Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Electrocardiographic QRS Fragmentation as a Marker for Myocardial Fibrosis in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Myocardial fibrosis in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) usually shows a patchy distribution, which may not be detected by pathological Q waves on 12‐lead ECGs. Fragmented QRS complexes (fQRS) reflect intraventricular conduction delay and can be a marker of myocardial fibrosis. We assessed whether fQRS show better correlation with myocardial fibrosis than pathological Q waves in HCM.
A Pooled Analysis of Diagnostic Value of 99mTc-Ubiquicidin (UBI) Scintigraphy in Detection of an Infectious Process

Purpose Although the data are promising from limited studies with technetium-99m ubiquicidin (99mTc-UBI) scintigraphy in detection of infection in humans, these studies have had a limited sample size. This study was conducted to provide a systematic review and meta-analysis of the reported diagnostic accuracy of 99mTc-UBI scintigraphy in detection of an infectious process. Materials and Methods The PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, EMBASE, and Google Scholar literature databases were systematically searched to find the relevant human studies on 99mTc-UBI scintigraphy. For each eligible study, the true-positive, false-positive, true-negative, and false-negative findings at 99mTc-UBI scintigraphy were recorded, and the overall statistical parameters were acquired. Result Ten studies carried out from 2004 to 2010 were included in the analysis. The pooled data sensitivity was 94.5 % and with a 95% confidence interval of 91.2%–96.8%. The pooled specificity was still as high as about 92.7%. The range of reported specificity was from 80% to 100%. The overall accuracy was 93.7% (95% CI: 91.2%–95.7%). Conclusion The study demonstrated that 99mTc-UBI scintigraphy can be used to identify an infectious process with admirable accuracy in early views; however, further investigations are recommended.
HMGB1 Osteo‐Modulatory Action on Osteosarcoma SaOS‐2 Cell Line: An Integrated Study From Biochemical and ‐Omics Approaches

High mobility group box protein‐1 (HMGB1) is released from cells under various pathological conditions and it plays a pivotal role as an alarmin signaling tissue damage. Little is known about the impact of HMGB1 in bone repair and remodeling. To this aim, we focused on HMGB1‐induced effects on the in vitro osteoblast model SaOS‐2. Cell proliferation was stimulated with a maximum at concentration of 2.5 nM, and such a dose also stimulated cell migration and scratch wound healing. We then characterized the modulatory effect of HMGB1 on bone biology, by using osteogenesis/mineralization assays, a PCR array, and the analysis of a series of osteogenic markers. We performed also a proteomic screening using SWATH‐MS on SaOS‐2 cell exposed to HMGB1 and we provide evidence for proteins modulated in HMGB1 exposed cells. Taken together, our data demonstrate that SaOS‐2 cell proliferation, migration, and osteogenic differentiation were increased by HMGB1. We, therefore, propose that HMGB1 could be a potent bone‐remodeling signal but the physiological meaning of this property remains to be more ascertained. J. Cell. Biochem. 117: 2559–2569, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Methionine‐Restricted Diet Increases miRNAs That Can Target RUNX2 Expression and Alters Bone Structure in Young Mice

Dietary methionine restriction (MR) increases longevity and improves healthspan in rodent models. Young male C57BL/6J mice were placed on MR to assess effects on bone structure and formation. Mice were fed diets containing 0.86% or 0.12% methionine for 5 weeks. Fasting blood plasma was analyzed for metabolic and bone‐related biomarkers. Tibiae were analyzed by histomorphometry, while femurs were analyzed by micro‐CT and biomechanically using 4‐point bending. MR mice had reduced plasma glucose and insulin, while FGF21 and FGF23 increased. Plasma levels of osteocalcin and osteoprotegrin were unaffected, but sclerostin and procollagen I decreased. MR induced bone marrow fat accretion, antithetical to the reduced fat depots seen throughout the body. Cortical bone showed significant decreases in Bone Tissue Density (BTD). In trabecular bone, mice had decreased BTD, bone surface, trabecula and bone volume, and trabecular thickness. Biomechanical testing showed that on MR, bones were significantly less stiff and had reduced maximum load and total work, suggesting greater fragility. Reduced expression of RUNX2 occurred in bone marrow of MR mice. These results suggest that MR alters bone remodeling and apposition. In MR mice, miR‐31 in plasma and liver, and miR‐133a, miR‐335‐5p, and miR‐204 in the bone marrow was elevated. These miRNAs were shown previously to target and regulate Osterix and RUNX2 in bone, which could inhibit osteoblast differentiation and function. Therefore, dietary MR in young animals alters bone structure by increasing miRNAs in bone and liver that can target RUNX2. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 31–42, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Circulation Enrichment of Functional Endothelial Progenitor Cells by Infantile Phototherapy

Phototherapy is the most common therapy used for severe jaundice. There is increasing evidence that phototherapy can directly affect the expression and function of cell surface receptors including adhesion molecules, cytokines, and growth factor receptors. In this study, the effect of two infantile phototherapy regimens, including single and intensive phototherapy was investigated on biological features of circulation endothelial progenitor cells (cEPCs), as well as on serum secretion of two important chemotactic cytokines, SDF‐1 and VEGF. Sixty infants diagnosed with severe hyperbilirubinemia and exposed to phototherapy were enrolled in this study. cEPCs were isolated before and after phototherapy and then migratory, proliferative, tubulogenic, and functional properties of these cells were analyzed. Our results revealed that intensive phototherapy markedly increased the release of EPCs into the circulation, and augmented the serum concentrations of both SDF‐1 and VEGF cytokines. Cell proliferation, tubulogenic, and migratory properties of cEPCs isolated and expanded from infants with intensive phototherapy were significantly improved. cEPCs from infants with intensive phototherapy also showed greater levels of acetylated low‐density lipoprotein and lectin binding. Overall, our results showed that the intensive phototherapy regimen can mobilize functional EPCs into the circulation through up‐regulation of serum levels of VEGF and SDF‐1, indicating phototherapy as an effective modality for improvement of stem cell mobilization in the therapeutic regenerative medicine. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 330–340, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Noninvasive Estimation of Epicardial Dominant High‐Frequency Regions During Atrial Fibrillation

Ablation of high dominant frequency (DF) sources in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) is an effective treatment option for paroxysmal AF. The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of noninvasive estimation of DF and electrical patterns determination by solving the inverse problem of the electrocardiography.
Inhibition of Pancreatic Cancer Cell‐Induced Paracrine Hedgehog Signaling by Liver X Receptor Agonists and Oxy16, a Naturally Occurring Oxysterol

The widespread involvement of the Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway in human malignancies has driven efforts to develop Hh pathway inhibitors as anti‐cancer agents. The majority of these agents antagonize Smoothened (Smo), a plasma membrane‐associated signal transducer molecule. However, several such Smo antagonists have failed in clinical trials to benefit patients with cancers that arise from aberrant Hh signaling (which often bypasses Smo). In this study, we report that a naturally occurring oxysterol, 20α, 22(R)‐dihydroxycholesterol (Oxy16), a known metabolite in the biosynthesis of steroid hormones, strongly inhibits Hh signaling induced in C3H10T1/2 embryonic fibroblasts and NIH3T3‐E1 fibroblasts through a mechanism that is independent of liver X receptor (LXR) activation. We demonstrate that Oxy16 inhibits Hh signaling in Suppressor of Fused (Sufu) null mouse embryonic fibroblast (MEF) cells, indicating that its inhibitory effect on Hh signaling is epistatic to Sufu. We further demonstrate that Oxy16 inhibits Gli1 transcriptional activity in NIH3T3‐E1 cells overexpressing Gli1 and a Gli‐dependent reporter construct. Altogether, data presented here suggest that Oxy16 may be a suitable starting point for the development of new drugs that inhibit Hh signaling downstream of Smo. By targeting aberrant Hh signaling, such novel Hh pathway inhibitors could significantly broaden the range of clinical applications compared to existing Smo antagonists. Furthermore, the present study adds a new facet to the spectrum of Hh pathway modulation that naturally occurring oxysterol derivatives are capable of, ranging from allosteric activation of the pathway via Smo binding to inhibition of the pathway downstream of Smo. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 499–509, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A Comparison of Chronic Osteomyelitis in Sickle Cell Disease and Non-Sickle Cell Disease Patients

Background: Osteomyelitis in Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) and non-SCD patients has different clinical pictures. This study was designed to compare the pattern of chronic osteomyelitis in these two populations. Method: This is a prospective study in which 30 Consecutive SCD patients with chronic osteomyelitis of haematogenous origin (SO) and 30 consecutive non-SCD patients with chronic osteomyelitis of haematogenous origin (NO) were compared between November 2003 and March 2005. Result: The presenting complaints were similar in both groups except for a higher incidence of bone pain among SCD patients. There was a significantly higher incidence of multifocalization (p =0.02), bilaterality (p = 0.01) and symmetry (p = 0.01) among SCD patients. SCD patients had significantly higher leucocyte count (p Conclusion: Bone pain, upper limb involvement and leucocytosis are more common manifestations of chronic osteomyelitis in SCD patients than in the non-SCD patients. Staphylococcus aureus remains the most common pathogen of chronic osteomyelitis in both groups in our environment.While gram negative organisms are prominent aetiologic factors; Salmonella organisms were not cultured in any of the patients. Hence, antibiotics effective against Staphylococcus aureus and gram negative organism should be prescribed.
RMCProfile: reverse Monte Carlo for polycrystalline materials

A new approach to the reverse Monte Carlo analysis of total scattering data from polycrystalline materials is presented. The essential new feature is the incorporation of an explicit analysis of the Bragg peaks using a profile refinement, taking account of the instrument resolution function. Other new features including fitting data from magnetic materials, modelling lattice site disorder and new restraint and constraint options. The new method is demonstrated by a brief review of studies carried out during its development. The new program RMCProfile represents a significant advance in the analysis of polycrystalline total scattering data, especially where the local structure is to be explored within the true constraints of the long-range average structure.
Prevalence and Predictors of HIV Risk Behaviors Among Male Prison Inmates

The purpose of this research is to estimate the prevalence of two high-risk behaviors (anal sex and injection drug use) in prison inmates and to identify the predictors of HIV-related risk behaviors during incarceration. Data come from a 1998 cross-sectional quantitative study at three Louisiana state prisons for men from surveys (N = 2,287) and presurvey and postsurvey focus groups. Results show that the best way to determine who will inject drugs and have anal sex in prison is to identify inmates who engaged in those behaviors before incarceration. Multivariate analysis found four statistically significant predictor variables, resulting in a small but extremely high-risk group of men who engaged in high-risk behaviors both before and during incarceration. Inmates who, during the month before incarceration, engaged in anal sex, gave sex for money, or used injection drugs and those with high knowledge of HIV transmission risks were more likely to engage in high-risk behavior in prison. Study results suggest that prevention and intervention programs may be more efficient and effective if targeted specifically to this narrowly defined risk group
Aportación de una minigammacámara portátil en el tratamiento quirúrgico del hiperparatiroidismo primario

Resumen En los ultimos anos se ha generalizado el uso de la gammagrafia paratiroidea con 99m Tc-MIBI para el diagnostico preoperatorio e intraoperatorio del hiperparatiroidismo primario. La aparicion de un nuevo modelo de minigammacamara portatil (MGP) abre nuevas perspectivas en el campo de la deteccion intraoperatoria. Presentamos un estudio preliminar de tres pacientes con hiperparatiroidismo primario en el que se demuestra la utilidad del empleo de la MGP.
Frustrated ferroelectricity in niobate pyrochlores

The crystal structures of the A2B2O7−x niobium based pyrochlores Y2(Nb0.86Y0.14)2O6.91, CaYNb2O7, and Y2NbTiO7 are reported, determined by means of powder neutron diffraction. These compounds represent the first observation of B-site displacements in the pyrochlore structure: the B-site ions are found to be displaced from the ideal pyrochlore positions, creating electric dipoles. The orientations of these dipoles are fully analogous to orientations of the magnetic moments in Ising spin based magnetically frustrated pyrochlores. Diffuse scattering in electron diffraction patterns shows that the displacements are only short range ordered, indicative of geometric frustration of the collective dielectric state of the materials. Comparison to the crystal structure of the Nb5+ (d0) pyrochlore La2ScNbO7 supports the prediction that charge singlets, driven by the tendency of Nb to form metal–metal bonds, are present in these pyrochlores. The observed lack of long range order to these singlets suggests that Nb4+ based pyrochlores represent the dielectric analogy to the geometric frustration of magnetic moments observed in rare earth pyrochlores.
Runt‐Related Transcription Factor 2 (Runx2) Is Responsible for Galectin‐3 Overexpression in Human Thyroid Carcinoma

Runx2 promotes metastatic ability of cancer cells by directly activating some of the mediators regarding malignancy. Galectin‐3 (Gal‐3) extensively expressed in normal and transformed cells and it is responsible for many cellular processes. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether there is any relationship between runx2 transcription factor and regulation of galectin‐3 expression in different human thyroid carcinoma cell lines. To show effects of runx2 transcription factor on gal‐3 expression, we developed runx2 knockdown model in the thyroid carcinoma cell lines; anaplastic 8505C and 8305C and, papillary TPC‐1 and follicular FTC‐133 by using siRNA transfection. We analyzed the protein expressions and mRNA levels of gal‐3 and MMP2/9 in the runx2‐silenced cell lines using Western blotting, qPCR, and fluorescent microscopy. Our results showed that mRNA expression levels of gal‐3 and MMP2/9 were downregulated in runx2‐silenced cell lines. In this investigation, we revealed that regulation of gal‐3 expression was strongly correlated with runx2 transcription factor in human thyroid carcinoma. Considering the contribution of human gal‐3 in collaboration with MMP2/9 to the malignant characters of many cancers, regulation of their expressions through runx2 seems like one of the key regulatory mechanism for malignant potential of human thyroid carcinoma. Accordingly, runx2 transcription factor inhibitors can be a potential target in order to prevent gal‐3 mediated malignancy of human thyroid carcinoma. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 3911–3919, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Imaging Cartilage Physiology

Abstract Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common disease that results in cartilage degeneration in the joints and is a disabling condition for millions of individuals. Poor sensitivity and specificity of standard diagnostic methods have relegated treatment options to mitigating pain or surgical replacement. The advent of disease-modifying drugs holds the potential for reversing the normal course of OA and rebuilding cartilage. To aid these therapies, novel magnetic resonance imaging–based tools are required for detecting subtle early changes in cartilage physiology due to OA that may provide improved diagnoses and clinical management of patients. Some of the techniques reviewed here such as T1&rgr; and T2 relaxometry, magnetization transfer, chemical exchange saturation transfer, and 23Na magnetic resonance imaging are all biomarkers of cartilage pathological diseases that are sensitive to early biochemical changes in the extracellular matrix of cartilage. These techniques have the potential to noninvasively detect early pathological changes with the goal of aiding clinical decision making as well as contributing to the development and evaluation of potential disease-modifying therapies.
Desmame e interrupção da ventilação mecânica

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The II Brazilian Consensus Conference on Mechanical Ventilation was published in 2000. Knowledge on the field of mechanical ventilation evolved rapidly since then, with the publication of numerous clinical studies with potential impact on the ventilatory management of critically ill patients. Moreover, the evolving concept of evidence - based medicine determined the grading of clinical recommendations according to the methodological value of the studies on which they are based. This explicit approach has broadened the understanding and adoption of clinical recommendations. For these reasons, AMIB - Associacao de Medicina Intensiva Brasileira and SBPT - Sociedade Brasileira de Pneumologia e Tisiologia - decided to update the recommendations of the II Brazilian Consensus. Weaning from mechanical ventilation has been one of the updated topics. This objective was described the most important topics related to weaning from mechanical ventilation. METHODS: Systematic review of the published literature and gradation of the studies in levels of evidence, using the keywords weaning and mechanical ventilation. RESULTS: Recommendations on the weaning from mechanical ventilation and how to select patients applying weaning protocols and spontaneous breathing test. CONCLUSIONS: Weaning is a very important period of mechanical ventilatory support. Weaning protocols are recommended to select patients ready to be extubated.
Families' Needs of Patients With Acquired Brain Injury: Acute Phase and Rehabilitation.

PURPOSE The aim of this study was to identify and compare the needs of families of patients with acquired brain injury (ABI) in acute care and rehabilitation settings. DESIGN A descriptive exploratory study was conducted. METHODS Data were collected in the acute care setting and in the rehabilitation setting during meetings with families (n = 54) of patients with ABI using the Family Needs Questionnaire. FINDINGS In both settings, families identified obtaining information about ABI or the patients' health as the most important need, followed by support from health professionals. CONCLUSION For families, accessing information about the disease situation was important regardless of patients being in the acute care or rehabilitation phase. To provide tailored care for these families, it is important to assess information needs systematically already in the acute phase of hospitalization. CLINICAL RELEVANCE A paradigm shift is desirable to include families in care, identify their needs, and support them in a more tailored way.
Prevalência de más oclusões em crianças de 9 a 12 anos de idade da cidade de Nova Friburgo (Rio de Janeiro)

INTRODUCTION: Knowledge of a population's epidemiological situation is important in the planning and provision of dental services. OBJECTIVES: Assess the prevalence of malocclusion in children aged 9 to 12 years old from public schools in the city of Nova Friburgo, Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil. METHODS: A randomly selected sample consisting of 407 children (53.1% female) who were evaluated by a trained professional, after parental consent. RESULTS: The most prevalent malocclusions were crowding (45.5%), excessive overjet (29.7%), posterior crossbite (19.2%), anterior diastema (16.2%), partially erupted teeth (12.0%) and excessive overbite (10.8%). Class I molar relationship prevailed (76.7%). The presence of diastemas was higher in females and excessive overbite was more prevalent in males, both in mixed dentition. Negative overjet and the presence of partially erupted teeth had a higher prevalence in permanent dentition. CONCLUSION: It was observed that the mere evaluation of malocclusion prevalence does not reveal case severity or treatment need, both of which are important factors in public health planning.
MiR‐19a Affects Hepatocyte Autophagy via Regulating lncRNA NBR2 and AMPK/PPARα in D‐GalN/Lipopolysaccharide‐Stimulated Hepatocytes

This study aims to evaluate the potential involvement and regulatory mechanism of miR‐19a in hepatocytes autophagy of acute liver failure (ALF). The in vitro hepatocytes injury model of primary hepatocyte and hepatocytes line HL‐7702 was established by D‐galactosamine (D‐GalN) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) co‐treatment. Relative expression level of miR‐19a and NBR2 was determined by qRT‐PCR. Protein expression of AMPK/PPARα and autophagy‐related gene was determined by Western blot. In hepatic tissue of 20 ALF patients and D‐GalN/LPS‐stimulated hepatocytes, miR‐19a was upregulated and NBR2 was downregulated. D‐GalN/LPS stimulation caused the inactivation of AMPK/PPARα signaling and the decrease of autophagy‐related LC3‐II/LC3‐I ratio and beclin‐1 expression in hepatocytes. The expression of both AMPK/PPARα and NBR2 were negatively controlled by miR‐19a overexpression or knockdown. Moreover, both NBR2 and PPARα were targeted regulated by miR‐19a according to luciferase reporter assay. In D‐GalN/LPS‐stimulated hepatocytes, AMPK activation promoted PPARα expression. AMPK inactivation inhibited the pro‐autophagy effect of miR‐19a and caused the decrease of LC3‐II/LC3‐I ratio and beclin‐1 expression. PPARα activation abrogated the anti‐autophagy effect of miR‐19a mimic and caused the increase of LC3‐II/LC3‐I ratio and beclin‐1 expression. NBR2 knockdown reversed the anti‐autophagy impact of miR‐19a inhibitor and caused the decrease of LC3‐II/LC3‐I ratio and beclin‐1 expression. In summary, our data suggested that miR‐19a negatively controlled the autophagy of hepatocytes attenuated in D‐GalN/LPS‐stimulated hepatocytes via regulating NBR2 and AMPK/PPARα signaling. J. Cell. Biochem. 119: 358–365, 2018. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Tratamento cirúrgico da fibrilação atrial

INTRODUCTIONAtrial fibrillation (AF) is a sustained tachyarrhythmiacommonly seen in the clinical practice. It can present withhigh morbid-mortality rates due to hemodynamicinvolvement, the cardiomyopathy originating from thetachycardia and to the occurrence of thromboembolicphenomena [1]. The association between AF and structural heartdiseases is common among patients with mitral valve diseaseindicated for surgery, with from 40% to 60% of the casespresenting with AF during the surgery [2]. It is fundamental that the electrophysiological bases ofthis arrhythmia are well understood to comprehend itssymptoms and to establish the correct treatment. James Cox[3] proposed a new classification of the symptoms of thedisease. The classification is based on the constancy ofarrhythmia or not. Thus, AF can appear in two principal