Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Impact of counseling on temporarily deferred donor in a tertiary care hospital, central India: A prospective study

Background: Donors disqualified or rejected from donating blood are known as deferred donors. Blood donors are deferred for various reasons. Donors are deferred either temporarily or permanently. To make blood transfusion safe for the patients, many safety measures are undertaken, and the most important is a selection of the suitable blood donors. The rate and reasons of deferral differ from region to region and one center to the other. Aim: The aim of this study is to find out the impact of counseling on temporary donors deferral. Materials and Methods: A total of 271 donors is deferred against 10,853 blood donors recruited on the basis of clinical history and brief medical examination by medical officer during the period of 19 months from 1 st of November 2009 to 31 st May 2011. Those who were deferred temporarily during this period were counseled regarding the importance of blood donation and asked them to recruit after removal of the temporary causes. Follow-up of these temporarily deferred donors was done for 1-year. During this period, data collected were analyzed after 1-year of follow-up. Result: Incidence of donor deferral in our study was low. Most common reasons for the donor deferral in our study were alcohol consumption, followed by anemia and then, history of sexual exposure. A total of 124 temporarily deferred donors were recruited for blood donation. Conclusion: Voluntary blood donors are the backbone of blood bank. Deferral of the donors creates negative feelings about blood donation. Education, motivation, and treatment of these deferred donors due to anemia or other temporary deferrals are important aspects in blood banking and hence that these donors can be recruited again. Thus, effective measures need to be initiated to find out the issue of lost donors in terms of numbers and reasons. Hence, it is important to retain the stock of precious blood units lost due to these temporary deferrals.
The impact of chronic illness on subjective quality of life: a comparison between general population and hospital inpatients with somatic and psychiatric diseases

In a comparative study 1720 healthy persons from the general population and 242 hospital patients with the ICD-10 diagnosis Cancer, Heart Disease, Diabetes, Multiple Sclerosis, Arthritis, Diseases of the Respiration System and Schizophrenia completed the WHOQOL-BREF. The results of comparative multiple regression analysis show that the different diseases have a characteristic impact on the four subscales of the WHOQOL-BREF. Somatic diseases were found to have a strong negative impact on physical health, psychological well-being, and overall quality of life but not on social relationships. Among the somatic diseases only arthritis and multiple sclerosis had a significant negative impact on the environmental domain of quality of life. Schizophrenia was found to have a significant negative impact on physical health, psychological well-being, social relationships, environment, and on overall quality of life. For the different somatic diseases the results of the study indicate that a decrease in quality of life is not primarily a result of the severity of the disease in the sense of its mortality, but more a result of the impairment in daily functioning resulting from the disease. The broader impact of schizophrenia in contrast to that of the somatic diseases, seems to result from the negative social reactions and the economic deprivation often associated with this type of mental illness. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sperm Chromatin Released by Nucleases

In human spermatozoa, 15–20% of histones are retained in the nucleus to coexist with protamines. Hypothetically, nucleohistone regions of sperm chromatin mark DNA sequences for distinctive processing during fertilization and early embryogenesis. The structural organization and molecular composition of nucleohistones in human spermatozoa is poorly studied. Here, we isolate and characterize fractions of sperm chromatin that are solubilized by endogenous and micrococcal nucleases. Chromatin isolated by either nuclease have a nucleosomal organization with the periodicity of ∼195 bp (endogenous nuclease digest) and ∼189 bp (micrococcal nuclease digest), which is similar to that of somatic cells. A distinct feature of sperm nucleohistone is its specific compact supra-nucleosomal organization that was demonstrated by two-dimensional electrophoresis and by atomic force microscopy. The latter technique showed compacted fiber arrays composed of globular particles with the prevailing diameter of ∼16 nm. A rough estimation indicates that histones may cover continuous stretches of >50 kbp of sperm DNA. This initial characterization of sperm chromatin solubilized by nucleases is important for our understanding of the bipartite structural organization of the paternal genome.
Poor performance associated with equine gastric ulceration syndrome in four Thoroughbred racehorses

Summary Equine gastric ulceration syndrome (EGUS) is commonly recognised in Thoroughbred racehorses. Although EGUS has previously been associated with reduced athletic performance, no objective studies have been reported. This case report describes 4 racehorses referred for investigation of poor athletic performance where EGUS was the only abnormal finding during a thorough investigation of all body systems. All horses showed considerable improvement in performance following treatment with omeprazole. Therefore, this is the first report in which evidence is presented suggesting a direct link between EGUS and decreased performance, other causes of poor performance having been excluded.
Type 2 diabetes mellitus, insulin‐use and risk of bladder cancer in a large cohort study

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is associated with increased bladder cancer incidence in some, but not all, studies. Many studies had limited statistical power and few examined risk by insulin‐use, duration of diabetes or cancer stage. We examined the association between T2DM and bladder cancer incidence in the Cancer Prevention Study II Nutrition Cohort, a large prospective study with information on insulin‐use and duration of diabetes. Diabetes and insulin‐use were ascertained from a questionnaire at study enrollment in 1992 or 1993 and updated in 1997 and every 2 years thereafter. During follow‐up through 2007, 1,852 cases of incident bladder cancer were identified among 172,791 participants. Multivariable adjusted relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using extended Cox regression modeling. There were no associations of T2DM with the risk of bladder cancer overall (RR = 1.01, 95% CI: 0.87–1.17), noninvasive disease (RR = 0.93, 95% CI: 0.76–1.14) or invasive disease (RR = 1.13, 95% CI: 0.91–1.40). Compared to participants without T2DM, risk of invasive bladder cancer was higher among participants who had had T2DM for >15 years (RR = 1.63, 95% CI: 1.09–2.43) and among those using insulin (RR = 1.64, 95% CI: 1.18–2.27). These results do not support an association of T2DM with overall bladder cancer incidence, but do suggest positive associations of long‐term T2DM and insulin‐use or other factors correlated with severe diabetes, with invasive bladder cancer incidence.
Match criteria for human cell line authentication: Where do we draw the line?

Continuous human cell lines have been used extensively as models for biomedical research. In working with these cell lines, researchers are often unaware of the risk of cross‐contamination and other causes of misidentification. To reduce this risk, there is a pressing need to authenticate cell lines, comparing the sample handled in the laboratory to a previously tested sample. The American Type Culture Collection Standards Development Organization Workgroup ASN‐0002 has developed a Standard for human cell line authentication, recommending short tandem repeat (STR) profiling for authentication of human cell lines. However, there are known limitations to the technique when applied to cultured samples, including possible genetic drift with passage. In our study, a dataset of 2,279 STR profiles from four cell banks was used to assess the effectiveness of the match criteria recommended within the Standard. Of these 2,279 STR profiles, 1,157 were grouped into sets of related cell lines—duplicate holdings, legitimately related samples or misidentified cell lines. Eight core STR loci plus amelogenin were used to unequivocally authenticate 98% of these related sets. Two simple match algorithms each clearly discriminated between related and unrelated samples, with separation between related samples at ≥80% match and unrelated samples at <50% match. A small degree of overlap was noted at 50–79% match, mostly from cell lines known to display variable STR profiles. These match criteria are recommended as a simple and effective way to interpret results from STR profiling of human cell lines.
Smoking and Dental Implants: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background and Objectives: Tobacco is today the single most preventable cause of death, being associated with countless diseases, including cancer and neurological, cardiovascular, and respiratory diseases. Smoking also brings negative consequences to oral health, potentially impairing treatment with dental implants. The present review aimed to evaluate the influence of smoking on dental implant failure rates and marginal bone loss (MBL). Materials and Methods: Electronic search was undertaken in three databases, plus a manual search of journals. Meta-analyses were performed, in addition to meta-regressions, in order to verify how the odds ratio (OR) and MBL were associated with follow-up time. Results: The review included 292 publications. Altogether, there were 35,511 and 114,597 implants placed in smokers and in non-smokers, respectively. Pairwise meta-analysis showed that implants in smokers had a higher failure risk in comparison with non-smokers (OR 2.402, p < 0.001). The difference in implant failure between the groups was statistically significant in the maxilla (OR 2.910, p < 0.001), as well as in the mandible (OR 2.866, p < 0.001). The MBL mean difference (MD) between the groups was 0.580 mm (p < 0.001). There was an estimated decrease of 0.001 in OR (p = 0.566) and increase of 0.004 mm (p = 0.279) in the MBL MD between groups for every additional month of follow-up, although without statistical significance. Therefore, there was no clear influence of the follow-up on the effect size (OR) and on MBL MD between groups. Conclusions: Implants placed in smokers present a 140.2% higher risk of failure than implants placed in non-smokers.
Activated leukocyte cell adhesion molecule soluble form: a potential biomarker of epithelial ovarian cancer is increased in type II tumors

Activated leukocyte cell adhesion molecule (ALCAM) is involved in cell–cell interactions in cancer. Shedding of its ectodomain by the metalloprotease ADAM17/TACE generates a soluble form (sALCAM). Here, we show that serum sALCAM levels were significantly higher in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) (p < 0.005) than in controls. The performance of sALCAM as classifier, tested by receiver operating characteristic curve, resulted in an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.8067. Serum sALCAM levels showed direct correlation with Carbohydrate Antigen‐125 (CA125/MUC16). Moreover, significantly higher levels were found in type II tumors, even in stage I/II, suggesting that elevated sALCAM is an early feature of aggressive EOC. In addition, sALCAM levels were higher in ascites than in sera, suggesting local processing of ALCAM in the peritoneal cavity. In immunodeficient mice, intraperitoneally implanted with a human EOC cell line, human sALCAM progressively increased in serum and was even higher in the ascites. The biochemical characterization of the sALCAM in EOC sera and ascites, showed two predominant forms of approximately 95 and 65 kDa but no EOC‐specific isoform. In addition, full‐length transmembrane ALCAM but no soluble form was detected in tumor‐derived exosomes found in ascites. Finally, in vitro invasion assays showed that inhibition of ADAM17/TACE activity decreased EOC invasive properties, while opposite effects were mediated by a sALCAM‐Fc chimera and by an antibody interfering with ALCAM/ALCAM interactions. Altogether these data suggest that sALCAM is a marker of EOC, which correlates with more aggressive type II tumors, and that ADAM17/TACE activity and sALCAM itself mediate enhanced invasiveness.
The influence of semen quality on male pronucleus demethylation process during ICSI cycle

ABSTRACT There is growing evidence that the spermatozoon’s epigenetic structure is of the utmost importance in the health of the future embryo. Following fertilization, sperm chromatin undergoes epigenetic reprogramming including DNA demethylation and remethylation, which resets gene expression. In some infertile patients, it is inevitable that sperm cells that are not within the range of normal human sperm parameters will be used for intracytoplasmic sperm injection. Understanding the relationship between the human sperm parameters and male pronucleus DNA demethylation seems necessary. We hypothesized that demethylation of the male pronucleus might be altered in zygotes conceived from a spermatozoa obtained from a sample exhibiting an abnormal semen analysis profile. To test the hypothesis, sperm cells from normal and abnormal human semen samples were injected into mouse oocytes. A group of cultured zygotes was fixed before the onset of DNA demethylation and the other group was fixed after DNA demethylation. Both groups were then labeled with a 5 methylcytosine antibody and the level of pronuclei methylation was detected as a function of fluorescent intensity. The level of demethylation was then determined as the difference between 5 methylcytosine fluorescent intensity before and after DNA demethylation. A negative correlation (p<0.05) was observed between sperm motility, morphology, percentage of head defects, protamine deficiency, and DNA demethylation level. However, no correlation was found between the demethylation level and sperm count. In conclusion, these observations suggest that demethylation is altered in the male pronucleus when low quality sperm samples are used.
Implementing a priority and waiting list system in an acute hospital setting

This article outlines the development and review of the implementation of a process of prioritization and allocation of referrals to the occupational therapy team covering the medical wards in a 550-bed acute hospital in Swindon, UK. Before the implementation of the system, occupational therapists were ward aligned. Owing to the differing referral rates between wards, therapists experienced unequal caseloads. This created an inequitable service for patients, as some had to wait longer than others for assessment. Because of the limited evidence base available, the system was developed based on practice rather than evidence. Local social services guidelines were adapted to establish levels of priority of referrals. Standards for length of wait for assessment were devised using existing criteria from the rapid assessment service, the previous system under which the occupational therapy service tried to see patients due for imminent discharge. Under the new system, referrals were prioritized daily and placed .
Weak protein interactions and pH- and temperature-dependent aggregation of human Fc1

The Fc (fragment crystallizable) is a common structural region in immunoglobulin gamma (IgG) proteins, IgG-based multi-specific platforms, and Fc-fusion platform technologies. Changes in conformational stability, protein-protein interactions, and aggregation of NS0-produced human Fc1 were quantified experimentally as a function of pH (4 to 6) and temperature (30 to 77°C), using a combination of differential scanning calorimetry, laser light scattering, size-exclusion chromatography, and capillary electrophoresis. The Fc1 was O-glycosylated at position 3 (threonine), and confirmed to correspond to the intact IgG1 by comparison with Fc1 produced by cleavage of the parent IgG1. Changing the pH caused large effects for thermal unfolding transitions, but it caused surprisingly smaller effects for electrostatic protein-protein interactions. The aggregation behavior was qualitatively similar across different solution conditions, with soluble dimers and larger oligomers formed in most cases. Aggregation rates spanned approximately 5 orders of magnitude and could be divided into 2 regimes: (i) Arrhenius, unfolding-limited aggregation at temperatures near or above the midpoint-unfolding temperature of the CH2 domain; (ii) a non-Arrhenius regime at lower temperatures, presumably as a result of the temperature dependence of the unfolding enthalpy for the CH2 domain. The non-Arrhenius regime was most pronounced for lower temperatures. Together with the weak protein-protein repulsions, these highlight challenges that are expected for maintaining long-term stability of biotechnology products that are based on human Fc constructs.
Epidural test doses

I read with interest the letter from Drs. Hodgkinson and Husain (1) in which they suggest that the routine injection of a test dose of local anesthetic solution through a needle in the epidural space be abandoned during induction of epidural anesthesia. The practice in Brazil supports their suggestion. Although a good number of epidural anesthetics are administered here, I know of no anesthesiologist who uses or advises test doses routinely in his daily practice. In 1977 a study dealing with 13,872 epidural anesthetics for various surgical procedures was presented at the Brazilian Congress of Anesthesiology (a society with a membership of more than 4000 physicians). Major findings included the absence of neurologic sequelae, a 1/2000 incidence of total spinal anesthesia, and a l/4000 incidence of convulsions. These results compare well with statistics that have been published in the world literature From departments in which the test dose is a must in every epidural anesthetic. In my opinion test doses routinely injected through epidural needles are a waste of time. 1 believe test doses should be reserved for those occasions when the anesthesiologist has doubt about the possibility of either dural puncture or vascular injection.
Cintura hipertrigliceridêmica e risco cardiometabólico em mulheres hipertensas

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association between hypertriglyceridemic waist (HW) and cardiometabolic risk factors in women with hypertension. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed in 218 patients monitored by HiperDia (Enrollment and Monitoring Program for Hypertensive and Diabetic Individuals) in two health units in Sao Luis, MA, Brazil. The dependent variable was HW and the independent variables were sociodemographics, lifestyle, anthropometrics, and health problems. RESULTS: HW was present in 33% of the sample and was predominant in women aged > 60 years (56.4%), non-whites (81.7%), those with eight or fewer years of schooling (57.3%), and those belonging to socioeconomic class C (49%). Excess weight (68.8%) and hypercholesterolemia (68.8%) were observed. HW was associated with: smoking (PR: 2.08; p = 0.017), overweight (PR: 2.46; p = 0.010), obesity (PR: 4.13; p 100 mg/dL or being diabetic (PR: 1.86; p = 0.006). After adjustment, total cholesterol (PR = 1.78; p = 0.012), HDL-cholesterol (PR: 3.03; p 25 to 30 kg/m2 (PR = 3.61; p < 0.001) remained associated. CONCLUSION: A high prevalence of HW and its association with altered lipid profile and excess body weight was observed. HW showed to be an important diagnostic tool for the monitoring of hypertensive women with metabolic risk, which is low cost, easily accessible, and useful in clinical practice, especially in primary health care in the Brazilian Unified Health System (Sistema Unico de Saude - SUS).
Increasing the applications of Crocus sativus flowers as natural antioxidants.

UNLABELLED Large amounts of floral bio-residues (92.6 g per 100 g of flowers) are generated and wasted in the production of saffron (Crocus sativus) spice. Progress in mechanization of saffron crop offer the opportunity to expand the uses of C. sativus flowers, beyond the spice (dried stigmas). The antioxidant potential of flowers of saffron, their separate parts (tepals, stamens, styles, and stigmas) and floral bio-residues were evaluated by 4 in vitro assays: lipid peroxidation, deoxyribose assay, Rancimat test, and Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity. Phenolic content and crocetin ester composition were also determined. All the samples studied showed to be potential antioxidants. The highest phenolic, flavonoid, and anthocyanin contents were observed in tepals. Stamens showed lower phenolic, flavonoid, and anthocyanin contents than those of whole flowers, tepals, and floral bio-residues. Crocetin esters were not found in tepals or stamens. Stamens exhibited the most potent LOO(•) and OH(•) radicals scavenging activity, being higher than those of food antioxidant propyl gallate. Flowers of saffron, tepals, stamens, styles, and floral bio-residues showed LOO(•), OH(•), and ABTS(•-) radicals scavenging activity, while stigmas showed LOO(•) and ABTS(•-) radicals scavenging activity. All samples studied improved the oxidative stability of sunflower oil in Rancimat test. These antioxidant properties could suggest the application of this floral material as functional ingredients with the subsequent added value. PRACTICAL APPLICATION Saffron spice, the most valuable spice worldwide, is the dried stigma that only represents 7.4% of Crocus sativus flowers. Other parts of the flowers different to stigmas are discarded. Flower harvest and all the postharvest steps to produce saffron spice are performed manually. Mechanization of flower collection, stigma separation, and dehydration process is a revolution in saffron spice production, which increases the productive capacity making it possible to extend the uses of C. sativus flowers, beyond the production of saffron spice. Flowers possessed high-phenolic content and excellent antioxidant properties that could contribute to their application as functional ingredients.
Health Care Disparities and Behavioral Health Among Men Who Have Sex with Men

Men who have sex with men (MSM) engage in several harmful health behaviors more frequently than do non-MSM. Meanwhile, evidence suggests that MSM experience barriers to accessing health care. To investigate health care disparities and health behaviors, we compared data from a diverse MSM sample (N = 871) to data from men from the National Health Interview Survey (N = 7,783). MSM reported less health care access than did general population men, and were more likely to report smoking, alcohol use, and depression. In addition, a recent health care visit mediated sample differences in smoking and depression, suggesting that health care disparities between MSM and non-MSM are associated with important health outcomes. This study is the first to examine MSM versus general population health care discrepancies using an MSM sample that is not exclusively partnered. Our findings highlight the importance of additional research in this area.