Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Standardization of the Lactulose-Mannitol Test in Rats: Application to Burn Injury

Intestinal permeability can be assessed by measuring urinary mannitol and lactulose excretion after oral administration. This test may be useful as a tool in experimental studies to explore the effects of specific diets intended to promote the repair of the integrity of the gut barrier. In this study we standardized the lactulose-mannitol test in rats and applied it to a burned-rat model. The conditions were: oral administration of an isotonic mixture of 50 mg of mannitol and 66 mg of lactulose, followed by aseptic collection of urine over 4 h. The increase in the lactulose/mannitol ratio in burned rats was due to higher lactulose excretion. These results corroborate those obtained in burn patients and show that our model is suitable for further experiments on nutritional manipulation.
Gaps in Addressing Cardiovascular Risk in Rheumatoid Arthritis: Assessing Performance Using Cardiovascular Quality Indicators

Objective. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a major comorbidity for patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This study sought to determine the performance of 11 recently developed CVD quality indicators (QI) for RA in clinical practice. Methods. Medical charts for patients with RA (early disease or biologic-treated) followed at 1 center were retrospectively reviewed. A systematic assessment of adherence to 11 QI over a 2-year period was completed. Performance on the QI was reported as a percentage pass rate. Results. There were 170 charts reviewed (107 early disease and 63 biologic-treated). The most frequent CVD risk factors present at diagnosis (early disease) and biologic start (biologic-treated) included hypertension (26%), obesity (25%), smoking (21%), and dyslipidemia (15%). Performance on the CVD QI was highly variable. Areas of low performance (< 10% pass rates) included documentation of a formal CVD risk assessment, communication to the primary care physician (PCP) that patients with RA were at increased risk of CVD, body mass index documentation and counseling if overweight, communication to a PCP about an elevated blood pressure, and discussion of risks and benefits of antiinflammatories in patients at CVD risk. Rates of diabetes screening and lipid screening were 67% and 69%, respectively. The area of highest performance was observed for documentation of intent to taper corticosteroids (98%–100% for yrs 1 and 2, respectively). Conclusion. Gaps in CVD risk management were found and highlight the need for quality improvements. Key targets for improvement include coordination of CVD care between rheumatology and primary care, and communication of increased CVD risk in RA.
Functional integration changes in regional brain glucose metabolism from childhood to adulthood

The aim of this study was to investigate the age‐related changes in resting‐state neurometabolic connectivity from childhood to adulthood (6–50 years old). Fifty‐four healthy adult subjects and twenty‐three pseudo‐healthy children underwent [18F]‐fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography at rest. Using statistical parametric mapping (SPM8), age and age squared were first used as covariate of interest to identify linear and non‐linear age effects on the regional distribution of glucose metabolism throughout the brain. Then, by selecting voxels of interest (VOI) within the regions showing significant age‐related metabolic changes, a psychophysiological interaction (PPI) analysis was used to search for age‐induced changes in the contribution of VOIs to the metabolic activity in other brain areas. Significant linear or non‐linear age‐related changes in regional glucose metabolism were found in prefrontal cortices (DMPFC/ACC), cerebellar lobules, and thalamo‐hippocampal areas bilaterally. Decreases were found in the contribution of thalamic, hippocampal, and cerebellar regions to DMPFC/ACC metabolic activity as well as in the contribution of hippocampi to preSMA and right IFG metabolic activities. Increases were found in the contribution of the right hippocampus to insular cortex and of the cerebellar lobule IX to superior parietal cortex metabolic activities. This study evidences significant linear or non‐linear age‐related changes in regional glucose metabolism of mesial prefrontal, thalamic, mesiotemporal, and cerebellar areas, associated with significant modifications in neurometabolic connectivity involving fronto‐thalamic, fronto‐hippocampal, and fronto‐cerebellar networks. These changes in functional brain integration likely represent a metabolic correlate of age‐dependent effects on sensory, motor, and high‐level cognitive functional networks. Hum Brain Mapp 37:3017–3030, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Epigenome-wide association study of DNA methylation in narcolepsy: an integrated genetic and epigenetic approach

Narcolepsy with cataplexy, which is a hypersomnia characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness and cataplexy, is a multifactorial disease caused by both genetic and environmental factors. Several genetic factors including HLA-DQB1*06:02 have been identified; however, the disease etiology is still unclear. Epigenetic modifications, such as DNA methylation, have been suggested to play an important role in the pathogenesis of complex diseases. Here, we examined DNA methylation profiles of blood samples from narcolepsy and healthy control individuals and performed an epigenome-wide association study (EWAS) to investigate methylation loci associated with narcolepsy. Moreover, data from the EWAS and a previously performed narcolepsy genome-wide association study were integrated to search for methylation loci with causal links to the disease. We found that (1) genes annotated to the top-ranked differentially methylated positions (DMPs) in narcolepsy were associated with pathways of hormone secretion and monocarboxylic acid metabolism. (2) Top-ranked narcolepsy-associated DMPs were significantly more abundant in non-CpG island regions and more than 95 per cent of such sites were hypomethylated in narcolepsy patients. (3) The integrative analysis identified the CCR3 region where both a single methylation site and multiple single-nucleotide polymorphisms were found to be associated with the disease as a candidate region responsible for narcolepsy. The findings of this study suggest the importance of future replication studies, using methylation technologies with wider genome coverage and/or larger number of samples, to confirm and expand on these results.
Renal Transplantation of Highly Sensitised Patients via Prioritised Renal Allocation Programs

Background: Highly sensitised renal transplant candidates (HSP) have a reduced chance of receiving a transplant. In Eurotransplant (ET), two special allocation programs have been made available for such patients: the Highly Immunised Tray (HIT) program and the Acceptable Mismatch program (AM), albeit with different inclusion and exclusion criteria (HIT, current PRA% ≧85%; AM, current and/or historical PRA% ≧85%). When a suitable kidney is available for a patient, included in these special programs, the kidney is mandatory offered. In contrast, in the point score system of the standard ET kidney allocation procedure (ETKAS), HSP (PRA ≧85%) only get a marginal bonus according to their current sensitisation. It was tested whether the allocation priority of the two special allocation programs is justified from the perspective of transplant outcome. Methods: The post- transplant outcomes of recent consecutive cohorts of AM, HIT and HSP-ETKAS transplants were compared. The end points were initial graft function, rejection episodes during the first three months post-transplant, and 1-year kidney graft outcome. Results: Between January 1, 1997 and June 30, 1998, 101 HSP received a kidney-only transplant: 29 via AM, 39 via HIT and 33 via ETKAS. HLA-A,B,DR matching was more favourable in the AM and HIT allocation groups and their waiting times till transplantation were much shorter than those of the HSP-ETKAS allocation group. The incidence of initial graft non-function was similar among the three HSP allocation groups, averaging 50%. Recovery of the initial non-function was more likely for AM and HIT transplants. No difference was present with regard to the percentage of patients who experienced at least one rejection episode during the first three months post-transplant, averaging 43%. However, the AM group had less severe and/or less recurrent rejection episodes. The 1-year kidney graft survival, censored for death with functional graft, was 96% for AM, 82% for HIT and 75% for HSP-ETKAS transplants (p = 0.04). Conclusions: The two special allocation programs for HSP do yield adequate results and offer a shorter waiting time, compared to the standard kidney allocation procedure. The AM approach might be preferred because of the smoother post-transplant management and the better graft survival, keeping the HIT approach as a back up. Since the allocation priority is justified in view of efficiency, the renal transplant community should support the incorporation of a special allocation program for HSP in their respective organ exchange program.
Renal Ischemia – Reperfusion Injury: Contribution of Nitric Oxide and Renal Blood Flow

The contributions of nitric oxide (NO) and renal blood flow (RBF) were examined in ischemia-reperfusion injury in the rat kidney. The function of both kidneys was assessed by glomerular filtration rate (GFR), and fractional excretion of sodium (FENa), calculated before, during unilateral renal artery clamping (45 min), and following reperfusion (90 min). RBF was measured in the same model by ultrasonic flowmetry. Intrarenal NO levels were modulated by administration of S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine (SNAP), L-arginine, acetylcholine, and the NO synthase inhibitor NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME). SNAP increased GFR from 0.20 ± 0.04 ml/min in control ischemic kidney to 0.38 ± 0.06 ml/min and reduced FENa from 19.3 ± 3.4 to 9.5 ± 1.8%. Similar results were observed when L-arginine was administered. Acetylcholine had no effect on GFR or FENa. RBF was fully restored within 60 min following reperfusion, with no change in the rate of recovery by L-arginine. L-NAME aggravated the ischemia-reperfusion injury, preventing full restoration of RBF, further reducing GFR and worsening FENa. In conclusion, ischemia-reperfusion injury ends in low intrarenal levels of NO. We propose that this low NO level results from damage to the endothelial receptor signal transduction process and is not due to impaired NO synthase activity or to changes in RBF.
Prevalence of tooth forms and their gender correlation

OBJECTIVE This study evaluated different tooth shapes from female and male genders, matching them with the firstly proposed pure basic forms, and proposed different hybrid shapes; it also evaluated the percentage of correct gender identification of lay people, dentists and dental students. MATERIALS AND METHODS Standardized digital photos were taken from 460 people and analyzed by 3 experts regarding genders and tooth forms: pure basic forms-oval (O), triangular (T), square (S) and rectangular (R); and combined hybrid forms-oval-rectangular (OR), triangular-rectangular (TR), triangular-oval (TO), square-oval with flat lateral incisors (SOF), and square-oval with scalloped lateral incisors (SOS). Then, correct gender identification (%) was evaluated among lay people, dentists and dental students (n = 10). RESULTS Pure forms showed less prevalence in the population studied (O:6.52%; S:3.48%; T:3.26%; R:2.39%) than hybrid ones (TO:20.87%; SOS:20.65%; OR:19.57%; SOF:16.96%;TR: 6.30%). Tooth gender selection among different evaluators was not significantly different (≈50% correct answers). CONCLUSIONS No correspondence exists between tooth shapes and patient genders. Pre-standardized pure tooth forms appeared less than hybrid ones, while the most frequently found in the population studied were TO, SOS, and OR forms, disregarding genders. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE Esthetic perception is an increasingly important criterion critical to satisfy patients. The correlation of reported tooth shapes with specific genders was not reliably observed in natural smiles. Tooth shapes should be selected according to the wishes of the patient rather than by previously believed gender specific tooth shapes. Pure basic tooth forms should be complemented with the addition of combination forms to more accurately portray forms found in nature.
Clinical Correlates of Major Depression in Cushing’s Disease

Major depression is a common, life-threatening complication of Cushing’s syndrome, with no significant differences between pituitary-dependent and -independent forms. Little is known about the clinical correlates of depression; in particular, whether patients with Cushing’s disease and major depression show some clinical features that are distinctive compared to those who are not depressed. The occurrence of major depression according to DSM-IV criteria was ascertained in 162 patients with pituitary-dependent Cushing disease. Major depression occurred in 88 of the patients (54%). It was significantly associated with older age, female sex, higher pretreatment urinary cortisol levels, relatively more severe clinical condition, and absence of pituitary adenoma. Patients with Cushing’s disease and depression appeared to suffer from a more severe form of illness, both in terms of cortisol production and clinical presentation, compared to those who were not depressed. Because of these connections, the presence of depression is an important clinical feature that should not be neglected. The findings in this study may have implications for a better understanding of the pathophysiological role of depression associated with medical illness.
Rethinking costs of psoriasis: 10% of patients account for nearly 40% of healthcare expenditures among enrollees with psoriasis in a U.S. health plan

Abstract Objective: To examine characteristics, healthcare utilization and costs among patients with psoriasis who have high medical costs. Methods: This is a retrospective study of patients with psoriasis with continuous enrollment from 1 January 2011 to 31 December 2013 in a large US health plan. Total paid 2012 healthcare costs excluding biologics (to identify costliest not due to biologic costs) were used to create cohorts representing the top 10% (T10) and bottom 90% (B90) of expenditures. Demographics, comorbidities, prescriptions, all-cause and psoriasis-related healthcare utilization and costs were compared between cohorts. Logistic regression identified demographic and clinical characteristics associated with the 2012 T10 cohort status. Results: 18,653 patients (mean age 48 years; 49% female) were included. Patients in the T10 group accounted for 26% (2011), 39% (2012) and 26% (2013) of all-cause costs including biologics and 13% (2011), 18% (2012) and 11% (2013) of psoriasis-related costs. Mean 2012 total costs were $58,030 for T10 vs. $10,295 for B90 (all-cause) and $10,475 vs. $5301 (psoriasis-related). T10 patients in 2012 filled more prescriptions and were more likely to use corticosteroids (57% vs. 31%); however, biologic use and costs were similar (any use: 23% vs. 24%; prescriptions: 1.5 vs. 1.7, biologic costs: $4959 vs. $5095). Compared with B90 patients, T10 patients were more likely to have hospitalizations (all-cause: 45% vs. 3%; psoriasis-related: 14% vs. 1%) and ER visits (all-cause: 53% vs. 21%; psoriasis-related: 3% vs. 1%), and more likely to have renal disease (odds ratio (OR) = 2.05), depression (OR =1.96), cardiovascular disease (OR =1.88), psoriatic arthritis (OR =1.57) and diabetes (OR =1.50) (all p < .05). Conclusions: The T10 patient cohort in 2012 accounted for nearly 40% of overall healthcare expenditures. However, cost differences between the T10 and B90 patients were not attributable to psoriasis-related biologic treatment utilization and costs. The T10 patients had significantly more inpatient and emergency utilization, and comorbid medical conditions.
Loss of LARGE2 Disrupts Functional Glycosylation of α-Dystroglycan in Prostate Cancer*

Background: Dystroglycan function is decreased in prostate and other cancers. Results: Decreased functional glycosylation of α-dystroglycan is clinically correlated with reduced LARGE2 and restoring its expression rescues dystroglycan function, reducing the invasive and proliferative potential of prostate cancer cells. Conclusion: LARGE2 regulates α-dystroglycan function in the prostatic epithelium. Significance: Loss of LARGE2 expression may contribute to prostate cancer progression. Dystroglycan (DG) is a cell surface receptor for extracellular matrix proteins and is involved in cell polarity, matrix organization, and mechanical stability of tissues. Previous studies documented loss of DG protein expression and glycosylation in a variety of cancer types, but the underlying mechanisms and the functional consequences with respect to cancer progression remain unclear. Here, we show that the level of expression of the βDG subunit as well as the glycosylation status of the αDG subunit inversely correlate with the Gleason scores of prostate cancers; furthermore, we show that the functional glycosylation of αDG is substantially reduced in prostate cancer metastases. Additionally, we demonstrate that LARGE2 (GYLTL1B), a gene not previously implicated in cancer, regulates functional αDG glycosylation in prostate cancer cell lines; knockdown of LARGE2 resulted in hypoglycosylation of αDG and loss of its ability to bind laminin-111 while overexpression restored ligand binding and diminished growth and migration of an aggressive prostate cancer cell line. Finally, our analysis of LARGE2 expression in human cancer specimens reveals that LARGE2 is significantly down-regulated in the context of prostate cancer, and that its reduction correlates with disease progression. Our results describe a novel molecular mechanism to account for the commonly observed hypoglycosylation of αDG in prostate cancer.
Factors affecting a South African construction company's suppliers' performance

The aim of the paper is to present the finding of an investigation conducted at a local branch of an international company involved in the construction of renewable power plant in South Africa. The study followed a quantitative design approach to identify the correlation between the organizations internal controls and its supplier's performance. Therefore, a purposive sampling technique i.e. questionnaires, was electronically sent out by email to 40 employees involved in the construction of renewable power plants. The results of the study revealed the organization failed to define and implement an effective supplier selection process. The results also revealed that the expected quality performance of the supplier was not clearly documented and quantified in the contract documents. There was no consideration taken by the organization about employee's capability and competence in managing the project. Due to the nature the study, the results cannot be generalised throughout the whole industry.
Histological Effects of Vitamin A on the Tail-Amputated Tadpoles of Polypedates maculatus with Special Reference to Homeotic Transformation

Vitamin A is a very common teratogen causing severe embryonic malformations and changes in pattern formation in amphibians. The effects of vitamin A include the induction of duplication of skeletal structures in the anteroposterior, proximodistal and dorsoventral axes. The purpose of this investigation was to study the histological changes in the regenerating tail of the tadpoles of Polypedates maculatus by treatment with vitamin A. The histological changes brought about by vitamin A included the development of multilayered epidermis and thickened basement membrane, enlargement of the notochord and the nerve cord and the clumping of muscles. In addition, single, paired and supernumerary homeotic limbs were visible from day 20 onwards at ectopic sites. Initially, the limb consisted of only procartilage cells. Muscles and digits appeared from day 48 onwards. In contrast, such observations were not found in the control tails. The significance of such changes is discussed.
Population-based seroprevalence of Puumala hantavirus in Finland: smoking as a risk factor

Abstract Puumala hantavirus (PUUV) causes hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome in humans, that is an endemic disease in Finland. We estimated the seroprevalence of PUUV in Finland and explored risk factors and disease associations by using unique survey data with health register linkage. A total of 2000 sera from a nationwide health survey from 2011, representative of the adult population, were screened for PUUV IgG by immunofluorescence assay. We performed statistical analysis adjusting for stratified cluster design and taking into account sampling weights. In total, 254 sera among 2000 tested were PUUV-IgG-positive resulting in a weighted seroprevalence of 12.5%, (95% CI 10.9–14.4), mirroring known age and regional variation in reported incidence. No associations between PUUV-seropositivity and chronic diseases including cardiovascular (including hypertension), pulmonary, kidney disease and cancer were observed. Smoking was significantly associated with seropositivity (adjusted OR 1.54; 95% CI 1.16–2.04). In addition, significant dose-response relations were found for the number of cigarettes smoked daily (OR 1.14; 95% CI 1.12–1.28). The results are important for disease burden assessment and guide intervention strategies, highlighting also the role of smoking prevention.
FOPI/PI controller parameters optimization using PSO with different performance criteria

Parameters optimization for the integer order PID and fractional order PID (FOPID) is very important. FOPID has more parameters compared to PID structure. It only consists of three parameters such as kp, ki, kd in PID structure, where it consists of two more adjustable parameters which are λ and μ in FOPID. Consequently, it has more degree of freedom than PID and may achieve better response relatively. But it also increased the difficulty of parameters optimization of FOPID. In this paper, parameters optimization of FOPI with error filter and PI were carried out using Particle Swarm Optimization algorithm (PSO). And in the process of optimization, three performance criteria such as ITAE, ITSE and ITSE+ISCO were used. A comparative study was also been made to highlight the advantage of using a FOPI controller over PI control scheme for speed regulation in a DC Motor Drive. Extensive simulation results indicate that the controller have different features when parameter optimization using different performance criteria. And FOPI has better dynamic and static performance, stronger robustness than PI.