Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Relevant genetic polymorphisms and kidney expression of Toll‐like receptor (TLR)‐5 and TLR‐9 in lupus nephritis

Toll‐like receptor (TLR) genetic polymorphisms may modify their expression causing inflammatory disorders and influencing both susceptibility and severity of lupus erythematosus. We aim to determine whether TLR‐5 and TLR‐9 gene polymorphisms are implicated in the susceptibility to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and lupus nephritis (LN) and to evaluate their expressions and distributions in renal LN patients' biopsies. The frequencies of two SNP in the TLR‐9 gene and one in the TLR‐5 gene was examined in 106 SLE patients (among them 37 LN patients) and in 200 matched controls by polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment‐length polymorphisms (PCR–RFLP) analysis. TLR‐9 and TLR‐5 expressions were assessed by reverse transcription (RT)–PCR and immunohistochemistry carried on LN renal biopsies compared to healthy renal tissue. A significant genotypic and allelic association was revealed between TLR‐9‐rs352140 and both SLE and LN (P < 0·05). The TLR‐9 transcript level was significantly higher in LN biopsies compared to control (P < 0·05). This increase was observed histochemically in the tubulointerstitial compartment. TLR‐9 was detectable in LN glomeruli patients but not in normal control glomeruli. No allelic nor genotype association was found with TLR‐5‐rs5744168 in SLE. but the T allele and the TT genotype were raised significantly in the LN group (P < 0·05). A significant increase in TLR‐5 gene expression in LN biopsies, which contrasted with normal kidneys (P < 0·05), was confirmed by an intense and diffuse staining for TLR‐5 only in LN tubules (P < 0·05). Our data show that TLR‐5 and TLR‐9 are susceptible genes to LN and that their expression is dysregulated in LN patients' kidneys, supporting a role of these mediators in the pathogenesis of LN.
Treatment strategies for the right heart in pulmonary hypertension

Abstract The function of the right ventricle (RV) determines the prognosis of patients with pulmonary hypertension. While much progress has been made in the treatment of pulmonary hypertension, therapies for the RV are less well established. In this review of treatment strategies for the RV, first we focus on ways to reduce wall stress since this is the main determinant of changes to the ventricle. Secondly, we discuss treatment strategies targeting the detrimental consequences of increased RV wall stress. To reduce wall stress, afterload reduction is the essential. Additionally, preload to the ventricle can be reduced by diuretics, by atrial septostomy, and potentially by mechanical ventricular support. Secondary to ventricular wall stress, left-to-right asynchrony, altered myocardial energy metabolism, and neurohumoral activation will occur. These may be targeted by optimising RV contraction with pacing, by iron supplement, by angiogenesis and improving mitochondrial function, and by neurohumoral modulation, respectively. We conclude that several treatment strategies for the right heart are available; however, evidence is still limited and further research is needed before clinical application can be recommended.
Trends in health systems in the former Soviet countries

Background The post-Soviet countries had very similar starting points after gaining independence in 1991, yet embarked on widely varying developments. More than two decades since the collapse of the Soviet Union, it is time to review the progress the post-Soviet countries have made in reforming their health systems, and the lessons this experience offers to other countries. This abstract presents findings of a study undertaken by the European …
Comparison of Muscle Patterning in the Overarm Throw and Tennis Serve

Abstract The muscular patterning of three skilled throwers who were less skilled servers, three skilled servers who were less skilled throwers, and three individuals skilled in both sport skills, was studied by means of electromyography and tri-plane cinematography during performances of the throw and serve. Surface electrodes were used to record electrical activity from two trunk, four shoulder girdle, and four shoulder joint muscles. Regardless of skill level, the nine female subjects used common joint and segment movements and employed, with minor exceptions, the same number of muscles during late preparatory and force production phases in the two skills. However, for the two skills, there were differences in the duration during which the muscles were active. The serve took longer to perform and involved a different sequential coordination of muscular activity than did the throw. Differences in muscle patterning between the two skills were greater during the force production phase in individuals judged.
Exploring immune checkpoints as potential therapeutic targets in atherosclerosis

In the past decades, the inflammatory nature of atherosclerosis has been well-recognized and despite the development of therapeutic strategies targeted at its classical risk factors such as dyslipidemia and hypertension, atherosclerosis remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Additional strategies targeting the chronic inflammatory pathways underlying the development of atherosclerosis are therefore required. Interactions between different immune cells result in the secretion of inflammatory mediators, such as cytokines and chemokines, and fuel atherogenesis. Immune checkpoint proteins have a critical role in facilitating immune cell interactions and play an essential role in the development of atherosclerosis. Although the therapeutic potential of these molecules is well-recognized in clinical oncology, the use of immune checkpoint modulators in atherosclerosis is still limited to experimental models. Here, we review recent insights on the role of immune checkpoint proteins in atherosclerosis. Additionally, we explore the therapeutic potential and challenges of immune checkpoint modulating strategies in cardiovascular medicine and we discuss novel therapeutic approaches to target these proteins in atherosclerosis.
Caracterización del almidón nativo de Dioscorea bulbifera L.

: A non conventional source of starch, bulbs of Dioscorea bulbifera, was evaluated. Giving a yield of 28.48 g/100 g on dry weight, chemical composition, physical, physico-chemical and morphological characteristics were assessed, as well as its rheological properties. Chemical analysis showed a amylose content of 29.37%. Micrographies showed that most of the starch granules were of irregular shape, similar to a pyramid with rounded vertices, and a smaller number were elongated with smooth surface. Dioscorea starch showed a gelatinization temperature of 70.8 degrees C and maximum viscosity at 88.6 degrees C of 435 Brabender units (BU). It presented a relatively stable consistency to the cooking process and a low tendency to retrogradation; which suggest the starch possible use in food products that need a fast viscosity and a gel with a stable consistency.
Communicating clinical trial results to research participants.

BACKGROUND Communicating clinical trial results to research participants is seldom accomplished in a timely or an effective manner. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effectiveness of a plan to communicate results in an industry-sponsored randomized controlled trial for Huntington disease. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS Postal survey to research participants at 28 of 41 research sites (including 217 of 316 participants) in Canada and the United States. INTERVENTION We communicated trial results by means of (1) a media release from the investigators within a day after a sponsor-issued press release; (2) a subsequent telephone call from the site staff to the participants; and (3) a conference call for research participants 2 weeks after the results were released. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Source and timing for learning study results and satisfaction with their communication. RESULTS Of the 217 study participants surveyed, 114 (52.5%) responded. Most (73.1%) first learned the study results from their site's telephone call, and 46.3% learned the results within 1 day of the sponsor's press release. Participants reported high or complete satisfaction with the site telephone call (89.3%) and conference call (82.1%) but relatively low satisfaction with the sponsor's press release (50.0%). Most respondents reported good understanding of the risks and benefits of the experimental treatment and the next steps for their participation. CONCLUSION Surveyed research participants learned of the clinical trial results soon after public release and highly valued the personalized and accurate communication efforts by the study investigators.
The metabolic syndrome and development of cognitive impairment among older women.

BACKGROUND Several studies support a role for cardiovascular risk factors in cognitive aging. The metabolic syndrome, a constellation of cardiovascular risk factors, is common in elderly people. A growing but conflicting body of literature suggests that the metabolic syndrome may be associated with cognitive impairment. OBJECTIVE To investigate the association between the metabolic syndrome and its components and incident cognitive impairment in older women. DESIGN We prospectively determined if the metabolic syndrome and its components were associated with a 4-year risk of developing cognitive impairment (dementia, mild cognitive impairment, or low global cognitive test score). SETTING The study was conducted at 180 clinical centers in 25 countries. PARTICIPANTS A total of 4895 older women (mean age, 66.2 years) with osteoporosis who were part of an ancillary study to determine clinically relevant cognitive impairment were included in this study. These women were free of baseline cognitive impairment and had metabolic syndrome component measures. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Clinically significant cognitive impairment was defined to include women with clinically adjudicated dementia or MCI and women who had a Short Blessed test score greater than 6 (consistent with impairment), but whose cases were not clinically adjudicated. Logistic regression analysis was used to examine the association between presence of the metabolic syndrome and development of clinically significant cognitive impairment. RESULTS A total of 497 women (10.2%) had the metabolic syndrome and, of these, 36 (7.2%) developed cognitive impairment compared with 181 (of 4398 or 4.1%) without the syndrome (age-adjusted odds ratio, 1.66; 95% confidence interval, 1.14-2.41). The mean (SD) number of metabolic syndrome components for all women was 1.0 (1.1); 518 women (10.6%) were obese, 895 (18.3%) had hypertriglyceridemia, 1200 (24.5%) had low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, 1944 (39.7%) had high blood pressure, and 381 (7.8%) had high fasting blood glucose levels. There was a 23.0% age-adjusted increase in the risk of developing cognitive impairment (odds ratio, 1.23; 95% confidence interval, 1.09-1.39) per unit increase in the number of components. Further multivariable adjustment somewhat reduced the effect. CONCLUSION We found an association between the metabolic syndrome and the number of components and risk of developing cognitive impairment in older women. Additional studies are needed to determine if screening and close management of these at-risk elderly women would diminish the incidence of cognitive impairment.
Audit of referral of AIDS patients from hospital to an integrated community-based home care programme in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Aim. To maximise access of hospitalised AIDS patients to an integrated community-based home care (lCHC) programme. Objectives. To determine optimal standards for referral, to review current practice in relation to standards, to implement changes necessary to meet standards, and to reassess the functioning of the referral system after intervention. Design. Prospective collaborative audit using review of referral forms, interviews and focus group discussions. Setting. Port Shepstone health district, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Subjects. Staff ICHC team, South Coast Hospice, and staff at Port Shepstone Hospital. Results. The referral system was suboptimal in terms of process, structure and awareness of function. Problems were reliance on a single co-ordinator, inappropriate referrals, and nonspecific documentation. There was also a cumbersome process of communication between the hospital and the ICHC team. Hospital and patients were unclear of the role of the ICHe. Changes included training nurses to increase the number of co-ordinators, production of written referral criteria, a patient information pamphlet and specific documentation. Communication channels were streamlined. Reassessment indicated that referral standards were being met. Conclusions. The referral system was initially suboptimal but was improved to meet standards. We recommend ongoing data collection and peer audit.
FACTORES DE RIESGO PARA MELANOMA CUTANEO. ESTUDIO DE CASOS Y CONTROLES EN CORDOBA, ARGENTINA

Over the past years, considerable effort has been directed toward the identification of risk factors associated with the increasing incidence of cutaneous melanoma in white populations worldwide. Limited data are available from Argentine populations concerning risk factors for malignant melanoma. A case-control study was performed in Cordoba to estimate the risk factors for cutaneous malignant melanoma. The study group comprised 65 patients and 195 controls, matched by age and sex. The following risk factors were significant in the univariate analysis: European grandparents, blonde and brown hair, fair skin tone, light colored and brown eyes, presence of freckles and melanocytic nevi, severe sunburns before the age of 18 years, recreational sun exposure, family history of malignant melanoma. In the multivariate analysis, European grandparents (OR 2.27, IC95% 1.08 to 3.46), fair skin (OR 4.99, IC95% 2.72 to 7.28), severe sunburns before the age of 18 (OR 6.47, IC95% 5.29 to 7.65), and family history of malignant melanoma (OR 1525, IC95% 1467 to 1584), remain as independent risk factors for malignant melanoma. The results of the current study are similar to those obtained in other populations.
Calcitonin measurement in aspiration needle washout fluids has higher sensitivity than cytology in detecting medullary thyroid cancer: a retrospective multicentre study

Only few studies analysed the capability of cytology in detecting medullary thyroid cancer (MTC), and they reported a low accuracy of this diagnostic technique. Recently, calcitonin (CT) measurement in aspiration needle washout (FNA‐CT) of thyroid and neck lesions has been reported as a sensitive tool for MTC. The aim of this study is to compare the sensitivity of FNA‐CT and cytology in detecting MTC and to assess a cut‐off value of FNA‐CT for clinical practice.
Mural Adenomatoid Odontogenic Tumor in the Mandible - A Rare Case

Adenomatoid odontogenic tumor is a uncommon benign hamartomatous lesion of odontogenic origin, which affects young individuals, with a female predilection and mainly occurs in the second decade. It is considered as a hamartoma because of its limited size, due to minimal growth potential, and lack of recurrence. The epithelial lining of the odontogenic cyst may transform into an odontogenic neoplasm-like ameloblastoma or Adenomatoid odontogenic tumor. Such combined lesions are rare and must be carefully diagnosed by an oral pathologist so that optimum treatment needs of the patient can be met. We are here reporting a case of cyst associated with Adenomatoid odontogenic tumor in a 17 year old female patient in the mandible, which was clinically diagnosed as dentigerous cyst or unilocular ameloblastoma. This report of a cyst in the mandible associated with an Adenomatoid odontogenic tumor is extremely rare. Combined lesions of such variety are uncommon and hence the importance of grossing and histopathology in such cases should not be undermined.
FREQUENCY OF CONGENITAL HEART DISEASES IN PATIENTS UNDER THE AGE OF TWELVE YEARS AT LADY READING HOSPITAL PESHAWAR

Objective: To find out the frequency of various congenital heart diseases (CHD) in patients less than 12 years of age at Lady Reading hospital, Peshawar. Material and Methods: This retrospective study was conducted at Department of Cardiology, Postgraduate Medical Institute, Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar. Patients referred for echocardiography were reviewed. Trans-thoracic two dimensional echocardiography and Doppler studies were done on all cases. The results were analyzed from the data retrieved from the computerized data base of Cardiology department from July 1998 to December 2005 covering almost seven years and six months. Records of patient aged twelve and below and labeled as congenital heart disease were analyzed on SPSS windows version 10. Results: Out of 3072 patients with CHD, 83.7% were acyanotic heart diseases. Ventricular septal defect was present in 1248 patients (40.6%), atrial septal defects (ASD) were 493 (16%) comprising of ASD secundum in 397 (12.9%) and ASD primum in 96 (3.1%) patients. PDA was present in 394 patients (12.8%). A total of 473 patients (15.4%) had the tetrology of Fallot and 236 patients (7.7%) had pulmonic stenosis. Complex congenital heart diseases were present in 198 (6.4%) patients and coarctation of aorta was found in 0.9%. Conclusion: Majority of the congenital cardiac anomalies in patients less than 12 years of age are acyanotic. VSD and ASD are the major acyanotic and TOF is the major cyanotic congenital heart disease.
Occupational Hearing Loss from Non-Gaussian Noise

Abstract Noise levels are truly continuous in relatively few occupations, with some degree of intermittency the most common condition. The sound levels of intermittent noise are often referred to as non-Gaussian in that they are not normally distributed in the time domain. In some conditions, intermittent noise affects the ear differently from continuous noise, and it is this assumption that underlies the selection of the 5-dB exchange rate (ER). The scientific and professional communities have debated this assumption over recent decades. This monograph explores the effect of non-Gaussian noise on the auditory system. It begins by summarizing an earlier report by the same author concentrating on the subject of the ER. The conclusions of the earlier report supported the more conservative 3-dB ER with possible adjustments to the permissible exposure limit for certain working conditions. The current document has expanded on the earlier report in light of the relevant research accomplished in the intervening decades. Although some of the animal research has supported the mitigating effect of intermittency, a closer look at many of these studies reveals certain weaknesses, along with the fact that these noise exposures were not usually representative of the conditions under which people actually work. The more recent animal research on complex noise shows that intermittencies do not protect the cochlea and that many of the previous assumptions about the ameliorative effect of intermittencies are no longer valid, lending further support to the 3-dB ER. The neurologic effects of noise on hearing have gained increasing attention in recent years because of improvements in microscopy and immunostaining techniques. Animal experiments showing damage to auditory synapses from noise exposures previously considered harmless may signify the need for a more conservative approach to the assessment of noise-induced hearing loss and consequently the practice of hearing conservation programs.
Elevation of {beta}-amyloid 1-42 autoantibodies in the blood of amnestic patients with mild cognitive impairment.

OBJECTIVE To develop a blood-based test for screening populations at risk for Alzheimer disease. DESIGN Case-control study. Subjects A total of 180 patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and 105 age-matched, cognitively normal controls. INTERVENTIONS The titer of beta-amyloid 1-42 autoantibodies in the plasma was obtained at the time of diagnosis and evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay before and after dissociation of the antigen-antibody complexes. A total of 107 patients with MCI were followed up for 36 months; 70 of the 107 cases progressed to Alzheimer disease. RESULTS The average level of beta-amyloid 1-42 plasma autoantibodies in patients with MCI that progressed to Alzheimer disease, but not that of the stable cases, was significantly higher than in cognitively normal controls (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS The results suggest that the plasma beta-amyloid 1-42 autoantibodies parallel beta-amyloid 42 deposition in the brain, which is known to precede by several years the clinical onset of Alzheimer disease. The evaluation of beta-amyloid 1-42 autoantibodies after dissociation of the complexes is a simple and inexpensive method that can be used to predict the occurrence of Alzheimer disease.
Fetuin‐A, a new vascular biomarker of cognitive decline in older adults

Fetuin‐A is an abundant plasma protein known to predict vascular disease. Fetuin‐A levels are lower in patients with Alzheimer's disease in proportion to the severity of cognitive impairment, but their association with normal cognitive ageing is unknown. We evaluated the association of serum fetuin‐A levels with cognitive function in community‐dwelling older adults.
Detection of High-Risk Human Papillomavirus in Cervix Sample in an 11.3-year Follow-Up after Vaccination against HPV 16/18

Abstract Purpose the aim of this study was to evaluate the pattern of human papillomavirus (HPV) detection in an 11.3-year post-vaccination period in a cohort of adolescent and young women vaccinated or not against HPV 16/18. Methods a subset of 91 women from a single center participating in a randomized clinical trial (2001–2010, NCT00689741/00120848/00518336) with HPV 16/18 AS04-adjuvanted vaccine was evaluated. All women received three doses of the HPV vaccine (n = 48) or a placebo (n = 43), and cervical samples were collected at 6-month intervals. Only in this center, one additional evaluation was performed in 2012. Up to 1,492 cervical samples were tested for HPV-DNA and genotyped with polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The vaccine group characteristics were compared by Chi-square or Fisher exact or Mann-Whitney test. The high-risk (HR)-HPV 6-month-persistent infection rate was calculated. The cumulative infection by HPV group was evaluated by the Kaplan-Meier method and the log-rank test. Results the cumulative infection with any type of HPV in an 11.3-year period was 67% in the HPV vaccine group and 72% in the placebo group (p = 0.408). The longitudinal analysis showed an increase of 4% per year at risk for detection of HR-HPV (non-HPV 16/18) over time (p = 0.015), unrelated to vaccination. The cumulative infection with HPV 16/18 was 4% for the HPV vaccine group and 29% for the placebo group (p = 0.003). There were 43 episodes of HR-HPV 6-month persistent infection, unrelated to vaccination. Conclusions this study showed the maintenance of viral detection rate accumulating HR-HPV (non-HPV-16–18) positive tests during a long period post-vaccination, regardless of prior vaccination. This signalizes that the high number of HPV-positive tests may be maintained after vaccination.
Differential Diagnosis between Bartholin Cyst and Vulvar Leiomyoma: Case Report

Abstract Genital leiomyomas are rare tumors that can often be misdiagnosed as Bartholin cyst. We report a case of a 32-year-old patient who had a cystic nodulation in the left labium majus that was suggestive of Bartholin cyst. A resection surgery was performed, and the definitive histopathology diagnosis was vulvar leiomyoma. The macroscopic features of cystic lesions difficult the differential diagnosis between leiomyoma and Bartholin cyst; therefore, a histopathologic examination is often recommended.