Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Maintenance of a bone collagen phenotype by osteoblast-like cells in 3D periodic porous titanium (Ti-6Al-4 V) structures fabricated by selective electron beam melting

Abstract Regular 3D periodic porous Ti-6Al-4 V structures were fabricated by the selective electron beam melting method (EBM) over a range of relative densities (0.17–0.40) and pore sizes (500–1500 µm). Structures were seeded with human osteoblast-like cells (SAOS-2) and cultured for four weeks. Cells multiplied within these structures and extracellular matrix collagen content increased. Type I and type V collagens typically synthesized by osteoblasts were deposited in the newly formed matrix with time in culture. High magnification scanning electron microscopy revealed cells attached to surfaces on the interior of the structures with an increasingly fibrous matrix. The in-vitro results demonstrate that the novel EBM-processed porous structures, designed to address the effect of stress-shielding, are conducive to osteoblast attachment, proliferation and deposition of a collagenous matrix characteristic of bone.
Self-assembled monolayer facilitates epithelial-mesenchymal interactions mimicking odontogenesis

Abstract Cell-cell interactions are vital for embryonic organ development and normal function of differentiated cells and tissues. In this study we have developed a self-assembled monolayer-based co-culture system to study tooth morphogenesis. Specifically, we designed a 2-D microenvironment present in the dental tissue by creating a well-structured, laterally organized epithelial and mesenchymal cell co-culture system by patterning the cell-attachment substrate. Chemical modifications were used to develop tunable surface patterns to facilitate epithelial-mesenchymal interactions mimicking the developing tooth. Such a design promoted interactions between monolayer’s of the 2 cell types and provided signaling cues that resulted in cellular differentiation and mineralized matrix formation. Gene expression analysis showed that these co-cultures mimicked in-vivo conditions than monolayer cultures of a single cell type.
Commentary: Measuring the Quality of the VA Health Care System

The Veterans Administration has a long history of measuring the quality of care it provides. In the 1970s deficiencies in care were documented and the potential for the VA to deliver high quality care was thought to be limited (National Academy of Sciences 1977). However, the VA responded by developing prospective data registries, a state of the art electronic medical record, and patient safety programs (Iglehart 1996; Kizer 1999). By the mid-1990s clear evidence for improvement appeared. In a study of VA and Medicare patients hospitalized in 1994 and 1995 with acute myocardial infarction, Petersen and colleagues found that the VA patients were more likely to receive recommended medications including thrombolytics, beta-blockers, aspirin and ACE inhibitors than were patients treated in the Medicare system (Petersen et al. 2001). Not all MI care was superior in the VA. Recommended angiography was less likely to be performed for VA patients than Medicare (Petersen et al. 2003); however, survival for VA patients was not clearly different from those in Medicare after adjustment for clinical characteristics from detailed chart review (Petersen et al. 2000). The conclusion reached by many was that VA care for acute myocardial infarction was now on par with the community (Fihn 2000). Therefore, when the VA evaluated acute myocardial infarction care for their congressionally mandated comparison with Medicare it was reasonable to expect that outcome would be the same. Thus, the observation that survival in the VA was worse than in Medicare, as reported in this issue of HSR, was surprising (Landrum et al. 2004).
Upper Airway Dimensions in Class II Malocclusion

Abstract Objective: To study the effects of cervical headgear treatment of Class II division 1 malocclusion on upper airway structures in children. Materials and Methods: Forty children aged 9.1 (7.2–11.5) years with Class II division 1 malocclusion were treated using a cervical headgear as the only treatment appliance. The headgear consisted of a long outer bow bent 15° upward and a large inner bow expanded 10 mm larger than the intermolar distance. Lateral cephalograms were taken before and after the treatment. Upper airway structures were estimated from the cephalograms. The results were compared to cross-sectional data of 80 age-matched controls with a Class I molar relationship. Results: A Class I molar relationship was achieved in all treated children. The mean treatment time was 1.6 (0.3–3.1) years. The Class II malocclusion was accompanied by a similar or wider nasopharyngeal space than in the controls but narrower oro- and hypopharyngeal spaces. The retropalatal area was widened by the treatment .
First report of fingerprinting dried herbal products using a subtractive diversity array

Abstract Introduction Sequence-independent microarrays have never been used to identify and authenticate dried herbal plants. Methods: We report successful fingerprinting of seven species: Leonurus sibiricus, Astragalus membranaceus, Coix lachryma-jobi, Magnolia biondii, Abutilon theophrasti, Physalis alkekengi, and Salvia miltiorrhiza from dried tissues using a sequence-independent microarray, “Subtracted Diversity Array”. Results: Herbal plants could be identified from tissues as they were sold at the clinic. Hierarchical cluster of these species generated using SPSS v.15. 0 confirmed to their predicted taxonomical relationships as specified in the Angiosperm Phylogeny Group II classification system. A polymorphism rate of 40.7% was achieved from the 376 spots used for fingerprinting. Functional characterization of polymorphic features by sequencing revealed 27.1% of those were retroelements or genes. Conclusions: This technique provides a new way to produce markers for authenticating dried herbal samples.
Laser acupuncture in treatment of childhood bronchial asthma

Abstract Laser acupuncture is widely used as an alternative treatment for chronic illnesses. Objective: to evaluate the effect of biostimulation by low-level power laser on the traditional Chinese acupuncture points for Egyptian asthmatic children. Method: Thirty asthmatic boys and 20 asthmatic girls 7–18 years (10.6±2.8) were randomly selected from the outpatient chest clinic of Ain Shams University, Children hospitals, and National Research Center outpatient Clinic of Acupuncture, from April 2009 to March 2010. Patients’ symptoms, medications, asthma control questionnaire (ACQ), and spirometric values were recorded before and 1 month after completion of 10 laser acupuncture sessions. Each patient received 10 laser sessions (3 sessions/week) on traditional Chinese acupoints. Results: Started with 36 patients suffering daytime and nocturnal symptoms, ended with two patients suffering nocturnal symptoms (p < 0.001). Also, 48 patients reported better exercise tolerance (p < 0.001). Forced expiratory volume in the first second, forced vital capacity, and peak expiratory flow % increased from 81.8±25.2, 85.4±21.5, and 71.8±22.9 to 98.5±28.1, 104.3±26.2, and 84.3±24.1, respectively (p < 0.001). ACQ improved from 13.9±3.8 to 23.3±3.6 (p < 0.001), 92% of patients became well controlled. Inhaled steroids dose decreased from 200–450 to 0–200 μg/day and all patients stopped short acting B2 agonist (SABA) rescue (p < 0.01, 0.001). Conclusion: low-intensity laser acupuncture can be safe and effective treatment in asthmatic children.
Prevalence of multidrug resistance among retreatment pulmonary tuberculosis cases in a tertiary care hospital, Hyderabad, India

Background: India is one of the high tuberculosis (TB) burden countries in the world. India ranks second in harboring multi drug resistant (MDR)-TB cases. About 50,000 of MDR cases are recorded in retreatment pulmonary TB cases. This study was conducted in a tertiary care facility (Government General and Chest Hospital) in Hyderabad, India. Objectives: Toassess: Proportion of the TB patients having MDR-TB at the initiation of retreatment regimen; the prevalence of isoniazid (INH) resistance in this geographical area. Materials and Methods: An analytical, observational, prospective cohort study of patients attending the out-patient department from December 2010 to March 2011. Results: Sputum samples from 100 patients were subjected to acid fast bacilli (AFB) culture and drug sensitivity testing. Of these, 28 (28%) were MDR-TB, 42 (42%) were non-MDR-TB and 39% being INH resistance. Conclusions: In conclusion, one third of the retreatment pulmonary TB cases attending a tertiary care institute for TB will be MDR-TB at the initiation of treatment and there is a need to include ethambutol in the continuation phase of new TB case treatment in view of high INH resistance.
Multiscale imaging of bone microdamage

Abstract Bone is a structural and hierarchical composite that exhibits remarkable ability to sustain complex mechanical loading and resist fracture. Bone quality encompasses various attributes of bone matrix from the quality of its material components (type-I collagen, mineral and non-collagenous matrix proteins) and cancellous microarchitecture, to the nature and extent of bone microdamage. Microdamage, produced during loading, manifests in multiple forms across the scales of hierarchy in bone and functions to dissipate energy and avert fracture. Microdamage formation is a key determinant of bone quality, and through a range of biological and physical mechanisms, accumulates with age and disease. Accumulated microdamage in bone decreases bone strength and increases bone’s propensity to fracture. Thus, a thorough assessment of microdamage, across the hierarchical levels of bone, is crucial to better understand bone quality and bone fracture. This review article details multiple imaging modalities that have been used to study and characterize microdamage; from bulk staining techniques originally developed by Harold Frost to assess linear microcracks, to atomic force microscopy, a modality that revealed mechanistic insights into the formation diffuse damage at the ultrastructural level in bone. New automated techniques using imaging modalities, such as microcomputed tomography are also presented for a comprehensive overview.
Biochemical and histopathological study of the anti-hyperglycemic and anti-hyperlipidemic effects of cornelian cherry (Cornus mas L.) in alloxan-induced diabetic rats

Abstract Background: Anthocyanins are phytochemicals with a multitude of pharmacological actions including anti-diabetic and anti-hyperlipidemic effects. This study was undertaken to evaluate the anti-hyperglycemic and anti-hyperlipidemic effects of cornelian cherry (Cornus mas L., CM) fruits – that are rich in anthocyanins and known to have medicinal properties– in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Methods: Twenty-eight adult male rats were randomly assigned to four groups of seven animals each: non-diabetic control, diabetic control, glibenclamide-treated (0.6 mg/kg/day; 4 weeks) and CM fruit-treated (2 g/day; 4 weeks) group. Diabetes was induced by a single injection of alloxan (120 mg/kg). Fasting serum levels of glucose, total cholesterol (TC), low- (LDL-C) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), triglycerides (TG), aspartate (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were measured at the end of study period. Results: Diabetic rats had significantly elevated levels of serum glucose, LDL-C, TG, AST, ALP and ALT and decreased levels of HDL-C compared to the non-diabetic group (p<0.05). Treatment with either glibenclamide or CM counterbalanced the above-mentioned abnormalities. The effects of CM were comparable to those of glibenclamide at the doses tested in this study. Serum glucose, TG, ALP and HDL concentrations in the normal group were significantly changed compared to the diabetic control group (p<0.05). There were no significant changes in evaluated biochemical parameters between the glibenclamide and CM groups with normal group. Histopathological examinations revealed a less severe hepatic portal inflammation in the CM-treated vs. other study groups. Results: Dietary supplementation with CM fruits effectively prevents the development of diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia and hepatic inflammation in alloxan-induced diabetes.
The effect of dry needling and treadmill running on inducing pathological changes in rat Achilles tendon

Abstract Achilles tendinopathy is a common degenerative condition without a definitive treatment. An adequate chronic animal model of Achilles tendinopathy has not yet been developed. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the individual and combined effects of dry needling and treadmill running on the Achilles tendon of rats. Percutaneous dry needling, designed to physically replicate microrupture of collagen fibers in overloaded tendons, was performed on the right Achilles tendon of 80 Sprague–Dawley rats. The rats were randomly divided into two groups: a treadmill group, which included rats that underwent daily uphill treadmill running (n = 40), and a cage group, which included rats that could move freely within their cages (n = 40). At the end of weeks 1 and 4, 20 rats from each group were sacrificed, and bilateral Achilles tendons were collected. The harvested tendons were subjected to mechanical testing and histological analysis. Dry needling induced histological and mechanical changes in the Achilles tendons at week 1, and the changes persisted at week 4. The needled Achilles tendons of the treadmill group tended to show more severe histological and mechanical changes than those of the cage group, although these differences were not statistically significant. Dry needling combined with free cage activity or treadmill running produced tendinopathy-like changes in rat Achilles tendons up to 4 weeks after injury. Dry needling is an easy procedure with a short induction period and a high success rate, suggesting it may have relevance in the design of an Achilles tendinopathy model.
Improved pulmonary function following pirfenidone treatment in a patient with progressive interstitial lung disease associated with systemic sclerosis

Pirfenidone is an anti-fibrotic drug which has been approved for the management of patients with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF). However, its role in interstitial lung disease (ILD) due to other causes such as systemic sclerosis (SSc) is not clear. We present a case of a patient with SSc associated ILD who showed a subjective as well as objective improvement in lung function with pirfenidone.
Pulmonary sequestration: A rare case in a patient with acute chest pain and palpitation mimicking the acute coronary syndrome

Pulmonary sequestration (PS), a non-functioning lung tissue, which lacks the normal communication with the tracheobronchial tree and receives the blood supply from the systemic circulation, is a rare congenital malformation that comprises 0.5-6% of all congenital pulmonary malformations. The presentation of PS with chest pain is very rare. In this article, we are aimed to report the case of a patient with chief complaints of retrosternal chest pain and palpitation, which was suspected to be of cardiac origin. Primary evaluations including exercise tolerance test, 48-hour holter monitoring, coronary angiography ruled out any cardiac problem. Further evaluations with Thoracic CT scan revealed a cystic mass in the retrocardiac region of the lung. Thoracotomy surgery was done and the patient was finally diagnosed to be extralobar pulmonary sequestration.
The relationship between disease-related characteristics and conduction disturbances in ankylosing spondylitis

Objectives: Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is associated with an increased cardiovascular (CV) risk. Conduction disturbances (CD) may explain the CV burden, as they are independently associated with cardiac disease. The aim of this study was (i) to determine the prevalence of CD in AS, and (ii) to evaluate the relationship between CD and demographic and AS-related characteristics. Methods: A rheumatological evaluation assessing demographic and AS-related characteristics and a resting standard 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) were performed in 131 consecutive AS patients. Results: A first-degree atrioventricular (AV) block was found in six (4.6%) patients. One (0.8%) patient suffered from a complete right bundle branch block (RBBB) and one (0.8%) patient had a left anterior hemiblock. A prolonged QRS (pQRS) interval was observed in 38 (29.2%) patients, including those with a complete or incomplete BBB. Age, disease duration, and body mass index (BMI) were significantly associated with the PR interval, and male gender, disease duration, and the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Metrology Index (BASMI) with the QRS interval. In multivariate analyses, disease duration remained independently associated with both the PR and the QRS intervals. Conclusion: Intraventricular CD is highly prevalent in AS, particularly in patients with long-standing disease. Further research is needed to determine whether intraventricular CD contribute to the increased CV risk and long-term CV mortality in AS.
Attitudes, skill and use of evidence-based practice among US Western herbal medicine providers: a national survey

Abstract Background Evidence-based practice (EBP) has been the focus of increasing attention in the teaching and delivery of both complementary and conventional healthcare. Western herbal medicine (WHM) is a system of complementary healthcare rooted in tradition. How WHM practitioners perceive, are prepared for, and use EBP, has to date been largely ignored. We therefore examined the use, opinion, skills, and training in EBP, and barriers and facilitators of EBP uptake, among herbal practitioners in the United States (US). Methods The study utilized a cross-sectional, descriptive survey design. A sample of US clinical herbalists was invited to complete a validated online questionnaire, the Evidence-Based practice Attitude and utilization SurvEy (EBASE). Results Seventy-four US herbal practitioners completed the survey (response rate=35 %). Participants demonstrated a generally positive attitude toward EBP (median attitude subscore 31 [possible range=8–40]), a moderate to high level of self-assessed skill in EBP (median skill subscore 46 [13–65]) and a moderate level of EBP uptake (median use subscore 12 [0–24]). Apart from a lack of clinical evidence in herbal medicine, there were few perceived barriers to EBP uptake among herbal practitioners. Access to the Internet, online databases and full-text journal articles were considered most useful in facilitating the uptake of EBP in WHM practice. Conclusions Respondents’ attitudes, skill level, and uptake of EBP were generally consistent with other complementary and alternative medicine providers. Educational initiatives, including those focused on the appraisal and application of evidence, may help to optimize the use of EBP among WHM practitioners.
Efficacy and Safety of Botulinum Type A Toxin in Adductor Spasticity Due to Multiple Sclerosis

Objective: To assess the efficacy of Clostridium botulinum type A toxin-hemagglutinin complex [BoNT-A, Dysport®] in the treatment of adults with adductor muscle spasticity due to definite or probable multiple sclerosis [MS]. Methods: In this 12-week multinational, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, patients received a single treatment of either BoNT-A 1,000–1,500 Ipsen units or placebo injected into the adductor muscles of each leg [500–750 Ipsen units per leg]. The primary outcome measure was a novel, patient-selected, functional outcome measure at week 4. Results: Fifty-five subjects were treated with BoNT-A, and 51 received the placebo. Treatment benefit in favor of BoNT-A, which tended toward significance, was seen for most endpoints but not the subjective patient-selected key outcome measure. As with a previous dose-ranging study of BoNT-A, pain was significantly reduced in both legs [P < 0.05 at weeks 8 and 12]. Lack of significance for the other endpoints was probably due to the low number of patients who received the full 1,500 Ipsen unit dose of BoNT-A, which has previously been shown to be effective. The majority of adverse events were mild-to-moderate in severity and resolved within a few days. Conclusion: The BoNT-A was shown to provide effective pain relief in patients with severe adductor spasticity due to MS, and the trend toward treatment benefit for the primary endpoint is in line with previously published literature.
Association of systemic lupus erythematosus with low serum bilirubin levels

Objective: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is accompanied by severe oxidative stress. Bilirubin has been reported as a strong negative predictor of oxidative stress-mediated diseases, such as atherosclerosis. The objective of our study was to evaluate the association between serum bilirubin levels and SLE manifestation. Methods: The study was performed with 259 SLE patients, diagnosed according to American Rheumatism Association (ARA) criteria. A subset of these patients, having normal hepatic function (n = 218, mean age 39.5 years), was studied in greater detail to eliminate the possible confounding effects of any underlying or drug-induced liver disease on the serum bilirubin levels. Age-matched healthy subjects (n = 180) served as the control group. A standard biochemical and immunological work-up was performed on all subjects. Results: Compared to the controls, substantially lower levels of serum bilirubin were detected in SLE patients (p < 10–5); these were inversely correlated with disease activity and extent (p < 0.05). Furthermore, each 1 μmol/L decrease in serum bilirubin was associated with a 37% increase in the odds for a positive SLE status [odds ratio (OR) 1.37, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.28–1.47, p < 10–5]. Simultaneously, the odds of unconjugated hyperbilirubinaemia (a phenotypic sign of Gilbert's syndrome) were more than four times lower in SLE patients (OR 0.235, 95% CI 0.072–0.764, p = 0.016). Conclusion: Low serum bilirubin represented a strong predictor of the manifestation of SLE symptoms. The most likely explanation for this finding is the increased consumption of bilirubin due to the severe oxidative stress accompanying SLE. Subjects with higher serum bilirubin levels, such as those with Gilbert's syndrome, might be protected from the development of SLE.
Prevalence of death due to pulmonary embolism after trauma

Background: Pulmonary thromboembolism is an important cause of death affecting thousands of people worldwide. The current study aims to evaluate the prevalence of death due to pulmonary embolism after trauma. Materials and Methods: The diagnoses of the causa mortis of all patients treated in the Accident and Emergency Department of Hospital de Base in São José do Rio Preto, in the period from July 2004 to June 2005, were identified from autopsy reports to check whether pulmonary thromboembolism was involved. Result: A total of 109 deaths due to trauma were detected in this period with pulmonary embolism occurring in 3 (2.75%) patients. Conclusion: Pulmonary thromboembolism is an important cause of mortality in trauma patients and so prophylactic measures should be taken during the treatment of these patients.