Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Survivin expression, apoptosis and proliferation in chronic myelomonocytic leukemia

Abstract: We analyzed the expression of the inhibitor of apoptosis survivin by immunocytochemistry in bone marrow cells from patients with chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML) to evaluate possible abnormalities in comparison with other myelodysplastic (MDS) and myeloproliferative syndromes, and to investigate a possible correlation between survivin expression and altered apoptosis or proliferation, or relevant laboratory and clinical findings. Thirty‐four patients with CMML [18 MDS‐CMML and 16 myeloproliferative disorder (MPD)‐CMML], 90 with MDS, 41 with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), 19 with chronic MPD and 25 control subjects were studied. In normal samples survivin was never detectable. In CMML survivin levels higher than in MDS and AML (P < 0.0001), but similar to those found in MPD were observed. In CMML and MDS apoptosis was significantly higher compared to normal controls and all other subtypes of leukemias (P < 0.0001). Proliferation did not differ significantly in normal controls, MDS and CMML; the lowest levels were observed in AML and MPD (P < 0.0001). In CMML there was no correlation between survivin expression and blast cell percentage, apoptosis or proliferation, FAB or WHO subgroup. Proliferation was higher in MDS‐CMML and tended to correlate with overall survival. CMML‐2 cases with higher survivin expression showed higher evolution rate and shorter survival. In conclusion, CMML is characterized by high proliferation and apoptosis. Survivin overexpression, by disrupting the balance between cell proliferation/differentiation and apoptosis, may play an important role in its pathophysiology. The detection of survivin‐deregulated expression may provide a useful tool for diagnosis, prognosis and a possible target for experimental treatments.
Cytologic features of parathyroid fine‐needle aspiration on ThinPrep preparations

Previous studies have provided cytologic criteria that aid in the recognition of parathyroid tissue on aspirate smears, including high cellularity, the presence of naked nuclei, loose 2‐dimensional clusters, and papillary architecture. However, to the authors knowledge, the cytomorphologic features of parathyroid fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) on liquid‐based preparations have not been previously described.
Critical care management of patients with end-stage liver disease

Objectives:To review the management of complications related to end-stage liver disease in the intensive care unit. The goal of this review is to address topics important to the practicing physician. Data Sources:We performed an organ system-based PubMed literature review focusing on the diagnosis and treatment of critical complications of end-stage liver disease. Data Synthesis and Findings:When available, preferential consideration was given to randomized controlled trials. In the absence of trials, observational and retrospective studies and consensus opinions were included. We present our recommendations for the neurologic, cardiovascular, pulmonary, gastrointestinal, renal, and infectious complications of end-stage liver disease. Conclusions:Complications related to end-stage liver disease have significant morbidity and mortality. Management of these complications in the intensive care unit requires awareness and expertise among physicians from a wide variety of fields.
Do Avoidable Hospitalization Rates among Older Adults Differ by Geographic Access to Primary Care Physicians?

OBJECTIVE To investigate the association between older adults' potentially avoidable hospitalization rates and both a geographic measure of primary care physician (PCP) access and a standard bounded-area measure of PCP access. DATA SOURCES State physician licensure data from the Virginia Board of Medicine. Patient-level hospital discharge data from Virginia Health Information. Area-level data from the American Community Survey and the Area Health Resources Files. Virginia Information Technologies Agency road network data. US Census Bureau TIGER/Line boundary files. STUDY DESIGN We use enhanced two-step floating catchment area methods to calculate geographic PCP accessibility for each ZIP Code Tabulation Area in Virginia. We use spatial regression techniques to model potentially avoidable hospitalization rates. DATA COLLECTION/EXTRACTION Geographic accessibility was calculated using ArcGIS. Physician locations were geocoded using TAMU GeoServices and ArcGIS. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Increased geographic access to PCPs is associated with lower rates of potentially avoidable hospitalization among older adults. This association is robust, allowing for spatial spillovers in spatial lag models. CONCLUSIONS Compared to bounded-area density measures, unbounded geographic accessibility measures provide more robust evidence that avoidable hospitalization rates are lower in areas with more PCPs per person. Results from our spatial lag models reveal the presence of positive spatial spillovers.
Finding the most similar documents across multiple text databases

We present a methodology for finding the n most similar documents across multiple text databases for any given query and for any positive integer n. This methodology consists of two steps. First, databases are ranked in a certain order. Next, documents are retrieved from the databases according to the order and in a particular way. If the databases containing the n most similar documents for a given query can be ranked ahead of other databases, the methodology will guarantee the retrieval of the n most similar documents for the query. A statistical method is provided to identify databases, each of which is estimated to contain at least one of the n most similar documents. Then, a number of strategies are presented to retrieve documents from the identified databases. Experimental results are given to illustrate the relative performance of different strategies.
Detection of cells bearing the t(14;18) translocation following myeloablative treatment and autologous bone marrow transplantation for follicular lymphoma.

PURPOSE To use the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique for molecular assessment of the results of myeloablative treatment of follicular lymphoma with autologous bone marrow transplantation. PATIENTS AND METHODS Seventy-six patients with follicular or transformed follicular lymphoma were treated with cyclophosphamide 60 mg/kg x 2 and total-body irradiation 12 Gy, supported by autologous bone marrow transplantation. The bone marrow mononuclear cell fraction was treated in vitro with CD20 monoclonal antibody and baby rabbit complement. The PCR technique was used to identify 50 patients with amplifiable t(14; 18) translocations in biopsy material from lymph nodes or bone marrow infiltrated by lymphoma. RESULTS Following treatment of the harvested bone marrow in vitro, 29 samples were tested by PCR to assess the efficacy of purging. In 25 cases, the same t(14; 18) sequences were amplified as from the patients' original biopsies, while in four cases, the marrow became PCR-negative. Three of the four patients treated with PCR-negative marrow subsequently developed recurrent lymphoma, compared with 11 of 25 in the PCR-positive group. Bone marrow and peripheral-blood mononuclear cell samples from 27 patients were studied during the follow-up period. All but one had the presence of the lymphoma-related t(14; 18) clone detectable by PCR and confirmed by direct sequencing from at least one sample between 3 months and 7 years after reinfusion of the bone marrow. With a median follow-up duration of 3 years, 13 patients developed recurrent disease, 13 remained in remission with the t(14; 18) still detectable, and one died of acute myeloid leukemia. CONCLUSION This form of therapy does not eliminate the lymphoma-related t(14; 18)-bearing clone of cells, although the significance of its continued presence is uncertain. Improved methods for both treatment of the bone marrow in vitro and treatment of the lymphoma in vivo are required.
Antimicrobial resistance patterns of Staphylococcus aureus and Proteus spp. isolated from otitis media at Bahir Dar Regional Laboratory, North West Ethiopia.

OBJECTIVES Otitis media is a major health problem of children in low income countries like Ethiopia. Thus, this study was aimed at determining the predominant bacterial isolates from discharging ear and their antimicrobial susceptibility patterns. METHODS A retrospective study was conducted on records of 777 patients for whom ear discharge swabs were processed for culture and susceptibility tests at Bahir Dar Regional Health Research Laboratory from September 2000 to December 2008. RESULTS From 777 ear discharges, male patients with discharging ear constituted 459 (59%) with overall male to female ratio of 1.4:1. Their age was ranging from 2 months to 85 years. Six hundred eight (78.3%) ear discharge swabs were culture positive for bacteria. The isolation rates of S. aureus and Proteus spp. were 260 (42.7%) and 227 (37.3%) respectively. Proteus spp. was the predominant isolate in children whereas S aureus in adults (p = 0.0001). S. aureus and Proteus spp. exhibited high rates of resistance to most antimicrobial agents tested. However, they showed lower resistance rate to gentamicin and norfloxacillin. CONCLUSION Otitis media was a common health problem of all age groups. S. aureus and Proteus spp. were the predominant pathogens of discharging ear. Gentamicin and norfloxacillin would be the drug of choice for the empirical therapy of otitis media.
Typhoid fever imported from Mexico to Switzerland. Studies on R factor mediated chloramphenicol resistance

SUMMARY A case of typhoid fever caused by Salmonella typhi occurred in Geneva. The patient was probably infected in Mexico City. The strain isolated from this patient corresponds with the description of the Mexican S. typhi strain, since it is a degraded Vi-strain resistant to chloramphenicol, streptomycin, sulphonamides and tetracyclines. It carried an fi− transferable R factor with a CSSuT resistance pattern. It can be accepted that this case forms part of the Mexican outbreak of chloramphenicol-resistant typhoid fever which has already been observed in visitors to Mexico from England and the United States.
Sociodemographic impact on survival in unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma: a survival epidemiology and end results study.

AIM To investigate outcomes in unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients stratified by sociodemographic and clinical factors in a population study. MATERIALS & METHODS Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database was used to identify patients diagnosed in 2000-2011. Overall survival (OS) was stratified using patient sociodemographic characteristics and American Joint Commission on Cancer (AJCC) staging. Log-rank test and Cox proportional hazard models were used to identify prognostic factors of OS. RESULTS In patients with AJCC stage I and II unresectable HCC, prolonged OS was correlated with being married, younger age, ethnicity, geographic location, living in large urban areas, being insured and higher income and education levels. CONCLUSION In AJCC stage I and II unresectable HCC patients with favorable sociodemographic factors, prolonged OS maybe in part related to better access to cancer-directed therapy.
Pancreatogastrostomy Versus Pancreatojejunostomy for RECOnstruction After PANCreatoduodenectomy (RECOPANC, DRKS 00000767): Perioperative and Long-term Results of a Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial.

PANCreatoduodenectomy (RECOPANC, DRKS 00000767): Perioperative and Longterm Results of a Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial. Keck T1, Wellner UF, Bahra M, Klein F, Sick O, Niedergethmann M, Wilhelm TJ, Farkas SA, Börner T, Bruns C, Kleespies A, Kleeff J, Mihaljevic AL, Uhl W, Chromik A, Fendrich V, Heeger K, Padberg W, Hecker A, Neumann UP, Junge K, Kalff JC, Glowka TR, Werner J, Knebel P, Piso P, Mayr M, Izbicki J, Vashist Y, Bronsert P, Bruckner T, Limprecht R, Diener MK, Rossion I, Wegener I, Hopt UT.
Effects of plasma membrane Ca2+‐ATPase tyrosine phosphorylation on human platelet function

Summary. Background: The plasma membrane Ca2+‐ATPase (PMCA) plays an essential role in maintaining low intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) in resting platelets. Earlier studies demonstrated that platelet activation by thrombin results in tyrosine phosphorylation of PMCA, which inhibits pump activity. Objectives: The objective was to determine the functional consequences of PMCA tyrosine phosphorylation. Methods: A decapeptide including the tyrosine phosphorylation site of PMCA and a scrambled version were synthesized and introduced into human platelets using saponin. Fura‐2 calcium monitoring and aggregometry were used to characterize the effects of inhibition of tyrosine phosphorylation. Results: Western blot analysis of immunoprecipitates showed that introduction of the inhibitory peptide decreased tyrosine phosphorylation of PMCA by nearly 60% in saponin‐permeabilized, thrombin‐treated platelets as compared with the scrambled control peptide. Concomitant with inhibition of PMCA tyrosine phosphorylation was a significant decrease in [Ca2+]i during thrombin‐mediated platelet activation. The functional consequence of reduced PMCA tyrosine phosphorylation and decreased [Ca2+]i was a significant delay in the onset of thrombin‐mediated platelet aggregation. Conclusions: The results demonstrate that PMCA tyrosine phosphorylation regulates [Ca2+]i during platelet activation, which affects downstream events in the activation process. Moreover, PMCA tyrosine phosphorylation and resultant inhibition of PMCA activity produces a positive feedback loop mechanism by enhancing the increase in [Ca2+]i accompanying platelet activation.
HIV Risk Behaviours among Injecting Drug Users in Vietnam: A Review

Background: There is high prevalence of HIV among Injecting Drug Users (IDUs) in Vietnam with a national level prevalence just under 20%. Both drug and sex related risk behaviors are widespread among IDUs. The objective of this review is to analyze HIV risk behaviors and identify the epidemiologic implications. Methods: Major databases were searched during November-December, 2011. Finally, 55 peer-reviewed articles were identified and reviewed to focus on risk behaviors of IDUs, Female Sex Workers (FSW) and drug policy and harm reduction program related issues. Results: Young injectors are involved in risk behaviors that include frequent sexual connections with FSWs. Our review found that young IDU subgroups (≤30 years) are engaged in high risk behaviors and have limited access to harm reduction services. Sexual risk factors associated with drug injecting FSWs may become the catalyst for a future heterosexual transmission if the prevalence rises further. Future research should focus on young injectors to investigate the structure and characteristics of networks to help guide harm reduction programs, including IDU subgroups. Conclusion: Vietnam has still a window of opportunity to learn from the experience of neighboring countries and, after modification, to incorporate preventative services suited to the needs of young injectors, into existing programs.
Reliability and validity of the Thai version of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index.

OBJECTIVE To assess the internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and validity of the Thai version of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (Thai-PSQI), which was recently translated using a standardized method, in Thai patients with major sleep disorders. MATERIAL AND METHOD The Thai-PSQI was developed under a standard translation protocol and administered to "bad" sleepers (i.e. patients with suspected obstructive sleep apnea [OSA], depression, or insomnia) and "good" sleepers in an academic tertiary care setting. All participants were asked to complete the same questionnaire after 2-4 weeks. RESULTS A total of 138 participants consisting of 69 patients with OSA, 28 with major depression, 11 with primary insomnia, and 30 controls completed the questionnaire. The global scores of the Thai-PSQI revealed that it had excellent internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.837) and test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.89). An analysis of covariance demonstrated a significant difference in Thai-PSQI global score between good sleepers and bad sleepers (p < 0.001). A cut-off point of 5 out of 6 on the global score resulted in a sensitivity of 77.78% and specificity of 93.33%. CONCLUSION The Thai-PSQI is a valid and reliable tool for screening and identifying the presence of significant sleep disturbances, and is comparable to the original English version.
Loosening and osteolysis associated with metal-on-metal bearings: A local effect of metal hypersensitivity?

Over the last several years, many orthopaedic surgeons have embraced so-called alternative bearing surfaces in total hip arthroplasty, largely on the basis of the hypothesis that a reduction in the volumetric wear rates afforded by these improved articulating couples will reduce the prevalence of osteolysis and aseptic loosening, which in turn will improve implant survivorship. The articles by Korovessis et al.1 and Milosev et al.2 in this issue of The Journal provide valuable new data on the intermediate-term performance of one metal-on-metal-bearing hip-replacement system. These studies show that this particular metal-on-metal system is not immune to osteolysis and aseptic loosening and further suggest that osteolysis and aseptic loosening may be mediated, at least in part, by an adaptive immune response (metal hypersensitivity) independent of, or in concert with, the relatively well-characterized innate immune response (particle-stimulated macrophage, fibroblast, and osteoblast-mediated inflammatory bone loss) typically associated with periprosthetic osteolysis3. Metal hypersensitivity-induced osteolysis and aseptic loosening represent underappreciated and incompletely understood mechanisms of implant failure. How strong is the evidence that the failures in these two cohorts at the time of intermediate-term follow-up (at a mean of seventy-seven months and eighty-five months) were due to metal hypersensitivity? It should be clearly understood that, at present, the evidence linking osteolysis and aseptic loosening with metal …
Functional health literacy and health-promoting behaviour in a national sample of British adults

Objectives: To measure the prevalence of limited functional health literacy in the UK, and examine associations with health behaviours and self-rated health. Design: Psychometric testing using a British version of the Test of Functional Health Literacy in Adults (TOFHLA) in a population sample of adults. Setting: UK-wide interview survey (excluding Northern Ireland and the Scottish Isles). Participants: 759 adults (439 women, 320 men) aged 18–90 years (mean age _ 47.6 years) selected using random location sampling. Main outcome measures: Functional health literacy, self-rated health, fruit and vegetable consumption, physical exercise and smoking. Results: We found that 11.4% of participants had either marginal or inadequate health literacy. Multivariable logistic regression analysis indicated that the risk of having limitations in health literacy increased with age (adjusted odds ratio 1.04; 95% confidence interval 1.02 to 1.06), being male (odds ratio _ 2.04; 95% confidence interval 1.16 to 3.55), low educational attainment (odds ratio _ 7.46; 95% confidence interval 3.35 to 16.58) and low income (odds ratio _ 5.94; 95% confidence interval 1.87 to 18.89). In a second multivariable logistic regression analysis, every point higher on the health literacy scale increased the likelihood of eating at least five portions of fruit and vegetables a day (odds ratio _ 1.02; 95% confidence interval 1.003 to 1.03), being a non-smoker (odds ratio _ 1.02; 95% confidence interval 1.0003 to 1.03) and having good self-rated health (odds ratio _ 1.02; 95% confidence interval 1.01 to 1.04), independently of age, education, gender, ethnicity and income. Conclusions: The results encourage efforts to monitor health literacy in the British population and examine associations with engagement with preventative health behaviours.
Microbial population dynamics during start‐up and overload conditions of anaerobic digesters treating municipal solid waste and sewage sludge

Microbial population dynamics were investigated during start‐up and during periods of overload conditions in anaerobic co‐digesters treating municipal solid waste and sewage sludge. Changes in community structure were monitored using ribosomal RNA‐based oligonucleotide probe hybridization to measure the abundance of syntrophic propionate‐oxidizing bacteria (SPOB), saturated fatty acid‐beta‐oxidizing syntrophs (SFAS), and methanogens. These changes were linked to traditional performance parameters such as biogas production and volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentrations. Digesters with high levels of Archaea started up successfully. Methanosaeta concilii was the dominant aceticlastic methanogen in these systems. In contrast, digesters that experienced a difficult start‐up period had lower levels of Archaea with proportionally more abundant Methanosarcina spp. Syntrophic propionate‐oxidizing bacteria and saturated fatty acid‐beta‐oxidizing syntrophs were present at low levels in all digesters, and SPOB appeared to play a role in stabilizing propionate levels during start‐up of one digester. Digesters with a history of poor performance tolerated a severe organic overload event better than digesters that had previously performed well. It is hypothesized that higher levels of SPOB and SFAS and their methanogenic partners in previously unstable digesters are responsible for this behavior. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Protein Kinase C: Structure, Function, and Regulation (*)

The protein kinase C family of enzymes transduces the myriad of signals promoting lipid hydrolysis. The prevalence of this enzyme family in signaling is exemplified by the diverse transduction mechanisms that result in the generation of protein kinase C's activator, diacylglycerol. Signals that stimulate members of the large families of G protein-coupled receptors, tyrosine kinase receptors, or non-receptor tyrosine kinases can cause diacylglycerol production, either rapidly by activation of specific phospholipase Cs or more slowly by activation of phospholipase D to yield phosphatidic acid and then diacylglycerol(1, 2, 3) . In addition, fatty acid generation by phospholipase A2 activation modulates protein kinase C activity(3) . Thus, multiple receptor pathways feeding into multiple lipid pathways have the common end result of activating protein kinase C by production of its second messenger.
Male Partners of Infertile Couples with Seminal Infections of Human Papillomavirus Have Impaired Fertility Parameters

Several studies have addressed the impact of viral infections on male infertility. However, it is still unknown whether human papillomavirus (HPV) can alter seminal parameters. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of HPV in the semen of male partners of couples seeking fertility evaluation. Additionally, we assessed the possibility that HPV infections affect seminal parameters. A total of 229 semen samples were collected from men in the Sperm Analysis Section of São Camilo Laboratory of Maringá, Brazil, between October 2015 and March 2016. Basic seminal parameters were analyzed, and HPV was detected and genotyped by polymerase chain reaction. HPV DNA was detected in 16.6% of samples. Of these, 10.5% had single type HPV infections, 6.1% had multiple HPV infections, 5.7% had exclusively high-risk HPV, and 6.1% had exclusively low-risk HPV. Samples positive for single and multiple types of HPV were associated with abnormal viscosity, and samples positive for multiple HPV types were also associated with hypospermia, higher pH, and increased leukocyte numbers. These findings suggest that the male partners of infertile couples with seminal HPV infections may have prostate disturbances indicative of glandular dysfunction, which may influence fertility.