Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Optical coherence tomography angiography analysis of foveal microvascular changes and inner retinal layer thinning in patients with diabetes

Aim To evaluate the correlation between inner retinal layer thinning and the foveal microvasculature in type 2 diabetes using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). Methods A cross-sectional study involved 155 diabetic eyes. All patients were divided into two groups based on diabetic retinopathy (DR) grade: no DR (NDR, n=80) and mild-to-moderate non-proliferative DR (NPDR, n=75). Foveal avascular zone (FAZ) area, FAZ circularity index, FAZ perimeter, vessel density and perfusion index of parafoveal and perifoveal area were calculated using OCTA. The thickness of the macular ganglion cell/inner plexiform layer (mGCIPL) was measured using OCT. Results In both superficial and deep retinal capillary layers (SRL and DRL), FAZ areas in the NDR (0.38 mm2 , 0.49 mm2) and NPDR (0.38 mm2, 0.48 mm2) were greater than those in the control (0.33 mm2, 0.43 mm2). The FAZ circularity index, vessel density and perfusion index in the NDR (0.63, 17.8/mm, 0.32) and NPDR (0.63, 17.5/mm, 0.32) were smaller than those in the control (0.69, 19.6/mm, 0.39). mGCIPL thickness was significantly correlated with FAZ area in the SRL and DRL, as well as with FAZ circularity index, vessel density and perfusion index in the NDR and NPDR. In multivariate regression analysis, the FAZ circularity index (OR=12.2) and vessel density of the parafovea (OR=1.95) were correlated with mGCIPL thinning. Conclusion OCTA revealed that early foveal microcirculatory alterations in diabetic eyes were related to mGCIPL thickness, regardless of the presence of DR. The decrease in FAZ circularity and parafoveal vessel density were highly correlated with mGCIPL thinning.
Ultrastructure of afferents from the zona incerta to the posterior and parafascicular thalamic nuclei of rats

We have examined the general ultrastructure of the posterior thalamic (Po) and parafascicular (Pf) nuclei of the dorsal thalamus, together with the ultrastructure of afferents to these nuclei from the zona incerta (ZI). The ZI of Sprague‐Dawley rats was injected with biotinylated dextran (BD) by using stereotaxic coordinates, and the brains were prepared for routine BD histochemistry. The Po and Pf were then dissected free and processed for electron microscopy by using standard methods. A survey of the general ultrastructure of Po and Pf revealed many RS profiles (small with round vesicles) making asymmetric synapses around single, small (distal; 0.5–1.5 μm in diameter) or larger (proximal; 2–4 μm in diameter) dendrites. RL (large with round vesicles) and F type (pleomorphic vesicles) profiles, although sparse, were also observed. Single RLs were seen to envelope proximal dendrites and make asymmetric synapses that usually had a perforated appearance. F type profiles were seen to make symmetric synapses on proximal and sometimes distal dendrites. There were no profiles making synapses on other vesicle‐filled profiles seen, reflecting the scarcity of interneurons in the Po and Pf of rats. Finally, BD‐labeled terminal profiles from the ZI formed a homogeneous population within both the Po and Pf. They were small (1.1 ± 0.2 μm in diameter; n = 238), contained round vesicles, and made asymmetric synapses with proximal (∼75%) and, to a lesser extent, distal (∼25%) dendrites; they formed part of the RS population of the Po and Pf. In conclusion, our results indicate that the ZI imparts a presumably excitatory (asymmetric synapses) input of high efficacy (preference for proximal dendrites) to the Po and Pf of the dorsal thalamus. J. Comp. Neurol. 451:33–44, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Occupational physical activity and the metabolic syndrome among working women: a Go Red North Dakota study.

OBJECTIVE To examine the association of metabolic syndrome (MetSyn) with occupational physical activity (OCPA) and leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) among working women. METHODS The prevalence of MetSyn was calculated for 642 working women. Self-report questionnaire was used to determine levels of OCPA and LTPA and other lifestyle factors. Biometric data were directly collected on all women. RESULTS No direct relationship for OCPA and the MetSyn was determined. Sufficient LTPA however, was significantly associated with lower prevalence of MetSyn. No dose response relationship was determined with PA and MetSyn. The odds of having MetSyn was significantly higher for sedentary workers with insufficient LTPA compared with those achieving sufficient LTPA. The odds for MetSyn were similar among women employed in moderately active or heavy work yet completing insufficient LTPA compared with women doing sufficient LTPA. CONCLUSIONS For women with sedentary occupations, a sufficient amount of LTPA is essential to reduce the risk of having the MetSyn. Women in moderate to heavy working occupations may be acquiring adequate amounts of PA to avoid having the MetSyn.
Differentiation of Campylobacter jejuniSerotype O19 Strains from Non-O19 Strains by PCR

ABSTRACT Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), a neurologic disease characterized by acute paralysis, is frequently preceded byCampylobacter jejuni infection. Serotype O19 strains are overrepresented among GBS-associated C. jejuni isolates. We previously showed that all O19 strains tested were closely related to one another by randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and restriction fragment length polymorphism analyses. RAPD analysis demonstrated a 1.4-kb band in all O19 strains tested but in no non-O19 strains. We cloned this O19-specific band; nucleotide sequence analysis revealed a truncated open reading frame with significant homology to DNA gyrase subunit B (gyrB) of Helicobacter pylori. PCR using the random primer and a primer specific forgyrB showed that in non-O19 strains, the random primer did not recognize the downstream gyrB binding site. The regions flanking each of the random primer binding sites were amplified by degenerate PCR for further sequencing. Although the random primer had several mismatches with the downstream gyrB binding site, a single nucleotide polymorphism 6 bp upstream from the 3′ terminus was found to distinguish O19 and non-O19 strains. PCR using 3′-mismatched primers based on this polymorphism was designed to differentiate O19 strains from non-O19 strains. When a total of 42 (18 O19 and 24 non-O19) strains from five different countries were examined, O19 strains were distinguishable from non-O19 strains in each case. This PCR method should permit identification of O19 C. jejunistrains.
COMPARATIVE EVALUATION OF LONG PULSE ALEXANDRITE LASER AND INTENSE PULSED LIGHT SYSTEMS FOR PSEUDOFOLLICULITIS BARBAE TREATMENT WITH ONE YEAR OF FOLLOW UP

Background: Existing remedies for controlling pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB) are sometimes helpful; however the positive effects are often short lived. The only definitive cure for PFB is permanent removal of the hair follicle. Aims: Our aim was to compare the efficacy of the Alexandrite laser with the intense pulsed light system in the treatment of PFB and to follow up the recurrence. Methods: Twenty male patients seeking laser hair removal for the treatment of PFB were enrolled in this study. One half of the face was treated with the long-pulse Alexandrite laser and the other half was treated with the IPL system randomly. The treatment outcome and any complications were observed and followed up for one year. Results: All patients exhibited a statistically significant decrease in the numbers of papules. Our results showed that the Alexandrite-treated side needed seven sessions to reach about 80% improvement, while the IPL-treated side needed 10-12 sessions to reach about 50% improvement. During the one year follow up period, the Alexandrite-treated side showed recurrence in very minimal areas, while the IPL-treated side showed recurrence in bigger areas. Conclusions: Our results showed that both systems might improve PFB but Alexandrite laser was more effective at reducing PFB than IPL.
Stable episomal maintenance of yeast artificial chromosomes in human cells

Plasmids carrying the Epstein-Barr virus origin of plasmid replication (oriP) have been shown to replicate autonomously in latently infected human cells (J. Yates, N. Warren, D. Reisman, and B. Sugden, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 81:3806-3810, 1984). We demonstrate that addition of this domain is sufficient for stable episomal maintenance of yeast artificial chromosomes (YACs), up to at least 660 kb, in human cells expressing the viral protein EBNA-1. To better approximate the latent viral genome, YACs were circularized before addition of the oriP domain by homologous recombination in yeast cells. The resulting OriPYACs were maintained as extrachromosomal molecules over long periods in selection; a 90-kb OriPYAC was unrearranged in all cell lines analyzed, whereas the intact form of a 660-kb molecule was present in two of three cell lines. The molecules were also relatively stable in the absence of selection. This finding indicates that the oriP-EBNA-1 interaction is sufficient to stabilize episomal molecules of at least 660 kb and that such elements do not undergo rearrangements over time. Fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis demonstrated a close association of OriPYACs, some of which were visible as pairs, with host cell chromosomes, suggesting that the episomes replicate once per cell cycle and that stability is achieved by attachment to host chromosomes, as suggested for the viral genome. The wide availability of YAC libraries, the ease of manipulation of cloned sequences in yeast cells, and the episomal stability make OriPYACs ideal for studying gene function and control of gene expression.
Supervising Projects You Don’t (Fully) Understand

Strategically important projects involve high stakes, uncertainty, and stakeholder complexity, with contingencies and risks typically surfacing repeatedly as the project evolves. This is challenging not only for the project team (PT) but also in particular for the steering committee (SC), the top management oversight structure typically used to align a project with the organization’s strategic goals. This article explores how senior executives on SCs can exercise leadership and effective oversight of strategic projects, although they have only limited time and often incomplete expertise. The SC can keep a project aligned, even with limited time, through focused understanding of the key logic and drivers of the project. The SC needs to manage the surprises and crises that inevitably arise in a difficult project through proactive analysis that goes to the bottom of the problem and by working with the PT to generate solutions.
Cigarette smoking and endometrial cancer risk: the modifying effect of obesity

The objective of this study was to evaluate the association between cigarette smoking and endometrial cancer risk by investigating potential modifying effects of menopausal status, obesity, and exogenous hormones. We pooled data from three case–control studies with the same study design conducted in Italy and Switzerland between 1982 and 2006. Overall, 1446 incident endometrial cancers and 4076 hospital controls were enrolled. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated using logistic regression models, conditioned on study and centre, and adjusted for age, period of interview, age at menarche, parity, and body mass index. In comparison with never smokers, current smokers showed reduced endometrial cancer risk (OR: 0.80; 95% CI: 0.66–0.96), with a 28% decrease in risk for smoking ≥20 cigarettes/day. The association did not vary according to menopausal status, oral contraceptive use, or hormone replacement therapy. However, heterogeneity emerged according to body mass index among postmenopausal women, with obese women showing the greatest risk reduction for current smoking (OR: 0.47; 95% CI: 0.27–0.81). In postmenopausal women, obesity turned out to be an important modifier of the association between cigarette smoking and the risk of endometrial cancer. This finding calls for caution in interpreting the favorable effects of cigarette smoking, considering the toxic and carcinogenic effects of tobacco.
Value of Information in Nonfocal Colonic Biopsies

Objectives: Pediatric gastrointestinal (GI) biopsies represent a disproportionately large fraction of the mucosal biopsies submitted for pathology evaluation relative to the fraction of pediatric endoscopies performed. We sought to explore the rationale for this large sample volume and identify its diagnostic value. Patients and Methods: Conceptual value-of-information analysis of 100 sequential colonoscopies, including 770 total biopsy specimens. The diagnostic value of each biopsy was evaluated based on its order of appearance in the model and overall contribution to the pathological classification of the disease. Results: Current practice standards for pediatric GI biopsies provide no guidance on sampling strategy for nonfocal biopsy of suspected inflammatory diseases, resulting in the collection of a nonstandardized number of individual samples and sampling sites that may vary significantly by clinician and institution. We find that this practice adds little to no diagnostic value over more cost-effective protocols, such as a fewer biopsies overall, or fewer specimens with pooled regional biopsies. Conclusions: In the absence of clear guidance, pediatric GI clinicians and institutions should explore alternative strategies such as the left-right pooled biopsy protocol (common in adult GI practice), or preferably, a more conservative 4-region protocol covering major anatomical landmarks in the colon for nonfocal pediatric colonic biopsies. This will allow individual practitioners and clinical centers to test the hypothesis, supported by our analysis, that such a reduction in resource utilization will have no measurable impact on the quality of care.
In vitro comparison of primary stability of two implant designs in D3 bone

Background Primary stability (PS) is a key factor for implant survival rate and depends on implant design or bone quality. The aim of this study was to compare different thread designs implants, evaluating PS with periotest values (PV) and implant stability quotient (ISQ) values through resonance frequency analysis (RFA). Material and Methods A total of 60 implants (Radhex®, Inmet-Garnick S.A., Guadalajara, Spain) were placed in freshly bovine ribs in vitro. Two designs were used: 30 tapered body with single thread design (PHI) and 30 tapered body with double thread design implants (PHIA). Both designs were 4mm wide and 12mm long. Implants were placed according to manufacturer’s guidelines. Osstell™ and Periotest® devices were used to evaluate PS by a blinded independent observer. Computed tomographies (CTs) of the ribs were made (BrightSpeed Series CT systems, GE Healthcare, Milwaukee, WI, USA) and bone quality surrounding each implant was evaluated in Hounsfield Units (HU) using Ez3D Plus software (Vatech Co., Korea). Bone quality was classified according to Misch and Kircos in D1, D2, D3 or D4. Results All implants were mechanically stable. Only implants placed in D3 bone (350-850 HU) were selected for the study: 28 PHI and 26 PHIA. The one way ANOVA showed significant difference (p<0.005) among two implants designs in ISQ values (61,55 ± 6,67 in PHI and 68,94 ± 5,82 in PHIA). No significant difference (p = 0,171) was shown in PV between two designs (-4,47 ± 1,39 in PHI and -4,77 ± 0,87 in PHIA). Conclusions Higher PS was found using Osstell™ device in implants with double thread design (PHIA) in comparison to implants with single thread design (PHI) in D3 bone. Key words:Dental implant, primary stability, Osstell, Periotest, bone quality, implant design.
Molecular Epidemiological Analysis of Escherichia coli Isolates Producing Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamases for Identification of Nosocomial Outbreaks in Stockholm, Sweden

ABSTRACT From June to October of 2002, a cluster of Escherichia coli isolates producing extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs) was detected in Stockholm. The isolates were grouped into two clones, one of which had already circulated in the same area before the outbreak. CTX-M-type ESBLs and coresistance to ciprofloxacin were identified in the strains.
Gamma Interferon-Mediated Inflammation Is Associated with Lack of Protection from Intravaginal Simian Immunodeficiency Virus SIVmac239 Challenge in Simian-Human Immunodeficiency Virus 89.6-Immunized Rhesus Macaques

ABSTRACT Although gamma interferon (IFN-γ) is a key mediator of antiviral defenses, it is also a mediator of inflammation. As inflammation can drive lentiviral replication, we sought to determine the relationship between IFN-γ-related host immune responses and challenge virus replication in lymphoid tissues of simian-human immunodeficiency virus 89.6 (SHIV89.6)-vaccinated and unvaccinated rhesus macaques 6 months after challenge with simian immunodeficiency virus SIVmac239. Vaccinated-protected monkeys had low tissue viral RNA (vRNA) levels, vaccinated-unprotected animals had moderate tissue vRNA levels, and unvaccinated animals had high tissue vRNA levels. The long-term challenge outcome in vaccinated monkeys was correlated with the relative balance between SIV-specific IFN-γ T-cell responses and nonspecific IFN-γ-driven inflammation. Vaccinated-protected monkeys had slightly increased tissue IFN-γ mRNA levels and a high frequency of IFN-γ-secreting T cells responding to in vitro SIVgag peptide stimulation; thus, it is likely that they could develop effective anti-SIV cytotoxic T lymphocytes in vivo. In contrast, both high tissue IFN-γ mRNA levels and strong in vitro SIV-specific IFN-γ T-cell responses were detected in lymphoid tissues of vaccinated-unprotected monkeys. Unvaccinated monkeys had increased tissue IFN-γ mRNA levels but weak in vitro anti-SIV IFN-γ T-cell responses. In addition, in lymphoid tissues of vaccinated-unprotected and unvaccinated monkeys, the increased IFN-γ mRNA levels were associated with increased Mig/CXCL9, IP-10/CXCL10, and CXCR3 mRNA levels, suggesting that increased Mig/CXCL9 and IP-10/CXCL10 expression resulted in recruitment of CXCR3+ activated T cells. Thus, IFN-γ-driven inflammation promotes SIV replication in vaccinated-unprotected and unvaccinated monkeys. Unlike all unvaccinated monkeys, most monkeys vaccinated with SHIV89.6 did not develop IFN-γ-driven inflammation, but they did develop effective antiviral CD8+-T-cell responses.
MCDM Assessment of a Healthy and Safe Built Environment According to Sustainable Development Principles: A Practical Neighborhood Approach in Vilnius

Urbanization has a massive effect on the environment, both locally and globally. With an ever-increasing scale of construction and manufacturing and misuse of energy resources come poorer air quality, growing mortality rates and more rapid climate change. For these reasons, a healthy and safe built environment is ever more in demand. Global debates focus on sustainable development of the built environment; a rational approach to its analysis is multiple criteria decision making (MCDM) methods. Alternative MCDM methods applied to the same problem often produce different results. In the search for a more reliable tool, this study proposes that a system of MCDM methods should be applied to a single problem. This article assesses 21 neighborhoods in Vilnius in the context of a healthy and safe built environment in view of the principles of sustainable development. MCDM methods were used for this purpose: entropy, Criterion Impact LOSs (CILOS) and Integrated Determination of Objective Criteria Weights (IDOCRIW) methods were used to determine the objective weights of the criteria, while expert judgement determined the subjective weights. With the overall weights determined, the Vilnius neighborhoods were assessed through the application of COmplex PRoportional ASsessment (COPRAS), Simple Additive Weighting (SAW), Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) and Evaluation based on Distance from Average Solution (EDAS) methods. The final results were then processed using the rank average method, Borda count and Copeland’s method.
Not Waving, Drowning: Can Local Government Policies on Climate Change Adaptation and Disaster Resilience Make a Difference?

Abstract Climate change will increase the intensity, duration and/or frequency of some climate-related hazards. Responsibility for adapting to such impacts of climate change in Australia has, in the main, fallen on local governments which have paid varying degrees of attention to the issue. This paper takes an integrated approach to compare the climate adaptation and disaster resilience policies and plans of local governments of two low-lying coastal cities in Australia to understand whether (and how) local governments can make a difference. The findings indicate that local governments can significantly contribute to building resilience and adapting to climate-related hazards, however a number of factors such as the attitudes of local governments on climate change, environmental activism, and the recent experiences of climate-related disasters are instrumental for shaping a better local response. Local action also needs to be supported by a more integrated approach by all levels of government.
Metyrapone Alleviates Deleterious Effects of Maternal Food Restriction on Lung Development and Growth of Rat Offspring

Maternal food restriction (MFR) causes intrauterine growth restriction, a known risk factor for developing chronic lung disease. However, it is unknown whether this negative outcome is gender specific or preventable by blocking the MFR-induced hyperglucocorticoidism. Using a well-established rat model, we used metyrapone (MTP), an inhibitor of glucocorticoid synthesis, to study the MFR-induced lung changes on postnatal day (p) 21 in a gender-specific manner. From embryonic day 10 until delivery, pregnant dams were fed either an ad libitum diet or a 50% caloric restricted diet with or without MTP supplementation. Postnatally, the offspring were fed ad libitum from healthy dams until p21. Morphometric, Western blot, and immunohistochemical analysis of the lungs demonstrated that MTP mitigated the MFR-mediated decrease in alveolar count, decrease in adipogenic protein peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ, increase in myogenic proteins (fibronectin, α-smooth muscle actin, and calponin), increase in Wnt signaling intermediates (lymphoid enhancer-binding factor 1 and β-catenin), and increase in glucocorticoid receptor (GR) levels. The MFR-induced lung phenotype and the effects of MTP were similar in both genders. To elucidate the mechanism of MFR-induced shift of the adipogenic-to-myogenic phenotype, lung fibroblasts were used to independently study the effects of (1) nutrient restriction and (2) excess steroid exposure. Nutrient deprivation increased myogenic proteins, Wnt signaling intermediates, and GR, all changes blocked by protein supplementation. MTP also blocked, likely by normalizing nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate levels, the corticosterone-induced increase in myogenic proteins, but had no effect on GR levels. In summary, protein restriction and increased glucocorticoid levels appear to be the key players in MFR-induced lung disease, affecting both genders.