fistulas by using external compression guided by Doppler color flow imaging. Thirty-six femoral artery injuries (31 pseudoaneurysms, 5 arteriovenous fistulas) were detected by color flow imaging in 35 patients with enlarging groin hematomas and/or groin bruits. All patients underwent a full trial of compression therapy, with an extended compression time limit of 240 minutes and a tag-team approach of two operators to overcome manual fatiguing. The mechanical compression was titrated to obliterate the vascular tracts to the aneurysms or of the arteriovenous fistulas and to maintain an adequate flow in the femoral artery, as far as possible. All postangiographic pseudoaneurysms were successfully treated with a compression time ranging from 10 to 110 minutes, even in patients receiving prolonged anticoagulant therapy. Follow-up ultrasound examination the following morning and 4 to 5 days later confirmed a continued closure in all patients, without side effects such as venous thrombosis or ischemia. In arteriovenous fistulas, compression therapy was successful in two cases without complications or recurrences during follow-up. This study demonstrates that Doppler color flow ultrasound-guided compression of postangiographic femoral artery injuries is a safe and technically simple device and may be implemented as a cost-effective, first-line treatment, with a high rate of success in pseudoaneurysms.
New Approaches to the Diagnosis and Treatment of Postmenopausal Osteoporosis.

The incidence of osteoporotic fractures in postmenopausal women is very high. In the US and UK, approximately 40-50% of all women will suffer at least one osteoporotic fracture during their lifetime (Table 1)[1]. Also in men, osteoporosis is prevalent. In USA, 13% of all men will suffer at least one of osteoporotic fracture, while in the UK this figure is about 20%. But the problem is about to increase even further since the proportion of senior citizens is increasing in many populations. In Denmark for example, the number of persons aged 65 years or more will increase by approximately 50% during the next 40 years. Osteoporosis is defined as a disease of “decreased bone mass and deteriorated bone structure to such an extent that bone strength is decreased and the risk of fracture increased”[2]. Peak bone mass (the maximum bone mass attained during adolescent years) and post-menopausal as well as age-related bone loss are important concepts to understand the pathogenesis of this disease.
THE RELIABILITY OF INTRADISCAL STRESS PROFILOMETRY IN CADAVERIC LUMBAR DISCS

The measurement of intradiscal stress has been primarily limited to nucleus pulposus pressure. Intradiscal stress profilometry is a technique that measures stress in both the nucleus pulposus (hydrostatic) and annulus fibrosus (compression). Evidence from animal studies suggests that distraction may affect disc physiology and promote repair. A study was performed to determine the reliability of intradiscal stress profilometry measurements in the anterior, posterior, and nucleus regions of cadaveric lumbar discs. Four fresh-frozen human lumbar motion segments were prepared and tested. Five profiles were obtained during two conditions of compression and three conditions of distraction. Discs were then graded for degenerative change. Reliability was judged by within-specimen coefficients of variation. The coefficients of variation were smaller (more reliable) for compression conditions than for distraction conditions. Within-specimen coefficients during compression ranged from 1.58% to 37.2% in the nucleus, 3.9% to 67.4% in the anterior annulus, and 2.3% to 25.5% in the posterior annulus. The reliability of intradiscal stress profilometry is acceptable for repeated measures studies evaluating within-specimen changes, but the sample size will vary depending on the test conditions used and the disc region of interest.
Declining Rates of Hip Fracture in End‐Stage Renal Disease: Analysis From the 2003–2011 Nationwide Inpatient Sample

The incidence of hip fracture in patients with end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) is considerably higher than that in the general age‐ and sex‐matched population. Although medical therapy for chronic kidney disease mineral bone disorder (CKD‐MBD) has changed considerably over the last decade, rates of hip fracture in the entire ESRD population have not been well‐characterized. Herein, we evaluated temporal trends in rates of hip fracture, in‐hospital mortality, and costs of associated hospital stay in ESRD. We identified hospitalizations for hip fracture from 2003 to 2011 using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample, a representative national database inclusive of all ages and payers. We incorporated data from the United States Renal Data System and the US Census to calculate population‐specific rates. Between 2003 and 2011, we identified 47,510 hip fractures in the ESRD population. The overall rate of hip fracture was 10.04/1000 person‐years. The rate was 3.73/1000 person‐years in patients aged less than 65 years, and 20.97/1000 person‐years in patients aged 65 or older. Age‐ and sex‐standardized rates decreased by 12.6% from 2003 (10.23/1000 person‐years; 95% confidence interval [CI], 7.99/1000 to 12.47/1000) to 2011 (8.94/1000 person‐years; 95% CI, 7.12/1000 to 10.75/1000). Hip fracture rates over time were virtually identical in patients aged less than 65 years; however, rates decreased by 15.3% among patients aged 65 years or older; rates declined more rapidly in older women compared with older men (p for interaction = 0.047). In‐hospital mortality rate after hip fracture operation declined by 26.7% from 2003 (8.6%; 95% CI, 6.8 to 10.4) to 2011 (6.3%; 95% CI, 4.9 to 7.7). In ESRD, age‐ and sex‐standardized hip fracture rates and associated in‐hospital mortality have declined substantially over the last decade. © 2017 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
High‐Intensity Resistance and Impact Training Improves Bone Mineral Density and Physical Function in Postmenopausal Women With Osteopenia and Osteoporosis: The LIFTMOR Randomized Controlled Trial

Optimal osteogenic mechanical loading requires the application of high‐magnitude strains at high rates. High‐intensity resistance and impact training (HiRIT) applies such loads but is not traditionally recommended for individuals with osteoporosis because of a perceived high risk of fracture. The purpose of the LIFTMOR trial was to determine the efficacy and to monitor adverse events of HiRIT to reduce parameters of risk for fracture in postmenopausal women with low bone mass. Postmenopausal women with low bone mass (T‐score < –1.0, screened for conditions and medications that influence bone and physical function) were recruited and randomized to either 8 months of twice‐weekly, 30‐minute, supervised HiRIT (5 sets of 5 repetitions, >85% 1 repetition maximum) or a home‐based, low‐intensity exercise program (CON). Pre‐ and post‐intervention testing included lumbar spine and proximal femur bone mineral density (BMD) and measures of functional performance (timed up‐and‐go, functional reach, 5 times sit‐to‐stand, back and leg strength). A total of 101 women (aged 65 ± 5 years, 161.8 ± 5.9 cm, 63.1 ± 10.4 kg) participated in the trial. HiRIT (n = 49) effects were superior to CON (n = 52) for lumbar spine (LS) BMD (2.9 ± 2.8% versus –1.2 ± 2.8%, p < 0.001), femoral neck (FN) BMD (0.3 ± 2.6% versus –1.9 ± 2.6%, p = 0.004), FN cortical thickness (13.6 ± 16.6% versus 6.3 ± 16.6%, p = 0.014), height (0.2 ± 0.5 cm versus –0.2 ± 0.5 cm, p = 0.004), and all functional performance measures (p < 0.001). Compliance was high (HiRIT 92 ± 11%; CON 85 ± 24%) in both groups, with only one adverse event reported (HiRIT: minor lower back spasm, 2/70 missed training sessions). Our novel, brief HiRIT program enhances indices of bone strength and functional performance in postmenopausal women with low bone mass. Contrary to current opinion, HiRIT was efficacious and induced no adverse events under highly supervised conditions for our sample of otherwise healthy postmenopausal women with low to very low bone mass. © 2017 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Cancellous Impaction Allografting for Femoral Component Revision in Total Hip Arthroplasty

Summary Several alternatives exist for revision of a failed femoral component after total hip arthroplasty when that failure occurs in association with severe bone stock deficiency. Cemented implants, cementless implants, proximal femoral replacement prostheses, and bulk allograft–prosthetic composites all have been described. Cancellous impaction allografting with cement is an additional alternative for femoral revision that can be used if bone stock is compromised. This technique involves creating a “neo-endosteum” by packing cancellous bone graft into the femoral canal and inserting a cemented prosthesis into the reconstructed femur. This review covers the history, indications, surgical technique, complications, and published clinical results of femoral impaction allografting.
CLONAZEPAM FOR NEUROPATHIC PAIN AND FIBROMYALGIA IN ADULTS

BACKGROUND Antiepileptic drugs have been used in pain management since the 1960s; some have shown efficacy in treating different neuropathic pain conditions. Clonazepam, a benzodiazepine, is an established antiepileptic drug, but its place in the treatment of neuropathic pain is unclear. OBJECTIVES To assess the analgesic efficacy and adverse effects of the antiepileptic drug clonazepam in neuropathic pain and fibromyalgia. SEARCH METHODS We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library 2012, Issue 2). MEDLINE, and EMBASE to 28 February 2012, together with reference lists of retrieved papers and reviews, and ClinicalTrials.gov. SELECTION CRITERIA We planned to include randomised, double-blind studies of eight weeks duration or longer, comparing clonazepam with placebo or another active treatment in chronic neuropathic pain or fibromyalgia. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two review authors would independently extract data for efficacy and adverse events, and examine issues of study quality. MAIN RESULTS We did not identify any studies that satisfied the inclusion criteria. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS This review uncovered no evidence of sufficient quality to support the use of clonazepam in chronic neuropathic pain or fibromyalgia.
Dedicated low-field MRI in mice

The rationale of this work is to point out the relevance of in vivo MR images of mice obtained using a dedicated low-field system. For this purpose a small 0.1 T water-cooled electro-magnet and solenoidal radio frequency (RF) transmit–receive coils were used. All MR images were acquired in three-dimensional (3D) mode. An isolation cell was designed allowing easy placement of the RF coils and simple delivery of gaseous anesthesia as well as warming of the animal. Images with and without contrast agent were obtained in total acquisition times on the order of half an hour to four hours on normal mice as well as on animals bearing tumors. Typical in plane pixel dimensions range from 200 × 200 to 500 × 500 µm2 with slice thicknesses ranging between 0.65 and 1.50 mm. This work shows that, besides light installation and low cost, dedicated low-field MR systems are suitable for small rodents imaging, opening this technique even to small research units.
Understanding Age‐Induced Cortical Porosity in Women: The Accumulation and Coalescence of Eroded Cavities Upon Existing Intracortical Canals Is the Main Contributor

Intracortical bone remodeling normally ensures maintenance of the cortical bone matrix and strength, but during aging, this remodeling generates excessive porosity. The mechanism behind the age‐induced cortical porosity is poorly understood and addressed in the present study. This study consists of a histomorphometric analysis of sections of iliac bone specimens from 35 women (age 16–78 years). First, the study shows that the age‐induced cortical porosity reflects an increased pore size rather than an increased pore density. Second, it establishes a novel histomorphometric classification of the pores, which is based on the characteristics of the remodeling sites to which each pore is associated. It takes into consideration (i) the stage of the remodeling event at the level where the pore is sectioned, (ii) whether the event corresponds with the generation of a new pore through penetrative tunneling (type 1 pores) or with remodeling of an existing pore (type 2 pores), and (iii) in the latter case, whether or not the new remodeling event leads to the coalescence of pores. Of note, the advantage of this classification is to relate porosity with its generation mechanism. Third, it demonstrates that aging and porosity are correlated with: a shift from type 1 to type 2 pores, reflecting that the remodeling of existing pores is higher; an accumulation of eroded type 2 pores, reflecting an extended resorption‐reversal phase; and a coalescence of these eroded type 2 pores into enlarged coalescing type 2 cavities. Collectively, this study supports the notion, that age‐related increase in cortical porosity is the result of intracortical remodeling sites upon existing pores, with an extended reversal‐resorption phase (eroded type 2 pores) that may likely result in a delayed or absent initiation of the subsequent bone formation. © 2017 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research Published by Wiley Periodicals Inc.
ANCA Vasculitis in the Elderly

Background:In population-based estimates of disease, the incidence of ANCA-associated vasculitides is increasing, with the peak age of onset in middle aged and older adults. Clinical characteristics of the very elderly have not been fully elucidated. Methods:Patients who met the criteria for Wegener granulomatosis and microscopic polyangiitis were included in the study. The following characteristics were analyzed by retrospective review: time interval from first symptoms to date of diagnosis, age at diagnosis, laboratory values on initial presentation, and Birmingham Vasculitis Activity Score when diagnosed. Results:Patients >75 years old were more often female, had fewer ear, nose, or throat symptoms, and had lower hemoglobin values. At date of latest follow-up, 40% of the older patients died compared with 11% of the younger cohort (P = 0.0006). Of the deceased elderly patients, nearly one-half died within 6 months. Age >75 carried an elevated risk of mortality (hazard ratio = 2.69, 95% confidence interval = 1.55–4.96; P = 0.0005) as did elevated serum creatinine (hazard ratio = 1.25 per 1 mg/dL, 95% confidence interval = 1.06–1.43; P = 0.0109). Survival was worse in those presenting with Birmingham Vasculitis Activity Score >20 and those >75-year-old. Conclusion:The clinical presentation of ANCA-associated vasculitis is relatively similar among elderly and younger patients. In patients aged 75 years or older, ANCA vasculitis is associated with higher mortality, and related to the presence of renal involvement. Elderly patients have a greater risk for death within the first 6 months after diagnosis.
Etiology and danger of pericardial effusion in infants and children

Summary Pericardial effusion requires attention because of its underlying pathology and its potential for producing hemodynamic compromise. It was our hypothesis that the etiology of and danger from large pericardial effusions are different at different ages. We reviewed the clinical data on 44 consecutive patients seen between 1986 and 1993. All (age range 0-19 years) had a large pericardial effusion identified by echocardiography, and 38 had fluid available for analysis, pericardiocentesis in these cases being undertaken on the basis of the clinical decision of the attending physician. History, physical examination, chest x-ray, electrocardiogram, and echocardiographic Doppler findings were evaluated retrospectively. Of the patients, 17 presented with tamponade. Of the 14 patients aged less than one year, 12 had tamponade (85%), whereas in the 30 patients older than one year, only five (16%) had tamponade. Surgical drainage was needed in seven patients. Typical physical and electrocardiographic findings (distant heart sounds, pericardial friction rub, decreased QRS voltage, and ST-T wave abnormalities) were present in less than half the patients. Etiologies of the effusion included infection in 10 (four less than one year old, and six greater than one year of age). Among these, two unusual pathogens were detected: Mycobacterium avium-intracellulaire and Candida tropicalis. In eight patients, the effusion was due to trauma (six less than one year old, and two older than one year), and in 11 it was due to post-pericardiotomy syndrome (two less than one year of age and nine older than one year). Malignancy was the cause in six (all older than one year of age), radiation in two, and collagen vascular disease, drug induced, and uremia in one each, all older than one year. Only three patients had idiopathic effusions (6%). These data suggest that, unlike adults, an etiologycan be found in most children with large pericardial effusions. Those less than one year of age are much more likely to present in cardiac tamponade.