Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Local Expression of Interleukin‐10 and mCD14 in Relation to the −1087 IL‐10 and −159 CD14 Gene Polymorphisms in Chronic Periodontitis

Background: Associations between different gene polymorphisms and severe chronic periodontitis have been demonstrated. However, the influence of such genetic variations on the production of related proteins needs to be clarified. The aim of the present investigation was to study the local expression of interleukin (IL)-10 and membrane-bound CD14 (mCD14) in relation to the −1087 IL-10 and −159 CD14 gene polymorphisms in subjects with chronic periodontitis.Methods: Fifty-three white subjects with generalized and severe chronic periodontitis volunteered. Twenty milliliters of blood was collected by venipuncture from each subject. DNA was isolated, and genotype analysis of the −1087 IL-10 and −159 CD14 gene polymorphisms was performed using polymerase chain reaction and restriction endonuclease mapping techniques. A gingival biopsy from one randomly selected diseased proximal site was also obtained from each subject. The biopsies were embedded, snap frozen, and prepared for immunohistochemical analysis. The i.
Impact of 2-, 4- and 9-valent HPV vaccines on morbidity and mortality from cervical cancer

ABSTRACT Cervical cancer causes significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. Most cervical cancers are associated with oncogenic human papillomavirus (HPV), and vaccination with any of 3 available HPV vaccines is anticipated to greatly reduce the burden of cervical cancer. This review provides an overview of the burden of HPV, the efficacy and clinical effectiveness of the bivalent (HPV 16, 18), quadrivalent (HPV 6, 11, 16, 18) and 9vHPV (HPV 6, 11, 16, 1831, 33, 45, 52, 58) vaccines in order to assess the anticipated impact on cervical cancer. All three vaccines show high efficacy in prevention of vaccine-specific HPV-type infection and associated high-grade cervical dysplasia in HPV-naïve women. Early clinical effectiveness data for the bivalent and quadrivalent vaccine demonstrate reduced rates of HPV 16 and 18 prevalence in vaccinated cohorts; data evaluating cervical dysplasia and cervical procedures as outcomes will shed further light on the clinical effectiveness of both vaccines. The bivalent vaccine has demonstrated cross-protection to non-vaccine HPV types, including the types in the 9vHPV vaccine. No clinical effectiveness data is yet available for the 9vHPV vaccine. While HPV vaccination has great promise to reduce cervical cancer morbidity and mortality, estimated benefits are largely theoretical at present. Large population-based clinical effectiveness studies will provide long-term immunogenicity and effectiveness, as well as assessment of cervical cancer as an endpoint, particularly as young vaccinated women enter the appropriate age range to initiate screening for cervical cancer. Strengthening screening and treatment programs will likely have the greatest impact in the short-term on cervical cancer morbidity and mortality
A Survey of Cosmetic Surgery Training in Plastic Surgery Programs in the United States

Background: Aesthetic surgery is evolving rapidly, both technologically and conceptually. It is critical for the specialty that aesthetic surgery training keep pace with this rapid evolution. To shed more light on this issue, a survey was sent to all program directors and senior plastic surgery residents to record their impressions of the quality of cosmetic surgery resident training. The authors report the results of this national cosmetic surgery training survey canvassing all 89 plastic surgery programs. Methods: A three-page survey delineating resident preparedness in aesthetic surgery was sent to senior plastic surgery residents and program directors in April of 2006 and collected through October of 2006. Results: Of 814 surveys, 292 responses were obtained from 64 percent of program directors and 33 percent of senior residents. Breast augmentation, breast reduction, and abdominoplasty were most frequently performed with the highest resident comfort levels. Rhinoplasty remained a particular area of trainee concern, but confidence levels were also low in face lifts, endoscopic procedures, and body contouring techniques. Experience with skin resurfacing, fillers, and botulinum toxin type A was another area of concern. Although 51 percent of residents felt prepared to integrate cosmetic surgery into their practices on graduation, 36 percent felt that further cosmetic training was desirable. Conclusions: The information collected revealed significant differences in opinions between program directors and senior residents. Senior residents felt deficient in facial cosmetic, minimally invasive, and recently developed body contouring techniques. On the basis of these results and the authors' experience in resident education, changes in cosmetic surgery training are suggested.
Prophylactic HPV vaccination and anal cancer

ABSTRACT The incidence of anal cancer is increasing. High risk populations include HIV-positive men who have sex with men (MSM), HIV-negative MSM, HIV-positive women and heterosexual men and women with a history of cervical cancer. HPV has been detected in over 90% of anal cancers. HPV16 is the most common genotype detected in about 70% of anal cancers. The quadrivalent HPV (qHPV) vaccine has been demonstrated to prevent vaccine associated persistent anal HPV infections as well as anal intraepithelial neoplasia grades 2-3 (AIN2+) in young MSM not previously infected. A retrospective analysis also suggests that qHPV vaccination of older MSM treated for AIN2+ may significantly decrease the risk of recurrence of the AIN2+. The HPV types detected in anal cancer are included in the 9-valent vaccine. Thus, the 9-valent HPV vaccine, when administered to boys and girls prior to the onset of sexual activity, should effectively prevent anal cancer.
Mycobacterial L-forms are found in cord blood: A potential vertical transmission of BCG from vaccinated mothers

ABSTRACT Our previous studies showed that mycobacterial L-forms persist in the blood of BCG vaccinated people and that BCG vaccine is able to produce, under appropriate conditions, filterable, self-replicating L-bodies with virus-like size. Because filterability is one of the characteristics of L-forms, considerable interest has been shown in their capacity to cross the maternal-fetal barrier. The current study demonstrated isolation of mycobacterial L-form cultures from umbilical cord blood of 5 healthy newborns of healthy mothers vaccinated previously with BCG. The isolated cultures showed distinctive growth characteristics of cell wall deficient L-form bacteria. Transmission electron microscopy demonstrated presence of L-bodies with extremely small size of 100 nm and revealed morphological transformations, typical for L-forms. IS6110 Real Time PCR assay confirmed that all L-form isolates were of mycobacterial origin and belonged to Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex which includes vaccinal BCG substrains. In conclusion, we could suggest that reproductive filterable L-bodies of BCG origin are able to fall in blood circulation of the fetus by vertical transmitted pathway and colonize newborns.
Immunotherapy of advanced renal cell carcinoma: Current and future therapies

ABSTRACT Previously a malignancy with few therapeutic options, metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) treatment is rapidly evolving. Although cytokine therapies (interferon-a, interleukin-2) have been used less frequently over the past decade, recent approval of an immune checkpoint inhibitor, nivolumab, has led to a resurgence in immune therapy for mRCC. With greater understanding of the complex and dynamic interaction between the tumor and the immune system, numerous new immunotherapies are being studied for mRCC. In this article, we review the mechanism of action, clinical outcomes and toxicity profiles of both clinically approved and selected investigational immunotherapies. Either alone or in combination, these novel agents are encouraging for the future of mRCC therapy.
Pure-Tone Sensitivity and Speech Recognition Findings Following Head Injury

*Audiologist, Army Audiology and Speech Center, Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, D.C. † Senior Staff Officer, Army Systems Hazards Research Program, United States Army Medical Research and Development Command, Fort Detrick, Frederick, MD Despite the limited diagnostic value of traditionally employed pure-tone and speech audiometry in assessing central auditory dysfunction, these tests should be the cornerstone of any central auditory nervous system (CANS) test battery. Common clinical practice for any diagnostic protocol dictates that a peripheral auditory test battery (pure-tone, speech, and immittance measures) should be employed prior to selecting an array of tests for more central auditory investigations. Audiological test strategies are predicated on the theory that the most peripheral lesion will be first detected. Without an accurate knowledge of the state of the peripheral auditory system, diagnostic inferences cannot be made concerning the central auditory system. The purpose of this article, therefore, is to describe the results of portions of the peripheral audiometric test battery used in the Vietnam Head Injury Study (VHIS). Specifically, the discussion will focus on pure-tone sensitivity and speech recognition measures.
Interferon-α Induced Thyroid Dysfunction: Three Clinical Presentations and a Review of the Literature

Three patients who developed symptomatic, autoimmune-mediated thyroid dysfunction during treatment with interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) for chronic active hepatitis C with liver cirrhosis, age-related macular degeneration with foveal involvement, and chronic myelogenous leukemia, respectively, are described. The first two patients developed autoimmune hypothyroidism that required thyroxine replacement, and the third developed autoimmune thyroiditis with transient thyrotoxicosis. The clinical manifestations were protean, and required a high index of suspicion for diagnosis, the failure of which led to significant morbidity. A literature review revealed that the mean incidence of IFN-alpha induced thyroid dysfunction was 6%. Spontaneous resolution occurred in more than half with discontinuation of IFN-alpha treatment. Hypothyroidism was induced more frequently than hyperthyroidism. At least one positive thyroid autoantibody titer was found in 17% of patients receiving IFN-alpha. Risk factors for developing thyroid dysfunction with IFN-alpha treatment were female sex, underlying malignancy or hepatitis C, higher doses of IFN-alpha for longer durations, combination immunotherapy (especially with interleukin-2), and the presence of thyroid autoantibodies prior to or during treatment.
Reconstruction of the Upper Aerodigestive Tract with the Submental Artery Flap

Background: The submental artery flap has rekindled interest in using cervical flaps for reconstruction of head and neck defects. In this article, the authors present their experience with this flap for defects of the upper aerodigestive tract. Methods: This is a retrospective study of 21 patients who underwent upper aerodigestive tract reconstruction with submental artery flaps from 1997 to 2005. The flap was used primarily to reconstruct defects after tumor extirpation, severe infections, and burns. In one case, the flap was used to close an esophagocutaneous fistula. Nine patients had irradiation. Three patients had flap prelamination before transfer. Results: The flaps in all 12 patients who had not undergone irradiation survived. With the exception of a small fistula in one patient and transient marginal mandibular nerve palsy in another, none of these patients experienced any major complications. In contrast, six of the nine patients who had been irradiated experienced major complications. These included total flap loss in one, partial flap losses in two, and scar contractures in another three. The difference in major complication rates between these two groups was statistically significant (0 percent versus 67 percent, p < 0.01). Conclusions: In nonirradiated tissues, the submental artery flap is an excellent choice for reconstruction of moderate-sized defects of the upper aerodigestive tract because of its reliability and versatility and the ease with which it can be applied.
HPV 16 E5 oncoprotein is expressed in early stage carcinogenesis and can be a target of immunotherapy

ABSTRACT HPV16 persistent infection is a well-known condition that precedes human cancer development. High risk HPV E5 proteins cooperate with E6/E7 oncogenes to promote hyper-proliferation of infected cells leading to possible cancer progression. Thus, presence of E5 viral transcripts could be a key marker of active infection and, in turn, a target of immunotherapy. Purpose of the study is to detect E5 transcripts in clinical samples and to explore the activity of novel anti-HPV16 E5 DNA vaccines. HPV transcripts were detected by PCR with specific primers encompassing the splice-donor sites of E5 transcript. For E5-based immunotherapies, 2 E5-based versions of DNA vaccines carrying whole E5 gene or a synthetic multiepitope gene were improved by fusion to sequence of PVX coat protein. These vaccines were challenged with a new luminescent animal model based on C3-Luc cell line. E5 transcripts were detected in clinical samples of women with HPV positive low-grade SIL, demonstrating the validity of our test. In C3 pre-clinical mouse model, vaccine candidates were able to induce a strong cellular immunity as indicated by ELISPOT assays. In addition, E5-CP vaccines elicited strong anti-tumor effects as showed by decreased tumor growth monitored by animal imaging. The tumor growth inhibition was comparable to those obtained with anti-E7 DNA vaccines. In conclusion, detection of E5 transcripts in clinical samples indicates that E5 is a possible target of immunotherapy. Data from pre-clinical model demonstrate that E5 genetic immunization is feasible, efficacious and could be utilized in clinical trials.
Burden of non-communicable diseases in South Asia

This article explores the burden of the major non-communicable diseases in South Asia and the extent to which obstacles hinder prevention and management of these diseases The World Health Organization (WHO) stated in 2002 that “in many regions, some of the most formidable enemies of health are joining forces with the allies of poverty to impose a double burden of disease, disability and premature death in many millions of people. ”1 This is what is happening in South Asia, which has one quarter of the global population but where about half the population lives below the poverty line and has limited access to health care. Although infectious diseases remain a formidable enemy, the population is ageing and non-communicable diseases are rising.2–4 South Asia has made fair economic progress in recent decades but is struggling to find a road towards sustainable development. We review here the estimated burden of noncommunicable diseases in South Asia, the risk factors for these diseases, the limitations of the available data, and the attempts being made to gather evidence of better quality. We aim to provide a profile of non-communicable disease burdens in this region. We conducted a systematic search on Medline; used reports from WHO and other international organisations; and communicated with experts in the field. Although non-communicable diseases have been variously defined, we propose to limit the term to four major disease categories that are linked by common risk factors: cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus, cancers, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Dietary consumption patterns, physical inactivity, tobacco use, and environmental pollution are among the common risk factors shared by these disorders, providing common pathways of epidemiological transition as well as public health action. Validated nationally representative estimates of cause specific mortality are not available for any country in South Asia. The available …
Characterization of Nonthermal Focused Ultrasound for Noninvasive Selective Fat Cell Disruption (Lysis): Technical and Preclinical Assessment

Background: There has been a lack of published bench and preclinical data supporting the safety and effectiveness of a noninvasive, nonthermal, focused ultrasound technology for body contouring. Methods: A series of experiments were conducted with a transcutaneous focused ultrasound device (UltraShape Contour I; UltraShape Inc., Yoqneam, Israel): (1) three-dimensional acoustic field distribution was measured by hydrophone in a water bath; (2) the real-time two-dimensional acoustic field was assessed using optical visualization by a Schlieren system; (3) three-dimensional and Schlieren results were compared in tissue-mimicking gel phantoms and in frozen specimens of porcine subcutaneous fat; and (4) a porcine in vivo preclinical model was used to test safety, selectivity, and efficacy by histological staining of excised skin and subcutaneous fat specimens. Results: Real-time imaging of acoustic field distribution obtained by the Schlieren system, as well as real-time ultrasound visualization, produced stable cavitation both in water and in the gel phantoms. The area where the effect was visible corresponded to the focal area of energy delivered by the system transducer, as measured by the hydrophone. Histologically stained specimens of skin and subcutaneous fat that were excised from porcine studies (n = 14) following treatments (n = 31) demonstrated fat cell lysis and no observable cellular destruction of adjacent blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue. No epidermal or dermal changes were observed clinically or histologically. Conclusions: The delivery of noninvasive focused ultrasonic energy has been validated and supported by the basic and preclinical data presented. Future studies will investigate various treatment regimens for improved body-contouring results.
HPV vaccines: Global perspectives

ABSTRACT The discovery of HPV as the etiological factor for HPV-associated malignancies and disease has opened up several opportunities for prevention and therapy. Current commercially available HPV vaccines (Gardasil, Gardasil 9, and Cervarix) are prophylactic in nature and derived from adjuvanted L1-based virus-like particles of HPV. Globally, through several clinical trials, they were found to be very safe and efficacious. Certain limitations such as cost-effectiveness, low coverage against all HPV types and a 3-dose schedule make these vaccines difficult to use worldwide. Approaches to address these issues involve alternate expression systems using L1 or alternate antigen (L2) as well as optimizing doses and broadening protection to provide cheap and cross-protective vaccines. Additionally, promising preclinical immunogenicity results from our own studies using alternative hosts such as Pichia and an antigen delivery system-based measles vector have potential for development as next generation HPV prophylactic vaccines. Several other therapeutic approaches are also ongoing.
Estimating the duration of full breastfeeding with survival analysis procedure

Background: Full breastfeeding refers to exclusive breastfeeding, which is the practice of feeding only breast milk excluding water, breast milk substitutes, other liquids and solid foods. `Full breastfeeding for the first six months is the most appropriate infant feeding practice. The duration of full breastfeeding varies considerably among women belonging to different sections of the population. Objective: To estimate the probabilities at various time intervals for the duration of full breastfeeding. Study Design: A group of 102 women who were interviewed at immunization centre in Varanasi in 2004, where they came with their youngest child for vaccination. Women reporting continuance of full breastfeeding (31 %) on the date of interview were considered as censored cases. Survival analysis procedure using life table approach was applied. Result: The median duration of full breastfeeding was found 5.53 months: Relationship between duration of full breastfeeding and practice of breastfeeding (at fixed time or on demand) was also studied. The mean and median duration of full breastfeeding were observed higher in women feeding at fixed time than those on demand of the child, though by log-rank test the difference was found not statistically significant. Conclusions : The observed data do not provide sufficient evidence to establish a relationship between duration of full breast feeding and practice of breastfeeding.
Background rates of disease in Latin American children from a rotavirus vaccine study

ABSTRACT Background: Knowledge of background rates of adverse events is crucial to assess vaccine safety concerns. We used data from a rotavirus vaccine study (Ruiz-Palacios et al., NEJM, 2006) including 63,225 infants from 11 Latin American countries to investigate reporting rates of serious adverse events (SAEs) among these infants, and describe rates by country, gender, age, and season. Methods: For this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial, investigators from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, and Venezuela recruited 6-to-13-week-old healthy infants. The infants received 2 oral doses of vaccine or placebo. The study population was followed 100 d for the assessment of adverse events. SAEs were captured by an active surveillance system. Results: Strong differences in event rates could be observed between countries (min. 48.1/10,000 person-years in Dominican Republic/Peru; max. 296.2/10,000 person-years in Brazil) and between genders: gastroenteritis, pneumonia, bronchiolitis and bronchitis occurred significantly more frequently in males. In addition, infections and infestations, and most disorders, including immune system and cardiac disorders, were more frequent at earlier ages. Finally, looking at seasonality we noted higher rates of SAEs in the second half of the year in all countries except Mexico. Discussion: Significant differences in reporting rates of SAEs between countries, gender and calendar months illustrate the importance of knowing the local epidemiology when interpreting SAEs. Data from clinical trials can be used to better understand background rates of diseases that may be perceived as potential adverse events following immunization.