Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Intravitreal Ranibizumab for Choroidal Neovascularization Secondary to Pathological Myopia: 12-Month Follow-Up

Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of intravitreal ranibizumab in the treatment of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) due to pathological myopia (PM). Methods: This retrospective case series studied outcomes in patients with CNV secondary to PM who were treated with intravitreal ranibizumab. Patients underwent complete ophthalmic evaluation, which included best-corrected visual acuity testing measured with Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study charts, optical coherence tomography (OCT) and baseline fluorescein angiography (FA). Indications for retreatment included the persistence of subretinal fluid on OCT as well as hemorrhages and new CNV on FA. Patients were followed for a minimum of 12 months. Results: We treated 29 eyes in 29 patients; the mean age was 56.8 years. Thirteen eyes were naïve, while 16 had been previously treated with photodynamic therapy or intravitreal bevacizumab. The mean initial visual acuity was 44.8 letters; at the 12-month follow-up, it was 53.7 letters. The mean OCT foveal thickness decreased by 35.3 µm. Patients received an average of 1.38 injections. Statistically significant differences were observed both in visual acuity and in central foveal thickness. All subgroups had favorable outcomes. None of the patients developed injection-induced complications or drug-related side effects. Conclusion: Intravitreal injection of ranibizumab appears to be safe and efficacious in patients with CNV secondary to PM followed over a 12-month period.
Why do African Americans have higher serum ferritin than European Americans, despite lower hemoglobin?

Title of Dissertation: WHY DO AFRICAN AMERICANS HAVE HIGHER SERUM FERRITIN THAN EUROPEAN AMERICANS, DESPITE LOWER HEMOGLOBIN? Yang Pan, Ph.D., 2006 Directed By: Associate Professor Robert T. Jackson, Department of Nutrition & Food Science Blacks have been consistently observed to have higher serum ferritin (SF) concentrations than whites; however, few studies have attempted to explore why this difference exists. 3,554 non-Hispanic white (NHW) and non-Hispanic black (NHB) male subjects, aged 20-65 years, were selected from the third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III) to determine the possible factors that may contribute to the observed black-white SF difference. Results of multiple regression analyses showed that age, body mass index (BMI), % energy from carbohydrate and fat, calcium intake, serum total protein, serum α-carotene, mean cell volume (MCV), iron binding capacity (TIBC) and γ glutamyl transferase (GGT) were significantly associated with SF concentration. When the final regression model was run after excluding subjects with abnormal serum total protein, TIBC and GGT levels, the SF difference dropped to 3. 95μg/L (initial difference=37.06μg/L) between NHWs and NHBs. The results suggest that the noted black-white SF difference is a result of factors including overall nutrition and health, iron status and hepatic well-being. Higher SF, low Hb and reduced TIBC level observed in blacks are consistent with the definition of anemia of chronic disease (ACD). Future investigations are needed to confirm the role of ACD in the black-white SF difference. We also examined different sub-populations to investigate whether the likelihood and magnitude of SF elevation in regard to acute inflammation and hepatitis C are different between NHBs and NHWs by using logistic regression analyses. Compared to NHWs, NHBs had a 2.239-fold (95% CI, 1.333 to 3.760) greater risk to have elevated SF in regard to acute inflammation, and had significantly higher odds ratios of having elevated SF per unit change in C-reactive protein (CRP), white blood cell count (WBC), serum albumin, lymphocyte and platelet count. However, no significant results were found for hepatitis C. The results indicated that NHWs and NHBs had different patterns of iron accumulation in regard to acute inflammation. Further elucidation is needed about how ferritin regulation is perturbed in diseases, and whether increased stored iron plays a role in different clinical outcomes and drug response. Adequately powered studies are needed to further investigate the relationship between stored iron and hepatitis C host response. WHY DO AFRICAN AMERICANS HAVE HIGHER SERUM FERRITIN THAN EUROPEAN AMERICANS, DESPITE LOWER HEMOGLOBIN?
Tanshinone IIA Prevented Brain Iron Dyshomeostasis in Cerebral Ischemic Rats

Background: Tanshinone IIA is a lipid-soluble compound extracted from Chinese herb Danshen which was commonly used in the treatment of cerebrovascular diseases. Brain iron homeostasis is very essential for normal physiological functions of neurons, and brain iron accumulation contributes to many neurological disorders. The present study was aimed to determine whether Tanshinone IIA protects against cerebral ischemic injury via maintaining brain iron homeostasis. Methods: Wistar Rats were orally administered with Tanshinone IIA (4, 20 and 100 mg/kg/d) for one week, and then subjected to cerebral ischemia by middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) for 2 h. In vitro, cultured neurons were pretreated with Tanshinone IIA (2, 10 and 50 uM) for one week, and then exposed to hypoxia for 24 h. Brain iron content was determined by Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer and intracellular free iron level was measured by laser scanning Confocal microscopy. Expression levels of iron transport proteins including DMT1, TfR, Fpn1 and Heph were assessed by Western blot technique. Results: Tanshinone IIA pretreatment resulted in a significant reduction of cerebral infarct volume in MCAO rats. Compared with control rats, cerebral ischemia considerably augmented total iron content in the brain of MCAO rats, which was also effectively restricted by Tanshinone IIA pretreatment. MCAO rats exhibited the increased expression of iron influx proteins DMT1 and TfR, and the decreased expression of iron efflux proteins Fpn1 and Heph compared with control rats, which was responsible for elevated iron content in the ischemic brain. Tanshinone IIA pretreatment prevented the dysregulation of these four iron transport proteins and maintained brain iron homeostasis. In vitro studies also confirmed that Tanshinone IIA alleviated the hypoxia-induced decline of cell viability and the overload of intracellular free iron level in neurons through downregulating the expression of DMT1 and TfR, and upregulating the expression of Fpn1 and Heph. Conclusion: Tanshinone IIA protected brain tissues against ischemic and hypoxic damage in vivo and in vitro by mediating brain iron homeostasis which was associated with the downregulation of DMT1 and TfR, and the upregulation of Fpn1 and Heph. These results provide new insights into molecular mechanisms of ischemia-induced brain iron abnormalities and suggest maintaining brain iron homeostasis may be a novel therapeutic strategy for ischemic cerebrovascular diseases.
Resistance to Acidic Environments of Caries-Associated Bacteria: Bifidobacterium dentium and Bifidobacterium longum

Oral Bifidobacteriaceae, Bifidobacterium dentium and Bifidobacterium longum, are known to be isolated together with mutans streptococci and lactobacilli from caries lesions, suggesting that these Bifidobacteriaceae are caries associated and acid resistant. This study aimed to investigate effects of acidification on B. dentium and B. longum, and to compare them with those on Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus sanguinis and Lactobacillus paracasei. Effects of acidification, growth ability in a complex medium at a pH of 4.0–8.0, cell viability in 2-morpholinoethanesulfonic acid monohydrate (MES)-KOH buffer at pH 4.0, as well as stability of intracellular pH (pHin) at an extracellular pH of 3.5–8.0 estimated using a fluorescent dye, 5(6)-carboxyfluorescein diacetate N-succinimidyl ester in MES-KOH, 3-(N-morpholino)propanesulfonic acid-KOH or N,N-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)glycine-KOH buffer, were investigated. B. longum grew as well as Streptococcus strains over a wide pH range, whereas B. dentium grew best in the narrow pH range around neutral. The cell viability of B. dentium decreased significantly after 2 h of acidification at a pH of 4.0, but this was significantly less than that of the Streptococcus and Lactobacillus species, whereas B. longum maintained almost 100% viability. The pHin was close to the extracellular pH at pH of 5.5–7.5 in the Bifidobacterium and Streptococcus strains, while at a pH of <5.0, the pHin was higher than the extracellular pH in all the strains, but the pHin maintenance ability of Bifidobacterium strains was higher than that of the Streptococcus strains. The high survival rate and pHin maintenance ability of bifidobacteria comparable to that of S. mutans in the acidic environment may account for why bifidobacteria exist as stable species in acidic caries lesions together with mutans streptococci.
The Serum Concentrations of Procollagen Propeptides in Hypertensive Patients with or Without Diabetes

Background: The serum concentrations of procollagen propeptides are valuable markers of myocardium collagen synthesis and turnover in hypertensive patients. The aim of our study was to evaluate the effect of diabetes mellitus on serum concentrations of procollagen propeptides in hypertensive patients. Methods: Sixty-three subjects admitted for coronary angiography were enrolled. All of the patients received analysis of the serum levels of the amino-terminal propeptide of types Ⅰ and Ⅲ procollagen (PINP and PIIINP). Results: Patients were divided into 3 groups according to the presence or absence of hypertension and diabetes; these were: 9 patients with both hypertension and diabetes (group 1), 38 patients with hypertension but without diabetes (group 2), and 16 normotensive patients without diabetes (group 3). Group 2 patients had higher serum PINP levels than group 1 and group 3 patients (p=0.023 and p=0.004, respectively). No significant difference of serum PINP level was noted between group 1 and group 3. However, the serum PIIINP level in group 1 patients was significantly higher than those in group 2 and group 3 (p=0.005 and p＜0.001, respectively), and the serum PIIINP level between group 2 and group 3 showed no significant difference. Conclusion: Diabetic status influenced serum PINP and PIIINP levels differently in hypertensive patients.
The explanatory power of the Delone & 1 McLean model in the public sector: A mixed 2 method test 3

Digital inter-organisational collaboration in the public sector remains elusive: little is known about when and how 9 efforts for reaching its potential are likely to be successful. Understanding success and failure is one thing that needs to be done 10 to evaluate the effectiveness of public sector information system projects. A highly popular model to conduct such evaluation in 11 the private sector is Delone & McLean’s Information System Success Model. This model is often partially tested via quantitative 12 analyses on private sector cases. Yet, this paper tests the entire model, via a mixed methodology on three inter-organisational 13 public sector cases in Flanders in order to verify its explanatory power for the public sector. The quantitative results show that 14 most hypotheses of the Delone & McLean model are valid and applicable to the public sector. Qualitative results reveal that this 15 model ignores the important inﬂuence of context factors and provides managers as such only a partial view on the dimensions 16 which contribute to IS success/failure. 17
The Reservoir-Wave Paradigm: Potential Implications for Hypertension

Consistent with a straightforward, time-domain interpretation of Westerhofs classic circuit diagram of the 3- element Windkessel, we have concluded that measured aortic pressure is the instantaneous sum of a constant (P∞), a Windkessel/reservoir pressure, and a wave-related pressure. According to our interpretation, the resistive element interposed between the left ventricle and the resistance-capacitance (RC) filter is, in fact, a hydraulic resistance in the proximal aorta that defines the wave-related pressure. The RC filter subserves the Windkessel/reservoir function and is distributed anatomically within the large arteries. The lower potential (pressure) of the RC filter (P∞) is not zero or even venous or mean circulatory pressure, but rather a higher pressure (∼30 – 40 mmHg) toward which aortic pressure declines asymptotically during diastole. As previously recognized, the Windkessel/reservoir pressure describes aortic diastolic pressure very precisely; in the new paradigm, the addition of the wave-related pressure provides the complement that describes systolic pressure equally precisely. This new interpretation has several potential implications for our understanding of hypertension. Diastolic hypertension would seem to be related most directly to alterations in reservoir pressure, particularly P∞ and reservoir resistance. Systolic hypertension may be a function of several factors: wave reflection, increased proximal aortic resistance, and decreased aortic compliance.
Trends in the Utilization of Health Services by Seniors in Alberta*

RÉSUMÉ La prestation de services et de programmes exhaustifs et de qualité pour les aîné(e)s canadien(ne)s au cours des prochaines décennies représente un défi de taille pour les responsables des politiques et les professionnels des soins de santé. La présente étude visait à fournir aux décideurs des données actuelles sur l'utilisation des services de santé par les aîné(e)s en Alberta. Nous avons comparé les tendances en utilisation de services hospitaliers actifs (1992/93–1997/98), des services de soins à domicile (1994/95–1997/98), des demandes de règlement de consultations et de soins de médecins (1995/96–1997/98) et, des établissements de soins à long terme (1990–1996) pour les albertains de moins et de plus de 65 ans. Nous avons également évalué les tendances dans l'utilisation des médicaments presents (1992/93–1997/98) chez les albertains de 65 ans et plus. Les données des analyses proviennent des bases de données et des rapports du Alberta Health and Wellness. Dans l'ensemble, les tendances indiquent qu'un moins grand nombre de patients sont soignés en établissement mais qu'ils sont plus malades; aussi, un nombre plus important de patients est soigné dans la communauté. Les reçus de médicaments prescrits remis en dehors des établissements ont augmenté chez les aîné(e)s dans les dernières années. La portée et la pertinence de la substitution des soins en établissement par les soins dans la communauté, la qualité de ses soins et leurs répercussions sur l'amélioration, la détérioration ou le maintien de la santé constituent des thèmes importants d'études ultérieures. ABSTRACT Ensuring the delivery of comprehensive, high quality programs and services to seniors in Canada over the coming decades presents a significant challenge to policy makers and health care professionals. The goal of this study was to provide decision-makers with data on recent trends in the utilization of health services by seniors in Alberta. We compared recent trends in the utilization of acute hospital services (1992/93–1997/98), home care services (1994/95–1997/98), claims for physician consultations and procedures (1995/96–1997/98) and long-term facility care (1990–1996) for Albertans less than and over 65 years of age. We also assessed trends in the use of prescription drugs (1992/93–1997–98) by Albertans 65 years and older. Data for these analyses were obtained from Alberta Health and Wellness administrative databases and reports. Overall, the trends indicate fewer, though sicker, patients being cared for in institutions and more patients being cared for in the community. The receipt of prescription drugs obtained outside of facilities has also increased among seniors in recent years. The extent and appropriateness of substitution of community care for institutional care, the quality of that care, and whether health outcomes are better, worse, or unchanged, are important subjects for further study.
Child health and well-being in the early years: the National Evaluation of Sure Start

Book synopsis: Evidence-based Public Health: Effectiveness and efficiency continues the themes raised in Public Health Evidence - tackling health inequalities. Written by the same author team, this book is a comprehensive reference to evidence-based approaches in public health. It covers the context and role of evidence-based public health in England; frameworks for evaluating the effectiveness and cost effectiveness of public health policies and interventions; diversity, vulnerability and risk as a focus for understanding the role of social context in influencing health-related behaviours; approaches and methods to generate and synthesize evidence of what works to improve health and tackle health inequalities; current best available evidence on the effectiveness of a diverse range of interventions; and the role of evidence-based guidance and standards in changing policy and practice. This book will be essential reading for all those concerned with advancing an evidence-based approach to public health, and tackling health inequalities, including academics, researchers, policy makers, postgraduate students in public health, and anyone involved across different sectors of public health, including local government, health and education, Whilst based on work done in England by NICE, the book contains generic principles which are applicable internationally.
Illness behaviour in acute myocardial infarction

Coronary heart disease is one of the biggest killers in the UK (Department of Health, 2000), with myocardial infarction accounting for the largest proportion of admissions to acute hospitals. In an era in which the speed of initiation of treatment is paramount in terms of achieving maximum potential benefit, the reasons for delay in seeking medical assistance remain poorly understood. Utilizing an interpretive approach informed by phenomenology, this exploratory study describes and analyses the process of help seeking in terms of the experience of patients from the onset of symptoms to seeking medical assistance. A total of 10 patients with confirmed myocardial infarction were interviewed within 6 days of hospital admission. From the data, it was possible to identify four headings under which to categorize factors which might influence delay in help seeking, namely symptoms, cognitive evaluation of symptoms, behavioural response to symptoms, and the influence of others present during the experience. A model of help seeking is proposed which explains the interrelationship between the categories, describes the patient experience, and suggests the process by which individuals may come to seek medical assistance. It is recommended that interventions that will influence cognitive evaluation of symptoms, and the behavioural response to symptoms, should be further explored in order to expedite the process of help seeking in acute myocardial infarction.
Resultados preliminares de um projeto sobre a ecologia dos flebotomíneos vetores de Leishmaniose Tegumentar no Estado da Bahia

Preliminary data of a project about the ecology of the Phlebotominae (sandflies) in a tegumentary leishmaniasis area of coconut plantation in the south of the State of Bahia, Brazil are presented. There are 60 dwellings far of one another, where existed 31 dogs and 229 inhabitants.Among them 41.5% were Montenegro positive; 37.5% from these had scars of healed ulcers and 8.8% had active ulcers. 53 % of the house had dogs from which 22 % were seropositive,from the 7dogs with ulcers only 3 were seropositive. 14% of the inspected house harboured sandflies inside them. During two years of observations 72 sentinels hamsters were maintened at houses of patients with leishmaniasis ulcers, but they did not get the infection. During two years of observation, monthly collectings of sandflies were made inside house, chicken pen, curral, tree trunks and open field around a house with a patient with leishmaniasis. Tlte following results were already obtained about the vectors: 5,614 specimens were identified as belonging to fourteen different species of sandflies. Among them Lutzomyia whitmani (92%) and Lutzomyia intermedia (4.8%) were the most abundant species. They are very anthropophilic and can be found inside houses and at peridomestic sites. Probably they are the principal vectors of the disease at domestic places. The other twelve species were less frequent and more found at sylvatic places in inspite they also bite the man. Generally the biting activity of most of the species of the area begins at 5 p.m. in the dusk and reaches its peak at 0 hour a. m. ,when begins declining untildisapear at 7 a.m. L. whitmani was similarly collected with the same density in all lunar phases while L. intermedia was more abundant during the new moon phase. Most of the hundreds sandflies collected during the second year of observations, remains preserved in liquid nitrogen, watching for the adjustment of PCR molecular techniques to be processed for determination of the vector natural infection rates with leishmanias. Final results on all the project will be published as soon as the examination of such material has been processed.
Relationship Between Nutrient Intakes and Blood Biochemical Parameters of Korean Female Subjects Classified by Eight Constitution Medicine

Objectives: To investigate the relationship between nutrient intakes and blood biochemical parameters of Korean women classified by the Eight Constitutions. Methods: The constitutions of female subjects were determined by the methods of eight constitutional pulse formation. Anthropometric characteristics and blood biochemical parameters including fasting blood glucose (FSB), serum lipid profiles, homocysteine, and insulin were determined. Food frequency questionnaires were used to evaluate the nutrient intake of the subjects. Results: Subjects were classified as Hepatonia 16.8%, Cholecystonia 2.8%, Pancreotonia 58.9%, Pulmotonia 5.1%, Colonotonia 16.4%, respectively. Gastrotonia, Renotonia, and Vesicotonia individuals were not present in this study. BMI, total calorie and fat intakes of the Mok constitutions (Hepatonia and Cholecystonia) were higher than those of the Gum constitutions (Pulmotonia and Colonotonia) (p<0.05). Triglyceride, total cholesterol, and LDL-C concentrations for the Cholecystonia were the highest while those for the Pulmotonia (p<0.05) were lowest, which is in line with the results from nutrient intakes. Conclusions: Total calorie and fat intake among subjects with different constitutions were different. BMI and serum lipid profiles positively associated with calorie and nutrients intakes were significantly higher in Mok constitutions than Gum constitutions. Personalized diet plans seem to be needed for subjects on a special diet due to the individual constitutional differences.