Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The role of alternative therapy in the management of partial thickness burns of the face--experience with the use of moist exposed burn ointment (MEBO) compared with silver sulphadiazine.

INTRODUCTION Conventional management of partial thickness facial burn wounds includes the use of silver sulphadiazine dressings. Silver sulphadiazine forms an overlying slough that makes wound healing assessment difficult. Moist exposed burn ointment (MEBO) has been proposed as the ideal burn wound dressing both for burns of the face and other sites. Proponents of MEBO claim that it accelerates wound healing and results in scarless wound healing and at the same time reduce bacterial colonisation and the need for analgesics. We present here our experience with MEBO in the management of partial thickness burns of the face. MATERIALS AND METHODS One hundred and fifteen patients with partial thickness burns were randomly assigned to conventional treatment or MEBO. Out of this, 112 were analysed. Thirty-nine patients sustained facial burns; 17 received MEBO and 22 received silver sulphadiazine. Patients were followed up daily until the burn wounds were reduced by 75% of original body surface area (BSA). RESULTS In patients with facial burns, MEBO was similar to silver sulphadiazine therapy with respect to rate of wound healing. Minimal slough was present over the wounds in MEBO-treated wounds resulting in clearer assessment of healing progression. CONCLUSIONS Advantages of MEBO as compared to silver sulphadiazine in the management of partial thickness burns of the face include convenient change of dressing and easier assessment of healing progression. This suggests that MEBO is a useful alternative therapy for partial thickness burns of the face.
The dose-response relationship for cancer incidence in a two-stage radiation carcinogenesis model incorporating cellular repopulation.

PURPOSE To investigate the role of cellular repopulation in the dose-response relationship for radiation carcinogenesis resulting from high doses of radiation. METHOD A two-stage mathematical model of radiation carcinogenesis was developed and used to explore the effects of differing assumptions about repopulation by surviving normal stem cells and by one-stage mutants. RESULTS Characteristically, cancer incidence at any fixed time after irradiation increases with radiation dose, reaches a peak and then declines with dose (the decline reflecting radiation cell-killing). The optimal dose for cancer incidence, and the incidence level at this dose, are strongly influenced by repopulation kinetics. If repopulation does not occur, or is impaired owing to radiation damage to tissues, the highest value of cancer incidence is reduced, and this value occurs at a lower dose than if repopulation had been complete. A similar result is found if repopulation by one-stage mutants is impaired relative to unmutated cells, or if tissue recovery is assisted by immigration of unirradiated cells. CONCLUSIONS Differing repopulation kinetics can account for differing dose-response relationships after large doses of radiation. These findings are relevant to the occurrence of 'second tumours' following radiotherapy and to the interaction of radiation with other agents.
Viscoelastic properties of sweet potato complementary porridges as influenced by endogenous amylases

Abstract Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) roots contain amylolytic enzymes, which hydrolyze starch thus having the potential to affect the viscosity of sweet potato porridges provided the appropriate working conditions for the enzymes are attained. In this study, the effect of sweet potato variety, postharvest handling conditions, freshly harvested and room/ambient stored roots (3 weeks), and slurry solids content on the viscoelastic properties of complementary porridges prepared using amylase enzyme activation technique were investigated. Five temperatures (55°C, 65°C, 70°C, 75°C, and 80°C) were used to activate sweet potato amylases and the optimum temperature was found to be 75°C. Stored sweet potato roots had higher soluble solids (⁰Brix) content in the pastes compared to fresh roots. In all samples, activation of amylases at 75°C caused changes in the viscoelastic parameters: phase angle (tan δ) and complex viscosity (η*). Postharvest handling conditions and slurry solids content significantly affected the viscoelastic properties of the porridges with flours from stored roots yielding viscous (liquid‐like) porridges and fresh roots producing elastic (solid‐like) porridges. Increase in slurry solids content caused reduction in the phase angle values and increase in the viscosity of the sweet potato porridges. The viscosity of the porridges decreased with storage of sweet potato roots. These results provide a possibility for exploiting sweet potato endogenous amylases in the preparation of complementary porridges with both drinkable viscosities and appropriate energy and nutrient densities for children with varying energy needs.
Dose-Response Relationships For Blood Cobalt Concentrations and Health Effects: A Review of the Literature and Application of a Biokinetic Model

Cobalt (Co) is an essential component of vitamin B12. As with all metals, at sufficiently high doses, Co may exert detrimental effects on different organ systems, and adverse responses have been observed in animals, patients undergoing Co therapy, and workers exposed to respirable Co particulates. Although blood Co concentrations are postulated to be the most accurate indicator of ongoing Co exposure, little is known regarding the dose-response relationships between blood Co concentrations and adverse health effects in various organ systems. In this analysis, the animal toxicology and epidemiology literature were evaluated to identify blood Co concentrations at which effects have, and have not, been reported. Where necessary, a biokinetic model was used to convert oral doses to blood Co concentrations. Our results indicated that blood Co concentrations of 300 μg/L and less have not been associated with adverse responses of any type in humans. Concentrations of 300 μg/L and higher were associated with certain hematological and reversible endocrine responses, including polycythemia and reduced iodide uptake. Blood Co concentrations of 700–800 μg Co/L and higher may pose a risk of more serious neurological, reproductive, or cardiac effects. These blood concentrations should be useful to clinicians and toxicologists who are attempting to interpret blood Co concentrations in exposed individuals.
Laparoscopic liver resection for subcapsular hepatocellular carcinoma complicating chronic liver disease.

HYPOTHESIS Laparoscopic liver resection for subcapsular hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with chronic liver disease is associated with lower morbidity than open resections. DESIGN A case-comparison study. SETTING A tertiary referral center. PATIENTS AND INTERVENTION From December 1, 1998, to November 30, 2000, 13 patients with chronic liver disease who underwent laparoscopic resection of hepatocellular carcinoma formed the laparoscopic group (LG). Tumors were 5 cm or smaller, subcapsular, and located in anterolateral segments (segments II-VI). A control group was created by matching each laparoscopic case with patients identical for liver disease, tumor size, and location and type of hepatectomy who underwent open liver resection. Fourteen patients fulfilled the criteria and formed the open group (OG). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Postoperative mortality and morbidity. RESULTS One segment or less was resected in 21 patients and 2 in 6 patients. Operative duration and cumulative portal triad clamping times were longer in the LG (267 +/- 79 minutes vs 182 +/- 57 minutes, P =.006; 68 +/- 24 minutes vs 25 +/- 19 minutes, P =.006, respectively). Mortality rates were 0% in the LG and 14% (2/14) in the OG (P =.2). Postoperative liver failure and ascites occurred in 8% (1/13) in the LG and 36% (5/14) in the OG (P =.15). Surgical margin was not different in the 2 groups. Three-year survival was significantly higher in the LG (89% vs 55%; P =.04), but 3-year recurrence rates were similar (46% vs 44%). CONCLUSION Our study suggests that, despite longer operative and clamping times without clinical consequences, the rate of decompensation of liver disease could be lower after laparoscopy.
Effect of Light on Hypericins Contents in Fresh Flowering Top Parts and in an Extract of St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum)

St. John's Wort is a medicinal plant increasingly used for its antidepressive activity. Hypericins are considered as one of the compounds contributing to the activity of the extract. These naphthodianthrones exist in various forms in Hyperici herba. Protopseudohypericin and protohypericin (protopigments) are converted into pseudohypericin and hypericin (pigments) under the action of light. The aim of this work is to study the influence of light on the phototransformation of protopigments into pigments. Two experiments were carried out. The studies were performed on one hand, on plant material in order to know the proportion of these substances in various plant parts and the possibility of transforming the protopigments into pigments under the action of sunlight; on the other hand, in the extract to determine the optimal wavelength allowing this transformation. Three parts of the fresh plant (buds, flowers, leaves) were treated with sunlight on three levels of exposure. Liquid extracts were exposed to various types of light with wavelengths ranging between 480 and 660 nm by means of diodes. The flowering tops of St. John's Wort contain a share of approximately 30% hypericins in the form of protopseudohypericin and protohypericin: buds (48%), flowers (30%), leaves (17%). After an exposure of fresh buds to sunlight for 16 hours the share of protopigments was then 32%. In the extract, the transformation of the protopigments is total and requires less energy than in the plant material. The optimal wavelength for the transformation of the protopigments in the extract is around 515 nm (green), close to the optimum absorption level of protopigments.
Electrically induced torque decrease reflects more than muscle fatigue

The aim of the study was to compare the fatigue induced by different electrical stimulation (ES) protocols. The triceps surae muscle of 8 healthy subjects was fatigued with 4 protocols (30 Hz−500 μs, 30 Hz−1 ms, 100 Hz−1 ms, and 100 Hz−500 μs), composed of 60 trains (4 s on–6 s off), delivered at an intensity evoking 30% of maximal voluntary contraction (MVC). Fatigue was quantified by ES and MVC torque decreases. The amplitude of the twitch delivered at the intensity and pulse width used in each fatiguing protocol (twitch at Istim) was analyzed. All parameters decreased significantly after all protocols. The ES torque decrease correlated positively with the twitch decrease elicited at Istim only for the 30‐Hz protocols. Results show that, during the 100‐Hz protocols, phenomena not related to the fatigue of the solicited motor units may occur, including changes in the excitability threshold of the axonal terminal branches. Muscle Nerve 50: 604–606, 2014
Glyoxylate metabolism and adaptation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis to survival under anaerobic conditions

Tuberculosis is characterized by periods in which the disease may be quiescent or even clinically inapparent, but in which tubercle bacilli persist and retain the potential to reactivate the disease. The present study was carried out in pursuit of an in vitro model which might contribute to the understanding of the physiology of nonreplicating persisters, with oxygen limitation used as the means of inducing this state. When actively growing aerated cultures of Mycobacterium tuberculosis were suddenly placed under anaerobic conditions the bacilli died rapidly, with a half-life of 10 h. When the bacilli were grown in liquid medium without agitation, they adapted to the microaerophilic conditions encountered in the sediment; the adapted bacilli in the sediment did not replicate there but were tolerant of anaerobiosis, exhibiting a half-life of 116 h. Among the early events associated with the adaptation were the synthesis of an antigen designated URB, the function of which is not known, and a fourfold increase in isocitrate lyase activity. The bacilli later exhibited a 10-fold increase in synthesis of a glycine dehydrogenase that catalyzes the reductive amination of glyoxylate, concomitantly oxidizing NADH to NAD. Specific activities of other enzymes studied were either not affected or moderately diminished in the sedimented bacilli. It is proposed that the glyoxylate synthesis in this model serves mainly to provide a substrate for the regeneration of NAD that may be required for the orderly completion of the final cycle of bacillary replication before oxygen limitation stops growth completely. This orderly shutdown is essential to continued survival of M. tuberculosis in a quiescent form.
CO2 Laser-assisted Sclerectomy Surgery, Part II: Multicenter Clinical Preliminary Study

PurposeTo evaluate the efficacy of CO2 laser-assisted sclerectomy surgery (CLASS) in primary and pseudoexfoliative open-angle glaucoma. Materials and MethodsPatients for primary filtration surgery underwent CLASS with a CO2 laser system (OT-134-IOPtiMate, IOPtima Ltd., Ramat Gan, Israel). This self-controlled system gradually ablates and removes scleral layers until percolating fluid absorbs the energy, attenuating further tissue ablation. Intraocular pressure (IOP) was measured at baseline, 1, 2, 4, and 6 weeks, and 3, 6, and 12 months, respectively. Complete success was defined as 5⩽IOP⩽18 mm Hg and 20% IOP reduction with no medication at a 12-month endpoint visit, and qualified success as the same IOP range with or without medication. ResultsThirty of 37 patients completed 12 months of follow-up. Mitomycin C was used in 25 procedures (83.3%). The mean baseline IOP of 26.3±7.8 mm Hg (mean±SD) dropped to 14.4±3.4 and 14.3±3.1 mm Hg at 6 and 12 months, respectively, with 42.4% and 40.7% IOP reduction at 6 and 12 months, respectively (P<0.001). Complete success was achieved by 76.7% and 60% of the patients at 6 and 12 months, respectively, whereas qualified success was achieved by 83.3% and 86.6% of the patients at 6 and 12 months, respectively. Complications were mild and transitory with no sequela. ConclusionsShort-term and intermediate results suggest that CLASS may become a simple, safe, and effective means of choice for the treatment of open-angle glaucoma.
The Recognition Pattern of Sequential B Cell Epitopes of Beta–Lactoglobulin Does Not Vary with the Clinical Manifestations of Cow’s Milk Allergy

Background: β–Lactoglobulin (BLG) represents one of the major allergens causing cow’s milk allergy (CMA) – a disease with a wide spectrum of clinical symptoms. The aim of this study was to evaluate sequential B cell epitopes of BLG by the Pin–ELISA method. Furthermore, we wanted to investigate a possible association of the IgE recognition patterns in sera of patients with BLG sensitization and the type of clinical reactions following contact with cow’s milk. Methods: Overlapping sequential decapeptides corresponding to the amino acid sequence of BLG were used in Pin–ELISAs specific for human IgE. Tested sera were from 14 individuals with CMA, 8 of them with a history of immediate systemic reactions and 6 with delayed skin reactions following contact with cow’s milk. All of them showed specific IgE antibodies to BLG in the CAP–RAST. Control sera were from 5 healthy nonallergic individuals. Results: All sera from BLG–sensitized individuals showed IgE binding with one region of BLG corresponding to amino acids 95–113. Furthermore, individual sera showed reactions with two further regions, 12–27 and 124–135. Inhibition of IgE binding to BLG with one soluble synthetic peptide confirmed the major epitope. No differences were found in the B cell epitope recognition pattern to BLG in the two groups of patients with CMA, characterized by acute systemic or delayed skin reactions. Conclusions: Using IgE Pin–ELISAs we were able to confirm previously described sequential B cell epitopes of BLG. However, the recognition pattern of one of the major cow’s milk allergens is not predictive of the clinical type of reaction.
Btf, a Novel Death-Promoting Transcriptional Repressor That Interacts with Bcl-2-Related Proteins

ABSTRACT The adenovirus E1B 19,000-molecular-weight (19K) protein is a potent inhibitor of apoptosis and cooperates with E1A to transform primary rodent cells. E1B 19K shows sequence and functional homology to the mammalian antiapoptotic gene product, Bcl-2. Like Bcl-2, the biochemical mechanism of E1B 19K function includes binding to and antagonization of cellular proapoptotic proteins such as Bax, Bak, and Nbk/Bik. In addition, there is evidence that E1B 19K can affect gene expression, but whether this contributes to its antiapoptotic function has not been determined. In an effort to further understand the functions of E1B 19K, we screened for 19K-associated proteins by the yeast two-hybrid system. A novel protein, Btf (Bcl-2-associated transcription factor), that interacts with E1B 19K as well as with the antiapoptotic family members Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL but not with the proapoptotic protein Bax was identified. btf is a widely expressed gene that encodes a protein with homology to the basic zipper (bZip) and Myb DNA binding domains. Btf binds DNA in vitro and represses transcription in reporter assays. E1B 19K, Bcl-2, and Bcl-xL sequester Btf in the cytoplasm and block its transcriptional repression activity. Expression of Btf also inhibited transformation by E1A with either E1B 19K or mutant p53, suggesting a role in either promotion of apoptosis or cell cycle arrest. Indeed, the sustained overexpression of Btf in HeLa cells induced apoptosis, which was inhibited by E1B 19K. Furthermore, the chromosomal localization ofbtf (6q22-23) maps to a region that is deleted in some cancers, consistent with a role for Btf in tumor suppression. Thus,btf may represent a novel tumor suppressor gene residing in a unique pathway by which the Bcl-2 family can regulate apoptosis.
Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy caused by deletions in plakophilin-2 and plakoglobin (Naxos disease) in families from Greece and Cyprus: genotype-phenotype relations, diagnostic features and prognosis.

AIMS To evaluate clinical disease expression, non-invasive diagnosis, and prognosis in families with dominant vs. recessive arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) due to mutations in related desmosomal proteins plakophilin-2 (PKP2) and plakoglobin (JUP), respectively. METHODS AND RESULTS One hundred and eighty-seven individuals belonging to ARVC families, four with dominant PKP2 mutations and 12 with recessive JUP mutation underwent serial non-invasive cardiac assessment. Survival and arrhythmic events were evaluated prospectively up to 21 years (median 8.5 years). Sixteen of 22 PKP2 carriers and all 26 homozygous JUP carriers fulfilled the diagnostic criteria for ARVC, the youngest by the age of 13 years. Clinical disease expression did not differ significantly between PKP2 and JUP carriers. T-wave inversion in leads V1-V3, right ventricular wall motion abnormalities, and frequent ventricular extrasystoles were the most sensitive/specific markers for identification of mutation carriers. QRS dispersion > or =40 ms was an independent predictor of syncope but not of sudden death. CONCLUSION Mutations in PKP2 and JUP express similar cardiac phenotype. Non-invasive family screening may largely be based on T-wave inversion, right ventricular wall motion abnormalities, and frequent ventricular extrasystoles to identify mutation carriers.
Decreased expression of IL-2 in central and effector CD4 memory cells during progression to AIDS in rhesus macaques

ObjectiveHIV-1 infection in humans has been reported to lead to a shift in the cytokine balance, with a relative decrease in T helper 1 type cytokines, especially IL-2. On the basis of the expression of CD45RA, in combination with homing markers CD62L or α4β7, T helper cells can be sub-divided into naive, activated naive, central memory and effector memory cells as well as gut-homing subpopulations. In addition, each subset may have the potential to express distinct cytokines. At present it is unclear whether the changes in cytokine expression observed in HIV-1-infected individuals are secondary to changes within the composition of CD4 T cell subsets or are caused by changes in cytokine expression within each subset. Materials and methodsA new technique was developed to detect cytokine expression in phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate/ionomycin-activated CD62L and α4β7-expressing CD4 T cell subsets, using the protease inhibitor KD-IX-73-4. ResultsIn SIV-infected macaques that develop AIDS a marked decrease in IL-2 expression was found within central, effector, or gut-homing memory cell subsets, whereas the expression of IL-2 in naive T cell subsets remained unaffected. This reduced IL-2 expression by memory cells and not a loss of the frequency of CD4 memory cells accounted for the reduced expression of IL-2 by CD4 T cells during SIV infection. ConclusionAs defined by the cell surface markers utilized, it appears that progression to AIDS is associated with functional impairment of memory cells, but not changes in lymphocyte circulation patterns.
Mycetoma in Children: Experience With 15 Cases

Background: Mycetoma is a chronic infection caused by aerobic actinomycetes and filamentous fungi. It is an occupational disease frequent in tropical countries and is uncommon in children. Methods: A retrospective (25 years) report of mycetomas was conducted in children less than 15 years of age. Each of the cases was studied clinically and proven with microbiologic tests: direct examinations (to identify and classify the grains), cultures and identification based on morphology and biochemical tests. The therapeutic experience of the cases was also reviewed. Results: In a 25-year period, a total of 334 mycetomas were seen at our institution, 15 of which (4.5%) were in patients 15 years of age and younger (mean age: 11.2 years, age range: 6–15 years). Twelve cases were males and 3 females. The main clinical location was the foot in 10 of 15 (66.6%). Etiologies included 13 actinomycetomas and 2 eumycetomas. Etiologic agents were Nocardia brasiliensis in 12 cases, Nocardia asteroides in one and Madurella mycetomatis in 2. Eleven of the13 cases of actinomycetomas treated with trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole plus diaminodiphenylsulfone were cured. The 2 failures were successfully treated with amoxicillin/clavulanate. One of the eumycetomas was cured with itraconazole therapy, whereas the other failed various treatments eventuating in surgical amputation. Conclusions: Mycetomas are exceptional in children; in our setting, actinomycetomas are more frequent than eumycetomas. The clinical and microbiologic diagnosis is simple. Overall, treatment response is better for actinomycetomas than for eumycetomas.