Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Total and undercarboxylated osteocalcin predict changes in insulin sensitivity and β cell function in elderly men at high cardiovascular risk.

BACKGROUND Osteocalcin has been related to insulin secretion in experimental models. Few prospective studies have evaluated the association between circulating osteocalcin concentrations and insulin secretion and sensitivity in humans. OBJECTIVE The objective was to examine cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between circulating forms of osteocalcin and insulin secretion and sensitivity in elderly men at high cardiovascular risk. DESIGN We examined cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between serum measurements of total osteocalcin and undercarboxylated osteocalcin (ucOC) with fasting glucose, fasting insulin, HOMA-IR, and HOMA β cell function (HOMA-BCF) in 79 elderly men. We also examined the association between 2-y changes in osteocalcin and changes in fasting glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR, and HOMA-BCF. RESULTS In an adjusted multivariable linear regression analysis, increases in serum osteocalcin were significantly associated with an increase in HOMA-BCF (β coefficient: 2.87; 95% CI: 0.23, 5.52; P = 0.033), and changes in ucOC were linked to a decrease in HOMA-IR (β coefficient: -0.31; 95% CI: -0.60, 0.03; P = 0.032). Moreover, in subjects not taking oral antidiabetic drugs, baseline osteocalcin concentrations were positively associated with higher fasting insulin concentrations and HOMA-BCF even after adjustment for BMI, physical activity, intervention group, presence of type 2 diabetes mellitus, and baseline values of each dependent variable. CONCLUSIONS Changes in serum osteocalcin and ucOC are associated with an improvement in insulin secretion and sensitivity, which suggests a possible role of bone in the development of type 2 diabetes. This trial is registered at clinicaltrials.gov as ISRCTN35739639.
Antioxidant Defenses Are Modulated in the Cow Oviduct During the Estrous Cycle1

Abstract The balanced presence of reactive oxygen species and antioxidants has a positive impact on sperm functions, oocyte maturation, fertilization, and embryo development in vitro. The mammalian oviduct is likely to provide an optimal environment for final gamete maturation, sperm-egg fusion, and early embryonic development. However, the expression and distribution of antioxidant enzymes in the bovine oviduct are poorly characterized. We analyzed the mRNA expression and enzymatic activities of major antioxidants glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (Cu,ZnSOD), and catalase in the bovine oviduct throughout the estrous cycle. The high levels of expression for GPx-3 in the isthmus were in contrast to expression of GPx-1 and GPx-2, which occurred mostly in the ampulla and infundibulum of the oviduct. The highest levels of mRNA expression for GPx-1 were observed toward the end of the estrous cycle before ovulation, whereas GPx-2 was mostly expressed at midcycle. Catalase and Cu,ZnSOD mRNA analyses revealed a homogenous expression along the oviduct. The highest levels of glutathione and enzymatic activities for GPx and catalase occurred at the middle (10–12 days) and end (18–20 days) of the estrous cycle, whereas total SOD activity remained constant throughout the estrous cycle in the oviductal fluids. These findings underscore the importance of hydrogen peroxide and hydroperoxide removal by GPx in the oviduct. The heterogeneous expression of antioxidants such as GPx along the oviduct is a possible indication of their physiological role in the events leading to successful fertilization and implantation in vivo.
An in vitro assessment of a ceramic-pressed-to-metal system as an alternative to conventional metal ceramic systems.

PURPOSE This article reviews a press-on metal (POM) ceramic versus a conventional veneering system regarding marginal gaps, fracture resistance, microhardness, and surface roughness. This was done to provide clinical recommendations for its use. MATERIALS AND METHODS Forty crowns were constructed and divided into two main groups according to the metal coping design. Group 1: Twenty metal copings with metal margin extending to the axiogingival line angle. Group 2: Twenty metal copings with metal margin 1 mm occlusal to the axiogingival line angle. The specimens of each group were further subdivided into two subgroups (A and B) according to the veneering porcelain used. The vertical marginal gaps of the crowns were measured after veneering placement. For fracture resistance testing, the crowns were subjected to compressive load to failure. Representative samples of the two main groups were selected to measure surface roughness and microhardness. RESULTS No statistically significant difference was evident regarding the vertical marginal gap distance in relation to the margin design of both tested groups (p= 0.249, p= 0.815); however, the POM veneer group with metal porcelain margin showed statistically lower marginal gaps than the conventional ceramic veneer group (p= 0.043). Fracture resistance values did not show statistically significant difference regarding the margin design (p= 0.858, p= 0.659) or type of the ceramic veneer material (p= 0.592, p= 0.165). Both groups showed no significant difference in their mean roughness values (p= 0.235). Conventional ceramics showed statistically significantly higher mean microhardness values than POM did (p= 0.008). CONCLUSION This study showed superior marginal adaptation, decreased microhardness, and similar load to failure and roughness values of the POM ceramic system. Moreover, considerable ease and speed of fabrication of this system were evident. The high variation in range values of some tested groups is among the limitations of this study, along with the lack of clinical trials to test the system in vivo.
Titanium CliP Piston Versus Platinum-Ribbon Teflon Piston: Piston and Fenestra Size Affect Air-Bone Gap

Objective: To analyze if titanium material and a clip attachment to the incus offer a hearing result advantage over the traditional Teflon piston in stapes surgery. Study Design: Retrospective chart review. Setting: Subspecialty private practice. Patients: One hundred seven ears in 97 consecutive patients who had primary stapes surgery during 2003 to 2005. Intervention: The first 74 ears received either a Teflon 0.5- or 0.6-mm piston, and the last 33 received a titanium 0.6-mm piston. Main Outcome Measures: American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery guidelines, including 4-frequency pure-tone average air-bone gap and success rate (gap, 10 dB). Results: Mean pure-tone average air-bone gap for the Teflon 0.6-mm piston (5.1 dB) was significantly smaller than for the titanium 0.6-mm piston (8.1 dB) and the Teflon 0.5-mm piston (7.5 dB). Success rate did not differ. Although labeled as 0.6-mm pistons, the Teflon piston diameter was 10% greater than the titanium piston. Results were comparable among devices when adjusted for true piston diameter. Results for the titanium piston were significantly better when the fenestra was no more than 0.05 mm larger than the piston diameter. Conclusion: Comparing 2 pistons designated 0.6 mm in diameter, the Teflon piston produced better hearing results than the titanium device. However, actual piston diameter differed between devices that contributed to the superior results with the larger Teflon piston. In addition, the titanium piston performed better with a small stapes fenestra diameter that suggests an advantage for titanium over Teflon in certain conditions. The clip design was problematic for a few patients.
Afferent hypersensitivity in a mouse model of post‐inflammatory gut dysfunction: role of altered serotonin metabolism

Visceral hypersensitivity is an important clinical feature associated with irritable bowel syndrome which in some patients has been linked to prior infection. Here we employ an animal model in which transient infection leads to persistent gut dysfunction to investigate the role of altered 5‐HT metabolism upon afferent mechanosensensitivity in the post‐infected gut. Jejunal segments isolated from Trichinella spiralis‐infected mice were used to assess 5‐HT metabolism whilst afferent activity in T. spiralis‐infected mice was studied by extracellular recordings from jejunal mesenteric afferent bundles and patch clamp recordings of isolated nodose ganglion neurons (NGNs). During acute infection, intestinal 5‐HT content and release increased, 5‐HT turnover decreased and afferent discharge in response to mechanical stimulation was attenuated. By day 28 post infection (PI), 5‐HT turnover had normalized, but 5‐HT content and release were still elevated. This was associated with afferent mechano‐hypersensitivity, which persisted for 8 weeks PI and was susceptible to 5‐HT3 receptor blockade. NGNs from post‐infected animals were more excitable than controls but their current densities in response to 2‐methyl‐5‐HT were lower. T. spiralis infection increased mucosal 5‐HT bioavailability and affected the spontaneous activity and mechanosensitivity of gastrointestinal sensory nerves. This involved an initial hyposensitivity occurring during acute infection followed by long‐term hypersensitivity in the post‐infectious period that was in part mediated by 5‐HT acting via 5‐HT3 receptors. Functional down‐regulation of 5‐HT3 receptors also occurs in the post‐infected animals, which may represent an adaptive response to increased mucosal 5‐HT bioavailability.
Effect of intrapulmonary percussive ventilation on mucus clearance in duchenne muscular dystrophy patients: a preliminary report.

OBJECTIVE To determine the effects of intrapulmonary percussive ventilation (IPV) on mucus clearance in tracheostomized Duchenne muscular dystrophy patients. METHODS We studied 8 patients, 5 of whom had mucus hypersecretion (> 30 mL/d). In a randomized, cross-over study we compared assisted mucus clearance techniques with and without IPV. There were 2 treatment sequences and each patient received 5 consecutive days of each treatment sequence, delivered 3 times a day. One sequence consisted of (1) assisted mucus clearance technique (AMCT, which involves forced expiratory technique and manual assisted cough), (2) endotracheal suctioning, (3) nebulizer administration of 5 mL of 0.9% sodium chloride solution for 5 min, (4) a second AMCT session, (5) endotracheal suctioning, (6) 45 min after the end of the nebulizer treatment a third AMCT session, (7) endotracheal suctioning. The other treatment sequence was the same except that it included IPV during the 5-min nebulizer treatment. The collected secretions were weighed. Vital capacity was measured once, before the treatments. Heart rate, respiratory rate, oxyhemoglobin saturation, end-tidal carbon dioxide, airway resistance, and peak expiratory flow were measured before and at 45 min after the treatments. Mean values were compared using analysis of variance with repeated measures. RESULTS In patients with hypersecretion the mean +/- SD weight of the collected secretions was significantly higher with IPV (6.53 +/- 4.77 g vs 4.57 +/- 3.50 g, p = 0.01). Heart rate, respiratory rate, oxyhemoglobin saturation, end-tidal carbon dioxide, airway resistance, and peak expiratory flow did not differ statistically between the 2 treatments. CONCLUSIONS IPV is a safe airway clearance method for tracheostomized Duchenne muscular dystrophy patients, and this preliminary study suggests that IPV increases the effectiveness of assisted mucus clearance techniques.
Frequency of TP53 Mutations in Relation to Arg72Pro Genotypes in Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer

Mutations in the TP53 gene are important events during human lung carcinogenesis. The TP53 gene harbors several polymorphisms, and functional studies have shown that the Arg72Pro polymorphism alters both wild-type and mutant p53 protein activity. Thus, we hypothesized that certain Arg72Pro genotypes may influence the frequency and pattern of somatic mutations in TP53. We therefore examined the status of the Arg72Pro polymorphism and TP53 mutations in 260 non–small-cell lung cancer cases. Here we report a significant trend toward lower frequency of TP53 mutations with increasing number of Pro72 alleles (P = 0.02). Overall, Pro72 allele carriers had significantly lower frequency of TP53 mutations compared with Arg72 homozygotes (P = 0.02). In addition, carriage of the Pro72 variant was related to a lower frequency of mutations affecting the hotspot codon 273. Mutations at codon 273 accounted for 10.6% of the mutations in Arg72 homozygotes and 1.7% of the mutations in Pro72 allele carriers. Our results suggest that the genotype of the Arg72Pro polymorphism may modulate the frequency of TP53 mutations in non–small-cell lung cancer. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2007;16(10):2077–81)
Sexual risk factors for cervical cancer among rural Indian women: a case-control study.

BACKGROUND The association between sexual behaviour and cervical cancer is well established. Despite a high incidence of cervical cancer in India, its role has not been widely investigated in Indian women among whom the rate of sexual promiscuity is known to be very low. A hospital-based case-control study was carried out to investigate the role of sexual risk factors in cervical cancer among rural Indian women. METHODS A case-control design was used in which a total of 268 subjects, comprising 134 women with invasive cervical cancer as cases and 134 control women were studied. A multiple logistic regression model was used to analyse the data. RESULTS The risk factors found to be associated with cervical cancer were early age at first coitus, extramarital sex partners of women and the time interval since first exposure. In a multiple logistic regression model, independent effects were observed for early age at first coitus, showing maximum risk in women who reported their first intercourse at < 12 years of age, compared to that of women at > or = 18 years (odds ratio [OR] = 3.5. 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.1-10.9). Increased risk was also seen for women who had extramarital sex relationships (OR = 5.5, 95% CI: 1.5-19.5). The significant effect of early age at first coitus persisted after adjustment for latency period which also showed its independent risk association with cervical cancer in the multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION These findings confirm the association between early age at first coitus and cervical cancer in women with a low rate of sexual promiscuity and define the role of these risk factors in cervical carcinogenesis among rural Indian women.
Thyroid hormones, dementia, and atrophy of the medial temporal lobe.

CONTEXT Thyroid function has been related to Alzheimer disease (AD), but it remains unclear whether thyroid dysfunction results from or contributes to developing AD. OBJECTIVE The objective of the study was to determine the association between thyroid function and both medial temporal lobe atrophy on brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as putative early sign of AD and risk of dementia. DESIGN AND PARTICIPANTS This was a population-based cohort study among 1077 elderly subjects aged 60-90 yr and dementia free at baseline (1995-1996). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Nonfasting serum levels of TSH, free T(4) (fT(4)), T(3), and rT(3) were available in 1025 subjects followed up for incident dementia until 2005. In a subset of 489 nondemented elderly, we assessed volumes of the hippocampus and amygdala on brain MRI. Subjects using thyroid medication were excluded. RESULTS During 5657 person-years of follow-up (mean 5.5 yr), 63 subjects were diagnosed with dementia (46 with AD). TSH and thyroid hormones were not associated with risk of dementia or AD. TSH and T(3) were also not related to brain atrophy, whereas nondemented subjects with higher fT(4) levels had more hippocampal and amygdalar atrophy on MRI. Similar associations were found for rT(3). Excluding subjects with thyroid disorders or incipient AD did not change the results. CONCLUSION In our study, TSH was related neither to risk of AD nor with early MRI markers thereof, arguing against an important role of thyroid function in the development of AD. Whether the association of higher fT(4) and rT(3) levels with brain atrophy on MRI has functional significance remains to be elucidated.
Kaposi's Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus ORF57 Protein Enhances mRNA Accumulation Independently of Effects on Nuclear RNA Export

ABSTRACT The ORF57 protein expressed by Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) during lytic replication is essential for KSHV virion production. ORF57 enhances gene expression by increasing accumulation of target gene mRNAs. ORF57 interacts with the cellular export factor REF and with RNA, suggesting that it may provide target mRNAs with access to REF, which mediates nuclear RNA export by binding to TAP/NXF1. A mutational analysis of ORF57 was performed to study the role of REF binding, RNA interaction, and multimerization in ORF57 function. ORF57 was shown to directly bind RNA. The ability to bind REF did not correlate with ORF57 function in enhancing mRNA accumulation. ORF57 enhanced the nuclear levels of mRNA and PAN, a nuclear KSHV RNA, and the activity of various ORF57 mutants on the levels of mRNA paralleled their ability to enhance nuclear PAN accumulation, suggesting that ORF57 may also act on messenger RNAs by export-independent effects on RNA stability. Finally, an ORF57 mutant lacking a region homologous to a nucleolar localization signal in herpesvirus saimiri was constructed. This mutant retained function, demonstrating that, unlike the ORF57 homolog in herpesvirus saimiri, nucleolar trafficking is not required for ORF57 function in enhancing mRNA accumulation.
Pediatric Compartment Syndrome Caused by Intravenous Infiltration

Background:The small diameter and fragility of infant veins increases the risk of intravenous (IV) fluid extravasation. Modern pump delivery systems, designed with pressure sensors to detect and respond to flow obstructions in the IV line, are in wide use to limit the amount of fluid that reaches the extravascular space. In some instances, the pump safety systems can fail to detect rising pressure and may lead to compartment syndrome. Methods:Retrospective chart review of patients treated for extremity compartment syndrome as a result of an IV infiltration. Results:Three infants (mean age, 9 months) were identified. Each patient had a large volume of IV fluid delivered into the subcutaneous tissue through a pump infusion system. In all cases, the sensor failed to alarm and to disable the system, and the problem was identified only after routine nursing evaluation of the IV site. Findings included the following: tissue blanching, decreased capillary refill, and severely restricted active/passive motion of the affected extremity. Peripheral pulses were present in all patients. Compartment pressure elevation (>30 mm Hg) was confirmed prior to operative intervention by a slit catheter system. Fasciotomy was required in the hand and forearm of 2 patients, and of the thigh, leg, and foot in 1 patient. Each infant recovered full use of the extremity. Conclusions:The reason that these pumps failed to detect the dangerously elevated pressures is unclear, but may be related to a combination of fluid dynamics and pump engineering. Routine nursing evaluation remains the gold standard for detection of these events.
The effect of polymerization procedure on Vickers hardness of dual-curing resin cements.

PURPOSE To investigate the surface hardness (Vickers hardness, HVN) of one light-curing flowable resin composite and five dual-curing resin cements after different polymerization procedures. METHODS The HVN was measured with a hardness-indentation device on one light-curing flowable resin composite (Tetric EvoFlow) and five dual-curing resin cements (Panavia F2.0, SpeedCEM, RelyX Unicem Clicker, SmartCem2 and iCEM) after the resin material had been cured at constant 30 degrees C according to one of five polymerization procedures (n = 30/procedure and material): (1) 5-minute light-curing (positive control; prolonged light-curing), (2) 40-second light-curing (immediate light-curing), (3) 6-minute auto-curing (negative control; dual-curing resin cements only), (4) 6-minute auto-curing followed by 40-second light-curing (delayed light-curing), and (5) 5-second light-curing, 1-minute auto-curing and 40-second light-curing (instructions for removal of excess cement). A Kruskal Wallis test followed by pairwise Wilcoxon ranksum tests with Bonferroni-Holm adjustment was applied for each material and procedure (level of significance: alpha = 0.05). RESULTS For each material, Procedure 1 showed the significantly highest HVN and Procedure 3 the significantly lowest HVN. Procedure 4 showed significantly increased HVN for each material compared to Procedure 3. With Procedure 1, Panavia F2.0 and RelyX Unicem yielded significantly higher HVN than the other resin materials. With Procedure 3, no significant differences in HVN were found between Panavia F2.0, SpeedCEM and SmartCem2 which all showed significantly higher HVN than RelyX Unicem and iCEM.
Longitudinal study of behavioral and affective patterns in girls with central precocious puberty during long‐acting triptorelin therapy

Abstract The aim of the present study was to evaluate the behavioral and affective characteristics and the changes in psychosocial functioning resulting from precocious puberty in 15 girls with central precocious puberty treated for 2 y using the GnRH agonist long‐acting triptorelin, and in 5 untreated girls. After diagnosis of precocious puberty at 6.6–10.4 y of age, height, weight and pubertal development were evaluated at 3‐month intervals over 2 y. Semi‐structured interviews were carried out with the patient, the parents and the pediatric endocrinologists at 1, 8, 16 and 24 months after diagnosis. Standardized questionnaires (Child Behavior Checklist, Self‐esteem Inventory) were administered at 1 and 24 months or 16 and 24 months, respectively. There was a mean 1.5‐y delay between the observation of signs of puberty as reported by the parents and the diagnosis of precocious puberty at the first consultation of a pediatric endocrinologist. Before follow‐up, all 20 girls were very concerned about physical differences from peers, particularly breast development. During therapy, breast regression to minimal or absent development occurred in 5/15 treated patients, who then no longer felt embarrassed about pubertal development in contrast to the other patients. Fear of sexuality remained obvious throughout the study in most patients. Feelings of loneliness and exemplary behavior were observed and tended to decrease in the treated patients and to increase in the untreated patients. Elevated scores of withdrawal, anxiety/depression and somatic complaints at Child Behavior Checklist were still observed after 2 y. These changes in behavioral and affective characteristics appeared to be related neither to height and weight, nor to development of pubic hair, which progressed in most patients. After 2 y, the physical differences remained a concern for 13 girls and the risk of short adult stature for 6. In summary, some behavioral and affective characteristics and particularities in psychosocial functioning are observed in girls with precocious puberty. During treatment with long acting triptorelin, problematic behavior and functioning decrease slightly, particularly in the few girls showing breast regression to minimal or absent development.