Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Reactive oxygen Metabolites in Frozen Serum Samples. Effect of Storage and Repeated Thawing

Measuring the free radical activity in serum samples from prospective studies is the best way to investigate the association between oxidative stress and human diseases. Prospective studies require the analysis of serum samples that have often been stored for a long time. Our study was designed to determine the effect of storage at –30°C and –80°C for two years on free radical activity. We analyzed the free radical activity by measuring circulating hydroperoxides in a pool of sera at baseline and after one day, one week, one month and 25 months of storage, using a photometric method (d-ROMs test). Measurements were performed in aliquots thawed only once at each time point and in aliquots frozen and thawed repeatedly over the study period. After two years we observed a small but statistically significant 4% decrease in the hydroperoxide concentration, which was substantially unaffected by storage temperatures and repeated freeze-thaw cycles. We also carried out the d-ROMs test in sera from ten apparently healthy volunteers at 2, 8, 24, and 48 hours after collection and storage at 4°C and did not observe any significant variation. In conclusion, the d-ROMs test is a simple method suitable to evaluate the free radical activity in frozen serum samples after long-term storage.
p53 Expression in Leukoplakia and Carcinoma of the Tongue

There is growing interest in assessing multistep carcinogenesis and predicting its course using different molecular markers. TP53 is a tumor suppressor gene and appears to be one of the molecular targets of tobacco-related carcinogens in oral cancer. The present study evaluated the role of p53 expression in patients with leukoplakia and carcinoma of the tongue. p53 expression was studied by immunohistochemistry. All patients with leukoplakia of the tongue were male tobacco users. Nuclear staining of p53 was observed in 79% of those patients. Fifty percent, 25% and 4% of the patients expressed 1+, 2+ and 3+ nuclear staining, respectively. When leukoplakia patients were graded according to histopathology, 67% had hyperplasia and 33% had dysplasia. Nuclear p53 accumulation was 88% in hyperplasia and 62% in dysplasia. In patients with tongue cancer, nuclear accumulation of p53 was seen in only 19% of the tumors, with a staining intensity of 1+ in 13%, 2+ in 2% and 3+ in 4% of the tumors. The prevalence of nuclear p53 positivity (79%) was significantly higher in patients with leukoplakia than in patients with tongue cancer (19%; χ2= 34.32, r = -0.45, df = 1, p = 0.0001; odds ratio (OR) = 16.66, 95% CI, 5.25-52.86). Therefore, leukoplakia patients who show p53 expression have a higher risk of developing tongue cancer than those who do not show p53 expression. As the percentage of positivity of nuclear p53 was very low, none of the clinicopathological parameters or disease status showed any significant association with it. The interesting finding is that none of the female cancer patients showed nuclear p53 expression. Therefore, p53 accumulation is believed to be an early event in neoplastic progression of the tongue. (Int J Biol Markers 2006; 21: 74-80)
Planning and Implementing a Research Project: Part 1

Determining a Researchable Problem or Question Many clinical problems associated with standard practice can lead to researchable problems. Developing a strategy to narrow the focus and make the research manageable is key. First, determine a general topic, for example, compliance issues before and after transplantation or increasing the number of available donors. Before you begin to develop the proposal, do a preliminary review of the literature to determine if the problem has been studied before or if a study of it is feasible. This first step can save valuable time. In this initial review, find out how and under what circumstances the problem was researched. For example, if you wish to measure compliance with medications in the period after transplantation, determine what methods were used before to measure compliance and whether or not the methods worked. Also, just because a study has been done does not mean that it should not be done again. Repeating a study by using different subjects and different settings is an excellent means of increasing knowledge in an area. Findings from one sample are not always usable in another clinical practice. Whether the problem has or has not been examined before, ask colleagues or others involved in your specific area or a related area if the research seems “doable” and if it will answer a significant clinical question. The significance of a research question is determined first by reviewing the literature.As you read the literature, ask yourself the following: Has this question been Planning and implementing a research project: part 1
Synthesis and Characterization of a Gd-DOTA-D-Permeation Peptide for Magnetic Resonance Relaxation Enhancement of Intracellular Targets

Many MR contrast agents have been developed and proven effective for extracellular nontargeted applications, but exploitation of intracellular MR contrast agents has been elusive due to the permeability barrier of the plasma membrane. Peptide transduction domains can circumvent this permeability barrier and deliver cargo molecules to the cell interior. Based upon enhanced cellular uptake of permeation peptides with D-amino acid residues, an all-D Tat basic domain peptide was conjugated to DOTA and chelated to gadolinium. Gd-DOTA-D-Tat peptide in serum at room temperature showed a relaxivity of 7.94 ± 0.11 mM−1 sec−1 at 4.7 T. The peptide complex displayed no significant binding to serum proteins, was efficiently internalized by human Jurkat leukemia cells resulting in intracellular T1 relaxation enhancement, and in preliminary T1-weighted MRI experiments, significantly enhanced liver, kidney, and mesenteric signals.
Phosphor-Stimulated Computed Cephalometry: Reliability of Landmark Identification

The aim of this randomized, controlled, prospective study was to determine the reliability of computed lateral cephalometry (Fujiw Medical Systems, Tokyo, Japan) in terms of landmark identification compared to conventional lateral cephalometry (CAWOw, Schrobenhausen, Germany). To assess the reliability of landmark identification on lateral cephalographs, 20 computed images, taken at 30 per cent reduced radiation (70 kV, 15 mA, 0·35 s) were compared to 20 conventional images (70 kV, 15 mA, 0·5 s). The 40 lateral cephalographs were taken from 20 orthodontic patients at immediate post-treatment and 1 year after retention. The order and type of imaging was randomized. Five orthodontists identified eight skeletal, four dental and five soft tissue landmarks on each of the 40 films. The error of identification was analysed in the XY Cartesian co-ordinate following digitization. Skeletal landmarks exhibited characteristic dispersion with respect to the Cartesian co-ordinates. Root apices were more variable than crown tips. Soft tissue landmarks were more consistent in the X co-ordinate. Two-way ANOVA shows that there is no significant difference between the two imaging systems in both co-ordinates (P . 0·05). Moreover, the differences are generally small (, 0·5 mm), and are unlikely to be of clinical significance. Most of the variables attained statistical power of at least 0·8 in the X-co-ordinate while only the dental landmarks achieved statistical power of at least 0·78 in the Y-co-ordinate. Based on the results of the study: (1) computed lateral cephalographs can be taken at 30 per cent radiation reduction, compared to conventional lateral cephalograph; (2) each anatomical landmark exhibits its characteristic dispersion of error in both the Cartesian co-ordinates; (3) there is no trend between the two imaging systems, with equivocal result, and none of the landmarks attained statistical significance when both raters and imaging systems are considered as factorial variables; (4) the random error of raters in landmark identification after replicate tracing was highlighted and needs to be taken into consideration in all studies involving landmark identification. Index words: Computed Radiography, Phosphor Stimulated, Randomized Prospective Study.
On Classification of Web Services Using Fuzzy Expert System

The evolution of the Internet from static Web pages into dynamic Web services raises a serious challenge of locating desired Web services. One possible way for Web services discovery is to classify Web services into different categories when they are published in a UDDI registry. This paper proposes a knowledge-based solution to the problem through the use of fuzzy expert systems. Our system automatically classifies Web services into specific domains through identifying key concepts/operations inside service textual documentations, and hence builds a lattice of classes of similar Web services. Results obtained by the system are compared with those computed by alternative methods.
Exploring the Roles of Horizontal, Vertical, and Oblique Transmissions in Language Evolution

This article proposes an acquisition framework that involves horizontal, vertical, and oblique transmissions. Based on a lexicon–syntax coevolution model, it discusses the relative roles of these forms of cultural transmission on language origin and change. The simulation results not only reveal an integrated role of oblique transmission that combines the roles of horizontal and vertical transmissions in preserving linguistic understandability within and across generations of individuals, but also show that both horizontal and oblique transmissions are more necessary than vertical transmission for language evolution in a multiagent cultural environment.
Self‐similar, surfactant‐driven flows

Consider a dilute, insoluble surfactant monolayer on the free surface of a thin viscous film. A gradient in surfactant concentration generates a gradient in surface tension, driving a flow that redistributes the surfactant so that these gradients decay. The nonlinear evolution equations governing such flows, derived using lubrication theory, have previously been shown to admit a set of simple similarity solutions representing the spreading of a monolayer over an uncontaminated interface. Here, a much more general class of similarity solutions is considered, and a transformation is identified reducing the governing partial differential equations to a set of nonlinear ordinary differential equations, the solutions of which correspond to integral curves in a two‐dimensional phase plane. This allows the construction of solutions to a wide range of problems. Many new solutions are revealed, including one that cannot be determined by simpler techniques, namely the closing of an axisymmetric hole in a monolayer,.
Orthodontic Treatment with Rapid Maxillary Expansion for Treating a Boy with Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea

It is estimated that the prevalence of pediatric obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients is 0.4–4%. 1 Current available treatment options for pediatric OSA are adenotonsillectomy (T&A), nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), intranasal application of high-potency corticosteroids, leukotriene modifiers and rapid maxillary expansion (RME). 2 Enlarged adenoid and tonsils are a well-known pathophysiology for pediatric OSA, and T&A is the most popular treatment option.3 However, recent publications revealed that not every child with pediatric OSA is cured with T&A.4 We present a case report that RME improved the symptoms of a pediatric OSA child who did not respond to T&A.
Psychosocial and Behavioral Selection Criteria for Solid Organ Transplantation

Progress in Transplantation, Vol 11, No. 2, June 2001 Organ transplantation is a therapeutic option for selected patients with irreversible end-stage organ disease. Improvements in transplantation technology and posttransplant immunosuppressive therapy have resulted in increased survival rates of kidney, heart, and liver transplant recipients, especially in the first year after transplant, and in improved quality of life. Trans plan tation medicine is confronted with an increasing number of patients who could be helped by this treatment modality, yet organ shortage remains a major limiting factor. Transplantation is also a costly technology. Thus, it is of utmost importance to determine which patients will benefit most from transplantation. An evidence-based decision process in the selection of organ transplant candidates is therefore indicated. This selection process should not only be based on medical criteria, but should also focus on psychosocial and behavioral criteria because there is growing evidence that these factors will also determine the success of the transplant procedure. Medical criteria are well established, allowing prediction as to which patients have the best chances for a good outcome after transplantation. In contrast, research concerning the psychosocial and behavioral variables that may affect transplant outcomes is scarce. Data are generally limited to descriptive enumerations based on Psychosocial and behavioral selection criteria for solid organ transplantation
Adherence to therapeutic regimens in patients with hypertension

BACKGROUND: Based on epidemiological research, there is a close relationship between cardiovascular problems and hypertension. Thus, the present study aimed to determine the rate of adherence to therapeutic regimens and its related factors in hypertensive outpatients admitted to teaching hospitals affiliated to Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Iran. METHODS: In this descriptive study, 120 hypertensive outpatients who were admitted to four outpatient clinics in Urmia were selected during 2010. Demographic and disease-related data was collected by a researcher-made questionnaire. Patients’ level of adherence was determined by the Hill-Bone Compliance to High Blood Pressure Therapy Scale. After assessing the validity and reliability of the questionnaires, they were filled out through interviews. RESULTS: The participants’ mean scores of adherence to medication, diet, and appointment keeping were 94.77 ± 6.65 percent (range: 72-100%), 91.53 ± 9.60 percent (range: 50-100%), and 86.56 ± 17.76 percent (range: 12-100%), respectively. There were significant relationships between patients’ drug adherence and different levels of income, number of pills taken each day, and the frequency of blood pressure control. CONCLUSION: As adherence to therapeutic regimens is an important factor in blood pressure control among hypertensive patients, adherence rates in different age groups and different locations should be evaluated. Furthermore, investigations on inpatients can reveal other factors affecting rates of adherence to treatment. Keywords: Adherence, Hypertension, Therapeutic Regimens
Haves have-nots and HIV.

The author reports findings from a study in Kigali Rwanda of the comparative risk of women for being exposed to HIV on the basis of their male partners income and socioeconomic status. Researchers found womens risk of being infected with Hiv to increase with their male partners income. The education and income of the male partner were in fact more strongly related to infection in the woman than the same variables in women. This finding is explained by the propensity of males with disposable income to spend it upon alcohol and prostitutes. Tracking marital status male partners income and the length of the relationship or union as demographic predictors of HIV infection the researchers in the study found 53% of women in high-income common law unions for less than 7 years to be infected with HIV; only 16% of legal wives in long-term low-income partnerships were infected. 13% of sampled women had salaried jobs 59% were housewives 19% farmed family-owned land and 8% described themselves as entrepreneurs. The subjects were less likely to be infected if their partners were farmers or soldiers compared to those women whose partners were in the private sector or civil services. Private sector employees and civil servants earned higher incomes. Moreover women in partnerships with men who traveled away from home for more than 1 week/month were not at significantly greater risk of being infected with HIV than were women whose men stayed at home. HIV prevalence was however significantly higher among women claiming to not be in monogamous relationships compared to those who were monogamous. Women who knew their steady partner had visited prostitutes contracted a venereal disease or drank alcohol were also more likely to be infected. Social class and gender are considered as factors behind the worldwide concern over HIV and AIDS.
MAJOR BETA-THALASSEMIA: PROTECTIVE OR PREDISPOSING FACTOR FOR CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES

Introduction: Cardiac dysfunctions have been well known in patients with Major thalassemia. Some studies have focused on differences in blood pressure and heart rate between these patients and normal population, while this view has not been proven in other studies. Given the importance of hemodynamic factors in the health of these individuals, we intend to test the hypothesis as to whether or not hemodynamic factors of these patients differ from normal subjects. Methods: Patients were selected from among the thalassemic patients referred to a blood clinic of one of the third-level hospitals in Tehran. Finally, 50 patients and 50 normal subjects were studied in two groups. All subjects have been assessed using Holter monitoring. Mean average systolic blood pressure and heart rate of subjects were recorded for a period of 24 hours. In addition, demographic data on the subjects, and some laboratory tests (such as serum lipid profile and glucose levels of the patients) were also determined and compared between the two groups. Results: 100 people were evaluated in two groups, including 50 patients with thalassemia major and 50 normal subjects, matched by age and gender. The mean age of the subjects was 16.3 ± 6.7 years; and there is no significant difference in mean age of both groups.23 female patients (46%) were in the case group, and 21 female patients (42%) were in the healthy group, the ratio for which there is no statistically significant difference between the two groups (P> 0. 05). The average level of serum glucose, lipid profiles, as well as none of the hemodynamic factors had no statistically significant difference in the two groups.Only the mean systolic blood pressure was significantly lower in male patients than among men without the disease. Discussion: Despite the lack of difference in blood pressure between the case group and others, it seems that gender could plays a protective role against cardiovascular diseases in men with thalassemia major.
Increasing Family Consent for Organ Donation: Findings and Challenges

increase the rate of organ donations, a shortage of organs for donation still exists. Eighty-six percent of the general public claims to support organ and tissue donation; however, only 40% to 50% of those approached grant consent for donation. According to the United Network for Organ Sharing, on February 24, 2001, there were 74800 patients (note 1) waiting for organ transplants in the United States, compared to approximately 49000 patients in 1996. About every 14 minutes, a patient’s name is added to this list. Although the number of organs needed increases dramatically each year, donation rates are static and have been for years. In 1999, only 10576 donor organs were recovered, and thousands of people, approximately 1 every 2 hours, died while waiting for a transplant. Even among patients who receive an organ, many die or have to undergo one or more subsequent transplants because their bodies reject the organ. The statistics for tissue and eye donations are more encouraging, but a shortage still exists. If barriers to consent can be identified, educational interventions and promotional campaigns can be designed to overcome these barriers and increase donation. Research from several disciplines can help to identify the reasons why people do not consent to donation. Psychology and other behavioral sciences can supply theoretical models of behavior and techniques for effective persuasion and communication. In this article, research that identifies barriers to donation and characteristics that differ between donors and nondonors is reviewed. Following this review, suggestions for applying basic social psychological research to the field of transplantation are provided, by informing the design of interventions, promotional campaigns, and policy changes.
Academic Performance of Adolescent Daughters Effected by the Employment of Their Mothers

Abstract The effect of employment of housewives on the academic performance of their adolescent daughters was investigated. For this study 120 households including employed and non-employed households were selected randomly from the Palampur city and University Campus of District Kangra of Himachal Pradesh. Data were collected on specific structured schedule for housewives and adolescent daughters through direct interview method. Results reported that academic performance of the adolescent daughters is affected by the employment of housewives.
Endothelin-1 is a Novel Prognostic Factor in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Endothelin-1 (ET-1) is a potent vasoactive peptide and a hypoxia-inducible angiogenic growth factor associated with the development and growth of solid tumours. This study evaluated the expression of big endothelin-1 (big ET-1), a stable precursor of ET-1, and ET-1 in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Big ET-1 expression was evaluated in paraffin-embedded tissue sections from 10 NSCLC tumours using immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridisation. The production of big ET-1 and ET-1 was studied in six established NSCLC cell lines. The plasma concentrations of big ET-1 were measured in 30 patients with proven NSCLC prior to chemotherapy by means of a sandwich enzyme-linked immunoassay and compared to levels in 20 normal controls. Big ET-1 immunostaining was detected in the cancer cells of all tumours studied. Using in situ hybridisation, tumour cell big ET-1 mRNA expression was demonstrated in all samples. All six NSCLC cell lines expressed ET-1, with big ET-1 being detected in three. The median big ET-1 plasma level in patients with NSCLC was 5.4 pg/mL (range 0–22.7 pg/mL) and was significantly elevated compared to median big ET-1 plasma levels in controls, 2.1 pg/mL (1.2–13.4 pg/mL) (p=0.0001). Furthermore, patients with plasma big ET-1 levels above the normal range (upper tertile) had a worse outcome (p=0.01). In conclusion, big ET-1/ET-1 is expressed by resected NSCLC specimens and tumour cell lines. Plasma big ET-1 levels are elevated in NSCLC patients compared to controls with levels >7.8 pg/mL being associated with a worse outcome. The development of selective ET-1 antagonists such as Atrasentan indicates that ET-1 may be a therapeutic target in NSCLC.
On the Clinical Usefulness of the Free-to-Total Prostate-Specific Antigen Ratio

The free-to-total prostate-specific antigen ratio (F/T PSA) is associated with the presence of prostate cancer and is thus used as an indicator for suspicion of prostate cancer and as a determinant for biopsy. We reviewed a recent retrospective series of 966 consecutive prostate biopsies where F/T PSA was blindly determined and did not influence biopsy indication. We simulated the association of F/T PSA with biopsy outcome and its impact as a biopsy determinant. When adopting an F/T PSA cutoff of 10%, 13%, 16% or 20% among random sextant biopsies in the 4-10 ng/mL total PSA range, the sensitivity was 15%, 37%, 55% and 72% and the specificity 89%, 80%, 64% and 44%, respectively. Using F/T PSA as a biopsy determinant, from 1.7 to 2.6 cancer biopsies would have been delayed to avoid 10 benign biopsies. As this balance is not acceptable, F/T PSA has no role as a biopsy indicator and its clinical use is questionable. (Int J Biol Markers 2006; 21: 1-5)