Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The usual ultrasonographic features of thyroid cancer are less frequent in small tumors that develop after a long latent period after the Chernobyl radiation release accident.

BACKGROUND The Chernobyl accident resulted in an unprecedented number of radiation-induced thyroid cancers in young individuals as detected by national and international screening programs. The vast majority of thyroid malignancies were papillary carcinomas that, despite being similar by histopathology, displayed large variability in clinical course. The correlations between ultrasound (US) and clinicopathological features in young patients with radiation-induced thyroid cancer, however, have not been well studied. Because of the importance of US for deciding which subjects should have fine-needle aspiration biopsy, we assessed the US features of papillary thyroid carcinoma in patients exposed to Chernobyl fallouts. DESIGN We performed a retrospective multivariate logistic regression analysis of US features, clinicopathological data, and the latency period between radiation exposure and the diagnosis of cancer in 94 patients who were 10.6-34.3 years old (16.5 +/- 6.2, mean +/- standard deviation) at the time of diagnosis and 0.1-18.0 years old (5.6 +/- 4.2) at the time of the Chernobyl accident. RESULTS Nodules greater than 10 mm were associated with the higher frequency of irregular margins (p = 0.001), longer period of latency (p = 0.016), and bilateral lymph node involvement (p = 0.025). Irregular tumor margins correlated with the shorter period of latency (p = 0.009) and unilateral nodal disease (p = 0.010). Hypoechoic nodules were observed more frequently in female patients (p = 0.012), in the absence of halo (p = 0.003) or calcifications (p = 0.005). Hypoechogenicity also correlated with the shorter latency (p = 0.015) and younger age of patients (p = 0.048). CONCLUSIONS Irregular nodule margins, a usual sign of malignancy, are less useful in detecting thyroid cancers in radiation-exposed patients with tumors less than 10 mm. Thyroid cancers that are detected after longer latent periods display less of the US features characteristic of a malignant process, while benign US features are observed more frequently. Therefore, we recommend fine-needle aspiration biopsy to ensure early diagnosis of thyroid cancer for patients with a history of radiation exposure, even if their nodules are less than 10 mm.
Establecimiento de una colonia de lutzomyia walkeri (Newstead, 1914) (Diptera: phlebotominae)

Con el proposito de investigar la posible implicacion de Lu. walkeri en la transmision de Leishmania braziliensis panamensis en un foco de leishmaniasis en la vereda El Mercado del municipio de Mariquita, departamento del Tolima, Colombia, S.A. , se establecio una colonia de esta especie de Lutzomyia. Actualmente esta colonia se encuentra en la octava generacion, la cual se inicio con 301 hembras recolectadas con cebo humano en el ano de 1982; el promedio de huevos depositados por cada hembra fue de 29 y el maximo de huevos puestos por una hembra fue de 79. En un ensayo controlado se separaron 1.283 hembras las cuales depositaron 37.118 huevos de los cuales emergieron 9.030 adultos lo que da un rendimiento de 24,3%. El ciclo evolutivo de huevo a adulto tuvo una duracion promedio de 67 dias a una temperatura promedio de 21,5oC para los adultos y de 23o, para las larvas. Se observo que Lutzomyia walkeri es antropofilico y zoofilico.
Thyroid antigens, not central tolerance, control responses to immunization in BALB/c versus C57BL/6 mice.

BACKGROUND Vaccination with cDNA for the human thyrotropin receptor (TSHR) in a plasmid, without adjuvant, induces TSHR antibodies in C57BL/6 but rarely in BALB/c mice. This outcome could be due to a difference between "high" versus "low" antibody responder mouse strains. However, unlike their poor response to TSHR-DNA vaccination, BALB/c mice vaccinated with thyroid peroxidase (TPO)-cDNA readily develop antibodies to TPO. We hypothesized that insight into these conundrums would be provided by the following differences in central tolerance: (i) between two mouse strains (C57BL/6 versus BALB/c) for the TSHR; and (ii) between two thyroid autoantigens (TPO and the TSHR) in one mouse strain (BALB/c). METHODS We studied autoantigen expression using real-time polymerase chain reaction to quantify mRNA transcripts for the TSHR, TPO, and thyroglobulin (Tg) in thymic tissue (as well as in thyroid) of young mice. RESULTS Our hypothesis was not confirmed. Intrathymic TSHR transcript expression was similar in BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice. Moreover, thymic mRNA transcripts for TSHR and TPO were comparable. Unlike the 10-fold differences for the autoantigens in thyroid tissue (Tg greater than TPO which, in turn was greater than the TSHR), intrathymic transcripts for TPO and the TSHR were similar, both being slightly lower than the level for Tg. CONCLUSIONS Central tolerance, assessed by measuring intrathymic transcripts of thyroid autoantigens, does not explain the different outcome of TSHR-DNA vaccination in BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice, or even susceptibility versus resistance to hyperthyroidism induced by TSHR-adenovirus. Instead, differences in MHC and TSHR T-cell epitopes likely contribute to TSHR antibody development (or not) following DNA plasmid immunization. The greater immunogenicity of TPO versus TSHR probably relates to the greater number of nonhomologous amino acids in the human and mouse TPO ectodomains (78 amino acids) than in the human and mouse TSHR ectodomains (58 amino acids). Overall, the autoantigens themselves, not central tolerance, control DNA plasmid-induced immunity to TPO and the TSHR.
Biofilm formation and serum susceptibility in Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) is one of the most important opportunistic pathogens. The pathogenicity of P. aeruginosa has been associated with multiple bacterial virulence factors. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between P. aeruginosa strains obtained from various clinical samples and resistance to antibiotics and pathogenicity factors, such as resistance to serum bactericidal activity and biofilm formation. This study included 121 P. aeruginosa strains isolated from clinical samples; 65 of the isolated P. aeruginosa strains were carbapenem-resistant, and 56 were carbapenem-sensitive. Carbapenem-resistant P. aeruginosa strains were more often resistant to the majority of tested antibiotics, compared to carbapenem-sensitive strains. We did not find any statistically significant difference between resistance to carbapenems and serum resistance and ability of tested P. aeruginosa strains to produce biofilms. Carbapenem-resistant P. aeruginosa strains were recovered from the urinary tract significantly more often (75.0%) than carbapenem-sensitive P. aeruginosa strains (25.0%). Carbapenem-sensitive P. aeruginosa strains were recovered significantly more often from the respiratory tract than carbapenem-resistant strains, 60.0% and 40.0%, respectively. All the P. aeruginosa strains recovered from blood were serum-resistant. P. aeruginosa strains recovered from the respiratory tract and wounds were significantly frequently serum sensitive, 95.6% and 56.6%, respectively. We did not find any differences in biofilm production among the P. aeruginosa strains recovered from different sources.
Photoexcited States of UV Absorbers, Benzophenone Derivatives

The UV absorption, phosphorescence and phosphorescence‐excitation spectra of benzophenone (BP) derivatives used as organic UV absorbers have been observed in rigid solutions at 77 K. The triplet–triplet absorption spectra have been observed in acetonitrile at room temperature. The BP derivatives studied are 2,2′,4,4′‐tetrahydroxybenzophenone (BP‐2), 2‐hydroxy‐4‐methoxybenzophenone (BP‐3), 2,2′‐dihydroxy‐4,4′‐dimethoxybenzophenone (BP‐6), 5‐chloro‐2‐hydroxybenzophenone (BP‐7) and 2‐hydroxy‐4‐n‐octyloxybenzophenone (BP‐12). The energy levels and lifetimes of the lowest excited triplet (T1) states of these BP derivatives were determined from the first peak of phosphorescence. The time‐resolved near‐IR emission spectrum of singlet oxygen generated by photosensitization with BP‐7 was observed in acetonitrile at room temperature. BP‐2, BP‐3, BP‐6 and BP‐12 show photoinduced phosphorescence enhancement in ethanol at 77 K. The possible mechanism of the observed phosphorescence enhancement is discussed. The T1 states of 2‐hydroxy‐5‐methylbenzophenone, 4‐methoxybenzophenone and 2,4′‐dimethoxybenzophenone have been studied for comparison.
Photodynamic Inactivation of Bacterial and Yeast Biofilms With a Cationic Porphyrin

The efficiency of 5,10,15,20‐tetrakis(1‐methylpyridinium‐4‐yl)porphyrin tetra‐iodide (Tetra‐Py+‐Me) in the photodynamic inactivation of single‐species biofilms of Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida albicans and mixed biofilms of S. aureus and C. albicans was evaluated. The effect on the extracellular matrix of P. aeruginosa was also assessed. Irradiation with white light up to an energy dose of 64.8 J cm−2 in the presence of 20 μm of Tetra‐Py+‐Me caused significant inactivation in all single‐species biofilms (3–6 log reductions), although the susceptibility was attenuated in relation to planktonic cells. In mixed biofilms, the inactivation of S. aureus was as efficient as in single‐species biofilms but the susceptibility of C. albicans decreased. In P. aeruginosa biofilms, a reduction of 81% in the polysaccharide content of the matrix was observed after treatment with a 20 μm PS concentration and a total light dose of 64.8 J cm−2. The results show that the Tetra‐Py+‐Me causes significant inactivation of the microorganisms, either in biofilms or in the planktonic form, and demonstrate that polysaccharides of the biofilm matrix may be a primary target of photodynamic damage.
Clinical features and genetic predisposition to hereditary nonmedullary thyroid cancer.

BACKGROUND Approximately 5% of the nonmedullary thyroid cancers are hereditary. Hereditary nonmedullary thyroid cancer may occur as a minor component of familial cancer syndromes (familial adenomatous polyposis, Gardner's syndrome, Cowden's disease, Carney's complex type 1, Werner's syndrome, and papillary renal neoplasia) or as a primary feature (familial nonmedullary thyroid cancer [FNMTC]). The goal of this article was to review our current knowledge on the hereditary nonmedullary thyroid cancer. SUMMARY Epidemiologic and clinical kindred studies have demonstrated that FNMTC is a unique clinical entity. Most studies suggest that FNMTC is associated with more aggressive disease than sporadic cases, with higher rates of multicentric tumors, lymph node metastasis, extrathyroidal invasion, and shorter disease-free survival. A hereditary predisposition to nonmedullary thyroid cancer is well established, but the susceptibility genes for isolated FNMTC have not been identified. However, additional susceptibility loci for FNMTC have been recently identified in classic isolated cases of FNMTC (1q21, 6q22, 8p23.1-p22, and 8q24). CONCLUSIONS More studies are needed to validate chromosomal susceptibility loci and identify the susceptibility genes for FNMTC. The discovery of the predisposing genes may allow for screening and early diagnosis, which could lead to improved outcomes for patients and their families.
Markers of inflammation and microvascular complications in type 1 diabetes

AimsLong-term hyperglycemia, characteristic for type 1 diabetes, causes enhanced oxidative stress, chronic inflammation and endothelial dysfunction which are the key events in the development of vascular complications. On the other hand, some data shows that existence of chronic degenerative complications may cause increased inflammatory marker levels in diabetic patients, mainly as a repercussion of malfunctioned endothelial repair process. Our study aims to determinate a degree of inflammation in type 1 diabetes patients and to investigate its relation to development of the chronic microvascular complications.MethodsGeneral information, anthropometric, glucose metabolism, lipid and lipoprotein parameters, levels of C reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were analyzed and screening tests for detection of the chronic microvascular complications were conducted in 76 type 1 diabetes patients.ResultsForty six patients had at least one of the complications. They were older and had longer duration of diabetes (p=0.015; p<0.0001) and higher values of total (p=0.021), LDL-cholesterol (p=0.048) and triglycerides (p=0.002). Levels of CRP (p=0.004) and TNF-α (p=0.048) were higher in patients with chronic microvascular complications in regard to patients without diagnosed microangiopathy.ConclusionLow grade chronic inflammation is characteristic for type 1 diabetes patients with developed chronic microvascular complications.
Gender Differences in Out-of-Pocket Prescription Drug Expenditures Among the Elderly

Many elderly in the United States face high out-of-pocket prescription drug (OOP-PD) expenditures, with elderly women being disproportionably affected. Using Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey data for 1992 to 2000, the authors examined the gender differences in OOP-PD expenditures and burden among community-dwelling elderly Medicare beneficiaries. Oaxaca-Blinder decomposition techniques were used to evaluate the contribution of observed demographic, socioeconomic, and utilization factors on the gender gap in OOP-PD expenditures and burden. Among observed characteristics, differences in utilization and supplemental insurance coverage were the major drivers of the gender gap in OOP-PD expenditures and burden. Unobservable factors contributed to the majority of the gender gap in OOP-PD expenditures.
Melanopsin and the Non‐visual Photochemistry in the Inner Retina of Vertebrates

Melanopsin (Opn4), a member of the G‐protein‐coupled receptor family, is a vitamin A‐based opsin in the vertebrate retina that has been shown to be involved in the synchronization of circadian rhythms, pupillary light reflexes, melatonin suppression and other light‐regulated tasks. In nonmammalian vertebrates there are two Opn4 genes, Opn4m and Opn4x, the mammalian and Xenopus orthologs respectively. Opn4x is only expressed in nonmammalian vertebrates including reptiles, fish and birds, while Opn4m is found in a subset of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), the intrinsically photosensitive (ip) RGCs of the inner retina of both mammals and nonmammalian vertebrates. All opsins described utilize retinaldehyde as chromophore, photoisomerized from 11‐cis‐ to all‐trans‐retinal upon light exposure. Visual retinal photoreceptor cones and rods, responsible for day and night vision respectively, recycle retinoids through a process called the visual cycle that involves the retinal pigment epithelium or glial Müller cells. Although Opn4 has been characterized as a bistable photopigment, little is known about the mechanism/s involved in its chromophore regeneration. In this review, we will attempt to shed light on the visual cycle taking place in the inner retina and discuss the state of the art in the nonvisual photochemistry of vertebrates.
The Effect of a 1-Stage Full-Mouth Disinfection on Oral Malodor and Microbial Colonization of the Tongue in Periodontitis Patients. A Pilot Study

Oral malodor affects a large proportion of the population and may be the cause of a significant social and psychological handicap. This pilot study aimed to examine whether a 1-stage full-mouth disinfection in periodontitis patients (scaling and root planing of all pockets within 24 hours together with the application of chlorhexidine to all intra-oral niches followed by chlorhexidine mouth rinsing for 2 months) resulted in a significant improvement in malodor when compared to a fractionated periodontal therapy (consecutive root planings per quadrant, at a 1 to 2 week interval). The baseline and outcome data concerning oral malodor were linked to the presence of tongue coating and to its roughness (fissures). Twenty-four patients with severe periodontitis were randomly allocated to test and control groups. At baseline and after 1 and 2 months, the concentration of volatile sulfur compounds (VSC) in the mouth was measured and organoleptic ratings (expired air and total mouth air) were given. Plaque samples.
Crowding in a traditional rural housing (Tukul) in Ethiopia

Background: Poor housing condition is one of the major public health concerns in many developing nations due to its association with the health status. Objectives: To determine the size of traditional Tukul by altitudinal zone in rural communities. Methods: During a census enumeration 5113 rural housing units were physically assessed. Axis, radius, and wall height were measured to the nearest centimeter by trained enumerators using a tape meter. Results: The mean (SD) values of axis, radius, and wall height were found to be as 537.92cm (84.88), 329.43cm (64.81), and 236.38cm (22.65), respectively. The mean (SD) space for floor area was 35.43 (13.72)m2 and space by indoor volume was 123.42 (60.26)m3 per habitable Tukul. According to the WHO literatures for a dwelling units, about 85% of the Tukuls in a rural area are crowded and far behind to satisfy the physiological needs of a resident. Nearly 95% of housing units had only one room. Conclusions and Recommendations: The high magnitude of overcrowding in rural housing units indicates the poor living and sanitation conditions. As this predisposes to many adverse health conditions, appropriate interventions need to be done with out delay. [Ethiop.J.Health Dev. 2002;16(3):303-308]
The Cartography of UV‐induced DNA Damage Formation and DNA Repair

DNA damage presents a barrier to DNA‐templated biochemical processes, including gene expression and faithful DNA replication. Compromised DNA repair leads to mutations, enhancing the risk for genetic diseases and cancer development. Conventional experimental approaches to study DNA damage required a researcher to choose between measuring bulk damage over the entire genome, with little or no resolution regarding a specific location, and obtaining data specific to a locus of interest, without a global perspective. Recent advances in high‐throughput genomic tools overcame these limitations and provide high‐resolution measurements simultaneously across the genome. In this review, we discuss the available methods for measuring DNA damage and their repair, focusing on genomewide assays for pyrimidine photodimers, the major types of damage induced by ultraviolet irradiation. These new genomic assays will be a powerful tool in identifying key components of genome stability and carcinogenesis.
Light Regulation of Alternative Pre‐mRNA Splicing in Plants

Alternative splicing (AS) is a major post‐transcriptional mechanism to enhance the diversity of proteome in response to environmental signals. Among the numerous external signals perceived by plants, light is the most crucial one. Plants utilize complex photoreceptor signaling networks to sense different light conditions and adjust their growth and development accordingly. Although light‐mediated gene expression has been widely investigated, little is known regarding the mechanism of light affecting AS to modulate mRNA at the post‐transcriptional level. In this minireview, we summarize current progresses on how light affects AS, and how sensory photoreceptors and retrograde signaling pathways may coordinately regulate AS of pre‐mRNAs. In addition, we also discuss the possibility that AS of the mRNAs encoding photoreceptors may be involved in feedback control of AS. We hypothesize that light regulation of the expression and activity of splicing factors would be a major mechanism of light‐mediated AS. The combination of genetic study and high‐throughput analyses of AS and splicing complexes in response to light is likely to further advance our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying light control of AS and plant development.
Prevalence of upper aerodigestive symptoms in patients who underwent thyroidectomy with and without the use of intraoperative laryngeal nerve monitoring.

BACKGROUND Upper aerodigestive symptoms (UADS) have been reported by patients who have had thyroidectomies. This study evaluated the long-term prevalence of UADS after thyroidectomy in patients who did and who did not have intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM). METHODS This was a cross-sectional study of patients with normal vocal fold mobility who had a thyroidectomy. It included patients who did and did not have this surgery with IONM. All patients answered a questionnaire regarding UADS occurring one or more years after thyroidectomy. The questionnaire dealt with UADS relating to voice and swallowing symptoms and sought to quantify their severity. The 208 patients who underwent thyroidectomy without IONM were designated the control group (CG). The 100 patients who underwent thyroidectomy with IONM were designated the neuromonitored group (NMG). RESULTS The proportion of patients in the CG who reported UADS was 45%; 25.9% of these patients reported voice symptoms, and 33.6% reported swallowing symptoms. The proportion of patients in the NMG who reported UADS was 39%; 27% of these patients reported voice symptoms, and 22% reported swallowing symptoms. Thus, patients in the CG had more swallowing symptoms and a greater severity of UADS-related symptoms than patients in the NMG. CONCLUSIONS In this study, IONM had a favorable effect in terms of decreasing the prevalence and severity of UADS occurring one year or more after thyroidectomy.
Does left molar approach to laryngoscopy make difficult intubation easier than the conventional midline approach?

Background and objective It has been reported that the left molar approach of laryngoscopy can make difficult intubation easier. The aim of this study was to investigate whether left molar approach to laryngoscopy provided a better laryngeal view in cases of unexpected difficult intubation. Methods Following the approval of local Ethics Committee and written informed consent from the patients, out of 1386 patients who underwent general anaesthesia for surgery, 20 patients who could be ventilated by face mask but could not be intubated with conventional midline approach on the first attempt were included in the study. Those 20 patients, who had Grade III‐IV laryngeal views on laryngoscopy by conventional midline approach, were subjected to left molar laryngoscopy, and their laryngeal views were evaluated. The external laryngeal compression was routinely used to improve the laryngeal view. When endotracheal intubation failed by left molar laryngoscopy, we performed the conventional midline approach again. All data were recorded. Results Of the 20 patients studied, 18 had a Grade III laryngeal view and two had a Grade IV laryngeal view. Eighteen of them had a better laryngeal view with left molar laryngoscopy. Eleven of the 20 patients underwent successful intubation with the left molar laryngoscopy, which provided a significantly better laryngeal view and success rate of tracheal intubation than did the conventional midline approach (P < 0.01 and P < 0.01, respectively). Conclusions Left molar laryngoscopy can make unexpected difficult intubation easier and should be attempted in cases of difficult intubation.