Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Hierarchical Organization of Prostate Cancer Cells in Xenograft Tumors: The CD44+α2β1+ Cell Population Is Enriched in Tumor-Initiating Cells

Prostate cancer cells are heterogeneous in their tumorigenicity. For example, the side population cells isolated from LAPC9 xenografts are 100 to 1,000 times more tumorigenic than the corresponding non–side population cells. Highly purified CD44 + prostate cancer cells from several xenografts are also enriched in prostate cancer stem/progenitor cells. Because the CD44 + prostate cancer cell population is still heterogeneous, we wonder whether we could further enrich for tumorigenic prostate cancer cells in this population using other markers. Integrin A2B1 has been proposed to mark a population of normal human prostate stem cells. Therefore, we first asked whether the A2B1 +/hi cells in prostate tumors might also represent prostate cancer stem cells. Highly purified (z98%) A2B1 +/hi cells from three human xenograft tumors, Du145, LAPC4, and LAPC9, show higher clonal and clonogenic potential than the A2B1 � /lo cells in vitro. However, when injected into the nonobese diabetic/severe combined immunodeficient (NOD/SCID) mouse prostate or s.c. , the A2B1 +/hi prostate cancer cells are no more tumorigenic than the A2B1 � /lo cells. Immunofluorescence studies reveal that CD44 and A2B1 identify an overlapping and inclusive population of prostate cancer cells in that f70% of A2B1 +/hi cells are CD44 + and 20% to 30% of CD44 + cells are distributed in the A2B1 � /lo cell population. Subsequently, we sorted out CD44 + A2B1 +/hi ,C D44 + A2B1 � /lo ,C D44 � A2B1 +/hi ,a nd CD44 � A2B1 � /lo cells from LAPC9 tumors and carried out tumorigenicity experiments. The results revealed a hierarchy in tumorigenic potential in the order of CD44 + A2B1 +/hi � CD44 + A2B1 � /lo > CD44 � A2B1 +/hi J CD44 � A2B1 � /lo . These observations together suggest that prostate cancer cells are organized as a hierarchy. [Cancer Res 2007;67(14):6796–805]
Water-miscible dithranol cream in the treatment of psoriasis

Dithranol was prepared in water-miscible O/W cream formulations at 1, 2 and 4% concentrations. These creams were stable after up to 15 months storage at room temperature. When used for short-contact (10 to 20 minutes) therapy in 29 psoriasis patients, the results with 4% cream were similar to the published results with 1% dithranol in Lassar's paste or in petrolatum. Irritation was minimal. Electron microscopic studies before and after treatment revealed no ultrastructural alterations, in particular no damage to the mitochondria.
A Comparison of Standard Laparoscopic Surgery and Hand-Assisted Laparoscopic Surgery in Patients with Diverticular Diseases of the Large and the Small Bowel

Purpose: In complicated diverticular disease, hand-assisted laparoscopic surgery (HALS) has been considered as a useful alternative treatment to standard laparoscopic surgery (SLS) and open surgery. As compared with standard laparoscopic surgery, HALS offers advantages such as tactile sense, better exposure, and shorter learning curve. Minimally invasive surgery is another advantage of HALS. The aim of this study was to compare SLS to HALS in patients with diverticular diseases of the small bowel and the colon. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the records of 32 patients who had undergone SLS and HALS for diverticular disease between February 2002 and March 2009. Results: Of the 32 patients, 20 patients (62.5%) were in the SLS group, and 12 patients (37.5%) were in the HALS group. The mean maximal incision length was longer in the HALS group (SLS group vs. HALS group, 4.5 vs. 7.4 cm, P<0.001). However, the mean operating time, the time to flatus, the time to diet, the mean duration of narcotic analgesia, the length of hospital stay, and the postoperative complications were similar. There was no mortality in either group. Conclusion: The longest incision length for the HALS group was longer than that for the SLS group, but HALS could reduce the conversion rate and has the many advantages of minimally invasive surgery. For complicated diverticular disease, HALS may be considered as a useful alternative treatment.
Multitract Microtransplantation Increases the Yield of DARPP-32-Positive Embryonic Striatal Cells in a Rodent Model of Huntington's Disease

Embryonic striatal graft-mediated functional recovery in the rodent lesion model of Huntington's disease (HD) has been shown to correlate with the proportion of dopamine- and adenosine 3′,5′-monophosphate-regulated phosphoprotein with a molecular weight of 32 kDa (DARPP-32)-positive neurons in the graft. The current study investigated the impact of graft distribution on the yield of DARPP-32-positive cells in the grafts following either single-tract or multitract cell delivery protocols using the microtransplantation approach. Cells derived from the whole ganglionic eminence of E15 rat embryos, ubiquitously expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP), were implanted into unilaterally QA-lesioned rat striatum either as 2 × 1.8 μl macrodeposits in a single tract, or as 18 × 0.2 μl microdeposits disseminated over six needle, multitract, penetrations. For both groups, an ultrathin glass capillary with an outer diameter of 50 μm was used. Histological assessment at 4 months after transplantation showed nearly twofold increase of DARRP-32-positive striatal-like neurons in the multitract compared to the single-tract group. However, the cellular make-up of the grafts did not translate into functional differences as tested in a basic spontaneous behavior test. Furthermore, the volumetric values for overall volume, DARPP-32-positive patches, and dopaminergic projection zones were similar between both groups. The results show that distribution of fetal striatal tissue in multiple submicroliter deposits provides for an increased yield of striatal-like neurons, potentially due to the enlargement of the graft–host border area intensifying the graft's exposure to host-derived factors. Furthermore, the use of embryonic tissue from GFP donors was validated in cell-based therapy studies in the HD model.
Quality of life among asthmatic children attending the Outpatient Clinic in Menoufia University Hospital

Objective The aim of the study was to evaluate the quality of life (QoL) of asthmatic children and their parents and assess the effect of the disease on the QoL of their parents. Background Asthma is a public health problem that adversely affects different aspects of an individual′s QoL. Childhood asthma is common in Egypt and is associated with repeated school absenteeism and hospital admission. The family and particularly the primary caregiver may face considerable burden. Participants and methods This is a case-control study carried out on 100 children with bronchial asthma, aged between 7 and 15 years, attending the Outpatient Clinic of the Pediatric Department of Menoufia University Hospital, and their primary caregivers. These children were compared with 100 control children whose diagnosis was free of bronchial asthma or any chronic diseases, as well as their primary caregivers. The following questionnaires were administered: the Pediatric Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire and the Pediatric Asthma Caregiver′s Quality of Life Questionnaire. In addition, the parents′ socioeconomic level was determined. Results The scores of all parents and children in the study group were lower than the scores of controls. Parents′ activity score and child′s activity score were the most affected domains. There was significant relationship between the parents′ score and child′s score. The caregiver′s and child′s health-related QoL was significantly associated with each other. Age, sex, and socioeconomic status revealed no significant difference. Conclusion Childhood asthma significantly adversely affects the QoL of the affected children and their primary caregivers.
Acute Responses of Inflammatory Markers of Cardiovascular Disease Risk to a Single Walking Session

Background: Markers of inflammation are emerging as novel indices of cardiovascular risk. These markers have been shown to alter acutely after intense exercise; however, the effects of more moderate intensity exercise in healthy individuals is not known. Walking forms a cornerstone of physical activity promotion, so the inflammatory response to this exercise merits investigation. This study evaluated the effects of a 45-min walk on C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin 6 (IL-6), in sedentary, overweight men. Methods: Fifteen men (49.7 ± 5.9 y) walked for 45 min at 60 to 70% of predicted maximum heart rate. Fasted blood samples were taken prior to and immediately 1 hr and 24 h post-walk. Results: IL-6 decreased from 1 h post-walk to 24 h post-walk (P < 0.01). No significant changes were observed in CRP. Conclusions: These findings suggest that 45 min walking at 60 to 70% HRmax-p causes a decrease in IL-6 24 h post-exercise, but does not evoke a significant response in CRP levels.
Safety Profile of MLC601 (Neuroaid®) in Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients: A Singaporean Substudy of the Chinese Medicine Neuroaid Efficacy on Stroke Recovery Study

Background: Previous clinical trials have shown that Neuroaid® (MLC601), a traditional Chinese medicine, shows good tolerability and superiority over another traditional Chinese medicine in terms of neurological disability and functional outcome and thus may be beneficial as part of a poststroke rehabilitation program. The safety of MLC601 on hemostasis, hematology and biochemistry has been established in normal subjects and patients with nonacute stroke over a short treatment period. We assessed the safety of Neuroaid in patients with acute stroke treated for 3 months in a substudy of an ongoing randomized placebo-controlled trial. Methods: Laboratory tests (biochemical, hematological and electrocardiogram) were conducted at the month 3 follow-up, in addition to baseline tests. A total of 114 patients were recruited. As there were 13 dropouts, a total of 52 patients on MLC601 and 49 on placebo were available for analysis. Serious adverse events (SAEs) were also analyzed. Results: There were no statistically or clinically significant differences between treatment groups in biochemical, hematological or electrocardiogram tests at month 3, nor any statistically or clinically significant differences in the absolute and relative changes of the various parameters between baseline and 3 months. SAEs were similar and were those commonly seen in stroke patients. Conclusions: Longer-term laboratory safety data show no differences between MLC601 and placebo, confirming the safety of MLC601 in acute stroke patients receiving a 3-month treatment.
STK33 kinase is not essential in KRAS-dependent cells--letter.

Babij and colleagues report that STK33 is dispensable for KRASmut-dependent cancer cells ([1][1]), a finding in contrast to previous investigations ([2–4][2]). We believe the data do not support this conclusion and wish to bring selected methodologic issues to the authors' attention. Because of
EVALUATION OF A DRESSING TO REDUCE NIPPLE PAIN AND IMPROVE NIPPLE SKIN CONDITION IN BREAST-FEEDING WOMEN

This study was designed to evaluate whether maintenance of a moist environment on the nipple skin during the first week of breast-feeding would improve damaged nipple skin condition, as indicated by the presence of eschar, erythema, and fissures, and reduce pain. Fifty White women applied a polyethylene film dressing with a perimeter adhesive system to a randomly determined nipple. The dressing was present at all times except during feeding. Subjects were assessed every 48 hours (four times) over 7 days. Serial photographic slides were obtained and assessed for skin characteristics. Nipple pain was self-rated with a verbal descriptor scale. Use of an occlusive film dressing on nipple skin during the first week of breast-feeding appeared to have limited influence on improvement in damaged skin condition. Summary scores indicated significant reduction in the amount of eschar on the surface of the nipple. There were no differences in erythema intensity or fissure severity. Use of a dressing significantly reduced nipple pain during the study period.
Post-polio syndrome: clinical manifestations and cerebrospinal fluid markers

Post-polio syndrome (PPS) refers to a constellation of new neurological, musculoskeletal and general symptoms occurring in survivors of poliomyelitis decades after acute paralytic and nonparalytic disease. The common manifestations of PPS include generalized, central and peripheral fatigue, muscle weakness and musculoskeletal pain. The pathogenesis of PPS remains obscure. Three prevailing hypotheses have been advanced: stress-induced degeneration of surviving neurons, persistent poliovirus replication or virus reactivation and immune-mediated damage. The diagnosis of PPS is based on medical history and clinical examination, since no specific diagnostic tests are available. In the light of recent studies demonstrating a partial beneficial effect of intravenous immunoglobulin, this article will focus on cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers reflecting disease activity and pathogenic processes in PPS.
Reduced incidence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus ventilator-associated pneumonia in trauma patients: A new insight into the efficacy of the ventilator care bundle

Introduction: There has been a dramatic recent increase in the incidence of ventilator-associated pneumonia caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. We investigated the effect of implementation of a ventilator care bundle on the incidence of ventilator-associated pneumonia in a cohort of trauma patients. Methods: A ventilator care bundle was implemented after a 7-month baseline period. Ventilator-associated pneumonia rates, rates of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus acquisition, rates of vancomycin administration, intensive care unit lengths of stay, and durations of mechanical ventilation were prospectively recorded for 10 months. Results: Use of a ventilator care bundle was associated with a reduced incidence of ventilator-associated pneumonia from 42 cases per 1000 ventilator days (95% confidence interval: 17–83) in the pre-intervention group to 19 (95% confidence interval: 11–34) cases per 1000 ventilator days in the post-intervention group (p = 0.04). The rate of methicillin-resistant S. aureus acquisition was significantly different in the pre-intervention group (27%) and the post-intervention group (3.9%) (p < 0.001). Relative to the pre-intervention period, there was a significant reduction in the duration of mechanical ventilation (p = 0.03) and length of intensive care unit stay during the post-intervention period (p = 0.015). Conclusion: The incidence of methicillin-resistant S. aureus-ventilator-associated pneumonia in trauma patients could be reduced by implementation of a ventilator care bundle.
Lidocaine-nalbuphine versus lidocaine-tramadol for intravenous regional anesthesia

Background Regional anesthesia has been widely practiced with minimal risk of complications. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of nalbuphine and tramadol as separate adjuvants to lidocaine in intravenous regional anesthesia (IVRA) (Bier′s block). Materials and methods This randomized double-blind controlled study was conducted in the Department of Anesthesia, Kasr Al Ainy Teaching Hospital, Cairo University, Egypt. Sixty patients, aged 20-60 years, ASA I-II, both sexes, scheduled for minor hand surgeries under IVRA were enrolled in the study. The patients were randomly allocated into three equal groups: group L (n = 20) received lidocaine in IVRA, group LT (n = 20) received lidocaine and tramadol mixture, and group LN (n = 20) received lidocaine and nalbuphine mixture. The onset, duration of both sensory and motor blocks, time to first analgesic request postoperatively, and complications related to the drugs or technique were recorded. Results There was a statistically significant acceleration in the mean onsets with significant prolongation of the mean duration of sensory and motor blocks in group LT and group LN compared with group L (P < 0.05). The results observed in both groups were comparable. In addition, there was an increase in the mean time to first analgesic request in group LT and group LN compared with group L (P < 0.001). Group LN had the longest duration time of postoperative analgesia and this was statistically significant compared with group LT (P < 0.001). Complications were minimal and nonsignificant. Conclusion The use of nalbuphine and tramadol as adjuvants to lidocaine in IVRA resulted in significant acceleration of the onset and prolongation of the duration of both sensory and motor blocks, with minimal insignificant complications. Both tramadol and nalbuphine effects were comparable.
Protection of Inner Ear Function after Cochlear Implantation: Compound Action Potential Measurements after Local Application of Glucocorticoids in the Guinea Pig Cochlea

Background: Cochlear implant users with residual hearing often benefit greatly from simultaneous electric and acoustic stimulation. However, implantation can cause trauma to the inner ear, resulting in poorer hearing postoperatively. We investigated whether a single local injection of glucocorticoids can reduce hearing loss in long-term implanted guinea pigs. Methods: Three groups of animals underwent bilateral surgery. One ear was implanted with an electrode, and the contralateral ear received a cochleostomy only. A single dose of the glucocorticoids triamcinolone or dexamethasone, or of artificial perilymph was infused into cochleae via cochleostomy. Compound action potentials were measured before and after application and for 3 months postoperatively. Tissue growth was measured as the percentage of the total area of the scala tympani that was obliterated. Results: Ears subjected to cochleostomy only and treated with glucocorticoids demonstrated a mild hearing loss. In the implanted ears, both glucocorticoids preserved hearing at least temporarily. The volume of tissue growth within the scala tympani was not reduced, and there was no relation between the amount of tissue and hearing loss. Conclusions: Both glucocorticoids show a potential benefit for hearing preservation in implanted ears. Glucocorticoid therapy may be useful to protect residual hearing during cochlear implantation.
Update on general anaesthesia for Caesarean section

The increased use of regional anaesthesia for Caesarean section (CS) has been a consequence of the risk of failed intubation associated with general anaesthesia (GA) for CS, as well as the provision of an improved birth experience and quality of postoperative analgesia. This trend has led to a lack of experience in the practice of rapid sequence intubation and GA in trainee anaesthetists, 1 prompting the suggestion that simulators may become an essential part of anaesthesia training in this scenario. 2 In the USA during the period 1984-2002, the case fatality rate for general anaesthesia decreased from 32.3 to 6.5 per million, while the rate of regional anaesthesia was lower, but increased from 1.9 to 3.8 per million. 3
Enterotoxin and Exfoliative Toxin Genes Among Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Isolates Recovered From Ilam, Iran

Results: All the tested isolates were susceptible to vancomycin, but resistant to penicillin (100%), erythromycin (31%), clindamycin (27%), ciprofloxacin (27%), gentamicin (21%), and amikacin (16%). The frequencies of antibiotic resistance and virulence genes were as follows: tst 46%, eta 1%, etb 3%, sea 41%, seb 2%, sec 14%, and see 31%. Conclusions: Results of the present study showed that the tst and sea genes had high frequencies among the MRSA isolates. The increased prevalence of MRSA isolates containing different virulence genes, probably accompanied by antimicrobial resistance, can complicate the therapy of MRSA isolates.
Improving documentation using a nursing model

Background The present investigation is part of a study where the Registered Nurses on three hospital wards received a 2 year intervention programme on nursing documentation in accordance with a keyword structure based on the nursing process. Aim To describe the Registered Nurses' perceptions of and attitudes towards the effects of the intervention, and to generate hypotheses for further research. Method Focus group discussions were used to collect data, with a qualitative content analysis method for the processing of the data. Findings The most interesting finding in these group discussions was the statements made by participants that the structured way of documenting nursing care made them think more, and think in a different way about their work with their patients. Two types of role changing were reported; from a medical technical focus to a more nursing expertise orientation and from a "hands on clinician" to more of an administrator and secretary. Conclusion A number of issues debated among the participants in this study could be seen as organizational matters and lead to the important issue of multidisciplinary and organizational work when implementing innovations within nursing.
Consumption of antidepressants in Italy: recent trends and their significance for public health.

OBJECTIVES The study assessed the consumption of antidepressants in Italy between 2000 and 2011 and identified trends in use. METHODS Data on use of antidepressant drugs between 2000 and 2011 were collected from the Italian Medicines Agency database. Data were expressed as the daily defined dose (DDD) per 1,000 inhabitants. Trends in drug consumption were ascertained by logarithmic transformation of incidence rates by using the formula ln(y)=b × x, where y is the incidence rate, b is the regression coefficient, and x represents the calendar years. Time trends were expressed as expected annual percentage change (EAPC). A significance level of . 05 was chosen. RESULTS Antidepressant consumption increased drastically between 2000 and 2011, from 8.18 to 36.12 DDD per 1,000 inhabitants per day. A single joinpoint (time point with a significant trend change) occurred in 2002 (EAPC=56.4%, 2000-2002, and 6.2%, 2002-2011). The trend analysis stratified by type of drug showed a huge increase in consumption of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and other antidepressants and a decrease in consumption of tricyclic antidepressants. CONCLUSIONS Mental disorders are less stigmatized now than in the past. In Italy and elsewhere, antidepressant use is growing, and it would be important to monitor this trend, especially considering the possible effects of the current economic crisis on mental health. In this scenario, the role of public health in mental health promotion has become fundamental.
Changes in quality of life in forensic psychiatric outpatients after 6 months of community-based treatment

Over the last few decades, quality of life (QoL) has become an important outcome measure for treatment success in general psychiatry So far, this is not the case in forensic psychiatry, although several (treatment) models include factors related to QoL, such as the good lives model In this study, we investigated change in QoL over a 6-month treatment period in 102 forensic outpatients with personality disorders (PDs) or traits of PDs To this end, the extended Dutch version of the Lancashire Quality of Life Profile was used Objective indicators of QoL did not change during these 6 months, with one exception Significantly more patients reported to have a helping friend at the second time point Eight of 10 subjective indicators of QoL changed differentially for patients with different baseline levels of QoL Those with low scores showed significant improvement on nine indicators, whereas those with high scores reported a lower QoL after 6 months on five indicators Treatment intensity, mood and severity of PD did not mediate these changes Subjective QoL deserves consideration as an important theoretical construct in forensic treatment and the Lancashire QoL Profile is sensitive to change during such treatment Copyright (C) 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd