Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Do clinical data and human papilloma virus genotype influence spontaneous regression in grade I cervical intraepithelial neoplasia?

Objective: To determine whether medical history, clinical examination and human papilloma virus (HPV) genotype influence spontaneous regression in cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade I (CIN-I). Material and Methods: We retrospectively evaluated 232 women who were histologically diagnosed as have CIN-I by means of Kaplan-Meier curves, the pattern of spontaneous regression according to the medical history, clinical examination, and HPV genotype. Results: Spontaneous regression occurred in most patients and was influenced by the presence of multiple HPV genotypes but not by the HPV genotype itself. In addition, regression frequency was diminished when more than 50% of the cervix surface was affected or when an abnormal cytology was present at the beginning of follow-up. Conclusion: The frequency of regression in CIN-I is high, making long-term follow-up and conservative management advisable. Data from clinical examination and HPV genotyping might help to anticipate which lesions will regress.
Glucosamine-anchored doxorubicin-loaded targeted nano-niosomes: pharmacokinetic, toxicity and pharmacodynamic evaluation

Abstract Background: Efficacy of anticancer drug is limited due to non-selectivity and toxicities allied with the drug; therefore the heart of the present work is to formulate drug delivery systems targeted selectively towards cancer cells with minimal toxicity to normal cells. Purpose: Targeted drug delivery system of doxorubicin (DOX)-loaded niosomes using synthesized N-lauryl glucosamine (NLG) as a targeting ligand. Methods: NLG-anchored DOX niosomes were developed using ethanol injection method. Results: Developed niosomes had particle size <150 nm and high entrapment efficiency ∼90%. In vivo pharmacokinetics exhibited long circulating nature of targeted niosomes with improved bioavailability, which significantly reduced CL and Vd than DOX solution and non-targeted niosomes (35 fold and 2.5 fold, respectively). Tissue-distribution study and enzymatic assays revealed higher concentration of DOX solution in heart while no toxicity to major organs with developed targeted niosomes was observed. Solid skin melanoma tumor model in mice manifested the commendable targeting potential of targeted niosomes with significant reduction in tumor volume and high % survival rate without drop in body weight in comparison with DOX solution and non-targeted niosomes of DOX. Conclusion: The glucosamine-anchored DOX-loaded targeted niosomes showed its potential in cancer targeted drug therapy with reduced toxicity. AbbreviationsALT alanine transaminaseCL clearanceCPK creatinine phosphokinaseDOX doxorubicinEDC.HCL ethyl carbidimide hydrochlorideGLUT glucose transporterGSH glutathione S-transferaseLDH lactate dehydrogenaseLHRH luteinizing hormone-releasing hormoneMDA malonaldehydeNHS N-hydroxy succinimideNLG N-lauryl glucosamineNTAR DoxNio non-targeted doxorubicin niosomesPBS phosphate buffer salineRGD argynyl glycyl aspartic acidSGOT serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminaseSGPT serum glutamate pyruvate transaminaseSOD superoxide dismutaseTAR DoxNio targeted doxorubicin niosomesVd volume of distribution
Use of minimally invasive gingival biopsies in the study of inflammatory mediators expression and their correlation with gingival fluid in patients with chronic periodontitis.

BACKGROUND There are no studies comparing the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) cytokines expression with its corresponding values from the same tissue's sites. Such comparison might be of great value since most of the cytokine function is related to cell and/or tissue receptors. AIMS Our aim was to use minimally invasive biopsies to evaluate the expression of interferon-gamma, interleukin 1 (IL-1) β, IL-6, IL-17A, IL-17F, and their correlation with the expression in gingival fluid in patients with chronic periodontitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS The collection of gingival fluid comprised 22 samples from 11 patients (mean age 46.73 ± 10.16 standard deviation years) with chronic periodontitis. The collection of biopsies comprised 22 samples from the same patients. Gingival fluid and biopsy were taken from the same site in one shallow and one deep site per patient. Gingival fluid samples were collected with periopaper® and analyzed using Luminex®. Biopsies were taken with a 2 mm diameter punch and analyzed for the same mediators using immunohistochemistry. RESULTS The gingival fluid showed higher amounts for IL-1-β in deep sites. Immunohistochemical markers were observed in the analyzed cells groups, both in deep and shallow sites, without significant differences between them. In the comparative analysis between immunohistochemical markers and GCF, IL-1-β showed high concordance in shallow and deep sites. CONCLUSIONS The use of a standardized punch of 2 mm diameter for periodontal tissue biopsies seems to be suitable for immunohistochemistry analysis and showed that the GCF may not express all the markers in the same proportion at the corresponding tissue.
DISCORDANT PD CATHETER AND EFFLUENT CULTURE RESULTS. THE LIMITED CLINICAL RELEVANCE OF CULTURING PD CATHETERS

♦ Objectives: To determine if discordance in culture results between the effluent and the tip of the peritoneal catheter had an effect on outcome in patients whose peritoneal dialysis (PD) catheter was removed mostly for nonresolving peritonitis. Reasons for and outcomes of PD catheter removal were also analyzed. ♦ Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the charts of all PD patients with recent peritonitis for which the PD catheter was removed between 1 January 2003 and 30 April 2009. Data including basic demographics, the organism isolated from effluent and from the PD catheter, reason for catheter removal, duration of hospitalization, and development of intra-abdominal collection were extracted as well as mortality within 8 weeks post removal and return to PD after catheter removal. ♦ Results: Fungal peritonitis was the most common reason for PD catheter removal. 20% of the patients developed an intra-abdominal collection. Mortality related to PD catheter removal was low (3/53; 5.6%). The patients (n =53) were divided into 3 groups: group 1 (n = 20) had the same culture result of effluent and catheter tip; group 2 (n = 19) had a negative culture of the catheter tip; and group 3 (n = 14) had different organism(s) growing from effluent and catheter tip. We found no remarkable differences in duration of PD, catheter age, peritonitis rate, or mortality. Patients in group 1 had significantly more fungal peritonitis than the other 2 groups. In only 4 of the 53 patients (7.5%), the anti-infectious management was changed according to the catheter culture result. ♦ Conclusions: Discordant results between catheter tip culture and effluent culture did not have a significant impact on patient outcome. Sending PD catheters for culture has limited clinical importance.
The Impact of Urbanization on Political Outcomes in Turkey

The purpose of this study is to identify the urbanization–related determinants of two key political outcomes in Turkey, namely the election turnout rate and the vote share of the Justice and Development Party (AKP) which has been in power since 2002. We estimate regressions that include the outcomes as dependent variables and several socio-demographic indicators as explanatory variables. Making use of data available at both the province and district levels, we are able to observe nationwide patterns as well as those that apply in the province of Istanbul. The findings from the province level analysis reveal that the available indicators are reasonably good predictors of the dependent variables. It turns out that the urbanization rate was positively related with both of the outcomes. The findings in the vote share equation are in line with the hypothesis that the AKP has benefited from the existing living conditions of the urban population, especially in the metropolitan areas. The party has been particularly successful in identifying the worldviews and addressing the needs of conservative and generally-underprivileged masses of voters many of whom are first or second generation migrants. The district level analysis also yields results that are in line with our expectations regarding the socio-economic and cultural factors behind the AKP’s success. The high level of support for the party in parts of the province where lower-class native and migrant populations are concentrated is among the key findings of the econometric work. As previously argued in the literature, we attribute this success in part to the party’s prioritization of the provision of public services to the lower-class neighborhoods.
Basal Blood Flow in Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Does Not Necessarily Indicate Vasoconstrictor Nerve Activity

Objectives:To quantitatively investigate simultaneous skin blood flow and sweating in a patient with complex regional pain syndrome. Method:Using one probe, skin blood flow and sweating were measured on the affected and non-affected sides at baseline and after activation of sympathetic system in a 47-year-old woman with complex regional pain syndrome type I of the left hand. Results:Basal sweating, sympathetic sweat response, basal blood flow, sympathetic flow response, and attrition rate of blood flow (the ratio of sympathetic flow response to basal blood flow) of the affected side were greater than those on the non-affected side. Conclusions:Although sympathetic nerve activity (sympathetic flow response) appeared greater on one side, basal blood flow was also greater on that side. These contradictory results suggest that some factor or factors increase basal blood flow despite a higher sympathetic nerve tone on the side. Comparing basal blood flow on one side to the contralateral side does not necessarily indicate lesser vasoconstrictor nerve activity on that side. Advantages of simultaneous measurement of skin blood flow and sweating with a single probe may make the method useful.
The effects of calcium benzoate in diets with or without organic acids on dietary buffering capacity, apparent digestibility, retention of nutrients, and manure characteristics in swine.

Eight barrows (Yorkshire x [Finnish Landrace x Dutch Landrace]), initially 30 kg BW, were fitted with ileal cannulas to evaluate the effects of supplementing Ca benzoate (2.4%) and organic acids (OA) in the amount of 300 mEq acid/kg feed on dietary buffering capacity (BC), apparent digestibility and retention of nutrients, and manure characteristics. Swine were allotted in a 2 x 4 factorial arrangement of treatments according to a cyclic (8 x 5) changeover design. Two tapioca-corn-soybean meal-based diets were formulated without and with acidogenic Ca benzoate. Each diet was fed in combination with OA (none, formic, fumaric, or n-butyric acid). Daily rations were equal to 2.8 x maintenance requirement (418 kJ ME/BW(.75)) and were given in two portions. Chromic oxide (.25 g/kg) was used as a marker. On average, Ca benzoate lowered BC by 54 mEq/kg feed. This salt enhanced (P < .05) the ileal digestibility (ID) of DM, OM, arginine, isoleucine, leucine, phenylalanine, alanine, aspartic acid, and tyrosine (by up to 2.4 percentage units). Also, the total tract digestibility (TD) of DM, ash, Ca and GE, and Ca retention (percentage of intake) was greater (P < .05) in swine fed Ca benzoate, whereas N retention remained unaffected. Addition of all OA (formic and n-butyric acid, in particular) exerted a positive effect (P < .05) on the ID of amino acids (except for arginine, methionine, and cysteine). A similar effect (P < .05) was found for the TD of DM, OM, CP, Ca and total P and for the retention of N and Ca. In swine fed Ca benzoate, urinary pH decreased by 1.6 units (P < .001). In conclusion, dietary OA have a beneficial effect on the apparent ileal/total tract nutrient digestibilities, and Ca benzoate increased urine acidity, which could be effective against a rapid ammonia emission from manure of swine.
Bank Sectoral Concentration and Risk: Evidence from a Worldwide Sample of Banks

We propose a new stock return-based methodology to measure three dimensions of banks' sectoral concentration (specialization, differentiation,, financial sector exposure). Using these measures for a broad cross-section of banks and countries between 2002 and 2012, we estimate both the short- and long-run relationship between banks' sectoral concentration and banks' performance and stability. We find that bank volatility and systemic risk exposure decrease with banks' sectoral specialization and increase with banks' sectoral differentiation and financial sector exposure. These effects are significantly stronger in the long-run. Moreover, there exists important time and cross- country variation, with effects generally stronger during systemic stress periods.
Acute hemorrhagic leukoencephalitis with severe brainstem and spinal cord involvement: MRI features with neuropathological confirmation

Acute hemorrhagic leukoencephalitis (AHLE) is a rare and fulminant demyelinating disease considered to be the most severe form of acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM). A 70‐year‐old man was admitted to our emergency department (ED) after 1 week of unspecific abdominal symptoms and moderate fever in the first 3 days. Within the ED he developed a rapid onset coma and flaccid tetraparesis. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis showed mild polymorphonuclear pleocytosis and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed supratentorial focal white matter lesions and diffuse involvement of the medulla and spinal cord. A presumptive diagnosis of ADEM was made and the patient was treated with corticosteroids followed by intravenous immunoglobulin. His neurological state did not improve and the MRI on day 8 after admission showed an increased number of lesions, mainly in the brainstem, with hemorrhagic foci. The patient died the following day and pathological features confirmed the diagnosis of AHLE. This is a unique presentation of a rare disease with detailed MRI characteristics and pathological confirmation. Although this condition is usually fatal, early recognition and aggressive therapeutic management can facilitate survival. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2011;33:957–961. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cell‐specific diversity in the expression and organization of cytoplasmic plaque proteins of apical junctions

Tight and adherens junctions play critical roles in the barrier, adhesion, and signaling functions of epithelial and endothelial cells. How the molecular organization of these junctions is tuned to the widely diverse physiological requirements of each tissue type is not well understood. Here, we address this question by examining the expression, localization, and interactions of major cytoplasmic plaque proteins of tight and adherens junctions in different cultured epithelial and endothelial cell lines. Immunoblotting and immunofluorescence analyses show that the expression profiles of cingulin, paracingulin, ZO‐1, ZO‐2, ZO‐3, PLEKHA7, afadin, PDZD11, p120‐catenin, and α‐catenin, as well as the transmembrane junctional proteins occludin, E‐cadherin, and VE‐cadherin, are significantly diverse when comparing kidney cells (MDCK, mCCD), keratinocytes (HaCaT), lung carcinoma (A427, A549), and endothelium‐derived cells (bEnd.3, meEC, H5V). Proximity ligation and co‐immunoprecipitation assays show that PLEKHA7 and PDZD11 are significantly more associated with the tight junction proteins cingulin and ZO‐1 in aortic endothelium–derived (meEC) cells but not kidney collecting duct epithelial (mCCD) cells. These results provide evidence that the cytoplasmic plaques of tight and adherens junctions are diverse in their composition and molecular architecture and establish a conceptual framework by which we can rationally address the mechanisms of tissue‐dependent junction physiology and signaling by cytoplasmic junctional proteins.
Protein C and S levels in acute leukemia

Patients with acute leukemia undergoing remission induction chemotherapy occasionally develop venous thrombosis despite severe thrombocytopenia and in the absence of disseminated intravascular coagulation. This observation prompted us to study the levels of the naturally occurring anticoagulant proteins C and S prospectively in patient sundergoing remission induction chemotherapy for acute leukemia. Plasma samples from 50 adult patients with acute leukemia (34 AML, 16 ALL) were analyzed for protein C antigen, functional protein C, immunologic total and free protein S as well as levels of C4b binding protein (C4bBP). Plasma levels of immunolgic protein C were significantly lower in patients with active acute myelocytic leukemia (mean = 77.9) than in controls (mean = 123.6) or patients in remission (mean = 132). Functional protein C levels were also significantly lower in AML patients with active disease (mean = 58.5) than controls (mean = 95.5) or patients in remission (mean = 98.5). Patients with acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) had normal levels of immunologic and functional protein C. Although total protein S levels were normal in all patients studied, levels of free protein Swere significantly decreased in patients with active AML (mean = 29.3) compared with patients in remission (mean = 42.0) or controls (mean = 42.4). In contrast, patients with ALL, both with active disease and in remission had normal free protein S levels. This decrease in free protein S seen in active AML was not associated with liver disease, white cell count or an increase in C4bBP. These findings provide a possible explanation for the occasional occurrence of venous thrombosis in patients with acute myelocytic leukemia.
Laminin-5 is a component of preserved amniotic membrane

Purpose. To determine if laminin-5 is retained in the matrix of cryopreserved human amniotic membrane tissue prepared for ocular surgeries. Methods. Amniotic membrane was solubilized in urea/SDS buffer. Constituent proteins were resolved by SDS-PAGE and laminin-5 content was determined by Western blot analysis using a panel of antibodies directed against the a3, ß3 or ? 2 chains of the molecule. Human corneal epithelial cells were seeded on amniotic membrane and cultured in the presence or absence of EGF. The cell-membrane construct was examined for laminin-5 content using Western blot analysis and immunofluorescence microscopy. Results. In preserved amniotic membrane the laminin-5 a3 chain is present in both the unprocessed (190-kDa) and processed (160-kDa) forms. The ß3 chain is found in the 145-kDa form. The ? 2 chain appears to be predominantly in the processed (105-kDa) form. Very little of the unprocessed form of the ? 2 chain (155-kDa) could be detected using immunoblot analysis. A similar distribution of laminin-5 was also present in extracts of corneal epithelial cells cultured on amniotic membrane. Immunofluorescence analysis of cells cultured on the membrane demonstrated polarization of laminin-5 at the cell-membrane interface. Conclusions. The presence of both the unprocessed and processed forms of laminin-5 a3 and ? 2 chains in preserved human amniotic membrane suggests that when used as a substrate in ocular surgeries, this membrane may be capable of promoting corneal epithelial cell motility and adhesion. Regulation of the motile or adhesive function may lie with factors secreted by the corneal epithelium that populates the membrane following surgery.
X‐Ray‐Induced Cell Death in the Developing Hippocampal Complex Involves Neurons and Requires Protein Synthesis

Sprague-Dawley rats aged 1 or 15 days were irradiated with a single dose of 200 cGy X-rays and killed at different intervals from 3 to 48 hours (h). Dying cells were recognized by their shrunken and often fragmented nuclei and less damaged cytoplasm in the early stages. On the basis of immunocytochemical markers, dying cells probably represented a heterogeneous population which included neurons and immature cells. In rats aged 1 day the number of dying cells rapidly increased in the hippocampal complex with peak values 6 h after irradiation. This was followed by a gentle decrease to reach normal values 48 h after irradiation. The most severely affected regions were the subplate and the cellular layer of the subiculum, gyrus dentatus and hilus, and the stratum oriens and pyramidale of the hippocampus (CA1 more affected than CA2, and this more affected than CA3). X-ray-induced cell death was abolished with an injection of cycloheximide (2 μg/g i.p.) given at the time of irradiation. X-ray-induced cell death was not changed after the intraventricular administration of nerve growth factor (NGF; 10 μg in saline) at the time of irradiation. Cell death was not induced by X-irradiation in rats aged 15 days. These results indicate that X-ray-induced cell death in the hippocampal complex of the developing rat is subjected to determinate temporal and regional patterns of vulnerability; it is an active process mediated by protein synthesis but probably not dependent on NGF.
Hypometabolism and Interictal Spikes during Positron Emission Tomography Scanning in Temporal Lobe Epilepsy

To study the influence of interictal spikes on 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET), EEG monitoring was performed during PET scanning in 21 patients with temporal lobe epilepsy. Asymmetry indices were calculated in the polar, mesial, anterior-lateral, mid-lateral and posterior-lateral temporal region of interests of FDG-PET (PET-AI). 70.7% of spikes were recorded with their maximum at the anterior temporal region (F7, F8, FT9, FT10), 29.3% at mid-temporal (T7, T8), and none at posterior temporal region (P7, P8). Regardless of the side of epileptic focus, right-left difference of the total spikes had a significant negative correlation with right/left PET-AIs of the anterior-lateral temporal region (Spearman’s ρ = –0.565, p = 0.009), polar (ρ = –0.500, p = 0.021) and whole temporal region (ρ = –0.480, p = 0.028). FDG-PET hypometabolism may reflect not only a permanent functional deficit but also a transient regional cerebral dysfunction related to the occurrence of interictal spikes.
Atypical neuroleptics: role of multiple receptors, endogenous dopamine, and receptor linkage

Abstract A variety of biological factors may account for the atypical lack of parkinsonism that is a characteristic of the administration of the many ‘atypical’ neuroleptics. Although dopamine D2 receptor blockade continues to be a dominant feature of successful neuroleptics, the concomitant blockade of muscarinic or serotonergic S2 receptors helps to prevent neuroleptic‐induced parkinsonism for some atypical neuroleptics (clozapine, thioridazine, risperidone). The D2‐selective benzamides, however, do not block other known receptors (with the possible exception of sigma sites). Therefore, the atypical nature of the benzamides may be based on their sensitivity to the level of endogenous dopamine released in the different regions of the brain. Finally, atypical neuroleptic action may possibly stem from direct linkage between different receptors coupled through components of the G protein system.