Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Increased mortality among women with Rose angina who have not presented with ischaemic heart disease.

BACKGROUND Little is known about the clinical importance of disease that is not presented to healthcare services. AIM To determine the 5-year mortality among those with angina symptoms, known or not known by their general practitioner (GP) to have ischaemic heart disease (IHD). DESIGN A prospective cohort study. SETTING The study was conducted in the United Kingdom as part of the Royal College of General Practitioners' Oral Contraception Study. METHOD In 1994-1995 women (n = 11,797) still under GP observation were sent a questionnaire that inquired about their smoking habits, other lifestyle issues, general health, and selected symptoms (including chest pain, assessed using the Rose angina questionnaire). The main outcome measure was the chances (odds) of dying during the next 5 years, among those with and without exertional chest pain, Rose angina or Rose myocardial infarction (MI), stratified by documented history of IHD. RESULTS Overall, the lifetime prevalence of any exertional chest pain was 10.1% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 9.5 to 10.8); grade I Rose angina was 6.1% (95% CI = 5.6 to 6.6); grade II Rose angina was 1.3% (95% CI = 1.1 to 1.6); and Rose MI was 4.4% (95% CI = 4.0 to 4.9). The prevalence of each condition tended to increase with age, social class, parity, body mass index, and documented history of IHD. The proportion of women documented as having IHD was 23% among those with any exertional chest pain, 21.7% for grade I Rose angina, 37.7% for grade II Rose angina, and 31.4% for Rose MI. Compared to women without Rose angina, significantly higher odds ratios for all-cause mortality were observed among women with grade I Rose angina and no documented history of IHD (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.71, 95% CI = 1.05 to 2.79); those with grade II Rose angina and documented IHD (AOR = 3.94, 95% CI = 1.58 to 9.83); and women with grade II Rose angina and no documented history of IHD (AOR = 3.35, 95% CI = 1.47 to 7.62). CONCLUSIONS Women with angina symptoms that have not been documented by their GP appear to have an increased risk of future mortality. Research is needed to determine the best way of identifying and managing these individuals.
A randomized controlled trial of botulinum toxin A for treating neuropathic pain in patients with spinal cord injury

Abstract Background: To assess the effect of botulinum toxin A (BTA) for treating neuropathic pain in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI). Methods: A total of 44 patients with SCI with neuropathic pain were randomly divided into the intervention group and the placebo group, each group 21 patients. The subjects in the intervention group received BTA (200 U subcutaneous injection, once daily) at the painful area, whereas those in the placebo group were administered a saline placebo. This study was conducted from December 2014 to November 2016. The primary outcome was measured using the visual analog scale (VAS). The secondary outcomes were measured using the short-form McGill Pain Questionnaire (SF-MPQ), and World Health Organization quality of life (WHOQOL-BREF) questionnaire. All outcome measurements were performed before and after 4 and 8 weeks of intervention. Results: Forty-one participants completed the study. The intervention with BTA showed greater efficacy than placebo in decreasing the VAS score after week 4 and week 8 of treatment. Significant differences in the SF-MPQ and WHOQOL-BREF were also found between the 2 groups. Conclusion: The results of this study demonstrated that BTA might decrease intractable neuropathic pain for patients with SCI.
The role of AtPLC3 and AtPLC9 in thermotolerance in Arabidopsis

ABSTRACT Plants respond and adapt to temperature changes by many ways. In this article, we provide a supplement to previous work about AtPLC3. The subcellular localization showed that AtPLC3 was located in the plasma membrane and nucleus which differed from AtPLC9 localization. Furthermore, we measured the contents of IP3 before and after HS in AtPLC3 mutant, complemented and overexpressing lines. The results showed that the increase in IP3 after HS was partially dependent on AtPLC3 activity. To sum up, the similar expression patterns and phenotypes suggested that AtPLC3 and AtPLC9 may regulate the thermotolerance of Arabidopsis by the same mechanisms.
Amino acid sequence similarity of Hev b 3 to two previously reported 27‐ and 23‐kDa latex proteins allergenic to spina bifida patients

Separate studies have reported spina bifida patients to be especially allergic t o proteins of 27 and 23 kDa found in the serum of centrifuged natural rubber latex. An insoluble latex protein located on the surface of small rubber particles, Hev b 3, has similarly been found to be allergenic to spina bifida patients. In this study, internal amino acid sequences of Hev b 3 showed similarity to the published sequences for the 27‐ and 23‐kDa latex proteins. The latter allergens are hence identified as Hev b 3.
Intranasally administered serelaxin abrogates airway remodelling and attenuates airway hyperresponsiveness in allergic airways disease

The peptide hormone relaxin plays a key role in the systemic hemodynamic and renovascular adaptive changes that occur during pregnancy, which is linked to its antiremodelling effects. Serelaxin (a recombinant form of human gene‐2 relaxin) has been shown to inhibit lung fibrosis in various disease models and reverse airway remodelling and airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) in allergic airways disease (AAD).
The First 10 Years of Aerobic Exercise Responses to Long-Duration ISS Flights.

INTRODUCTION Aerobic deconditioning may occur during International Space Station (ISS) flights. This paper documents findings from exercise testing conducted before, during, and after ISS expeditions. METHODS There were 30 male and 7 female astronauts on ISS missions (48 to 219 d, mean 163 d) who performed cycle exercise protocols consisting of 5-min stages eliciting 25%, 50%, and 75% peak oxygen uptake (Vo(2peak)). Tests were conducted 30 to 90 d before missions, on flight day 15 and every 30 flight days thereafter, and on recovery (R) days +5 and +30. During pre- and postflight tests, heart rate (HR) and metabolic gas exchange were measured. During flight, extrapolation of the HR and Vo2 relationship to preflight-measured peak HR provided an estimate of Vo(2peak), referred to as the aerobic capacity index (ACI). RESULTS HR during each exercise stage was elevated (P < 0.05) and oxygen pulse was reduced (P < 0.05) on R+5 compared to preflight; however, no other metabolic gas analysis values significantly changed. Compared to preflight, the ACI declined (P < 0.001) on R+5, but recovered to levels greater than preflight by R+30 (P = 0.008). During flight, ACI decreased below preflight values, but increased with mission duration (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Aerobic deconditioning likely occurs initially during flight, but ACI recovers toward preflight levels as flight duration increases, presumably due to performance of exercise countermeasures. Elevated HR and lowered oxygen pulse on R+5 likely results from some combination of relative hypovolemia, lowered cardiac stroke volume, reduced cardiac distensibility, and anemia, but recovery occurs by R+30.
Sequences downstream of the transcription initiation site modulate the activity of the murine dihydrofolate reductase promoter

The murine dihydrofolate reductase gene is regulated by a bidirectional promoter that lacks a TATA box. To identify the DNA sequences required for dihydrofolate reductase transcription, the activities of various templates were determined by in vitro transcription analysis. Our data indicate that sequences both upstream and downstream of the transcription initiation site modulate the activity of the dihydrofolate reductase promoter. We have focused on two regions downstream of the transcription initiation site that are important in determining the overall efficiency of the promoter. Region 1, which included exon 1 and part of intron 1, could stimulate transcription when placed in either orientation in the normal downstream position and when inserted upstream of the transcription start site. This region could also stimulate transcription in trans when the enhancer was physically separate from the promoter. Deletion of region 2, spanning 46 nucleotides of the 5' untranslated region, reduced transcriptional activity by fivefold. DNase I footprinting reactions identified protein-binding sites in both downstream stimulatory regions. Protein bound to two sites in region 1, both of which contain an inverted CCAAT box. The protein-binding site in the 5' untranslated region has extensive homology to binding sites in promoters that both lack (simian virus 40 late) and contain (adenovirus type 2 major late promoter and c-myc) TATA boxes.
Gold nanostars: surfactant-free synthesis, 3D modelling, and two-photon photoluminescence imaging

Understanding the control of the optical and plasmonic properties of unique nanosystems—gold nanostars—both experimentally and theoretically permits superior design and fabrication for biomedical applications. Here, we present a new, surfactant-free synthesis method of biocompatible gold nanostars with adjustable geometry such that the plasmon band can be tuned into the near-infrared region ‘tissue diagnostic window’, which is most suitable for in vivo imaging. Theoretical modelling was performed for multiple-branched 3D nanostars and yielded absorption spectra in good agreement with experimental results. The plasmon band shift was attributed to variations in branch aspect ratio, and the plasmon band intensifies with increasing branch number, branch length, and overall star size. Nanostars showed an extremely strong two-photon photoluminescence (TPL) process. The TPL imaging of wheat-germ agglutinin (WGA) functionalized nanostars on BT549 breast cancer cells and of PEGylated nanostars circulating in the vasculature, examined through a dorsal window chamber in vivo in laboratory mouse studies, demonstrated that gold nanostars can serve as an efficient contrast agent for biological imaging applications.
Giant-Magnetoresistance-Based Galvanically Isolated Voltage and Current Measurements

Nowadays, dc current is much more widely used than a decade ago, not only in the well-known high-voltage dc transmission but also as dc-powered marine systems, dc data centers, and dc fast charging systems for electric vehicles. However, galvanically isolated dc voltage or current sensors are, in terms of accuracy, noise level, or dimensions, still far behind the ac measurement devices in low and medium voltage areas. In this paper, a giant-magnetoresistive-based sensor system for galvanic isolated dc current and voltage measurements is introduced. The system mainly consists of a special coil arrangement with low inductance for voltage measurement, a special U-turn for current measurement, and A/D converters with a low-cost field-programmable gate array for signal conditioning. The sensor system showed an outstanding measurement accuracy of 0.3% for voltage values up to ±550 V and 0.2% for current values up to ±100 A in a temperature range from -30 °C to 90 °C. This completely new approach for the galvanically isolated measurement of electric voltage and current avoids the use of bulky magnetic components and expensive power-consuming analog electronics, which allows one to integrate it in the current ac measure unit for power monitoring.
Measurements of Magnetic Field and Temperature Dependence of the Critical Current in Bi-2212 Superconducting Wires

In this paper, we describe our built in-house system for the measurement of the critical current density <inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$J_{{\rm{c}}}$</tex-math></inline-formula> in superconductors. The setup is able to tolerate currents up to 800 A, and works in fields up to 7 T and temperatures from 4.2 to 40 K. The peculiarity of our system lies in its versatility: we can measure a high variety of superconducting samples up to 15 cm in length, testing their performance also at temperatures achievable by cryocoolers. Magnetic field and temperature dependencies of critical current density <italic>J</italic><sub>c</sub>(<italic>H</italic>, <italic>T</italic>) are measured in Bi-2212 round wires. Bi-2212 wires are fabricated by applying the new GDG (groove-rolling/drawing/groove-rolling) process consisting of the alternation of groove-rolling and drawing techniques, which densifies the filaments already during the working procedure prior to the heat treatment. A <italic> J</italic><sub>c</sub> ≈ 4 × 10<sup>5</sup> A/cm<sup>2</sup> in self-field at 4.2 K is measured and a <inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$J_{{\rm{c}}}$</tex-math></inline-formula> scaling based on the collective pinning theory is shown to hold above 2 T.
Near-precise interchromosomal recombination and functional DNA topoisomerase II cleavage sites at MLL and AF-4 genomic breakpoints in treatment-related acute lymphoblastic leukemia with t(4;11) translocation

We analyzed the der(11) and der(4) genomic breakpoint junctions of a t(4;11) in the leukemia of a patient previously administered etoposide and dactinomycin by molecular and biochemical approaches to gain insights about the translocation mechanism and the relevant drug exposure. The genomic breakpoint junctions were amplified by PCR. Cleavage of DNA substrates containing the normal homologues of the MLL and AF-4 translocation breakpoints was examined in vitro upon incubation with human DNA topoisomerase IIα and etoposide, etoposide catechol, etoposide quinone, or dactinomycin. The der(11) and der(4) genomic breakpoint junctions both involved MLL intron 6 and AF-4 intron 3. Recombination was precise at the sequence level except for the overall gain of a single templated nucleotide. The translocation breakpoints in MLL and AF-4 were DNA topoisomerase II cleavage sites. Etoposide and its metabolites, but not dactinomycin, enhanced cleavage at these sites. Assuming that DNA topoisomerase II was the mediator of the breakage, processing of the staggered nicks induced by DNA topoisomerase II, including exonucleolytic deletion and template-directed polymerization, would have been required before ligation of the ends to generate the observed genomic breakpoint junctions. These data are inconsistent with a translocation mechanism involving interchromosomal recombination by simple exchange of DNA topoisomerase II subunits and DNA-strand transfer; however, consistent with reciprocal DNA topoisomerase II cleavage events in MLL and AF-4 in which both breaks became stable, the DNA ends were processed and underwent ligation. Etoposide and/or its metabolites, but not dactinomycin, likely were the relevant exposures in this patient.
Influence of space-filling materials in subantral bone augmentation: blood clot vs. autogenous bone chips vs. bovine hydroxyapatite.

AIM The first objective of the present study was to compare the short- and long-term 3D volume stability of sub-sinusal bone regeneration in rabbits using different space fillers. The second objective was to assess qualitatively and quantitatively the early bone formation process and long-term behavior of the regenerated bone. MATERIALS AND METHODS Fifteen rabbits underwent a double sinus lift procedure using: blood clot (Clot), autogenous bone chips (Auto) and bovine hydroxyapatite (BHA). Animals were euthanized at 1 week, 5 weeks and 6 months. Samples were subjected to X-ray microtomography and histology. Variations in the volume of bone augmentations were calculated at different time points. Qualitative analysis was performed using 7 μm sections and quantitative histomorphometric analyses were carried out using scanning electron microscopy. RESULTS From baseline (100%) to 5 weeks, the augmented volumes declined to 17.3% (Clot), 57.6% (Auto) and 90.6% (BHA). After 6 months, only 19.4% (Clot) and 31.4% (Auto) of initial volumes were found, while it remained more stable in the BHA group (84%). At 1 week, an initial osteogenesis process could be observed in the three groups along the bone walls. At 5 weeks, despite a significant decline in the volume, newly formed bone density was higher with Clot and Auto than with BHA. At 6 months, bone densities were statistically similar in the three groups. However, after 6 months, the surface invaded by newly formed bone (regenerated area) was significantly higher when BHA was used as space filler. In the BHA group, the biomaterial area slightly decreased from 42.7% (1 week) to 40% (5 weeks) and 34.9% (6 months) and the density of the composite regenerated tissue (bone+BHA) reached >50% at 6 months. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS The three space fillers allowed bone formation to occur. Nevertheless, augmented volumes declined in the Clot and Auto groups, while they remained stable with BHA. A slowly resorbable biomaterial might be suitable in sub-sinusal bone augmentation for preventing the re-expansion process and for augmenting the density of the regenerated tissues.
HINTEGRA revision arthroplasty for failed total ankle prostheses.

BACKGROUND When a total ankle replacement fails, arthrodesis has been advocated as the treatment of choice. With the availability of a wide spectrum of implants, revision arthroplasty may become a viable alternative. METHODS We reviewed a consecutive series of 117 cases (116 patients [fifty-six female and sixty male]; mean age, 55.0 ± 12.0 years) in which a total ankle arthroplasty failed after a mean of 4.3 years and was revised with use of the HINTEGRA three-component total ankle prosthesis. The reason for revision involved the metallic components in sixty ankles (51%), the bone in twenty-eight (24%), the soft tissues in twenty (17%), and infection in nine (8%). The talar component was revised in 104 ankles (89%) and the tibial component, in 106 (91%). RESULTS Early complications included a fracture of the malleoli in two ankles and a dislocation of the polyethylene insert in one. Seventeen (15%) of the revision arthroplasties required further revision surgery, in most cases for loosening of one or two of the prosthetic components. The mean American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) hindfoot score for the remaining 100 ankles (85%) improved from 44 ± 18 preoperatively to 72 ± 19 (p < 0.01) at the time of the latest follow-up (mean, 6.2 years). The estimated survival of the revision arthroplasties at nine years, with loosening of components as the end point, was 83%. The prevalence of component loosening was higher (p < 0.005) with the use of single-coated hydroxyapatite components (six of twenty-three ankles, 26%) than with double-coated components (five of ninety-four ankles, 5%). The correlation between the extent of bone loss at the resection surface and the prevalence of component failure was weak and not significant. CONCLUSIONS The medium-term results of revision arthroplasty after a failed total ankle arthroplasty were similar to those after primary arthroplasty. The key to success was firm anchorage of the components to primary bone stock. A single hydroxyapatite component coating should no longer be used for revision total ankle arthroplasty.
Familial prevalence of cancer in Iran: a general population estimate.

BACKGROUND Having a family history (FH) of cancer is recognized as one of the most important factors in predicting personal cancer risk. Since reports on cancer FH from developing countries are limited, the present study was conducted to provide a first report on the prevalence of familial cancers in Iran. METHODS Cross-sectional analysis performed on self-reported FH of cancers based on data from a large population based study in Tehran, the capital of Iran. Each participant was shown a list of site-specific cancers and asked if a relative had been diagnosed with any cancer on the list, completing the question by specifying the age of diagnosis. RESULTS Stomach cancer (4.6%) was the most common condition noted for family members, followed by the cancers of the breast (4.2%), lung (3.5%), liver (3.1%), leukemia (3.0) and colorectum (2.8%). The most frequent cancer reported by the responders was breast (1.8%) in first degree relatives (FDR) and stomach (1.8%) and stomach (2.8%) in second degree relatives (SDR). A FH of cancer was more commonly reported by younger persons and females. Of all respondents with a positive FH, 28.2% had at least one affected person diagnosed at age under 50 years in their FDRs. CONCLUSION A substantial proportion of individuals in the Iran report having a family member affected by cancer, and thus may be recommended for early cancer screening services.
Slow chemical transmission between dorsal root ganglion neuron somata

Somatic sensory neuron somata are located within the dorsal root ganglia (DRG) and are mostly ensheathed by individual satellite glial cell sheets. It has been noted, however, that a subpopulation of these DRG somata are intimately associated, separated only by a single thin satellite glial cell membrane septum. We set out to test whether such neuron–glial cell–neuron trimers (NGlNs) are also linked functionally. The presence of NGlNs in chick DRGs was confirmed by electron microscopy. Selective satellite glial cell immunostains were identified and were used to image the inter‐neuron septa in DRG frozen sections. We used a gentle, dispase‐based enzymatic method to isolate chick and rat NGlNs in vitro for double patch clamp recordings. In the majority of pairs tested, an action potential‐like stimulus train delivered to one soma resulted in a delayed, noisy and long‐duration response in its idle partner. The response to a second stimulus train given minutes later was markedly facilitated. Both bidirectional and unidirectional transmission was observed between the paired neurons. Transmission was chemical and block by the general purinergic blocker suramin implicated ATP as a neurotransmitter. We conclude that the two neuronal somata in the NGlN can communicate by chemical transmission, which may involve a transglial, bi‐synaptic pathway. This novel soma‐to‐soma transmission reflects a novel form of processing that may play a role in sensory disorders in the DRG and interneuron communication in the central nervous system.