Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Control of Home Blood Pressure with an Amlodipine- or Losartan-Based Regimen and Progression of Carotid Artery Intima-media Thickness in Hypertensive Patients: The HOSP Substudy

Carotid artery intima-media thickness (IMT) has emerged as a predictor of cardiovascular events. Home blood pressure (BP) is more closely associated with cardiovascular prognosis than clinic BP. The aim of this study was to compare the progression of carotid IMT with respect to strict and mild control of morning home systolic BP (SBP) and amlodipine- and losartan-based antihypertensive therapy in hypertensive patients. Subjects included 80 hypertensive outpatients who participated in the Hypertension Control Based on Home Systolic Pressure (HOSP) pilot study. After a 1-month drug-free period, the patients were randomly assigned to either the strict control group (target SBP <130 mm Hg) or the mild control group (130–139 mm Hg) and to either the amlodipine group or the losartan group. Additional antihypertensive drugs were added if target BP was not achieved with monotherapy. Morning SBP achieved target levels during 5 years in the strict control group and in the mild control group, while it was comparable between amlodipine and losartan groups. In all patients, mean and maximum carotid IMT increased significantly. Changes in carotid IMT did not differ between strict and mild control groups. Changes in mean carotid IMT in amlodipine group were smaller than those in losartan group at year 1, but were not different between the two groups at year 5. In conclusion, carotid IMT increased over time in hypertensive patients in spite of the strict control of home BP. Amlodipine may slow the progression of IMT more than losartan, although a difference was not obvious after 5 years.
Cognitive impairment in HIV and HCV co-infected patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis

ABSTRACT Cognitive impairment has been well documented in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) mono-infections. However, in the context of HIV/HCV co-infection the research is more limited. The aim of this systematic review was to describe the characteristics of cognitive impairment in HIV/HCV co-infection and to examine the differences in cognitive performance between HIV/HCV and HIV and HCV mono-infected patients. Of the 437 records initially screened, 24 papers met the inclusion criteria and were included in the systematic review. Four studies were included in the meta-analysis. Most studies indicated that HIV/HCV co-infected patients had a higher level of cognitive impairment than HIV mono-infected patients. Meta-analysis also indicated that HIV mono-infected patients had a significantly lower global deficit score than co-infected patients. The results also indicated that co-infected patients were more likely to be impaired in information processing speed than HIV mono-infected patients. These findings can be challenged by biasing factors such as the small number of included studies, heterogeneity of the samples and a large diversity of methodological procedures. Future research with consistent and comprehensive neuropsychological batteries and covering a greater diversity of risk factors is needed, in order to clarify the effects of both viruses on cognitive function and the mechanisms that underlie these effects. Because cognitive impairments may pose significant challenges to medication adherence, quality of life and overall functioning, such knowledge may have important implications to the planning and implementation of effective interventions aimed at optimising the clinical management of these infections.
Human serum antibodies against EBV latent membrane protein 1 cross-react with α-synuclein

Objectives: To identify the epitope on α-synuclein (α-syn) to which antibodies against the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) latent membrane protein 1 (LMP1) bind and to determine whether antibodies targeting this mimicry domain are present in human sera. Methods: Reactivity of the α-syn-cross-reacting anti-LMP1 monoclonal antibody CS1-4 to a synthetic peptide containing the putative mimicry domain was compared to those in which this domain was mutated and to murine and rat α-syn (which differ from human α-syn at this site) in Western blots. Using ELISA, sera from EBV+ (n = 4) and EBV− (n = 12) donors as well as those with infectious mononucleosis (IM; n = 120), and Hodgkin disease (HD; n = 33) were interrogated for antibody reactivity to synthetic peptides corresponding to regions of α-syn and LMP1 containing the mimicry domain. Results: CS1-4 showed strong reactivity to wild-type human α-syn, but not to the mutant peptides or rodent α-syn. Control EBV− and EBV+ sera showed no reactivity to α-syn or LMP1 peptides. However, a significant proportion of IM and HD sera contained immunoglobulin M (IgM) (59% and 70%, in IM and HD, respectively), immunoglobulin G (IgG) (40% and 48%), and immunoglobulin A (IgA) (28% and 36%) antibodies to both peptides, as well as a significant correlation in the titers of IgM (ρ = 0.606 and 0.664, for IM and HD, respectively), IgG (0.526 and 0.836), and IgA (0.569 and 0.728) antibodies targeting LMP1 and α-syn peptides. Conclusions: Anti-EBV-LMP1 antibodies cross-reacting with a defined epitope in α-syn are present in human patients. These findings may have implications for the pathogenesis of synucleinopathies.
Surgical Strategy for Cervical Myelopathy due to Ossification of the Posterior Longitudinal Ligament: Part 2: Advantages of Anterior Decompression and Fusion Over Laminoplasty

Study Design. Retrospective study of 27 patients who underwent anterior decompression and fusion (ADF) for treatment of cervical myelopathy due to ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL). Objectives. To compare surgical outcome of ADF with that of laminoplasty. Summary of Background Data. During the period 1986 and 1996, laminoplasty was the only surgical treatment selected for cervical myelopathy at our institutions. According to surgical results of laminoplasty performed during this period, we have performed either laminoplasty or ADF for patients with OPLL since 1996. Methods. We reviewed clinical data obtained in 27 patients who underwent ADF between 1996 and 2003. Mean duration of follow-up was 6.0 years (range, 2–10 years). Surgical outcomes were assessed using the Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) scoring system for cervical myelopathy. Surgical results of ADF were compared with those of laminoplasty, which was performed in 66 patients during the period 1986 and 1996. Results. ADF yielded a better neurologic outcome at final follow-up than laminoplasty in patients with occupying ratio ≥60%, although graft complications occurred in 15% and additional surgical intervention was required in 26%. Neither occupying ratio of OPLL, sagittal shape of ossification, nor cervical alignment was found to be related to surgical outcome of ADF. Conclusions. Although ADF is technically demanding and has a higher incidence of surgery-related complications, it is preferable to laminoplasty for patients with occupying ratio of OPLL ≥60%.
Loyalty and Positive Word-of-Mouth

Abstract The ability to attract and retain loyal customers depends on the successful implementation of a customer—centric strategy. Customer loyalty is an attitude about an organization and its' services that is manifested by intentions and behaviors of re—patronization and recommendation. In the context of many medical services, loyalty through repeat patronization is not pertinent, whereas loyalty through positive word—of mouth (WOM) recommendation can be a powerful marketing tool. The Shouldice Hospital, a well—known institution for the surgical correction of hernias, instituted a marketing plan to develop a stable base of patients by creating positive WOM advocacy. This study focused on the consequences of both hernia patient overall satisfaction (and overall service quality) and hospital personnel satisfaction on the level of positive WOM advocacy. Using a commitment ladder of positive WOM advocacy, respondents were divided into three categories described as passive supporters, active advocates and ambassador advocates. Patient assessments of overall satisfaction and service quality were significantly related to these progressive levels of WOM for recommending the hospital to potential patients. Similarly, the satisfaction of the hospital employees was also significantly related to these progressive levels of positive WOM about recommending the hospital to potential patients and to potential employees. High levels of satisfaction are required to create true ambassadors of a service organization.
Evaluation of the Effect of Medroxyprogesterone Acetate on Bone Marrow Progenitor Cells

Various clinical studies have demonstrated that high-dose medroxyprogesterone acetate (HD-MPA) can reduce hematologic toxicity in patients receiving chemotherapy for advanced solid tumors. The underlying mechanism(s) of this action is still unknown. A direct effect of MPA on hemopoietic cells has been postulated, but in vitro studies have given contradictory results. To clarify the biologic activity of MPA on hemopoiesis we have evaluated in vitro growth of pluripotent and committed progenitor cells from bone marrow cells which were preincubated in vitro with various doses of MPA and subsequently treated with or without the S-phase-specific drug arabinoside-cytosine (Ara-C). Four healthy subjects and 8 patients with advanced stage solid tumors with no bone marrow involvement were studied. In our experimental model we did not observe any effect of MPA on Ara-C killing of progenitor cells from either bone marrow mononuclear cells or bone marrow mononuclear cells depleted of T-lymphocytes and adherent cells. These results suggest that MPA does not act directly (or indirectly through the production of cytokines by T-lymphocytes and/or monocytes and macrophages) on bone marrow progenitors. In addition, the supposed mechanism of rendering stem cells less susceptible to the insult of cytotoxic drugs by lowering the number of progenitors in the S-phase has been ruled out by ceil kinetic studies.
Presequence Recognition by the Tom40 Channel Contributes to Precursor Translocation into the Mitochondrial Matrix

ABSTRACT More than 70% of mitochondrial proteins utilize N-terminal presequences as targeting signals. Presequence interactions with redundant cytosolic receptor domains of the translocase of the outer mitochondrial membrane (TOM) are well established. However, after the presequence enters the protein-conducting Tom40 channel, the recognition events that occur at the trans side leading up to the engagement of the presequence with inner membrane-bound receptors are less well defined. Using a photoaffinity-labeling approach with modified presequence peptides, we identified Tom40 as a presequence interactor of the TOM complex. Utilizing mass spectrometry, we mapped Tom40's presequence-interacting regions to both sides of the β-barrel. Analysis of a phosphorylation site within one of the presequence-interacting regions revealed altered translocation kinetics along the presequence pathway. Our analyses assess the relation between the identified presequence-binding region of Tom40 and the intermembrane space domain of Tom22. The identified presequence-interacting region of Tom40 is capable of functioning independently of the established trans-acting TOM presequence-binding domain during matrix import.
Acceptance of colonoscopy requires more than test tolerance.

BACKGROUND Colon cancer screening, including colonoscopy, lags behind other forms of cancer screening for participation rates. The intrinsic nature of the endoscopic procedure may be an important barrier that limits patients from finding this test acceptable and affects willingness to undergo screening. With colon cancer screening programs emerging in Canada, test characteristics and their impact on acceptance warrant consideration. OBJECTIVES To measure the acceptability of colonoscopy and define factors that contribute to procedural acceptability, in relation to another invasive gastrointestinal scope procedure, gastroscopy. PATIENTS AND METHODS Consecutive patients undergoing a colonoscopy (n=55) or a gastroscopy (n=33) were recruited. Their procedural experience was evaluated and compared pre-endoscopy, immediately before testing and postendoscopy. Questionnaires were used to capture multiple domains of the endoscopy experience and patient characteristics. RESULTS Patient scope groups did not differ preprocedurally for general or procedure-specific anxiety. However, the colonoscopy group did anticipate more pain. Those who had a gastroscopy demonstrated higher preprocedural acceptance than those who had a colonoscopy. The colonoscopy group had a significant decrease in scope concerns and anxiety postprocedurally. As well, they reported less pain than they anticipated. Regardless, postprocedurally, the colonoscopy group's acceptance did not increase significantly, whereas the gastroscopy group was almost unanimous in their test acceptance. The best predictor of pretest acceptability of colonoscopy was anticipated pain. CONCLUSIONS The findings indicate that concerns that relate specifically to colonoscopy, including anticipated pain, influence acceptability of the procedure. However, the experience of a colonoscopy does not lead to improved test acceptance, despite decreases in procedural anxiety and pain. Patients' preprocedural views of the test are most important and should be addressed directly to potentially improve participation in colonoscopy.
Awareness of Urine Flow in People With Long‐Term Urinary Catheters

OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study is to acquire knowledge about urine flow in relation to fluid intake and urinary output, catheter blockage, and urinary tract infection in people with long-term urinary catheters. DESIGN This was a community-based exploratory and descriptive study. SETTING AND SUBJECTS The research was conducted in the homes of participants, who were interviewed in North Carolina from October 2002 to June 2003. The sample included 21 males and 9 females, aged 23–96 years; almost half were members of minority groups. INSTRUMENTS A urinary diary was used, including intake and output recordings and narrative data, as well as a semistructured interview schedule. METHODS Three-day fluid intake and urinary diary data were collected, followed by face-to-face tape-recorded interviews in participants' homes related to catheter experiences and practices. Analysis of data involved descriptive statistics and content analysis of narrative data. RESULTS Although urine flow frequently was disrupted by urinary sediment or kinks in tubing, urinary tract infection was significantly related only to traumatic catheter manipulations or catheter blockage. Catheter problems associated with urinary tract infection included: (1) “rough” catheter insertions, (2) “difficult” insertions, and (3) catheter blockage. CONCLUSION Self-monitoring of urine flow may help prevent urinary tract infection episodes through careful attention to catheter position and by preventing blockage. Further study is needed to fully understand the role of fluid intake and determine what causes traumatic catheter insertions.
Open and laparoscopic approach in incisional hernia repair with ePTFE prosthesis.

BACKGROUND The aim of this retrospective study was to analyze the results of incisional hernia laparoscopic and open surgery, focusing on the morbidity and postoperative implications. MATERIALS AND METHODS A group of 106 (42 men, 64 women) patients suffering from incisional hernias were treated with either a laparoscopic (30) or an open (76) placement of a prosthetic mesh between January 1997 and December 2004. The age and gender of the patients, the size and type of the mesh, operation note, the length of postoperative hospital stay, and morbidity were recorded. RESULTS An expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) mesh was used in 103 patients, whereas a polypropylene mesh was used in 3 patients. In the open technique, 3 patients with the ePTFE prosthetic material developed a mesh infection and required a mesh removal, which was easily performed under local anesthesia. Moreover, 2 patients from the same group developed a hernia recurrence. As for the laparoscopic approach, the only complication observed was one hernia recurrence. Finally, it should be mentioned that 1 patient with a polypropylene mesh developed a colocutaneous fistula. CONCLUSIONS The benefits of the laparoscopic mesh technique, compared to the open technique, include a shorter hospital stay, less postoperative pain, and possibly, a reduction in wound and mesh complications. Regarding the recurrence rate, the two techniques show similar results.
[Expression of autophagy-related genes Beclin1 and MAPLC3 in non-small cell lung cancer].

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE Some studies have indicated that the down-regulation of autophagy-related genes might result in tumorigenesis. This study was to investigate the expression and significance of autophagy-related genes Beclin1 and microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (MAPLC3) in human non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). METHODS The expression of Beclin1 and MAPLC3 in tumor tissues, adjacent non-cancerous tissues, and normal tissues from 72 specimens of NSCLC were detected by immunofluorescence staining, Western blot, and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). RESULTS The positive rates of Beclin1 and MAPLC3 were significantly lower in NSCLC tissues than in adjacent non-cancerous tissues and normal tissues (8.3% vs. 100% and 100% for Beclin1, chi2=199.40, P<0.01; 13.9% vs. 100% and 100%for MAPLC3, chi2=182.75, P<0.01). The mRNA levels of Beclin1 and MAPLC3 were significantly lower in NSCLC tissues than in adjacent non-cancerous tissues and normal tissues (1.30+/- 0.44 vs. 1.69+/-0.59 and 1.67+/-0.48 for Beclin1, F=6.6, P<0.01; 4.55+/-1.23 vs. 6.73+/-1.31 and 6.90+/-1.87 for MAPLC3, F=14.1, P<0.01). The protein levels of Beclin1 and MAPLC3 were significantly lower in NSCLC tissues than in adjacent non-cancerous tissues and normal tissues (3.49+/-0.72 vs. 5.31+/-1.16 and 6.33+/-1.58 for Beclin1, F=9.73, P<0.01; 2.43+/-0.35 vs. 3.12+/-0.73 and 3.41+/-0.90 for MAPLC3, F=3.22, P=0.04). CONCLUSION The expression of autophagy-related genes are down-regulated in NSCLC, which may relate to tumorigenesis and development of lung cancer.
Constitutive production of granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor and interleukin‐6 by a human lung cancer cell line, KSNY: Gene amplification and increased mRNA stability

Abstract: A human lung squamous cell carcinoma cell line designated KSNY was established from a patient suffering from marked neutrophilia and polyclonal hyper‐γ‐globulinemia. In our previous report, we demonstrated colony‐stimulating activities in the culture supernatant of this cell line. To determine the exact molecules for the activities, we investigated the gene expression of various cytokines in KSNY cells and showed the mRNA expression of both granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor (G‐CSF) and interleukin‐6 (IL‐6). We also detected substantial amounts of G‐CSF and IL‐6 in the culture supernatant with sensitive enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). The amplification of the gene locus for G‐CSF, but not for IL‐6 was shown by Southern blot analysis. Furthermore, we also showed that the mRNAs for G‐CSF and IL‐6 were relatively stable in KSNY cells. These findings are thought to be related to the constitutive production of the cytokines in KSNY cells.
Evaluation of low platelet counts by optical, impedance, and CD61‐immunoplatelet methods: estimation of possible inappropriate platelet transfusion

BACKGROUND: The Cell‐Dyn Sapphire (Abbott Diagnostics) detects platelets (PLTs) with a CD61 monoclonal antibody directed against glycoprotein IIIa as well as impedance (IMP) and optical (OPT) technology. We decided to evaluate low PLT counts produced by IMP and OPT methods and to compare them with the CD61 method. We also examined the possibility of inappropriate PLT transfusion resulting from an inaccurate PLT count.
Gain control of N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptor activity by receptor‐like protein tyrosine phosphatase α

Src kinase regulation of N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate (NMDA) subtype glutamate receptors in the central nervous system (CNS) has been found to play an important role in processes related to learning and memory, ethanol sensitivity and epilepsy. However, little is known regarding the mechanisms underlying the regulation of Src family kinase activity in the control of NMDA receptors. Here we report that the distal phosphatase domain (D2) of protein tyrosine phosphatase α (PTPα) binds to the PDZ2 domain of post‐synaptic density 95 (PSD95). Thus, Src kinase, its activator (PTPα) and substrate (NMDA receptors) are linked by the same scaffold protein, PSD95. Removal of PTPα does not affect the association of Src with NMDA receptors, but turns off the constitutive regulation of NMDA receptors by the kinase. Further more, we found that application of the PTPα catalytic domains (D1 + D2) into neurones enhances NMDA receptor‐mediated synaptic responses. Conversely, the blockade of endogenous PTPα inhibits NMDA receptor activity and the induction of long‐term potentiation in hippocampal neurones. Thus, PTPα is a novel up‐regulator of synaptic strength in the CNS.
Dinamica de la pesqueria de arrastre en cataluña

SE DESCRIBE LA PESQUERIA DEL LITORAL CATALAN: COMPOSICION DE LA FLOTA PESQUERA Y LAS CAPTURAS (EVOLUCION EN LOS ULTIMOS ANOS Y ESTADO ACTUAL). SE SELECCIONARON 5 ESPECIES: SALMONETE DE FANGO (MULLUS BARBATUS), BACALADILLA (MICROMESISTIUS POUTASSOU), MERLUZA (MERLUCCIUS MERLUCCIUS), PULPO BLANCO (ELEDONE CIRRHOSA) Y GAMBA ROSADA (ARISTEUS ANTENNATUS). SE ESTIMARON LAS TASAS DE MORTALIDAD M Y MORTALIDAD POR PESCA F DE ESTAS 5 ESPECIES, CON DISTINTOS METODOS. ESTOS VALORES SE UTILIZARON EN LA POSTERIOR APLICACION DE LOS ANALISIS DE COHORTES A PARTIR DE FRECUENCIAS DE TALLAS (METODO DE JONES) Y DE RENDIMIENTO POR RECLUTA (BEVERTON Y HOLT, RICKER). CON DATOS DE CAPTURA Y ESFUERZO SE DISCUTE LA ELECCION DE LA CPUE (CAPTURA POR UNIDAD DE ESFUERZO), LA IDONEIDAD DE LA APLICACION DE LOS MODELOS DE PRODUCCION (SCHAEFER Y FOX) A LA PESQUERIA EN ESTUDIO Y LA EFICIENCIA DE LOS DISTINTOS TIPOS DE BARCAS DE ARRASTRE EN ALGUNOS DE LOS CALADEROS MAS VISITADOS DEL LITORAL CATALAN (PODER DE PESCA). POR ULTIMO, SE PRESENTA UNA SIMULACION DE LAS CAPTURAS ANUALES DE BACALADILLA Y SALMONETE Y SE PROPONEN UNAS BASES PARA LA REALIZACION DE UN SEGUIMIENTO DE LA PESCA DE ARRASTRE EN EL LITORAL CATALAN (CARACTERISTICAS DE LA INFORMACION Y METODOS A APLICAR).
Opportunities for Quality Improvement in Bereavement Care at A Children's Hospital: Assessment of Interdisciplinary Staff Perspectives

This study examined the current state of bereavement care at a university-based children's hospital from the perspective of the interdisciplinary staff. In all, 60 staff members from multiple disciplines participated in in-depth interviews. In at least two-thirds of the interviews, issues related to the bereavement experience of both staff and families emerged and were consistently identified. Themes included: disparities in bereavement care based on relationship factors; logistics of time and space; geographical distances; the different cultures and languages of families; continuity in family follow-up; needs of siblings and other family members; staff communication, cooperation, and care coordination; staff suffering; and education, mentoring, and support for staff. This evidence-based needs assessment furnishes an empirical basis for the design and implementation of bereavement services for both families and staff. It can serve as a template for evaluation at other children's hospitals and thus contribute to the sound and creative development of the field of pediatric palliative care.