Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Alterations in the function of circulating mononuclear cells derived from patients with Crohn's disease treated with mastic.

AIM To assess the effects of mastic administration on cytokine production of circulating mononuclear cells of patients with active Crohn's disease (CD). METHODS The study was conducted in patients with established mildly to moderately active CD, attending the outpatient clinics of the hospital, and in healthy controls. Recruited to a 4 wk treatment with mastic caps (6 caps/d, 0.37 g/cap) were 10 patients and 8 controls, all of who successfully completed the protocol. Interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) and intracellular antioxidant glutathione (GSH) were evaluated in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) before and after treatment. RESULTS Treating CD patients with mastic resulted in the reduction of TNF-alpha secretion (2.1 +/- 0.9 ng/mL vs 0.5 +/- 0.4 ng/mL, P = 0.028). MIF release was significantly increased (1.2 +/- 0.4 ng/mL vs 2.5 +/- 0.7 ng/mL, P = 0.026) meaning that random migration and chemotaxis of monocytes/macrophages was inhibited. No significant changes were observed in IL-6, MCP-1 and GSH concentrations. CONCLUSION This study shows that mastic acts as an immunomodulator on PBMC, acting as a TNF-alpha inhibitor and a MIF stimulator. Although further double-blind, placebo-controlled studies in a large number of patients is required to clarify the role of this natural product, this finding provides strong evidence that mastic might be an important regulator of immunity in CD.
Current trends in management of Zenker diverticulum

Zenker's diverticulum is a relatively common problem encountered by head and neck surgeons. Careful review of the available literature regarding its pathogenesis indicates that Zenker diverticulum likely occurs as a result of increased intrabolus pressures during swallowing secondary to cricopharyngeal spasm. Rational treatment for Zenker diverticulum therefore addresses cricopharyngeal spasm. The traditional approach to diagnosis and management of Zenker diverticulum has been based on standard techniques and principles. For example, diverticulectomy with concurrent cricopharyngeal myotomy is an acceptable form of treatment with a high success rate. However, recent advances in endoscopic stapling and carbon dioxide laser technologies have added new options to the therapeutic armament of the otolaryngologist. For appropriately selected patients, endoscopic staple-assisted diverticulostomy is a minimally invasive, safe, and effective procedure associated with shorter hospital stays, more rapid postoperative recovery, decreased time to resumption of oral intake, and high levels of patient satisfaction.
Porphyromonas gingivalis lipids and diseased dental tissues.

BACKGROUND/AIM Porphyromonas gingivalis synthesizes several classes of dihydroceramides and at least one of these lipid classes promotes proinflammatory secretory reactions in gingival fibroblasts as well as alters fibroblast morphology in culture. The purpose of this investigation was to determine whether the dihydroceramide lipids of P. gingivalis are recovered in lipid extracts of subgingival plaque, diseased teeth, and diseased gingival tissue samples. METHODS Lipids were extracted from P. gingivalis, subgingival plaque, subgingival calculus, teeth laden with gross accumulations of subgingival calculus, and gingival tissue samples obtained from chronic severe periodontitis sites. Lipid samples were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry as trimethylsilyl derivatives or by electrospray-mass spectrometry as underivatized products. High-performance liquid chromatography fractions of P. gingivalis lipids and gingival tissue lipids were also analyzed by electrospray-mass spectrometry analysis. RESULTS P. gingivalis phosphorylated dihydroceramides were recovered in lipid extracts of subgingival plaque, subgingival calculus, calculus contaminated teeth, and diseased gingival tissue samples. However, the distribution of phosphorylated dihydroceramides varied between these samples. CONCLUSION Subgingival plaque, subgingival calculus, diseased teeth, and gingival tissue are contaminated with phosphorylated dihydroceramides produced by P. gingivalis. The previously reported biological activity of these substances together with the recovery of these lipids at periodontal disease sites argues strongly for their classification as virulence factors in promoting chronic inflammatory periodontal disease.
Polymorphic expression of DAZ proteins in the human testis.

BACKGROUND DAZ is a male infertility gene located at the AZFc region of the Y chromosome. There are four copies of the DAZ gene that share a strong homology but are not identical to one another. In the present study, we carried out cDNA cloning and immunoblot analyses to determine whether all of the DAZ genes are actively expressed in the human testis. METHODS AZFc deletion was detected by sequence-tagged site polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of genomic DNA isolated from blood samples. DAZ cDNAs were cloned with RT-PCR followed by sequence analysis. The expression of DAZ proteins in human testis was determined by immunoblot and compared with DAZ cDNA expression. RESULTS Immunoblot analysis revealed four DAZ protein bands in testis samples that showed no deletions in the AZFc region. No specific bands were observed in samples from AZFc deletion patients. Testis samples from individuals with the partial AZFc deletion, gr/gr, showed two DAZ-specific bands. Interestingly, the sizes of DAZ-specific bands varied among individuals. Analysis of DAZ transcripts in testis samples revealed that the DAZ proteins were translated from the largest of the multiple transcripts originating from each single DAZ gene. CONCLUSIONS All four DAZ genes are expressed in the human testis, and their products are highly polymorphic among men.
Human Umbilical Cord Blood Mononuclear Cell-Conditioned Media Inhibits Hypoxic-Induced Apoptosis in Human Coronary Artery Endothelial Cells and Cardiac Myocytes by Activation of the Survival Protein Akt

We have previously demonstrated in acute myocardial infarctions that human umbilical cord blood mononuclear cells (HUCBCs), which contain hematopoietic, endothelial, and mesenchymal stem cells, reduce acute myocardial infarction size by ≥50% and preserve LV contractility. We hypothesize that the beneficial effects of HUCBCs are due to secretion of biologically active factors that activate in cardiac endothelial cells and myocytes the cell survival protein Akt. We determined by protein microarrays the growth factors and anti-inflammatory cytokines secreted by HUCBCs into culture media during 12 h of hypoxia (1% O2). We then determined by Western blots the effects of cell-free media from hypoxic-conditioned HUCBCs (HUCM) on activation of the cell survival protein Akt in human coronary artery endothelial cells and cardiac myocytes in culture during 24 h of 1% O2. We also determined in separate experiments endothelial cell and myocyte apoptosis by caspase-3 and Annexin V. In the present experiments, HUCBCs secreted multiple growth factors, anti-inflammatory cytokines, and inhibitors of metalloproteinase during normoxia and hypoxia. Human cord blood cells increased the concentration in culture media of angiopoietin, hepatocyte growth factor, interleukin-4, insulin-like growth factor, placental growth factor, vascular endothelial cell growth factor, angiogenin, and stem cell factor by 100 to >10,000% during 12 h of 1% O2 (p < 0.001). HUCM, which contained these biological factors, significantly increased Akt phosphorylation/activation in coronary artery endothelial cells and cardiac myocytes subjected to 24 h of 1% O2 by more than 60% (p < 0.05) and increased the antiapoptotic protein Bcl-2 expression by 34–50% in comparison with endothelial cells and myocytes treated without HUCM in 1% O2 (p < 0.05). HUCM also significantly decreased caspase-3 activity and decreased hypoxic endothelial cell and cardiac myocyte apoptosis by more than 40% in comparison with cells cultured without HUCM (p < 0.05). Inhibition of Akt activation in endothelial cells and myocytes by the sensitive and specific antagonist API-1 during 24 h of hypoxia nearly completely prevented the beneficial effects of HUCM on inhibiting caspase-3 activity and apoptosis. We conclude that HUCBCs secrete biologically active factors during hypoxia that activate survival proteins in endothelial cells and myocytes that significantly limit apoptosis.
FHL2 (SLIM3) Is Not Essential for Cardiac Development and Function

ABSTRACT LIM domain-containing proteins play critical roles in vertebrate development and cellular differentiation. Recently, four members of the four and one-half LIM protein (FHL) family have been identified and cloned. One of these, FHL2, is expressed in a restricted manner in the cardiovascular system throughout development into adulthood, suggesting that FHL2 may play an important role in cardiovascular development and function. Here we describe the generation and analysis of mice carrying a null mutation of the FHL2 gene.FHL2-deficient mice are viable and maintain normal cardiac function both before and after acute mechanical stress induced by aortic constriction. These data suggest that FHL2 is not essential for cardiac development and function.
Estimation of Import and Export Demand Functions Using Bilateral Trade Data

We estimated the import and export elasticities of Pakistan trade with traditional trade partners and some Asian countries to see the dynamics of Pakistan's trade from 1973 to 2008. OLS results suggest that income is the principal determinant of exports and imports. Its exports are cointegrated with Japan and the US while the imports are cointegrated with UAE and the US. Pakistan imports and exports are cointegrated with Bangladesh and Sri Lanka but not with India and China. Income and exchange rate are both important determinants of foreign trade. Continuing its trade with traditional partners and making efforts for greater market access to the US and EU, it should make efforts to increase its trade with Asian countries notably China and India because both are fast growing economies and have huge market. JEL Classification: F01, C51.
Examining the experiences of doctors as volunteers in Uganda and the potential tensions that arise when attempting to create ‘sustainable’ change through voluntary placements

International professional medical volunteering of qualified doctors has grown in recent decades. It is claimed that this activity has the potential to both benefit and harm volunteers as well as the countries which host them. This research focuses on the subjective experiences of British medical volunteers in Uganda, and aims to investigate the relationship between the career goals and objectives of volunteer doctors as well as their sending organisations. Potential tensions which arise between fulfilling these objectives and the interests of the host country - in this case Uganda – are also explored. The study was conducted using qualitative approaches to gather data and a thematic analysis was used to draw out the themes identified within the data. The author’s position provided a unique approach to the methodological approach which was influenced by ethnography. The results of the study provide a more in depth understanding of volunteer experiences and illuminate professional and personal skills gains, as well as five key themes relating to tensions and ethical issues encountered during a voluntary experience in Uganda.
Radiographically negative stress-related bone injury

Purpose: To assess the diagnostic value of MR imaging relative to two-phase bone scintigraphy in radiographically negative stress-related injuries. Material and Methods: Sixteen consecutive patients presenting with stressrelated bone injuries and normal standard radiographs were examined with two-phase bone scans and MR imaging. MR imaging protocols varied according to the region to be examined. The MR and scintigraphic images were evaluated blindly and separately by respectively two radiologists and two nuclear medicine physicians. The standard of reference was represented by a combination of clinical and scintigraphic findings as well as clinical follow-up. Results: For MR imaging, sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values for the presence of stress-related injuries for the two readers were 69/63%, 100/80%, 100/91%, and 50/40%, respectively. Interobserver agreement was good (kappa=0.62). For scintigraphy, all abnormal and normal findings were correctly identified. Conclusion: For patients with clinically suspected stress-related injuries and a low probability of other active bone diseases (such as infection or neoplasm), bone scintigraphy should be the initial imaging modality.
Maternal Deaths Due to Sepsis in the State of Michigan, 1999–2006

OBJECTIVE: To identify maternal deaths due to sepsis in the state of Michigan, review the events leading to diagnosis, and evaluate treatment to identify areas for improvement. METHODS: A case series was collected for maternal deaths due to sepsis from a cohort of maternal deaths in the state of Michigan. The study period was 1999–2006 and included deaths during pregnancy and up to 42 days postpartum. Cases were identified using Maternal Mortality Surveillance records from the Michigan Department of Community Health. Each case was reviewed by all authors. RESULTS: Maternal sepsis was the cause of death in 15% (22/151) of pregnancy-related deaths. Of 22 deaths, 13 women presented to the hospital with sepsis, two developed sepsis during hospitalization, and seven developed sepsis at home without admission to the hospital for care. Review of available hospital records (n=15) revealed delays in initial appropriate antibiotic treatment occurred in 73% (11/15) of patients. Delay in escalation of care also occurred and was identified in 53% (8/15) of patients. CONCLUSION: Common elements in these deaths illustrate three key delays that may have contributed to the deaths: in recognition of sepsis, in administration of appropriate antibiotics, and in escalation of care. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III
Causes and prevention of low back pain in young athletes.

PAEDIATRIC SPORTS AND EXERCISE MEDICINE SECTION Executive: Drs Laura Purcell, London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ontario (President); Merrilee Zetaruk, Winnipeg, Manitoba (President-Elect); John Philpott, Toronto, Ontario (Secretary-Treasurer); Michelle McTimoney, IWK Health Centre, Halifax, Nova Scotia (Member-at-Large); Claire LeBlanc, Edmonton, Alberta (Member-at-Large 2007–2009) Principal author: Dr Laura Purcell, London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ontario The recommendations in this statement do not indicate an exclusive course of treatment or procedure to be followed. Variations, taking into account individual circumstances, may be appropriate. All Canadian Paediatric Society practice points are reviewed, revised or retired as needed on a regular basis. For the most current version, please consult the “Position Statements” section of the CPS website (www.cps.ca/english/publications/statementsindex.htm).
Patterns of Cellular Immunity Associated with Experimental Infection with rDEN2Δ30 (Tonga/74) Support Its Suitability as a Human Dengue Virus Challenge Strain

ABSTRACT A deletion variant of the dengue virus (DENV) serotype 2 (DENV2) Tonga/74 strain lacking 30 nucleotides from its 3′ untranslated region (rDEN2Δ30) has previously been established for use in a controlled human DENV challenge model. To evaluate if this model is appropriate for the derivation of correlates of protection for DENV vaccines on the basis of cellular immunity, we wanted to compare the cellular immune response to this challenge strain to the response induced by natural infection. To achieve this, we predicted HLA class I- and class II-restricted peptides from rDEN2Δ30 and used them in a gamma interferon enzyme-linked immunosorbent spot assay to interrogate CD8+ and CD4+ T cell responses in healthy volunteers infected with rDEN2Δ30. At the level of CD8 responses, vigorous ex vivo responses were detected in approximately 80% of donors. These responses were similar in terms of the magnitude and the numbers of epitopes recognized to the responses previously observed in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from donors from regions where DENV is hyperendemic. The similarity extended to the immunodominance hierarchy of the DENV nonstructural proteins, with NS3, NS5, and NS1 being dominant in both donor cohorts. At the CD4 level, the responses to rDEN2Δ30 vaccination were less vigorous than those to natural DENV infection and were more focused on nonstructural proteins. The epitopes recognized following rDEN2Δ30 infection and natural infection were largely overlapping for both the CD8 (100%) and CD4 (85%) responses. Finally, rDEN2Δ30 induced stronger CD8 responses than other, more attenuated DENV isolates. IMPORTANCE The lack of a known correlate of protection and the failure of a neutralizing antibody to correlate with protection against dengue virus have highlighted the need for a human DENV challenge model to better evaluate the candidate live attenuated dengue vaccines. In this study, we sought to characterize the immune profiles of rDEN2Δ30-infected subjects and to compare the profiles with those for subjects from areas where DENV is hyperendemic. Our data demonstrate that T cell responses to rDENV2Δ30 are largely similar to those to natural infection in terms of specificity, highlighting that the response to this virus in humans is appropriate as a model for the T cell response to primary DENV2 infection.
Auditor Tenure and the Timeliness of Misstatement Discovery

ABSTRACT: Using the timeliness of misstatement discovery as a proxy for audit quality, we examine the association between audit firm tenure and audit quality in a setting that alleviates the endogeneity problem endemic to this line of research. We find that longer audit firm tenure leads to less timely discovery and correction of misstatements, which is consistent with a negative effect of long auditor tenure on audit quality. In addition, using the non-voluntary auditor change following the demise of Arthur Andersen in 2002 as a natural experiment, we show that the misstatements of its former clients were discovered faster than those of comparable companies that retained their auditors throughout the misstatement. This finding speaks to the benefit of a fresh look by a new auditor. An extended analysis shows that longer auditor tenure also leads to misstatements of greater magnitudes, and that the Sarbanes-Oxley Act has mitigated, but not eliminated, the negative effect of long auditor tenure. Last, we s.
Unusually High Incidence of Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma in a Town of Eastern Sicily: An Epidemiological and Environmental Study

Abstract In a recent epidemiological study, researchers investigated mortality from malignant pleural neoplasms in Italy, and they detected some geographic clusters of cases of this disease. We found a town located in a volcanic area of eastern Sicily to be of special interest. The residents, some of whom were diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma, had never had any relevant exposure to asbestos during their professional lives. The results of an environmental survey suggested that a possible cause of asbestos exposure was the stone quarries near the town. The products of the quarries contain fibrous amphiboles, which are used widely in the local building industry. These fibrous amphiboles were identified as intermediate phases between tremolite and actinolite. Samples were collected from buildings in the town, and concentrations of amphibole fibers were evaluated. Fibrous phases were detected in 71 % of the samples, and fiber concentrations ranged from a few thousand to more than 4 × 104 fibers/mg of material. In addition, we conducted a study on the mineral fiber lung burden in a pleural mesothelioma case. Many mineral fibers that were classified as the same tremolite-actinolite fibrous amphibole found in the quarries and in the building materials were detected in the lung tissue. The results suggest that the inhabitants of the town we studied had been exposed for several decades to asbestos fibers that were present in the material extracted from the local stone quarries. The material was subsequently used in the building industry, and this has caused an increased risk of pleural mesothelioma in the area.
Methodological challenges in hip fracture registration – The Harstad Injury Registry

The aim of the study was to evaluate a hospital-based injury recording system on hip fracture registration in elderly persons aged + 65 years from 1994 through 2008, and to examine the agreement between the number of validated fractures and the number of fractures reported to the Norwegian Patient Registry using three different sources: (1) Medical records, (2) Patient administrative system and (3) The hospital's hip fracture record to the Norwegian Patient Registry from 2002 through 2008. The injury recording system included 582 hip fracture events and 535 (92%) were confirmed through the medical records. Reasons for non-verification were different coding failures. Searching the patient administrative system using ICD codes identified 16 hip fractures not included in the fracture registry between 2002 through 2008. The total number was the same as the number of hip fractures reported to the Norwegian Patient Registry using ICD codes alone for identification. The conclusion is that on well-defined diagnosis like hip fractures, local fracture registries may obtain a high degree of reliability if different sources are available for quality control. Well-functioning patient administrative systems may be used to study numbers of hip fractures.
Papillomavirus-Associated Cutaneous Neoplasia in Mammals

For humans, strong evidence indicates that some mucosal papillomavirus (PV) types cause genital and oral neoplasia, and weaker evidence suggests that some cutaneous PVs may cause cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas (SCC). For nonhuman species, strong evidence supports a causal role of PVs in the development of feline and equine sarcoids. Likewise, PVs are believed to cause cutaneous SCCs in rabbits, western barred bandicoots, and some rodents. Furthermore, some evidence suggests that PVs may influence the development of both feline and canine cutaneous SCCs. This review discusses the evidence that PVs cause human cutaneous SCCs and the proposed mechanisms for this action. It then reviews preneoplastic and neoplastic skin diseases that are associated with PV infection in nonhuman mammals.