Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Development of inhibitory and excitatory synaptic transmission in the rat dentate gyrus

We studied the ontogeny of inhibitory and excitatory processes in the rat dentate gyrus by examining paired‐pulse plasticity in the hippocampal slice preparation. The mature dentate gyrus produces characteristic paired‐pulse responses across a wide range of interpulse intervals (IPI). Paired‐pulse effects on population excitatory postsynaptic potential (EPSP) slope and population spike (PS) amplitude were analyzed at postnatal day 6 (PN6), PN7/8, PN9/10, PN15/16, and PN > 60.
Total knee replacement for posttraumatic degenerative arthritis of the knee.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the results of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in patients with posttraumatic degenerative arthritis due to a previous fracture around the knee. METHODS We analyzed the results of 15 TKAs, performed from 1997 to 2003, in 15 patients with post-traumatic degenerative arthritis due to a previous fracture around knee. There were 3 women and 12 men with an average age of 58 years (range, 31-76 years). The time from fracture to arthroplasty averaged 8.2 years (range, 2-27 years). Internal fixation had previously been performed in 8 patients resulting in retained hardware. At the time of arthroplasty a femoral fracture malunion was present in two knees. Lateral retinacular release (4 knees), extensor mechanism realignment (1 knee) or medial collateral ligament reconstruction (1 knee) were needed at the time of arthroplasty. RESULTS Follow-up averaged 35 months (range, 12-73 months). No patient was lost for follow-up. According to the Knee Society Score scale, the mean preoperative knee score was 37 (range, 10-70) and functional score was 41 (range, 0-60). They were improved significantly to a mean of 84 (range, 10-100) and 76 (range, 20-100) points, respectively at the latest follow-up. The mean knee arc of motion were improved from 84 degree preoperation to 94 degree at the latest follow-up. Postoperative manipulation under anesthesia for poor motion was carried out in 4 knees. No knee had aseptic loosening that required subsequent revision. Two knees developed superficial infection and were treated with debridement. It subsequently recovered with the retention of components. CONCLUSIONS Significant improvement in function and relief of pain has been achieved in patients with previous fractures undergoing subsequent TKA. However, this procedure is technically demanding and patients are at increased risk for restricted motion and need more care following TKA. This study suggests that the outcome of TKA may be improved further by making special efforts to restore limb alignment, to ensure correct component positioning, and to manage soft tissue balance.
Evaluation of a Surveillance Case Definition for Anogenital Warts, Kaiser Permanente Northwest

Background Most studies of anogenital wart (AGW) epidemiology have used large clinical or administrative databases and unconfirmed case definitions based on combinations of diagnosis and procedure codes. Methods We developed and validated an AGW case definition using a combination of diagnosis codes and other information available in the electronic medical record (provider type, laboratory testing). We calculated the positive predictive value (PPV) of this case definition compared with manual medical record review in a random sample of 250 cases. Using this case definition, we calculated the annual age- and sex-stratified prevalence of AGW among individuals 11 through 30 years of age from 2000 through 2005. Results We identified 2730 individuals who met the case definition. The PPV of the case definition was 82%, and the average annual prevalence was 4.16 per 1000. Prevalence of AGW was higher in females compared with males in every age group, with the exception of the 27- to 30-year-olds. Among females, prevalence peaked in the 19- to 22-year-olds, and among males, the peak was observed in 23- to 26-year-olds. Conclusions The case definition developed in this study is the first to be validated with medical record review and has a good PPV for the detection of AGW. The prevalence rates observed in this study were higher than other published rates, but the age- and sex-specific patterns observed were consistent with previous reports.
Management of acute coronary syndromes in patients with renal dysfunction

Purpose of review Chronic kidney disease is becoming common among patients with acute coronary syndromes and is associated with substantial cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Often, patients with chronic kidney disease are excluded from clinical trials, so in clinical practice physicians may not have definitive evidence to support treatment decisions. Recent findings Recent studies have shown that chronic kidney disease is an independent risk factor for outcomes in patients with acute coronary syndromes and that there is a stepwise increase in mortality with progressive decline of glomerular filtration rate. It has been demonstrated that the use of aggressive treatment strategies in these patients may be associated with improved outcome that is similar to, if not higher than, in those patients without renal disease. Yet, although critical for the correct dose adjustment of many antithrombotic and antiplatelet therapies, accurate renal function estimation often is not done. Summary Chronic kidney disease is common, and the stages of chronic kidney disease are strongly related to the risk of adverse in-hospital outcomes and to the use of evidence-based therapies. Many antithrombotic drugs are eliminated mainly by the kidneys, so an accurate assessment of renal function is required in all patients with acute coronary syndromes for a proper dose adjustment. There is a clear need for clinical trials in patients with moderate-to-severe kidney dysfunction to further refine their optimal management in the setting of acute coronary syndromes.
Prevalence of HIV and STIs and Associated Risk Factors Among Female Sex Workers in Guangdong Province, China

Objectives:To assess the prevalence of HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and associated factors among female sex workers (FSWs) in Guangdong, China. Methods:Respondent-driven sampling was used to recruit 320 FSWs. The recruited participants were interviewed face-to-face using a structured questionnaire and tested for HIV, syphilis, gonorrhea, and Chlamydia. Results:The prevalence of syphilis, gonorrhea, and Chlamydia were 8.0% (4.6%-12.2%), 9.5% (5.6%-14.3%), and 3.9% (1.7%-6.2%), respectively, and of any STIs was 19.7% (13.9%-26.2%). None of the participants were HIV positive. The median number of clients during the previous week was 5. The proportion of consistent condom use with the clients during the previous week was 58.0% (50.4%-65.5%), use with regular nonpaying partners and nonregular nonpaying partners were much lower than that with clients. Multivariate analysis indicated that years of education and perception of HIV risk were protective factors. Awareness of HIV/AIDS; regular sex partners deciding about condom use when having sex; recruiting clients at hotels, hair/beauty salons, or streets instead of massage parlors; and higher charge for last sexual service were associated with STI infection. Conclusions:Future intervention programs should not only address personal risk factors but also empower FSWs to require condom use by both clients and nonpaying partners.
Comparing Robustness and Performance of Hybrid and Non-hybrid Fuzzy Controllers aimed to guide a simulated robot

In this paper we investigate the reliability of fuzzy system by an analysis of sensitivity using two different models: Mamdani-type controller and a Takagi-Sugeno-type controller. The main idea concerns the control of a simulated robot walking thought a virtual environment populated with obstacles. We remove some rules from the controllers in order to analyze the sensitivity and investigate the robustness of them. We are interested in situations where the system designer does not have all knowledge concerning the problem or an out of order controller. We measured the success of the controllers -to reach its goal -in order to compare the hybrid and the non-hybrid models. Our results suggest a higher sensitivity of the Takagi-Sugeno system in a knowledge process extraction and they indicate that fuzzy systems can perform properly even under adverse conditions.
Total Phenolic Content and Antioxidant Activity of Myrtle (Myrtus communis) Extracts

The total phenolic content and antioxidant activity of methanolic, ethanolic and aqueous extracts of myrtle (Myrtus communis) leaves and berries were measured to find new potential sources of natural antioxidants. Total phenolic content was assessed by the Folin-Ciocalteau assay, while the antioxidant activity was evaluated by three methods: diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging capacity assay, the reducing antioxidant power assay and β-carotene linoleic acid assay. The total phenol content of myrtle extracts ranged between 9.0 and 35.6 mg GAE per g extract. For each solvent, leaf extracts contained significantly higher amount of total phenolic compounds than berry extracts. All of the extracts presented antioxidant capacity assessed by the three methods, but at different levels depending on the concentration, the extraction solvent and the part of the plant used. Generally, leaf extracts showed higher antioxidant activities than berry extracts, while the overall antioxidant strength was in the order methanol > water > ethanol in leaf extracts and methanol > ethanol >water in berry extracts. The phenolic content exhibited a positive correlation with the antioxidant activity: DPPH assay showed the highest correlation (r = 0.949), followed by the reducing power assay (r = 0.914) and the lowest for the β-carotene linoleic acid assay (r = 0.722).
Distal ureterectomy techniques in laparoscopic and robot-assisted nephroureterectomy: Updated review

Controversies exist about the best method for managing the distal ureter during the laparoscopic (LNU) and robot-assisted nephroureterectomy (RANU). Therefore, PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science databases were searched in order to identify articles describing the management of distal ureter during LNU or RANU in patients suffering from upper urinary tract urothelial cell carcinoma. Forty seven articles were selected for their relevance to the subject of this review. The approaches that are usually performed regarding the distal ureter management are open excision, transurethral resection of ureteral orifice (Pluck Technique), ureteric intussusception and pure LNU or pure RANU. Pure LNU and RANU with complete laparoscopic dissection and suture reconstruction of ureter and bladder cuff seems to be better tolerated than open nephroureterectomy providing equal efficacy, without deteriorating the oncological outcome, however evidence is poor. Transurethral resection of the ureteric orifice and the bladder cuff after occlusion of the ureter with a balloon catheter seems to be an attractive alternative option for low stage, low grade tumors of the renal pelvis and the proximal ureter, while stapling technique is correlated with the increased risk of positive surgical margins. The open resection of the distal ureter in continuity with the bladder cuff is considered the most reliable approach, preferred in our practice as well, however the existing data are based on retrospective and non-randomized studies.
Dicentric chromosome bridges in root tips and micronuclei in pollen tetrads induced by X rays and maleic hydrazide in Tradescantia clone BNL 4430

Inductions of dicentric chromosome bridges in root-tip cells and of micronuclei in pollen tetrads by X rays and maleic hydrazide (MH) were studied in Tradescantia clone BNL 4430, in order to compare the accuracies of these endpoints for mutagenicity testings with that of somatic pink mutations in the stamen hairs of the same clone, the most accurate endpoint established in higher plant testers. The frequency of dicentric bridges in root-tip cells increased with X-ray doses with a slope of 1.249 on a log-log graph, the slope value being unexpectedly small (much smaller than the theoretical value of 2 for two-break events). The dose-response curve on a log-log graph for MH-induced dicentric bridges had a somewhat smaller slope of 1.188, and the bridges observed were predominantly of chromatid type, reflecting the nature of MH acting at the S period of cell cycle. As for X-ray- and MH-induced micronuclei in pollen tetrads, on the other hand, the dose-response curves could not be determined, excepting that for X-ray-induced micronuclei in pollen tetrads at earlier stage. Namely, the data obtained from pollen tetrads at later stage were not consistent with X-ray and MH doses, and those from pollen tetrads at earlier stage were also inconsistent with MH doses. These results were contrary to our expectation that the frequency of micronuclei would be more reliable in pollen tetrads at later stage than in those at earlier stage at least in clone BNL 4430, a hybrid clone. The micronucleus assay in pollen tetrads was also found to be unsuited for determining the effects of MH. Therefore, the assay of somatic mutations in Tradescantia stamen hairs is concluded to be the most accurate and most reliable mutagenicity test system with a high degree of reappearance.
Structural and functional assessment of skin nerve fibres in small‐fibre pathology

Damage to nociceptor nerve fibres may give rise to peripheral neuropathies, some of which are pain free and some are painful. A hallmark of many peripheral neuropathies is the loss of small nerve fibres in the epidermis, a condition called small‐fibre neuropathy (SFN) when it is predominantly the small nerve fibres that are damaged. Historically, SFN has been very difficult to diagnose as clinical examination and nerve conduction studies mainly detect large nerve fibres, and quantitative sensory testing is not sensitive enough to detect small changes in small nerve fibres. However, taking a 3‐mm punch skin biopsy from the distal leg and quantification of the nerve fibre density has proven to be a useful method to diagnose SFN. However, the correlation between the nerve fibre loss and other test results varies greatly. Recent studies have shown that it is possible not only to extract information about the nerve fibre density from the biopsies but also to get an estimation of the nerve fibre length density using stereology, quantify sweat gland innervation and detect morphological changes such as axonal swelling, all of which may be additional parameters indicating diseased small fibres relating to symptoms reported by the patients. In this review, we focus on available tests to assess structure and function of the small nerve fibres, and summarize recent advances that have provided new possibilities to more specifically relate structural findings with symptoms and function in patients with SFN.
Multicenter study of lamivudine therapy for hepatitis B after liver transplantation

Hepatitis B after liver transplantation is often fatal, and no proven medical therapy exists for this condition. We chose to study the potential efficacy of lamivudine therapy for patients with chronic hepatitis B after liver transplantation. Fifty‐two patients with chronic hepatitis B after liver transplantation were treated in an open label, multicenter study. Each had detectable hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA in serum and 45 (87%) had detectable serum hepatitis B e antigen before treatment. Patients were treated for 52 weeks with lamivudine (100 mg daily). The primary endpoint was undetectability of HBV DNA; secondary endpoints included normalization of serum alanine transaminase (ALT) levels, disappearance of hepatitis B e antigen, and improvement in liver histology. After treatment, 60% of patients had undetectable HBV DNA by solution hybridization assay, 14 (31%) of the initially positive patients lost hepatitis B e antigen; hepatitis B surface antigen was undetectable in 3 (6%); and serum ALT levels normalized in 71%. Blinded histological assessments showed improvement in the histological activity index (P = .007 for periportal necrosis, .001 for lobular necrosis, and .013 for portal inflammation). YMDD variants of HBV, potentially associated with drug resistance, were detected in 14 (27%) of the patients. Repeat liver biopsies in 7 patients with the mutated virus were unchanged in 2, improved in 2, and worse in 3. We conclude that lamivudine is a potentially effective therapy for hepatitis B after liver transplantation.
Comparative Evaluation of Autogenous Calvarial Bone Graft and Alloplastic Materials for Secondary Reconstruction of Cranial Defects

Objective: To do a comparative study and evaluate the outcome in healing of reconstructed cranial defects with an autogenous bone graft vis-à-vis alloplastic materials. Methods: A total of 22 patients with cranial defects were selected for this study. All the subjects were men; mean age was 27 years. Secondary reconstruction was done to obturate the defects. Of the 22 patients, 11 underwent cranioplasty with autogenous calvarial bone graft, 6 patients with a titanium mesh and 5 with a polymethylmethacrylate plate. Results: The follow-up period ranged from 18 to 24 months. The 11 patients who were operated on with autogenous calvarial bone grafts did not develop any postoperative infection or complications. Graft uptake was complete, and the contour of the skull was improved in all the patients. Of the 5 patients operated on for secondary reconstruction with polymethylmethacrylate plates, 3 had exposure of the implant and 1 reported with secondary infection. Of the patients where secondary reconstruction was carried out with a titanium mesh only, 1 reported with secondary infection and 2 reported with thermal sensitivity. No graft resorption was detected. Conclusions: In our study, we concluded that autogenous calvarial bone grafts have better mechanical, biologic, and immunologic properties. This procedure allows the surgeon to reconstruct moderately large cranial defect with ease of access within single or adjacent incision to the operating site with minimal postoperative morbidity and discomfort.
Effect of route of EPO administration on hemodialysis arteriovenous vascular access failure: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND Vascular access failure is a major cause of morbidity and hospitalization in hemodialysis populations worldwide. Erythropoietin (EPO) potentially can contribute to vascular access stenosis and occlusion by promoting intimal hyperplasia and thrombosis. Intravenous administration of EPO results in a severe, but transient, increase in drug concentration within the vascular access, whereas subcutaneous administration leads to a mild, but sustained, increase in the systemic circulation. The effect of route of administration of EPO on vascular access outcomes is uncertain. STUDY DESIGN Randomized controlled trial. SETTING & PARTICIPANTS 78 Korean hemodialysis patients were randomly assigned to receive either intravenous (n = 40) or subcutaneous (n = 38) EPO. INTERVENTIONS EPO was administered during dialysis, and the dose was titrated to maintain hemoglobin levels between 9 to 12 g/dL. All patients received EPO 2 or 3 times/wk. Study duration was 4 to 77 months. OUTCOMES & MEASUREMENTS The primary end point was time to vascular access failure. Analysis was performed using Cox regression analysis. RESULTS The incidence of access failure was 4.7%/patient-year in the intravenous-therapy group and 12.0%/patient-year in the subcutaneous-therapy group, with an unadjusted hazard ratio of 3.24 (95% confidence interval, 1.31 to 8.00; P = 0.01). After adjustment for dialysis access type, vascular access age, previous intervention, serum phosphorus level, and diabetes mellitus, subcutaneous EPO administration was independently associated with increased vascular access failure (hazard ratio, 3.56; 95% confidence interval, 1.20 to 10.58; P = 0.02). There were no significant differences in either hemoglobin concentration or EPO dosage between the 2 groups during the study period. LIMITATIONS Relatively small sample size and lack of complete symmetry between the 2 groups with respect to some baseline characteristics. CONCLUSIONS This study suggests that the risk of vascular access failure may be greater with subcutaneous compared with intravenous administration of EPO in hemodialysis patients.
Microbiological Characterization of Haemophilus influenzae Isolated from Patients with Lower Respiratory Tract Infections in a Tertiary Care Hospital, South India.

INTRODUCTION Haemophilus influenzae is responsible for wide range of localized and invasive lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI) with the highest burden of disease in low and middle income countries. AIM The aim of the present study was to characterize the H.influenzae isolates from suspected LRTI. MATERIALS AND METHODS A prospective study was conducted over a period of one and half years (December 2012 to May 2014) including patients with LRTI. H.influenzae was isolated from lower respiratory specimens following standard procedures. Complete characterization of the isolates was performed by bio typing, capsular serotyping, molecular genotyping and antibiotic susceptibility testing. The predisposing factors and clinical presentation were studied in the infected patients. RESULTS A total of 8995 samples were received during the study period, out of which growth was significantly observed in 2848 (31.7%) samples. Among the various respiratory pathogens, H.influenzae was isolated from 175 (6.14%) patients. Majority (78.9%) of the patients presented with acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The isolates most frequently were of Biotype II (35.42%). Only four of the 50 isolates subjected to capsular serotyping were typeable and were of type b, e and f. All the 50 isolates tested were found to be non-typeable by PCR for capsular genotyping. Maximum resistance was found against ampicillin (9.71%). CONCLUSION H.influenzae was found to be a significant cause of LRTI. Majority of the isolates were found to be non typeable strains. Non typeable H. influenzae isolates should not be neglected as they can colonize the respiratory tract in COPD patients and can lead to biofilm formation and treatment failure.
Rapid neurite outgrowth in neurosecretory cells and neurons is sustained by the exocytosis of a cytoplasmic organelle, the enlargeosome

Neurite outgrowth is known as a slow (days) process occurring in nerve cells and neurons during neurotrophin treatment and upon transfer to culture, respectively. Using Y27632, a drug that induces activation of Rac1, a downstream step of the neurotrophin signaling cascade, we have identified a new form of outgrowth, which is rapid (<1 hour) and extensive (>500 μm2 surface enlargement/single cell/first hour). However, this outgrowth takes place only in cells (PC12-27 and SH-SY5Y cells, and embryonic and neonatal neurons) rich in an exocytic organelle, the enlargeosome. Golgi vesicles, TGN vesicles and endosomes are not involved. The need for enlargeosomes for plasma-membrane expansion was confirmed by the appearance of their marker, Ahnak, at the cell surface and by the dependence of neurite outgrowth on VAMP4, the vSNARE of enlargeosome exocytosis. In enlargeosome-rich cells, VAMP4 downregulation also attenuated the slow outgrowth induced by nerve growth factor (NGF). Similar to NGF-induced neurite outgrowth in enlargeosome-lacking cells, the new, rapid, Y27632-induced process required microtubules. Other properties of neurite outgrowth in cells lacking enlargeosomes — such as dependence on VAMP7, on microfilaments, on gene transcription and on protein synthesis, and blockade of mitoses and accumulation of neuronal markers — were not evident. The enlargeosome-sustained process might be useful for the rapid neurite outgrowth at peculiar stages and/or conditions of nerve and neuronal cells. However, its properties and its physiological and pathological role remain to be investigated.