Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Human embryonic stem cell transplantation to repair the infarcted myocardium

Objective: To test the hypothesis that human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) can be guided to form new myocardium by transplantation into the normal or infarcted heart, and to assess the influence of hESC-derived cardiomyocytes (hESCMs) on cardiac function in a rat model of myocardial infarction (MI). Methods: Undifferentiated hESCs (0.5–1×106), human embryoid bodies (hEBs) (4–8 days; 0.5–1×106), 0.1 mm pieces of embryonic stem-derived beating myocardial tissue, and phosphate-buffered saline (control) were injected into the normal or infarcted myocardium of athymic nude rats (n = 58) by direct injection into the muscle or into preimplanted three-dimensional alginate scaffold. By 2–4 weeks after transplantation, heart sections were examined to detect the human cells and differentiation with fluorescent in situ hybridisation, using DNA probes specific for human sex chromosomes and HLA-DR or HLA-ABC immunostaining. Results: Microscopic examination showed transplanted human cells in the normal, and to a lesser extent in the infarcted myocardium (7/7 vs 2/6; p<0.05). The transplanted hESCs and hEBs rarely created new vessels and did not form new myocardium. Transplantation of hESCM tissue into normal heart produced islands of disorganised myofibres, fibrosis and, in a single case, a teratoma. However, transplantation of hESCMs into the infarcted myocardium did prevent post-MI dysfunction and scar thinning. Conclusions: Undifferentiated hESCs and hEBs are not directed to form new myocardium after transplantation into normal or infarcted heart and may create teratoma. Nevertheless, this study shows that hESC-derived cardiomyocyte transplantation can attenuate post-MI scar thinning and left ventricular dysfunction.
Improved survival for children with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia and stage IV small noncleaved-cell lymphoma: a pediatric oncology group study.

PURPOSE In an effort to improve outcome for children with advanced B-cell malignancies, a treatment plan based on a published regimen that consists of four courses of fractionated cyclophosphamide (cyclo) given with doxorubicin (doxo) and vincristine (VCR) was intensified by alternating with sequential high-dose methotrexate (MTX) and cytarabine (Ara-C), given in conjunction with intrathecal (IT) MTX and Ara-C. PATIENTS AND METHODS From October 1986 to October 1992, 133 eligible patients were enrolled: 74 with B-cell (surface immunoglobulin-positive [Slg+] acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) and 59 with stage IV small noncleaved-cell lymphoma (SNCCL). The median age was 8 years; there were 103 males and 30 females. Abdominal tumor masses were prominent in 63 cases (33 B-ALL and 30 stage IV SNCCL). RESULTS Complete remission (CR) was achieved in 66 B-ALL and 57 stage IV patients (93% overall). At 4 years, the estimated event-free survival (EFS) rate is 65% +/- 8% for patients with B-ALL and 79% +/- 9% for those with stage IV SNCCL. Among patients with CNS involvement, 23 of 36 remain in CR (4-year EFS rate, 64% +/- 13%). Relapses occurred early; only 3 patients relapsed after completion of therapy. Thirteen relapses occurred in the marrow, three in the CNS, and six in other sites. Of 11 CNS-positive patients who relapsed, only two recurred primarily in the CNS. CONCLUSION The results of this study indicate that with intensified chemotherapy an increasing potential for cure exists for patients with B-ALL and stage IV SNCCL.
Facilitators, barriers and expectations in the self-management of type 2 diabetes—a qualitative study from Portugal

Abstract Background: Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) have a central role in managing their disease, but the effective adoption of self-management behaviours is often challenging. Objectives: The main objective of this study was to assess the facilitators, barriers and expectations in the self-management of type 2 DM, as perceived by patients. Methods: Patients with type 2 DM were recruited at the Portuguese Diabetes Association outpatient clinic, using a convenient sampling technique. Qualitative data was obtained using video-recorded focus groups. Each session had a moderator and an observer, and followed a pre-tested questioning route. Two independent researchers transcribed and analysed the focus groups. Results: Three major themes were identified: diet, physical exercise, and glycaemic control. Difficulties in changing dietary habits were grouped in four main categories: decisional, food quality, food quantity, and dietary schedule. Barriers related to physical exercise also included decisional aspects, as well as fatigue, muscle and joint pain, and other co-morbidities. Information and knowledge translation, as well as family and social ties, were commonly explored aspects across the three themes and were regarded as facilitators in some situations and as barriers in others. Conclusion: This study provided new insight on the barriers, facilitators and expectations in type 2 DM self-management, pointing out the importance of tailored guidance. Future research should explore interventions designed to promote and facilitate behaviour change in this population.
Increased immature hematopoietic progenitor cells CD34+/CD38dim in myelodysplasia

Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are clonal disorders affecting hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPC). Despite the relevance of clonal CD34+ cells in developing MDS, only few studies analyze the phenotype of this cell population. The aim of this study was to evaluate phenotypic changes on HPC in MDS that could reflect abnormalities in the differentiation process of stem cells.
The Effects of Donepezil on Computer-Simulated Driving Ability Among Healthy Older Adults: A Pilot Study

The purpose of the present pilot study was to examine the effect of donepezil on simulated driving among healthy older adults. Twenty participants with a mean age of 72 years were randomized to take 5 mg of donepezil or placebo for 2 weeks. All participants were assessed at baseline and 2 weeks later on measures of attention, global cognition, and simulated driving on the York driving simulator. Driving measures included speed deviation, deviation of road position, reaction time to wind gusts, and collisions. Groups were compared using analysis of covariance, controlling for baseline values. There were no differences between the groups on attentional measures, number of collisions, or composite simulator measures. The placebo group fared approximately 0.5 second better in reaction time to wind gusts and showed a nonsignificant tendency toward less deviation of road position, compared with the donepezil group. This analysis does not support the use of donepezil to extend the period of safe driving among older adults, but further study is needed regarding its role among patients with cognitive disorders.
Pathologic Characteristics of Pediatric Intracranial Pilocytic Astrocytomas and Their Impact on Outcome in 3 Countries: A Multi-institutional Study

Pilocytic astrocytoma (PA) is one of the most common glial neoplasms in the pediatric population, and its gross total resection can be curative. Treatment of partially resected or recurrent tumors is challenging, and the factors associated with increased recurrence risk are not well defined. Identification of favorable and unfavorable factors can lead to a better understanding and management of patients with PA. We studied the pathologic characteristics of 116 intracranial PAs from 4 institutions representing 3 distinct geographic regions to identify factors that may be associated with biological behavior. The study included 65 boys and 51 girls with a median age of 6 years. Median follow-up for all patients was 101 months, during which time 38 patients had recurrence. Progression-free and overall survivals were better in patients who underwent gross total resection. We were not able to identify any differences in pathologic and molecular markers among the 4 institutions from 3 different countries. However, progression-free survival varied significantly among institutions. Sox-2 was the most prevalent stem cell marker in PA, and many tumors showed synaptophysin positivity. BRAF immunostaining was not useful in determining BRAF duplication. BRAF duplication was more typical of posterior fossa tumors. There was a strong correlation between BRAF duplication and pERK immunostaining, suggesting that the RAF/MEK/ERK pathway is active in these tumors. This finding has significant implications given its role in oncogen-induced senescence and possible influence on treatment decisions of subtotally resected tumors.
Problems of Self-Concept in a Patient Sample of Hypersexual Men With Attention-Deficit Disorder

Objectives:Earlier evidence suggests comorbid attention-deficit disorder (ADHD) among those seeking treatment for hypersexual behavior. This article examines which facets of ADHD symptoms are most strongly associated with hypersexual behavior among a patient sample of men (N = 81). Methods:ADHD diagnosis was made by 2 clinicians, and symptom characteristics were measured using the Conners' Adult ADHD Rating Scale and the Sexual Compulsivity Scale. Results:Among ADHD symptoms, inattentive features were most prevalent. A stepwise regression analysis revealed that the Problems with Self-Concept subscale of the Conners' Adult ADHD Rating Scale was the strongest predictor of scores on the Sexual Compulsivity Scale. Surprisingly, subscales that measured traits of impulsivity, inattention, memory problems, and hyperactive restlessness did not contribute additional predictive variance in the statistical model. Conclusions:The results of these findings suggest that clinicians should exercise caution in assuming that common characteristics of ADHD, such as impulsivity and hyperactivity, exert the strongest influence on hypersexual behavior. Rather, our results provide evidence that the associated features of ADHD, such as problems with low self-esteem, might be more salient factors in influencing hypersexuality severity among patients with comorbid hypersexual behavior and ADHD.
Belief in Fairness, Political Institutions and Welfare Spending

This paper seeks to understand how welfare spending is affected by beliefs about fairness. The political science literature points to the median voter theorem and the effects of political institutions. The economics literature argues that the difference between American and European welfare states can be explained by differences in subjective beliefs. The evolutionary psychology literature suggests that reciprocity is hardwired and universal. We add to the literature in three ways. First, we bring together the political science, psychology and economics literature by testing the relationship between welfare spending and beliefs about fairness controlling for the effects of political institutions. Second, the literature is mostly limited to mature liberal democracies (OECD) while we study both OECD and developing countries. Finally, we provide a nuanced distinction between two types of welfare expenditures which are often ignored in the literature - those that equalize outcomes and those that provide social insurance. We find that, consistent with the median voter hypothesis, a stronger belief about fairness has a statistically strong, positive, robust and significant relationship with government health expenditure, controlling for political institutions. We also find that belief about fairness is closely associated with expenditure on social insurance (e.g. health expenditure) but not with equalization spending such as education.
Direct identification and typing of Mycobacterium tuberculosis by PCR

We have developed a rapid PCR assay that types strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis by generating distinct DNA fingerprints directly from primary cultures. This assay allows strain identification analogous to that achieved by the standard restriction fragment length polymorphism method, and fingerprints are obtained in less than 8 h. This assay does not require subculturing, DNA purification, restriction digestion, Southern blotting, or nucleic acid hybridization. Rapid and precise identification of M. tuberculosis strains permits immediate molecular epidemiologic studies. The assay can be converted to a computer-automated system by employing fluorescently labeled PCR primers and the Perkin-Elmer DNA sequencer so that unknown-specimen fingerprints are identified by computer comparison to a database of M. tuberculosis strain fingerprints.
Prevalence of Otomycosis in Outpatient Department of Otolaryngology in Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal

Otomycosis is a not-uncommon clinical problem encountered in our otolaryngology practice. We report 100 diagnoses (107 ears) of otomycosis, of which, on microbiological examination, 87 specimens (81.3%) showed positive fungal cultures. Of these, a single isolate was found in 85 cases (79.4%), mixed isolates were found in 2 cases, and 20 cases (18.7%) had no growth. The most common fungal pathogen found was Aspergillus, followed by Candida albicans. The causative factors for otomycosis were examined. The results of treatment with clotrimazole were analyzed.
Prolactin's role in the early stages of liver regeneration in rats

Liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy (PHx) is a complex process that is regulated by hemodynamic changes, the modulation of cytokines and growth factors, and the activation of immediate early transcription factors that lead to a round of hepatocyte mitosis. Among the factors involved, the pituitary hormone prolactin (PRL) has been shown to induce a hepatotrophic response after partial hepatectomy similar to that caused by phorbol esters; and in isolated hepatocytes PRL triggers a mitogenic response. However, it is becoming clear that PRL exerts a dual role acting in proliferation and differentiation processes. In this work, we have assessed the role of PRL in the early stages of liver regeneration in rats. To this end, three groups of rats were compared: Sham operated, regenerant and regenerant with PRL i.p. administration. Results show that PRL administration prior to partial hepatectomy caused an increase in the binding activity of several transcription factors involved in cell proliferation: AP‐1, c‐Jun and STAT‐3, and in liver‐specific differentiation and maintenance of energetic metabolism: CEBPα, HNF‐1, HNF‐4 at early time points and at later time points HNF‐3. Hepatic sections show that PRL administration increases the number of proliferating cells within 5 h post‐partial hepatectomy. The mRNA of the angiogenic and survival factors VEGF and HIF‐1α, was also induced by PRL treatment. Data indicate that PRL triggers, either directly or indirectly, an acceleration of liver regeneration, preserving liver function and fulfilling a hepatoprotective role. J. Cell. Physiol. 219: 626–633, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Understanding how traumatic re-enactment impacts the workplace: assisting clients' successful return to work.

BACKGROUND This research explores the observation that people who have had traumatic life experiences may connect with work in an unhealthy way, impacting their ability to return to work successfully. PURPOSE This research aims to understand how past traumatic experiences influence career choice and workplace behaviour and, given this understanding, consider how occupational therapists can facilitate change towards a successful return to work. METHODS Semi-structured interviews were used to gather information from twenty-five clients experiencing depression, anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder. Clients were followed for six months following their planned return to work date. FINDINGS Participants identified re-enacting unhealthy past experiences at work through: focusing on the needs of others, seeking acceptance and avoidance. Healthy change was created through engaging in coping strategies and partnering with the occupational therapist and workplace stakeholders on return to work planning. IMPLICATIONS To facilitate a successful return to work, clients must become aware of how their traumatic histories play a role in their current career choices and workplace behavior. With this awareness, occupational therapists and clients may work together towards creating healthy change in the present.
Exchange rate and gold price: evidence from Malaysia

This study examines the relationship of exchange rate and gold price in Malaysia. The autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) approach shows that there is long-run relationship between exchange rate and its determinants, includes gold price. An increase in gold price will lead to a depreciation of the US dollar. There is a negative relationship between exchange rate and gold price. Gold price is found to have a significant impact on exchange rate in the short run. The generalized forecast error variance decompositions demonstrate that changes of gold price influence the forecast error variance of changes of exchange rate. There is a link between the gold market and the exchange rate market.
The Facial Artery Perforator Flap for Reconstruction of Perioral Defects

Background: The concept of the facial artery perforator flap was developed to gain more freedom for reconstruction of perioral defects. Single perforators of the facial artery should supply a large area of facial skin for a pedicled perforator flap. Methods: Five fresh cadavers yielding 10 facial arteries were dissected after Microfil vascular injection to study distribution, number, length, and diameter of facial artery perforators. Five clinical cases with cancer-related perioral defects were reconstructed with facial artery perforator flaps. In two cases, additional regional flaps were used. Surgical technique was governed by the aesthetic unit principle and Doppler identification of the facial artery, which was used as a guideline for identification of suitable facial artery perforators. Results: Cadaver dissection showed a large number of evenly distributed facial artery perforators (average, 5.7; range, three to nine). The average perforator length was 25.2 mm (range, 13 to 51 mm). The average perforator diameter was 1.2 mm (range, 0.6 to 1.8 mm). In all clinical cases, a suitable facial artery perforator was identified to meet reconstructive demands. Flaps were rotated up to 180 degrees. Four flaps survived completely. One flap showed minor distal necrosis. Conclusions: The facial artery perforator flap offers a versatile tailor-made flap, because of the reliable presence of perforators, with a large arc of rotation and an aesthetically pleasing donor site. The thin pedicle makes it an ideal flap for one-stage reconstruction without secondary revisions.
Comparison of the clinical and morphologic characteristics of culprit lesions in unstable angina and non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction

Objective The aim of the study was to assess the differences in clinical and morphologic characteristics of culprit lesions among patients with unstable angina (UA) and non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). Methods The authors included 174 consecutive patients who have been admitted due to UA or NSTEMI. All patients underwent coronary angiography during hospitalisation and angiographic characteristics were determined. Results The mean age of study patients was 57±9 years, and the majority were men. The frequency of single, two and three vessel disease was 35.6%, 28.7% and 28.1%, respectively. There was no significant difference between UA and NSTEMI patients in terms of the extent of coronary artery involvement and culprit lesion morphologic features (p value: 0.99 and 0.67, respectively). The only significant difference was the incidence of definite and possible thrombus in culprit lesion (40.7% vs 16.5%, p value<0.001). The authors also did not find any association between Braunwald clinical/severity classification and lesion morphology in the studied population. In multivariate analysis there was a significant association between Braunwald class II–III and increased risk of NSTEMI (OR (95% CI): 13.43 (1.12 to 160.63), p=0.04, OR (95% CI): 14.08 (1.21 to 163.11), p=0.03, for Braunwald severity class II and III, respectively). Conclusion Clinical characteristics of patients with acute coronary syndrome including enzyme rising cannot predict the extent of coronary artery involvement and the morphology of culprit lesions. The only exception was the higher incidence of intracoronary thrombus in patients with NSTEMI as compared with UA.
Dialysis dose and body mass index are strongly associated with survival in hemodialysis patients.

Low dose of hemodialysis (HD) and small body size are independent risk factors for mortality. Recent changes in clinical practice, toward higher HD doses and use of more high-flux dialyzers, suggest the need to redetermine the dose level above which no benefit from higher dose can be observed. Data were analyzed from 45,967 HD patients starting end-stage renal disease (ESRD) therapy during April 1, 1997, through December 31, 1998. Data from Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA) billing records during months 10 to 15 of ESRD were used to classify each patient into one of five categories of HD dose by urea reduction ratio (URR) ranging from <60% to >75%. Cox regression models were used to calculate relative risk (RR) of mortality after adjustment for demographics, body mass index (BMI), and 18 comorbid conditions. Of the three body-size groups, the lowest BMI group had a 42% higher mortality risk than the highest BMI tertile. In each of three body-size groups by BMI, the RR was 17%, 17%, and 19% lower per 5% higher URR category among groups with small, medium, and large BMI, respectively (P < 0.0001 for each group). Patients treated with URR >75% had a substantially lower RR than patients treated with URR 70 to 75% (P < 0.005 each, for medium and small BMI groups). It is concluded that a higher dialysis dose, substantially above the Dialysis Outcomes Quality Initiative guidelines (URR >65%), is a strong predictor of lower patient mortality for patients in all body-size groups. Further reductions in mortality might be possible with increased HD dose.
Longitudinal evaluation of retinal ganglion cell function and IOP in the DBA/2J mouse model of glaucoma.

PURPOSE To characterize progressive changes of retinal ganglion cell (RGC) function and intraocular pressure (IOP) in the DBA/2J mouse model of spontaneous glaucoma. METHODS Serial pattern electroretinograms (PERGs) and IOPs measures were obtained from both eyes of 32 anesthetized DBA/2J mice over an age range of 2 to 12 months at 1-month intervals. Cone-driven flash-ERGs (FERGs) were also recorded. The endpoint was defined as the age at which the PERG amplitude reached the noise level in at least one eye. At that point, both eyes were histologically processed to evaluate the thickness of the retinal fiber layer (RNFL). RESULTS IOP increased moderately between 2 and 6 months ( approximately 14-17 mm Hg) and then more steeply, until it leveled off at approximately 28 mm Hg by 9 to 11 months. The mean PERG amplitude decreased progressively after 3 months of age to reach the noise level (85% reduction of normal amplitude) at approximately 9 to 12 months in different animals. When the PERG was at noise level, the RNFL showed a relatively smaller reduction (40%) in normal thickness. The FERG displayed minor changes throughout the observation period. IOP and PERG changes were highly correlated (r(2) = 0.51, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Results indicate that inner retina function in DBA/2J mice progressively decreases after 3 months of age, and it is nearly abolished by 10 to 11 months, whereas outer retina function shows little change and the RNFL thickness is relatively spared. This result suggests that surviving RGCs may not be functional. Progression of inner retinal dysfunction is strongly associated with increased IOP.