Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Clinical and microbiological features of necrotizing fasciitis

The microbiological and clinical characteristics of 83 patients with necrotizing fasciitis (NF) treated over a period of 17 years are presented. Bacterial growth was noted in 81 of 83 (98%) of specimens from patients with NF. Aerobic or facultative bacteria only were recovered in 8 (10%) specimens, anaerobic bacteria only were recovered in 18 (22%) specimens, and mixed-aerobic-anaerobic floras were recovered in 55 (68%) specimens. In total, there were 375 isolates, 105 aerobic or facultative bacteria and 270 anaerobic bacteria, for an average of 4.6 isolates per specimen. The recovery of certain bacteria from different anatomical locations correlated with their distribution in the normal flora adjacent to the infected site. Anaerobic bacteria outnumbered aerobic bacteria at all body sites, but the highest recovery rate of anaerobes was in the buttocks, trunk, neck, external genitalia, and inguinal areas. The predominant aerobes were Staphylococcus aureus (n = 14 isolates), Escherichia coli (n = 12), and group A streptococci (n = 8). The predominant anaerobes were Peptostreptococcus spp. (n = 101), Prevotella and Porphyromonas spp. (n = 40), Bacteroides fragilis group (n = 36), and Clostridium spp. (n = 23). Certain clinical findings correlated with some bacteria: edema with B. fragilis group, Clostridium spp. , S. aureus, Prevotella spp. and group A streptococci; gas and crepitation in tissues with members of the family Enterobacteriaceae and Clostridium spp. ; and foul odor with Bacteroides spp. Certain predisposing conditions correlated with some organisms: trauma with Clostridium spp. ; diabetes with Bacteroides spp. , members of the family Enterobacteriaceae, and S. aureus; and immunosuppression and malignancy with Pseudomonas spp. and members of the family Enterobacteriaceae. These data highlight the polymicrobial nature of NF.
Drug-induced Hemolytic Anemia and Thrombocytopenia Associated with Alterations of Cell Membrane Lipids and Acanthocyte Formation

CXCR3 is a chemokine receptor, upregulated upon activation of T cells and expressed on nearly 100% of T cells in sites of inflammation. SCH 900875 is a selective CXCR3 receptor antagonist. Thrombocytopenia and severe hemolytic anemia with acanthocytosis occurred in rats at doses of 75, 100, and 150 mg/kg/day. Massively enlarged spleens corresponded histologically to extramedullary hematopoiesis, macrophages, and hemosiderin pigment and sinus congestion. Phagocytosed erythrocytes and platelets were within splenic macrophages. IgG and/or IgM were not detected on erythrocyte and platelet membranes. Ex vivo increased osmotic fragility of RBCs was observed. Lipid analysis of the RBC membrane revealed modifications in phosphatidylcholine, overall cholesterol, and/or sphingomyelin. Platelets exhibited slender filiform processes on their plasma membranes, analogous to those of acanthocytes. The presence of similar morphological abnormalities in acanthocytes and platelets suggests that possibly similar alterations in the lipid composition of the plasma membrane have taken place in both cell types. This phenotype correlated with alterations in plasma lipids (hypercholesterolemia and low triglycerides) that occurred after SCH 900875 administration, although other factors cannot be excluded. The increased cell destruction was considered triggered by alterations in the lipid profile of the plasma membranes of erythrocytes and platelets, as reflected morphologically.
Peripherally inserted central catheters in the neonatal period.

PURPOSE Peripherally inserted central catheters (PICC) have been extensively used in neonates. However, insertion of these thinnest catheters is a very delicate procedure associated with a high failure rate. In our Neonatal Surgical Intensive Care Unit, we developed a very easy new PICC insertion and evaluated the neonates treated with PICCs which were inserted by using our technique as well as catheter features such as success rate, number of insertion attempts, reason for removal and complications. METHODS Information was retrospectively collected on all 40 PICCs inserted at Kutahya Evliya Celebi Goverment Hospital and Dicle University Hospital during a 6-years period from September 2004 to September 2010. RESULTS A total of 40 PICCs were inserted in 37 patients (26, 70% males, 11, 30% females) by using new technique. The median age of patients was 8.3 days (range 1 to 66 days) and the median weight of patients was 2365 g (range 600 to 5000 g). The vein most commonly accessed was long saphenous vein (85%). The length of PICCs in the body was 19.6 cm (range 5 cm to 30 cm). The tip was located in a central vein in all patients. Surgical abdomen was the most common cause for PICC insertion (38%). Duration of catheterization was 7.7±5.6 days (1-F 5.5 days, 2-F 8.6 days). Almost all of the PICCs were inserted successfully (40/42, success rate 95%) and in the first venipucture (36/42, 86%). Completion of therapy and removed after death were achieved with 87% of PICCs. Three minor complications were noted. Minor bleeding in the insertion site which was stopped via compression occurred in two neonates. Major complication was not seen. No deaths were directly attributed to PICCs use. CONCLUSION The new insertion technique of the neonatal peripherally inserted central catheters may be one of the easiest and safest techniques, in comparison to previous techniques reported in the literature.
Numerical analysis of coupling MHD rectangular ducts flows

Liquid metal magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) flows through the electrical coupling rectangular ducts are investigated based on a fully developed modeling. Numerical simulations of four different coupling MHD duct flows are carried out to get the results of the MHD pressure drop and the velocity distribution. The first and second cases are that the coupling rectangular ducts are arranged along the direction of external magnetic field, the flow direction in the two ducts is the same in case 1 but it is opposite in case 2; in the third and fourth cases another coupling duct is extended along the perpendicular direction of the external magnetic field, the flow direction is identical in case 3 but it is opposite in case 4. Numerical results of the velocity and the induced electrical current distributions in the cross sections of the coupling ducts are given in those four different cases, it is indicated that the external magnetic field has a different effect on the flow pattern in those four cases. The MHD pressure drop in those four different cases are compared with the result of one normal rectangular duct flow, the MHD pressure drop of case 1 is reduced compare to the result of one normal duct MHD flows and result of case 4 is almost the same as one normal duct but the results of case 2 and 3 are larger than it, especially in case 2 it is several times larger than the result of one normal duct flow, in addition, the MHD pressure gradient decreases with the increase of the wall conductance ratio. These results are very important and should be considered in the future liquid blanket design.
Panobinostat: a novel pan-deacetylase inhibitor for the treatment of relapsed or relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma

Outcomes for patients with multiple myeloma (MM) have improved significantly over the past decade. Despite these advances, MM remains incurable and an unmet medical need remains for patients who are relapsed and/or refractory. Panobinostat is a potent, oral pan-deacetylase inhibitor that elicits anti-myeloma activity through epigenetic modulation of gene expression and disruption of protein metabolism. Preclinical data demonstrated that panobinostat has synergistic effects on myeloma cells when combined with bortezomib and dexamethasone. In a Phase III clinical trial evaluating bortezomib and dexamethasone in combination with panobinostat or placebo in patients with relapsed or relapsed and refractory MM (PANORAMA 1), panobinostat led to a significant increase in median progression-free survival. Panobinostat is currently under regulatory review with a recent accelerated approval granted for the treatment of relapsed disease, in which both bortezomib and immunomodulatory drugs have failed. Here, we summarize the preclinical, pharmacokinetic and clinical data for panobinostat in MM.
C-reactive protein and nitric oxide level in patients with white coat hypertension

Abstract Background. There are controversial results regarding the endothelial function in patients with white coat hypertension (WCH). The aim of this study was to assess endothelial function measuring nitric oxide (NO) and C-reactive protein (CRP) level in WCH and to compare those with essential hypertension (EH) and healthy subjects. Methods. The 40 newly diagnosed patients with EH, 40 patients with WCH and 40 healthy volunteers were included to study. Plasma CRP levels were measured by immunonephelometery method. Plasma NO level was also detected by using the Griess method. Results. Plasma CRP level was significantly higher in patients with EH when compared with those with WCH and healthy subjects (6.3 ± 2.1 mg/l, 2.1 ± 0.9 mg/l and 1.6 ± 1.3 mg/l, p < 0.05, respectively). However, there was no significant difference with respect to CRP level between those with WCH and healthy subjects. NO level was significantly lower in patients with EH when compared with those with WCH and healthy subjects (4.6 ± 1.1 µmol/l, 6.9 ± 1.2 µmol/l and 8.1 ± 1.5 µmol/l, p < 0.05, respectively). There was no significant difference with respect to NO level between those with WCH and healthy subjects. Plasma CRP level was positively correlated with office, daytime, night-time and 24-h blood pressure values, whereas NO level was inversely correlated with these parameters. Plasma CRP level was also inversely correlated with NO level. Conclusions. Our data suggest that CRP concentration is significantly higher and NO level is meaningfully lower in patients with essential hypertension when compared with those with WCH and controls. This may suggest that endothelial functions are preserved in patients with WCH in contrast to essential hypertension.
GHz Range Magnetic Field Measurement of a Coplanar Waveguide with a Magnetic Force Microscope Tip by Exploiting a Beat Signal Between the Coplanar Waveguide and an Exciting Coil

This paper describes a GHz range magnetic field measurement of a coplanar waveguide (CPW) by using a magnetic force microscope (MFM) tip to explore a beat signal between a CPW with a 5-μm-wide signal line and a 50-μm-wide ground line and a semicircular exciting coil with a 100 μm diameter. The beating field is produced by supplying a signal current to the CPW and a reference current to the exciting coil. The signal current is fixed at a specific frequency between 0.1 and 7.0 GHz, while the reference is adjusted to produce a beat with a frequency near the cantilever resonance frequency. As the MFM tip is excited by the beat, the gradient of magnetic field can be successfully observed above the CPW surface for a signal frequency up to 7.0 GHz. The gradient of magnetic field is minimized near the two gaps, but is maximized near the center of the signal line. These results demonstrate that the tip interacts closely with the RF magnetic near-field of the CPW through the beating field, and exploring a reference RF field can detect the distribution of RF magnetic fields radiated from an RF circuit component with a very high spatial resolution.
Myelin‐Associated Oligodendrocytic Basic Protein mRNAs Reside at Different Subcellular Locations

The mRNAs for two myelin proteins, myelin basic protein (MBP) and myelin-associated oligodendrocytic basic protein (MOBP)-81A, are uniquely located at sites where myelin sheaths are assembled. Here, we use subcellular fractionation to show that four MOBP mRNAs, like MBP mRNA, are located at sites of myelin sheath assembly, and that three other MOBP mRNAs are located in oligodendrocyte soma. The MOBP-81 protein is found in myelin and in another subcellular fraction, whereas other myelin proteins, including MBP, 29,39-cyclic nucleotide 39-phosphodiesterase, and myelin-associated glycoprotein, are largely restricted to myelin. Different MBP mRNAs are generated by alternative splicing. All of them contain an RNA transport sequence (RTS) that directs them to sites in oligodendrocytes, where myelin sheaths are assembled. Consequently, all are enriched in myelin. After fractionation, four MOBP mRNAs, MOBP71, MOBP-81A, MOBP-99, and MOBP-169 (identified in this study), are enriched in myelin. These mRNAs contain a common exon, exon 8b, which has a nucleotide sequence that is similar to MBP mRNA RTS. This sequence likely directs these mRNAs to sites of myelin sheath assembly. Three other MOBP mRNAs, MOBP-69, MOBP-81B, and MOBP-170, lack this exon. Their subcellular distribution indicates that they are largely retained in oligodendrocyte soma. We conclude that the distribution of MOBPs in oligodendrocytes is strongly influenced by alternative splicing of the corresponding mRNAs.
The evaluation of increase in hemodialysis frequency on C-reactive protein levels and nutritional status.

Malnutrition and inflammation are the most important causes of cardiovascular disease in hemodialysis patients. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of increase in hemodialysis frequency on C-reactive protein (CRP) level and nutritional markers in contrast to previous routine method. 18 hemodialysis patients with a mean age of 53±16 years were randomly selected in this before-and-after clinical trial. The patients under a standard hemodialysis of 3 times/4 h per week were converted to 4 times/4 h for a period of 6 weeks. The CRP, albumin, triglyceride, total cholesterol, LDL, HDL serum levels, anthropometric indices and 24-h diet recall intake was assessed before and after of the period. The data were analyzed using paired t-test, and P-value less than 0.05 was considered significant. All patients completed the study. Mean weight, body mass index and serum albumin increased while serum CRP level decreased significantly after the intervention (P<0.03). Triglyceride, total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, as well as energy, protein and fat intake had no significant change before and after the study. Increase in dialysis frequency decreased systemic inflammation and improved the nutritional state of hemodialysis patients. Therefore, it may decrease the risk of cardiovascular events in these patients.
miR-17-5p as a Novel Prognostic Marker for Hepatocellular Carcinoma

ABSTRACT Objectives: miRNAs are frequently deregulated in cancer and have shown promise as tissue-based markers for cancer classification and prognostication. Emerging evidence indicates that miR-17-5p plays an important role in carcinogenesis. However, the expression of miR-17-5p in HCC tissues and its clinical relevance has not been systematically studied yet, and whether miR-17-5p expression has influence on prognosis of HCC is still unknown. In this study, we investigate the expression and clinical significance of miR-17-5p in human HCC. Methods: The expression levels of miR-17-5p were measured in 120 paired hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and paracarcinomatous liver tissues (PCLTs) derived from patients who underwent hepatic resection by qRT-PCR. Furthermore, the correlation of miR-17-5p levels with clinicopathologic variables and prognosis was analyzed. Results: miR-17-5p was significantly upregulated in HCCs (p < .001). Furthermore, HCC with metastasis had higher miR-17-5p levels than that without metastasis (p < .001). Importantly, the elevated expression of miR-17-5p correlated with multiple tumor nodules (p = .046), worse Edmondson–Steiner grade (p = .024), vein invasion (p = .001), shortened overall survival (p = .012), and disease-free survival (p = .011) of HCC. Multivariable Cox regression analysis revealed that miR-17-5p was an independent risk factor for overall survival and disease-free survival (p = .002 and p = .042, respectively). Conclusion: miR-17-5p is highly elevated in HCC, especially in HCC with metastasis. miR-17-5p can serve as a novel prognostic marker for HCC.
In Vitro p24 Antigen-Stimulated Lymphocyte Proliferation and β-Chemokine Production in Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 (HIV-1)-Seropositive Subjects after Immunization with an Inactivated gp120-Depleted HIV-1 Immunogen (Remune)

ABSTRACT We examined the effect of immune stimulation by a human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) immunogen (Remune) compared to a non-HIV vaccine (influenza) on HIV-1-specific immune responses in HIV-1-seropositive subjects. HIV-1 p24 antigen-stimulated lymphocyte proliferation was not augmented after immunization with the influenza vaccine. In contrast, subjects increased their lymphocyte proliferative responses to p24 antigen after one immunization with HIV-1 immunogen (Remune) (gp120-depleted inactivated HIV-1 in incomplete Freund’s adjuvant). Furthermore, p24 antigen-stimulated β-chemokine production (RANTES, MIP-1α, MIP-1β) was also augmented after immunization with the HIV-1 immunogen but not influenza vaccine. Taken together, these results suggest that in this cohort, HIV-specific immune responses to p24 antigen can be augmented after immunization with an HIV-1 immunogen. The ability to upregulate immune responses to the more conserved core proteins may have important implications in the development of immunotherapeutic interventions for HIV-1 infection.
Diagnostic patterns and temporal trends in the evaluation of adult patients hospitalized with syncope.

BACKGROUND Syncope is a common clinical problem that is often difficult and expensive to diagnose. We examined diagnostic patterns and trends and use of specialty consultations in the evaluation of syncope. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of consecutive adult patients hospitalized with the principal diagnosis of syncope (International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, code 780.2) during 1994 and 1998 at 2 community teaching hospitals. RESULTS A total of 649 patients (57% female) with a mean (+/-SD) age of 68 +/- 15 years were identified in 1994 (n = 451) and 1998 (n = 198). Three hundred forty-one patients (53%) underwent at least 1 neurologic test, including brain computed tomographic (CT) scan (n = 283), electroencephalography (n = 253), carotid Doppler echocardiography (n = 185), and brain magnetic resonance imaging (n = 10). Only brain CT scan and electroencephalography yielded diagnoses in 5 (2%) and 6 patients (2%), respectively with history consistent with seizures or stroke. Cardiovascular tests providing the highest diagnostic yields (postural blood pressure check in 52 [30%], head-up tilt-table test in 32 [24%], and electrophysiologic study in 5 [16%]) were used in 176 (27%), 132 (20%), and 31 patients (5%), respectively. Differences in the use of some tests were noted at the participating hospitals and over time (1994 vs 1998). The total number of diagnosed cases was similar for patients undergoing evaluation by primary care physicians alone (65/103 [63%]), compared with cardiology (48/85 [56%]), neurology (29/48 [60%]), or both (81/141 [57%]). After a mean (+/-SD) length of stay of 5 +/- 4 days, 320 (49%) of 649 cases remained undiagnosed. CONCLUSIONS Despite a reduction in the use of some tests (eg, brain CT scan and carotid Doppler) over time, lower-yield neurologic tests were overused and higher-yield cardiovascular tests were likely underused. The untargeted, seemingly random use of specialty evaluations did not seem to contribute to an increase in the overall number of diagnosed cases. Increased use of specific tests directed by history and results of physical examination may improve diagnostic yield and decrease the cost of evaluating syncope.
The effect of estrogen plus progestin on knee symptoms and related disability in postmenopausal women: The Heart and Estrogen/Progestin Replacement Study, a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE Most observational studies suggest that postmenopausal women taking hormone replacement therapy have a reduced risk of radiographic knee and hip osteoarthritis (OA). There are no randomized trial data on the association of hormone treatment with knee or hip OA, and no studies have been published regarding the relationship of hormone treatment to knee or hip symptoms. This study examined the association of hormone treatment with prevalent knee symptoms and disability related to knee pain as assessed at the final visit of the Heart and Estrogen/Progestin Replacement Study (HERS). METHODS The HERS was a 4-year randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of estrogen plus medroxy progesterone acetate for prevention of coronary heart disease in postmenopausal women with documented coronary disease. Participants in this substudy on knee pain were 969 postmenopausal women, with a mean age of 66 years and mean body mass index of 28.6 kg/m2, attending the final visit at 9 clinical centers. Frequent knee symptoms were assessed by interview and the severity of knee pain and disability related to knee pain were determined using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). Knee symptoms and disability were compared between women assigned to receive hormones and those assigned to receive placebo. RESULTS Frequent knee pain was reported in 24.1% of women assigned to receive hormone therapy versus 26.1% of those assigned to the placebo group, a difference of -2.0% (95% confidence interval [95% CI] -7.4% to 3.5%). Among women with knee pain, there were no differences in the severity of pain (score difference -0.2, 95% CI -1.2 to 0.8) or disability (score difference -0.7, 95% CI -3.8 to 2.4) as assessed on the WOMAC. All results were similar for women whose body mass index was either above or below the median. CONCLUSION In a group of older, postmenopausal women with cardiac disease, we found no significant effect of 4 years of estrogen plus progestin therapy compared with placebo on knee pain and related disability. Our findings may not apply to other groups of women or to the effect of hormone therapy on the structural changes of knee OA.
A Comparative Occlusal and Cephalometric Study of Dental and Skeletal Anteroposterior Relationships

Anteroposterior dental relationships (Class I, II or III) were assessed from study plaster models and skeletal relationships were determined on the basis of the ANB angle of 585 orthodontic patients. It was found that there was no agreement between dental and skeletal anteroposterior relationships in about 25 per cent of the cases investigated.
Cross‐reactive N‐glycans of Api g 5, a high molecular weight glycoprotein allergen from celery, are required for immunoglobulin E binding and activation of effector cells from allergic patients

Allergy diagnosis relying on the determination of specific IgE is frequently complicated by the presence of cross‐reacting IgE of unclear clinical relevance. Particularly, the anaphylactogenic activity of IgE directed to cross‐reactive carbohydrate moieties of glycoproteins from plants and invertebrates has been a matter of debate. In this study, we present the biochemical and immunological characterization of Api g 5, a glycoprotein allergen from celery with homology to FAD containing oxidases. Carbohydrate analysis of the allergen revealed the presence of glycans carrying fucosyl and xylosyl residues, structures previously shown to bind IgE. Chemical deglycosylation of the protein completely abolished binding of serum IgE from all 14 patients tested. Likewise, basophils from a patient allergic to mugwort pollen and celery were stimulated only by native Api g 5, whereas the deglycosylated allergen did not trigger release of histamine. IgE inhibition immunoblots showed that native Api g 5 other than the deglycosylated protein completely inhibited IgE binding to high molecular weight allergens in protein extracts from birch pollen, mugwort pollen, and celery. A similar inhibition was accomplished using the IgE binding oligosaccharide, MUXF, coupled to bovine serum albumin. All these observations taken together confer convincing evidence that IgE directed to cross‐reactive carbohydrates is capable of eliciting allergic reactions in vivo.