Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Localization of nyctalopin in the mammalian retina

Complete X‐linked congenital stationary night blindness (CSNB1) is a hereditary visual disease characterized by abnormalities in both the dark‐ and light‐adapted electroretinogram, consistent with a defect in synaptic transmission between photoreceptors and ON‐bipolar cells. The gene responsible for CSNB1, NYX, encodes a novel, leucine‐rich repeat protein, nyctalopin. Consistent with its predicted glycosylphosphatidylinositol linkage, we show that recombinant nyctalopin is targeted to the extracellular cell surface in transfected HEK293 cells. Within the retina, strong nyctalopin immunoreactivity is present in the outer plexiform layer, the site of the photoreceptor to bipolar cell synapses. Double labelling of nyctalopin and known synaptic proteins in the outer plexiform layer indicate that nyctalopin is associated with the ribbon synapses of both rod and cone terminals. In the inner plexiform layer, nyctalopin immunoreactivity is associated with rod bipolar cell terminals. Our findings support a role for nyctalopin in synaptic transmission and/or synapse formation at ribbon synapses in the retina.
Vaccination practices in patients with inflammatory bowel disease among general internal medicine physicians in the USA

Background Increasing prevalence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) poses significant challenges to medical community. Preventive medicine, including vaccination against opportunistic infections, is important in decreasing morbidity and mortality in patients with IBD. We conduct first study to evaluate general awareness and adherence to immunisation guidelines by primary care physicians in the USA. Methods We administered an electronic questionnaire to the research panel of the American College of Physicians (ACP) assessing current vaccination practices, barriers to vaccination and provider responsibility for administering vaccinations and compared responses with the European Crohn's and Colitis Organization consensus guidelines and expert opinion from the USA. Results All of surveyed physicians (276) had experience with patients with IBD and spent majority of their time in direct patient care. 49% of physicians took immunisation history frequently or always, and 76% reported never or rarely checking immunisation antibody titres with only 2% doing so routinely. 65% of physicians believed that primary care providers (PCPs) were responsible for determining patient's immunisation. Vaccine administration was felt to be the duty of primary care doctor 80% of the time. 2.5% of physicians correctly recommended vaccinations all the time. Physicians were more likely to recommend vaccination to immunocompetent than immunocompromised patients. Up to 23% of physicians would incorrectly recommend live vaccine to immunocompromised patients with IBD. Conclusions Current knowledge and degree of comfort among PCPs in the USA in preventing opportunistic infections in IBD population remain low. Management of patients with IBD requires structured approach to their healthcare maintenance in everyday practice, including enhanced educational policy aimed at primary care physicians.
Entonox ® Efficacy for Procedural-Sedation and Analgesia in Pediatrics Undergoing Bone Marrow Aspiration: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Background: Bone marrow aspirations and biopsies are very painful diagnostic procedures in pediatric candidates and must be done under sedation or analgesia. Objectives: The current study aimed at investigating the effect of using Entonox gas during sedation and analgesia induction in pediatric candidates of bone marrow aspiration. Methods: It was a single-blind, randomized clinical trial. All pediatric candidates of first time bone marrow aspiration were included and allocated to either group 1 or 2, using a random number table. In group 1, a combination of midazolam, fentanyl, ketamine, and propofol was injected intravenously. In group 2, the mentioned combination was injected intravenously and Entonox gas was used for patients’ ventilation. The goal was to reach level 4 sedation based on the Ramsay sedation scale. If needed, extra propofol was injected intravenously every minute. Physician and the helping nurse satisfaction of the procedure were evaluated. Duration of the procedure, the administered dosage for each patient, occurrence of any complications, and the recovery time were recorded. Results: A total of 88 cases with the mean age of 6.8 ± 3.6 years, and mean weight of 25.4 ± 12.5 kg were included in the study (50% female). Baseline and demographic data of the groups showed no significant difference. Propofol consumption was significantly lower in group 2, for whom Entonox gas was prescribed, compared with group 1 (P-value < 0.001). Decrease of recovery time in group 2 compared with group 1 was evident (P-value < 0.001). Physician and nurse’s satisfaction was higher in group 2 compared to group 1, and the difference was statistically significant. Conclusions: It is likely that Entonox prescription during bone marrow aspiration in pediatric leads to decrease in consumption of propofol to provide proper sedation, shorter recovery time of the patients, and increased satisfaction in both the physician and nurse in charge of performing the procedure.
Genome scan for teratogen-induced clefting susceptibility loci in the mouse: evidence of both allelic and locus heterogeneity distinguishing cleft lip and cleft palate.

Nonsyndromic clefting of the lip and palate in humans has a highly complex etiology, with both multiple genetic loci and exposure to teratogens influencing susceptibility. Previous studies using mouse models have examined only very small portions of the genome. Here we report the findings of a genome-wide search for susceptibility genes for teratogen-induced clefting in the AXB and BXA set of recombinant inbred mouse strains. We compare results obtained using phenytoin (which induces cleft lip) and 6-aminonicotinamide (which induces cleft palate). We use a new statistical approach based on logistic regression suitable for these categorical data to identify several chromosomal regions as possible locations of clefting susceptibility loci, and we review candidate genes located within each region. Because cleft lip and cleft palate do not frequently co-aggregate in human families and because these structures arise semi-independently during development, these disorders are usually considered to be distinct in etiology. Our data, however, implicate several of the same chromosomal regions for both forms of clefting when teratogen-induced. Furthermore, different parental strain alleles are usually associated with clefting of the lip versus that of the palate (i.e., allelic heterogeneity). Because several other chromosomal regions are associated with only one form of clefting, locus heterogeneity also appears to be involved. Our findings in this mouse model suggest several priority areas for evaluation in human epidemiological studies.
Evaluation of 227 Drugs for In Vitro Inhibition of Cytochrome P450 2B6

Cytochrome P450 2B6 (CYP2B6) is involved in the metabolism of drugs such as bupropion, efavirenz, propofol, and selegiline, among others. More than 200 commonly prescribed drugs and other xenobiotics were examined for their ability to inhibit CYP2B6‐mediated bupropion hydroxylase activity. Thirty compounds were found exhibiting greater than 50% inhibition at 30 μM. Inhibitors of CYP2B6 were identified from a wide variety of therapeutic classes. The 2 platelet aggregation inhibitors, clopidogrel and ticlopidine, were both identified as potent inhibitors (IC50 = 0.0206 and 0.149 μM, respectively). Other inhibitors (IC50 < 1 μM) included clotrimazole, itraconazole, sertraline, and raloxifene. These in vitro data were used along with clinical pharmacokinetic information in the prediction of potential drug‐drug interactions that could occur by inhibition of CYP2B6. Although few drugs tested are expected to cause drug interactions, clopidogrel and ticlopidine were identified as being of concern as potential inhibitors of clinical relevance. These findings are discussed in context to potential drug interactions that could be observed between these agents and drugs for which CYP2B6 is involved in metabolism.
Spontaneous atherosclerosis in free-living pigeons in Mosul area, Iraq.

The purpose of this study was to investigate for the first time the prevalence and pathology of spontaneous atherosclerosis in free – living pigeons in Mosul, Iraq. A hundred apparently healthy, 1-1.5 year old both sex pigeons of local breed free – living used. Effects of factors such as weight, sex, age and health status on prevalence of the condition were also studied. Prevalence of naturally occurring atherosclerosis was 10%. Grossly, the heart was hypertrophied and of firm consistency, aorta and coronary arteries were prominent and cordlike with thickened walls. Microscopically, lipid – laden "foam cells" were seen throughout the thickened tunica media and intima. Damage of the elastic lamellae and hypertrophy of the smooth muscle cells were also noted. Spontaneous atherosclerosis occurred more frequently in old pigeons. No effect was found for sex, weight, and health status of the pigeons on prevalence and pathology of spontaneous atherosclerosis. It was concluded that spontaneous atherosclerosis is fairly common in local pigeons and it occurred more commonly in old pigeons. Sex, weight, and health status of the pigeons did not constitute risk factors for the occurrence of spontaneous atherosclerosis.
The -93T/G LPL Promoter Polymorphism Is Associated With Lower Third-Trimester Triglycerides in Pregnant African American Women

Background: Hypertriglyceridemia is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease and several pregnancy complications. Lipoprotein lipase (LPL) genetic variation modulates nonpregnancy plasma triglycerides, but its effects during pregnancy are unknown. The G allele of the LPL -93T/G promoter polymorphism is 16–23 times more prevalent in Blacks than in Whites, contributing to lower triglycerides in nonpregnant African Americans by increasing LPL expression. Purpose: This study investigated whether the triglyceride-lowering effect of -93G is observed in African Americans during pregnancy. Methods: Genotyping was performed on 124 African American women with uncomplicated pregnancies for common functional LPL polymorphisms/mutations (-93T/G, D9N, N291S, and S447X). Third-trimester plasma triglyceride, high- and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, apolipoprotein B, and free fatty acid concentrations were measured with colorimetric assays. Clinical characteristics and lipid values were compared across the -93T/G genotypes. Results: Triglycerides were significantly lower in women with the -93GG compared to the -93TT genotype, both with (n = 124, p = .02) and without (n = 108, p = .03) inclusion of participants with other LPL variant alleles. Triglyceride differences persisted after adjustment for prepregnancy body mass index, gestational age at delivery, and smoking. There were no significant differences in the other lipids or apolipoprotein B by -93T/G genotype. Conclusions: Despite the considerable metabolic changes accompanying pregnancy, the triglyceride-lowering effect associated with the -93GG LPL genotype in African Americans persists during late pregnancy. The -93GG genotype might protect against pregnancy complications stemming from hypertriglyceridemia, but the overall increased risk of pregnancy complications in African American women points to complex, multifactorial relationships among risk factors, race, and adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Acute Interstitial Nephritis with Glomerulopathy Due to Nonsteroidal Anti‐Inflammatory Agents: A Review of Its Clinical Spectrum and Effects of Steroid Therapy

We reviewed case reports of patients who developed acute renal failure and/or nephrotic range proteinuria in the course of receiving treatment with nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory agents (NSAIA). Those cases that contained information sufficient to confirm the diagnosis of acute interstitial nephritis with glomerulopathy (AING), including a suggestive clinical syndrome with appropriate renal biopsy findings, were further analyzed to achieve a more complete description of this clinical entity and its responsiveness to steroid treatment. Analysis of the cases that fulfilled the inclusion criteria confirmed that the disorder is twice as common in women and occurs mainly in elderly people, usually after long‐term use of NSAIAs for musculoskeletal problems. Fenoprofen was implicated in 47% of the cases. Evidence of systemic hypersensitivity was uncommon. Two thirds of the cases displayed clinical and/or histological evidence of both acute interstitial nephritis and increased glomerular permeability. These findings strongly suggest that this condition is distinct from other drug‐induced “allergic” acute interstitial nephritides. In the absence of complicating factors, all patients improved following discontinuation of the offending agents. No evidence was found to suggest that steroid therapy altered the clinical course of this process.
Trends in self-rated health in Finland 1972-1992.

BACKGROUND Self-rated health is a useful indicator of the population's health. Yet follow-up studies on perceived health trends are scarce. The aim of this paper is to assess perceived health trends in Finland between 1972 and 1992. METHODS Five cross-sectional studies were done in two areas in eastern Finland every 5th year since 1972 and in a third area in southwestern Finland since 1982. The total number of respondents was 33,962. The respondents filled in a questionnaire, followed by a health examination. The subjects were categorized by age, education, and household income. RESULTS In 1972, one-third of the population reported good health, whereas in 1992 the rates were 50 and 60% for men and women, respectively. Younger persons reported better general health than older persons. High education and high household income were undisputed indicators of good health. Among men, their importance as predictors of good health diminished during the 20 years. CONCLUSIONS Finnish people today not only live longer but also feel healthier. In order to achieve good health for all population groups we need continual efforts to diminish the socioeconomic disparities.
A survey of United States rheumatologists concerning effectiveness of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs and prednisone in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

OBJECTIVE To collect the ratings of American rheumatologists regarding relative short-term and long-term effectiveness of disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) therapy in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and to compare these data with results of a meta-analysis of randomized, controlled clinical trials (RCTs) of these drugs. METHODS A survey was mailed to 3,200 United States rheumatologists who were members of the American College of Rheumatology during the summer of 1996. The survey was completed by 645 rheumatologists. RESULTS Methotrexate (MTX) was rated as substantially more effective than any other DMARD after both 1 year and 4 years of therapy. At 1 year, more than 90% of rheumatologists rated MTX as "good or excellent," compared with 35% giving a similar rating to intramuscular (IM) gold, the second-ranked DMARD. At 4 years, MTX was rated as "good or excellent" by 65%, compared with 53% for combinations, 30% for prednisone, and 11% for hydroxychloroquine, the second-ranked single DMARD. These ratings reflect results of long-term observational studies, but differ considerably from a meta-analysis of results of short-term RCTs, in which the efficacy of MTX, sulfasalazine, penicillamine, and IM gold were indistinguishable. CONCLUSION The ratings of US rheumatologists regarding effectiveness of DMARD therapies are in agreement with observational data, but differ substantially from results of RCTs. These findings suggest that observational studies may yield useful and important information about treatment results, which are complementary to, but not available from, the RCT model. Regulatory agencies should consider long-term observational studies as a part of the evaluation of drugs.
Changing Profile of Health and Function from Age 70 to 85 Years

Background: Old age has traditionally been considered to begin at age 65. The improving health and functional status observed among older people may necessitate reevaluation of this cut-off point. Objective: To present the changing prevalence of common geriatric syndromes, functional parameters, common disease status and health care utilization, at ages 70, 78 and 85, in order to help address the question of when does contemporary aging actually begin. Methods: Medical, psychosocial, cognitive, and functional status, and health service utilization at age 70, 78 and 85 were assessed through the Jerusalem Longitudinal Cohort Study (1990–2010), which prospectively followed a representative sample (born 1920–1921), of 1,861 people, all of whom underwent home-based comprehensive assessment. Results: At age 70, the cohort had good health, low comorbidity, preserved cognition, mobility and independence in basic and instrumental activities of daily activities (ADL). Rising comorbidity, declining cognitive status, increasing depression, and difficulty in ADLs were seen at 78. By age 85, compared to age 70, comorbidity had tripled, depression, hearing and visual impairment, falls, dizziness and mobility problems had doubled; 23% of subjects had cognitive impairment, 42.5% suffered urinary incontinence, and dependence in basic and instrumental ADLs was common (37.8 and 51.7%, respectively). Home care was 4.5, 10.1, and 24.6%, and hospitalization in the previous year occurred among 12.3, 18.8 and 27.8% at ages 70, 78 and 85, respectively. Conclusions: At age 70, the overall health profile was favorable, prevalence of geriatric syndromes was low, cognitive and functional status was preserved, and health service utilization was low. The progressive deterioration seen at ages 78 and more profoundly so at age 85, suggest that a cut-off point beyond age 70 years may serve to better define entry into old age.
Histological alterations in ovaries of pubertal female rats induced by triphenyltin

Triphenyltin is an organotin compound that has been used extensively as an antifouling biocide and as an agricultural pesticide. Certain organotin compounds act as endocrine-active agents and have been reported to affect reproduction in mollusks and mammals. Here we studied the histopathological effects of 2 or 6mg triphenyltin chloride (TPTCl)/kg b.w. on the reproductive tissue and the thymus of female pubertal rats as part of a comprehensive pubertal assay. Beginning at postnatal day (PND) 23 female Wistar rats were treated daily per gavage until their first estrus after PND 53. Reproductive organs were removed and histologically evaluated. While no histological changes were observed in oviduct, uterus, vagina and mamma, an increase in the number of all follicle stages occurred at both dose levels. Furthermore, exposure to 2mg TPTCl/kg b.w. led to a significant reduction in the diameter of tertiary follicles. A significant increase in the number of atretic follicles was observed in tertiary and preovulatory follicles after exposure to 6mg TPTCl. The thymus displayed a decreased number of apoptotic cells in both dose groups. We conclude that peripubertal administration of 2 and 6mg TPTCl/kg b.w. caused effects on ovarian follicles of female rats. r 2008 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.
Factors Associated With Body Image Perception Among Brazilian Students From Low Human Development Index Areas

This study aimed to evaluate sociodemographic, behavioral, and individual factors associated with body image perception in a sample of adolescents from schools in low Human Development Index areas in Brazil. This cross-sectional study included 609 boys and 573 girls (aged 11–17 years). Body image perception (nine-silhouettes scale) and sociodemographic, behavioral, and individual variables were included. Multinomial logistic regression analysis was used. Most boys (76.9%) and girls (77.5%) were dissatisfied with their body image. Body mass index status and healthy body image evaluation were significantly associated with body image dissatisfaction in both boys and girls (p < .001), and daily fruit consumption was associated with body image dissatisfaction only in boys (p = .035). Education and health care focused on body image can pay special attention to young people from vulnerable areas with unhealthy nutritional status and focus on strategies that enable improving the perception of a healthy body and a healthy diet.
Polymethyl‐methacrylate—sorbitol‐based capsules as local drug delivery vehicles: an in vitro antibiotic elution study

A PMMA (polymethyl‐methacrylate)–sorbitol‐based capsule system was recently developed, and the permeability of 16 types of capsules with different wall thicknesses and sorbitol contents tested. By optimizing these two parameters, we showed that capsule permeability could be controlled. Promising preliminary data obtained using BPB (Bromophenol Blue) as diffusion marker prompted us to further investigate the antibiotic release of capsules showing the most appropriate release characteristics. PMMA—sorbitol capsules were prepared with wall thickness of 0.5 or 0.6 mm and 60 or 70 w/w% (weight percent) of sorbitol content. In vitro gentamicin, amikacin, tobramycin releases were determined by using a microbiological agar plate diffusion assay. Capsules released 70–100% of their gentamicin load, substantially superior to Septopal, and showed preferable, extended release profiles when compared with the beads. The release kinetics of amikacin and tobramycin closely resembled those of gentamicin. PMMA—sorbitol capsules have been developed and tested, which make them promising devices for local antibiotic delivery.
Long and short term cumulative structural priming effects

We present six experiments that examine cumulative structural priming effects (i.e., structural priming effects that accumulate across many utterances). Of particular interest is whether (1) cumulative priming effects transfer across language production tasks and (2) the transfer of cumulative priming effects across tasks persists over the course of a week. Our data suggest that cumulative structural priming effects do transfer across language production tasks (e.g., from written stem completion to picture description, and from picture description to written stem completion), but only when both tasks are presented in the same experimental session. When cumulative priming effects are established in one task, and the second (changed) task is not presented until a week later, the cumulative priming effects are not observed.
Sarcomas of the breast. A clinicopathologic analysis of ten cases

The clinical and pathologic features of ten mammary sarcomas are discussed. Tumor size, contour, degree of cellular atypia, and mitotic activity were specifically evaluated to determine if they are important indices of clinical behavior. Results indicate that infiltrating margins, 2‐3 + stromal atypia, and eight or more mitoses per 10 HPF are characteristics of neoplasms associated with a poor prognosis. Tumor size was an unreliable criterion. A classification of breast sarcomas is presented with an appeal to avoid use of the term “stromal sarcoma” as a specific pathologic diagnosis. Since a diagnosis based upon cell of origin and correlated with the above morphologic features is fundamental to an intelligent therapeutic approach to this rare group of neoplasms, future reports dealing with this subject should include these details.