Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Biochemical evidence of myocardial fibrosis in veteran endurance athletes

Background: Studies on exercise-induced left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) in veteran athletes suggest the presence of abnormal diastolic filling and incomplete regression of LVH on cessation of exercise. Hypothesis: Myocardial fibrosis occurs in exercise induced LVH in veteran athletes. Aim: To document non-invasively the presence of fibrosis in veteran athletes Design: Prospective case–control study. Setting: City centre district general hospital. Participants: 45 normotensive elite veteran athletes and 45 normal sedentary subjects. Interventions: Echocardiographic assessment was made of LV mass, LV systolic and LV diastolic function. Plasma carboxyterminal propeptide of collagen type I (PICP), carboxyterminal telopeptide of collagen type I (CITP) and tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase type I (TIMP-1) were measured as markers of collagen synthesis, degradation and inhibition of degradation, respectively. Results: Veteran athletes had significant elevation in LV dimensions and calculated LV mass index (LVMI). Diastolic and systolic function was normal. Plasma PICP (259 vs 166 μg/l, p<0.001), CITP (5.4 vs 2.9 μg/l, p<0.001) and TIMP-1 (350 vs 253 ng/ml, p = 0.01) were elevated in the cohort of athletes. There was a further elevation of TIMP-1 in athletes with echocardiographic LVH, defined as an LVMI >130 g/m2 (417 vs 266 ng/ml, p = 0.02). Conclusion: There is biochemical evidence of disruption of the collagen equilibrium favouring fibrosis in veteran athletes with LVH. This may suggest that fibrosis occurs as part of the hypertrophic process in veteran athletes.
Variation in genes involved in the immune response and prostate cancer risk in the placebo arm of the Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial

We previously found that inflammation in benign prostate tissue is associated with an increased odds of prostate cancer, especially higher‐grade disease. Since part of this link may be due to genetics, we evaluated the association between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in immune response genes and prostate cancer in the placebo arm of the Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial.
Associations between the dimensions of perceived togetherness, loneliness, and depressive symptoms among older Finnish people

ABSTRACT Objectives: We studied the associations between perceived togetherness, depressive symptoms, and loneliness over a six-month period among 222 people aged 75–79 who reported loneliness or depressive mood at baseline. Method: The present cross-lagged models utilized baseline and six-month follow-up data of a randomized controlled trial that examined the effects of a social intervention on loneliness and depression (ISRCTN78426775). Dimensions of perceived togetherness, i.e. attachment, social integration, guidance, alliance, nurturance, and reassurance of worth, were measured with the Social Provisions Scale, depressive symptoms with a short form of the Geriatric Depression Scale, and loneliness with a single item. Results: After controlling for baseline loneliness and depressive symptoms, baseline higher attachment in all participants and baseline higher opportunity for nurturance in the social intervention group predicted lower depressive mood at follow-up. No cross-lagged associations between the dimensions of perceived togetherness at baseline and loneliness at follow-up were observed. In addition, depressive symptoms and loneliness at baseline tended to negatively predict the dimensions of perceived togetherness at follow-up. Discussion: Depressive symptoms and loneliness appear to be precursor for perceived togetherness, rather than dimensions of perceived togetherness to be antecedents of loneliness and depressiveness among older people.
DNA damage response during mouse oocyte maturation

ABSTRACT Because low levels of DNA double strand breaks (DSBs) appear not to activate the ATM-mediated prophase I checkpoint in full-grown oocytes, there may exist mechanisms to protect chromosome integrity during meiotic maturation. Using live imaging we demonstrate that low levels of DSBs induced by the radiomimetic drug Neocarzinostatin (NCS) increase the incidence of chromosome fragments and lagging chromosomes but do not lead to APC/C activation and anaphase onset delay. The number of DSBs, represented by γH2AX foci, significantly decreases between prophase I and metaphase II in both control and NCS-treated oocytes. Transient treatment with NCS increases >2-fold the number of DSBs in prophase I oocytes, but less than 30% of these oocytes enter anaphase with segregation errors. MRE11, but not ATM, is essential to detect DSBs in prophase I and is involved in H2AX phosphorylation during metaphase I. Inhibiting MRE11 by mirin during meiotic maturation results in anaphase bridges and also increases the number of γH2AX foci in metaphase II. Compromised DNA integrity in mirin-treated oocytes indicates a role for MRE11 in chromosome integrity during meiotic maturation.
Relationship between tumour necrosis factor‐related apoptosis inducing ligand (TRAIL) and vascular endothelial growth factor in human multiple myeloma patients

Tumour necrosis factor‐alfa (TNF‐α) is an inflammatory cytokine with a wide spectrum of biological activity, including angiogenesis. Tumour necrosis factor‐related apoptosis inducing ligand (TRAIL), which belongs to the TNF family of proteins, plays a role in the regulation of vascular responses, but its effect on the formation of new blood vessels (angiogenesis) is unclear. We analysed TRAIL concentrations in parallel with pro‐angiogenic cytokines in serum and their expression in trephine biopsy (TB) in 56 patients with newly diagnosed IgG MM and 24 healthy volunteers. The study showed statistically higher concentrations of TRAIL and TNF‐α, as well as of VEGF and its receptor, in MM patients compared to healthy volunteers and patients in advanced stages of the disease. Furthermore, we observed a significant decrease in all studied pro‐angiogenic cytokines and significant increase of TRAIL concentration after anti‐angiogenic therapy, with meaningful differences between responders (at least partial remission) and patients with progression during the induction treatment. It was also established that TRAIL correlated statistically and negatively with pro‐angiogenic cytokines such as VEGF with its receptor and expression of VEGF and syndecan‐1 in TB.
NOBOX is a strong autosomal candidate gene in Tunisian patients with primary ovarian insufficiency

Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) affects approximately 1% of women before the age of 40. Genetic contribution is a significant component of POI. In this context, heterozygous mutations in NOBOX, BMP15 and GDF9 have been reported. The objective of our study was to evaluate the prevalence of these genes mutations in 125 unrelated Tunisian patients diagnosed with POI. The screening of NOBOX gene revealed three missense mutations (p.Arg117Trp; p.Gly91Trp and p.Pro619Leu) in eight patients. These mutations were not found in a 200 ethnically matched women without fertility problem. The sequencing of BMP15 and GDF9 gene revealed only previously reported variants. In contrast to previous studies, the prevalence of BMP15 variations is not higher than in the control population. Conversely, 6.4% of the cases present a NOBOX mutations; this high prevalence strengthens the consideration of NOBOX gene as strong autosomal candidate for POI.
Comparison of delayed versus immediate pushing during second stage of labor for nulliparous women with epidural anesthesia.

OBJECTIVE To determine if the use of delayed pushing after the onset of the second stage of labor decreases the time of active pushing and decreases maternal fatigue. DESIGN Randomized clinical trial. SETTING Labor and delivery unit of a not-for-profit community hospital. PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS Convenience sample of nulliparous laboring women with epidural anesthesia. INTERVENTIONS Immediate or delayed pushing (2 hours) during the second stage of labor at the time of complete cervical dilatation. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The length of pushing, total length of the second stage, and maternal fatigue. RESULTS A total of 77 women were studied (immediate pushing group=39; delayed pushing=38). The immediate pushing group averaged 94 (± 57) minutes in active pushing, while the delayed pushing group averaged 68 (± 46) minutes, a statistically significant difference (p=.04). No significant differences were found in fatigue scores between the immediate and delayed pushing groups (p>.05). CONCLUSIONS We found that by delaying the onset of active pushing for 2 hours after the beginning of the second stage of labor, the time that nulliparous women with epidural anesthesia spent in active pushing was significantly decreased by 27%. Although the delayed pushing group rested for up to 2 hours, the total time in the second stage of labor averaged only 59 minutes longer than the immediate pushing group.
Autistic and psychiatric findings associated with the 3q29 microdeletion syndrome: Case report and review

The screening of individuals with mild dysmorphic features and mental retardation using whole genome scanning technologies has resulted in the delineation of several previously unrecognized microdeletion syndromes. Microdeletion of 3q29 has been recently described as one such new syndrome. The clinical phenotype is variable despite an almost identical submicroscopic deletion size in most cases. We report on two individuals that further expand the clinical presentation of this rare disorder and compare the findings with earlier reports to refine the 3q29 microdeletion syndrome phenotype. The propositi are a 10‐year‐old female and a 15‐year‐old male, who have in common intellectual disabilities, a history of autism and psychiatric symptoms ranging from bipolar disorder presenting with increasing suicidal ideation to aggressive behavior and general anxiety. Other shared physical findings include asymmetric face, high‐nasal bridge, crowded/dysplastic teeth, and tapered fingers. Oligonucleotide array‐based chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) using a genome‐wide SNP array identified a de novo subtelomeric microdeletion of chromosome region 3q29 ranging from 1.6 to 2.1 Mb. The region of overlap encompasses 20 RefSeq genes, including FBX045, DLG1, and PAK2. These genes are related to neuronal postsynaptic membrane function and PTEN signaling, suggesting a role for synaptic connectivity dysfunction in the etiology of autism in these children. The novel clinical presentation of our patients expands the clinical spectrum of the 3q29 microdeletion syndrome and provides additional insights into the pathophysiology of autism and psychiatric disorders. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The Younger Patients Have More Better Prognosis in Limited Disease Small Cell Lung Cancer

Background Factors associated with the prognosis of patients with small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is relatively unknown, than of those with non-small cell lung cancer. This study was undertaken to identify the prognostic factors of SCLC. Methods The medical records of 333 patients diagnosed with SCLC at tertiary hospital from January 1, 2008, to December 31, 2012 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were categorized by age (≤65 years vs. >65 years) and by extent of disease (limited disease [LD] vs extensive disease [ED]). Overall survival and progression free survival rates were determined. Factors associated with prognosis were calculated using Cox's proportional hazard regression model. Results Most baseline characteristics were similar in the LD and ED groups. Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status (PS), first chemotherapy regimen, and prophylactic cranial irradiation (PCI) differed significantly in patients with LD and ED. Mean ECOG PS was significantly lower (p<0.001), first-line chemotherapy with etoposide-cisplatin was more frequent than with etoposide-carboplatin (p<0.001), and PCI was performed more frequently (p=0.019) in LD-SCLC than in ED-SCLC. Prognosis in the LD group was better in younger (≤65 years) than in older (>65 years) patients, but prognosis in the ED group was unrelated to age. Conclusion This study showed that overall survival (OS) was significantly improved in younger than in older patients with LD-SCLC. Univariate and multivariate analyses showed that age, PCI and the sum of cycles were significant predictors of OS in patients with LD-SCLC. However, prognosis in the ED group was unrelated to age.
Narrowband (311-nm) UV-B therapy for small plaque parapsoriasis and early-stage mycosis fungoides.

BACKGROUND Broadband UV-B phototherapy has been used for many years in the treatment of small plaque parapsoriasis (SPP) and early-stage mycosis fungoides (MF). Our purpose was to investigate the effect on these diseases of narrowband (311-nm) UV-B therapy, which was recently established for the treatment of psoriasis and found to be more effective than broadband UV-B therapy. OBSERVATIONS Twenty patients (5 women, 15 men; age range, 39-85 years) with histologically confirmed SPP or early-stage MF were enrolled. Six patients had early-stage MF (patch stage), and 14 had SPP. Treatment with 311-nm UV-B was given 3 to 4 times a week for 5 to 10 weeks. In 19 patients, lesions completely cleared after a mean number of 20 treatments (range, 14-29 treatments) and a mean cumulative UV-B dose of 16.3J/cm2 (range, 7.4-36.4 J/cm2) within a mean time of 6 weeks (range, 5-10 weeks). Biopsy specimens taken immediately after the end of phototherapy showed only sparse inflammatory infiltrates but no signs of SPP or MF. Relapses at cutaneous sites occurred in all patients within a mean time of 6 months (range, 2-15 months). CONCLUSIONS Narrowband UV-B therapy is an effective short-term treatment modality for clearing SPP and early-stage MF. However, the treatment response did not sustain long-term remission. Further studies are necessary to examine how the clinical response to and follow-up after narrowband UV-B therapy compares with that of established phototherapy modalities in these diseases.
Drug injecting and syringe use in the HIV risk environment of Russian penitentiary institutions: Qualitative study.

BACKGROUND Evidence highlights the prison as a high risk environment in relation to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) transmission associated with injecting drug use. METHODS We undertook qualitative studies among 209 injecting drug users (IDUs) in three Russian cities: Moscow (n = 56), Volgograd (n = 83) and Barnaul in western Siberia (n = 70). RESULTS Over three-quarters (77%) reported experience of police arrest related to their drug use, and 35% (55% of men) a history of imprisonment or detention. Findings emphasize the critical role that penitentiary institutions may play as a structural factor in the diffusion of HIV associated with drug injection in the Russian Federation. While drugs were perceived to be generally available in penitentiary institutions, sterile injection equipment was scarce and as a consequence routinely shared, including within large groups. Attempts to clean borrowed needles or syringes were inadequate, and risk reduction was severely constrained by a combination of lack of injecting equipment availability and punishment for its possession. Perceptions of relative safety were also found to be associated with assumptions of HIV negativity, resulting from a perception that all prisoners are HIV tested upon entry with those found HIV positive segregated. CONCLUSION This study shows an urgent need for HIV prevention interventions in the Russian penitentiary system.
Coronally advanced flap with or without enamel matrix derivative for root coverage: a 2-year study.

AIM The purpose of this study was to assess the ability of enamel matrix derivative (EMD) to improve root coverage with a coronally advanced flap (CAF) during a 2-year follow-up. METHODS Fifteen patients each with two single and similar bilateral Miller Class I or II gingival recessions (30 recessions) were selected. Each recession was randomly assigned to the test group (CAF+EMD) or the control group (CAF only). Clinical parameters recorded at baseline and at 6, 12 and 24 months were recession depth (R), recession width (WR), probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL) and keratinized tissue (KT). RESULTS Reduction of R resulted in a significant CAL gain in both groups, whereas PD was not altered. In the test group, R decreased from 4.07 mm (SD+/-0.59) at baseline to 0.47 mm (SD+/-0.74) at 24 months, corresponding to a mean root coverage (MRC) of 90.67%, whereas in the control group R shrank from 4.13 mm (SD+/-0.74) at baseline to 0.60 mm (SD+/-0.83) at 24 months (MRC=86.67%). Complete root coverage was achieved at 24 months in 73.33% and 60% of the two groups. A significant KT increase was observed in both groups. CONCLUSIONS Root coverage outcomes were similar in both groups and no statistically significant differences were found at all between them. Hence, the additional use of EMD to CAF is not justified for clinical benefits of root coverage, but as an attempt of achieving periodontal regeneration rather than repair.
Effect of beta carotene on lipid peroxidation and antioxidant status following renal ischemia/reperfusion injury in rat

Abstract Background. The production of free radicals and reactive oxygen species are important factors contributing to ischemia/reperfusion injury. Thus scavenging of the excess free radicals can be an important therapeutic approach. Beta carotene, a carotenoid pigment has a potent antioxidant property. The present study examined the effect of beta carotene administration on the level of renal content of antioxidants and lipid peroxidation following ischemia/reperfusion injury in the rat kidney. Methods. Male adult Wistar rats (250–300 g) were exposed to 45 min of renal ischemia followed by 4 h of reperfusion. Beta carotene (10, 30 and 100 mg kg−1) or vehicle was administered for 5 days prior to ischemia. Renal content of antioxidants and the level of lipid peroxidation were measured after the reperfusion period. Results. Our results showed that ischemia/reperfusion injury increased lipid peroxidation (p < 0.001) and decreased antioxidant (p < 0.001) in renal tissue. Pre-administration of beta carotene could attenuate these alterations (p < 0.05–p < 0.001), although not at all doses. Since beta carotene administration improved renal lipid peroxidation and antioxidants, it seems that beta carotene protects renal tissue against ischemia/reperfusion-induced oxidative damage.
Psychological transition into a residential care facility: older people's experiences.

AIM The aim of this paper is to discuss the complexity of admission into a residential care facility from a psychological perspective for residents and their relatives and the resulting implications for nursing care. BACKGROUND Admission into a residential care facility can be a stressful time for older people, as well as for their relatives. Many relatives have requested continued, meaningful involvement in care in the home, and researchers have identified reasons why it is important to implement strategies for including relatives in care. DATA SOURCES The background for the paper is published research from the year 2000 on relocation into nursing homes and psychological transitions. DISCUSSION The concepts of transition from the theory of Personal Constructs are used to make sense of challenges faced by residents and their relatives. The psychological transition is experienced in very different ways by both residents and their relatives, and nurses can make a difference to how this major transition is experienced. However, nurses require improved communication strategies (based on the concepts of transition) that will support residents and their relatives during the admission phase. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING Nurses in residential care facilities need to develop communication strategies that will have a positive impact on the psychological transition that occurs when an older person is admitted into care. CONCLUSION Improving the psychological health of older people moving into care should be an important goal for all nurses in residential care facilities. Using the theory of personal constructs as a guide, nurses can intervene to make this psychological transition a more positive experience.
Dynamic provisioning with availability guarantee for differentiated services in survivable mesh networks

Survivability is a key concern in modern network design in order to achieve fast service restorability against network failures. This paper investigates the problem of survivable dynamic connection provisioning in general telecom backbone networks, which are mesh structured. These networks employ optical fibers, which may fail due to network outages such as fiber cuts, etc. Our study applies to survivability of optical wavelength-division multiplexing (WDM) as well as multi-protocol label switching (MPLS) networks. For survivability study, we assume differentiated services where connections may have different availability requirements, so they may be provisioned differently with protection (if needed) based on their availability requirements and current network state. Therefore, it may be possible that connections with the same source, destination, and availability requirement are provisioned differently (unprotected, shared-path protected, or dedicated-path protected) at different times based on current network state. Such differentiated provisioning can provide diverse levels of service performance and achieve network resource optimization flexibly. Our main contributions are as follows. First, we develop an analytical model to quantify the availabilities of connections with various protection modes, i.e., unprotected, dedicated-path protected, and shared-path protected. Particular emphasis is placed on computing a connection's availability with shared-path protection by employing the link-vector technique, because this technique can maximally explore the sharing potential among backup paths and achieve bandwidth-assignment flexibility. Based on the mathematical model, we then present a novel provisioning strategy for dynamic connection requests in which multiple levels of services are provided and different protection schemes may be applied to different connections. The strategy jointly considers both connection availability satisfaction and resource optimization. Numerical results show very good accuracy of our model and high effectiveness of our provisioning strategy