Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of a new oral contraceptive containing an antimineralocorticoid progestogen, drospirenone, on the renin-aldosterone system, body weight, blood pressure, glucose tolerance, and lipid metabolism.

Combined hormonal oral contraceptives (OCs) may lead to a mild rise in blood pressure and body weight. In rare instances, large increments in blood pressure are measured. We investigated the effect of a combination of ethinyl estradiol (EE) plus a progestogen with antimineralocorticoid, i.e. natriuretic, properties [Drospirenone (DRSP)] on body weight, blood pressure, the renin-aldosterone system, atrial natriuretic factor, plasma lipids, and glucose tolerance. It is anticipated that this will lead to the development of an OC that does not raise body weight or blood pressure. Four groups of 20 women each received 30 micrograms EE plus 3 mg DRSP (group A), 20 micrograms EE plus 3 mg DRSP (group B), 15 micrograms EE plus 3 mg DRSP (group C), and, as a control OC, 30 micrograms EE plus 150 micrograms levonorgestrel (Microgynon, Schering; group D) for 6 months. During the OC-free control cycles before and after treatment and throughout treatment, the target parameters were measured. Between the pretreatment cycle and the sixth treatment cycle, mean body weight fell by 0.8 to 1.7 kg in groups A, B, and C (P < 0.05 vs. D), whereas it rose by 0.7 kg in group D. Systolic and diastolic blood pressures fell by 1-4 mm Hg in groups A, B, and C (significant for A and C vs. D) and increased by 1-2 mm Hg in group D. Renin substrate rose equally in all groups (P < 0.05), whereas PRA and plasma aldosterone rose significantly only in the DRSP groups, presumably due to sodium loss. In the DRSP groups, high density lipoprotein cholesterol rose (P < 0.05), in contrast to group D. Low density lipoprotein cholesterol fell slightly (P > 0.05), whereas triglyceride levels showed a stronger increase in the DRSP groups (P < 0.05) than in group D. All groups attained good cycle control; group A had the best. Side-effects were minimal. To our knowledge, this is the first report on a combined OC that leads to a small decrease in body weight and blood pressure. It may be especially beneficial for women susceptible for a gain in weight and a rise in blood pressure.
Numerical examination of EM wave shadowing by human body

Scattering by a lossy dielectric cylinder is examined numerically in order to confirm the modeling as human body. The scattering problem is examined by using Method of Moment as the numerical technique. The transmitted power is calculated and compared with the experimental results. The effect of the shape e.g. the elliptical cylinder and the elliptical cylinder with circular cylinders is examined. By comparison with the experimental results, it is shown that the equivalent diameter of human body is appropriate. The frequency characteristics of the equivalent diameter are also shown.
Human syndromes with congenital patellar anomalies and the underlying gene defects

Genetic disorders characterized by congenital patellar aplasia or hypoplasia belong to a clinically diverse and genetically heterogeneous group of lower limb malformations. Patella development involves different molecular and cellular mechanisms regulating dorso‐ventral patterning, cartilage and bone formation along endochondral ossification pathways, and growth. Several human genes that are important for patella development have been uncovered by the study of human limb malformation syndromes, yet causative genes for many more such disorders await to be identified and their complex interactions in the developmental pathways deciphered. Mutant animal models of congenital patellar aplasia or hypoplasia are certainly instrumental to create more insight into this aspect of limb development. Moreover, investigation of the complete phenotype of human syndromes and animal models may reveal novel insights into the pleiotropic roles of the responsible genes in the normal developmental of other organ systems. In this review, the phenotype and gene defects of syndromes with congenital patellar aplasia or hypoplasia will be discussed, including the nail patella syndrome, small patella syndrome, isolated patella aplasia hypoplasia, Meier–Gorlin syndrome, RAPADILINO syndrome, and genitopatellar syndrome.
Implications of impaired zinc homeostasis in diabetic cardiomyopathy and nephropathy

Impaired zinc homeostasis is observed in diabetes mellitus (DM2) and its complications. Zinc has a specific role in pancreatic β‐cells via insulin synthesis, storage, and secretion. Intracellular zinc homeostasis is tightly controlled by zinc transporters (ZnT and Zip families) and metallothioneins (MT) which modulate the uptake, storage, and distribution of zinc. Several investigations in animal models demonstrate the protective role of MT in DM2 and its cardiovascular or renal complications, while a copious literature shows that a common polymorphism (R325W) in ZnT8, which affects the protein's zinc transport activity, is associated with increased DM2 risk. Emerging studies highlight a role of other zinc transporters in β‐cell function, suggesting that targeting them could make a possible contribution in managing the hyperglycemia in diabetic patients. This article summarizes the current findings concerning the role of zinc homeostasis in DM2 pathogenesis and development of diabetic cardiomyopathy and nephropathy and suggests novel therapeutic targets. © 2017 BioFactors, 43(6):770–784, 2017
Prospective monitoring of the Epstein–Barr virus DNA by a real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction after allogenic stem cell transplantation

Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV)‐related lymphoproliferative disorder (LPD) is a serious complication of haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). To clarify the frequency, natural course and risk factors for LPD, we prospectively monitored 38 allogeneic (allo)‐HSCT patients, focusing on the use of anti‐thymocyte globulin (ATG). We used a recently developed real‐time polymerase chain reaction assay to monitor EBV genome load. The subjects consisted of 19 patients given ATG for conditioning and 19 patients not given ATG. Of the 19 patients given ATG, 47·4% (nine patients) had a significant increase in EBV genome load (102·5 copies/µg DNA). Of these nine patients, two developed LPD. Therefore, 10·5% of the patients receiving allo‐HSCT with ATG developed LPD. In contrast, none of the 19 patients without ATG had a significantly increased EBV load. The increases in viral load were observed in the second or third month after HSCT. We found that the peak viral loads of LPD patients were > 104·0 copies/µg DNA. On the other hand, the viral loads of most patients with no symptoms were < 102·5 copies/µg DNA. In conclusion, routine monitoring of EBV load during the second and third months after transplantation may benefit patients undergoing HSCT with ATG. We propose that an EBV load > 102·5 copies/µg DNA is the reactivation of EBV, and that an EBV load > 104·0 copies/µg DNA is indicative of developing LPD.
Functional and Structural Evaluation of Sildenafil in a Rat Model of Acute Retinal Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury

ABSTRACT Purpose: Retinal ischemia is a common cause of visual impairment and blindness. Sildenafil, a PDE5 inhibitor which inhibits cGMP degradation and in turn prolongs the effect of nitric oxide, has been shown to be protective in a number of ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injuries, as well as in neuronal damage. We hypothesized that treatment with sildenafil might be neuroprotective in a model of acute retinal I/R injury. Methods: Anterior chamber cannulation was performed to induce unilateral I/R injury in 38 Lewis rats. Animals received intraperitoneal injections of sildenafil (0.5 and 1 mg/kg once a day, for a period of 7 and 18 days, respectively), or saline. Electroretinography recordings, retinal ganglion cell (RGC) counts following retrograde labeling with fluorogold, histopathology, and immunohistochemistry (IHC) using antibodies against PDE5, NOS2, caspase-3, caspase-9, and Bcl-2 were conducted. Results: No significant differences in electroretinography, RGC counts, or retinal morphometry were observed between experimental eyes of sildenafil- and saline-treated animals. A tendency toward less necrosis in histopathology, and a slight trend toward lower PDE5, NOS2, and caspase-9 and higher Bcl-2 IHC scores were evident in experimental retinas of sildenafil-treated animals. Conclusions: Electroretinography, RGC counts, and retinal morphometry failed to show any neuroprotective effect of sildenafil in acute retinal I/R injury in rats. A slight positive effect of sildenafil was qualitatively indicated by histopathology and IHC.
Within-Plant Distribution of Twospotted Spider Mites (Acari: Tetranychidae) on Impatiens: Development of a Presence–Absence Sampling Plan

Abstract The twospotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch, is an important pest of impatiens, a floricultural crop of increasing economic importance in the United States. The large amount of foliage on individual impatiens plants, the small size of mites, and their ability to quickly build high populations make a reliable sampling method essential when developing a pest management program. In our study, we were particularly interested in using spider mite counts as a basis for releasing biological control agents. The within-plant distribution of mites was established in greenhouse experiments and these data were used to identify the sampling unit. Leaves were divided into three zones according to location on the plant: inner, intermediate, and other. On average, 40, 33, and 27% of the leaves belonged to the inner, intermediate, and other leaf zones, respectively. However, because 60% of the mites consistently were found on the intermediate leaves, intermediate leaves were chosen as the sampling unit. These results lead to the development of a presence–absence sampling method for T. urticae by using Taylor coefficients generic for this pest. The accuracy of this method was verified against an independent data set. By determining numerical or binomial sample sizes for consistently estimating twospotted spider mite populations, growers will now be able to determine the number of predatory mites that should be released to control twospotted spider mites on impatiens.
Do particle size and surface functionality affect uptake and depuration of gold nanoparticles by aquatic invertebrates?

Because of the widespread use of engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) in consumer and industrial products, it is inevitable that these materials will enter the environment. It is often stated that the uptake of ENPs into organisms in the environment is related to the particle size and surface functionality. To test this assumption, the present study investigated the uptake and depuration of gold nanoparticle (Au NPs) coated with either citrate (Au‐citrate NPs), mercaptoundecanoic acid (Au‐MUDA NPs), amino polyethylene glycol (PEG) thiol (Au‐NH2 NPs), or PEG (Au‐PEG NP) by the aquatic invertebrate Gammarus pulex. The studies were performed using a range of standard ecotoxicity media and natural waters, resulting in varying degrees of aggregation of the different NPs. Uptake of gold by G. pulex varied depending on the surface coatings, with Au‐MUDA and Au‐citrate NPs being taken up to a greater extent than Au‐NH2 and Au‐PEG NPs in all test media and natural waters. In all test media evaluated, higher amounts of amino and PEG‐coated ENPs were eliminated compared with MUDA‐ and citrate‐coated ENPs. No obvious relationships were seen between the aggregation state of the different Au NPs in treatment and uptake, suggesting that the widely accepted assumption that Au NP uptake is related to particle size does not hold for the range of aggregation states studied (67.1–178.8 nm). Positive correlations between particle number concentration in the media and uptake were observed, indicating that this factor might partly explain the differences in uptake of a particle from different media types. Environ Toxicol Chem 2015;34:850–859. © 2014 SETAC
Lymphoma and other malignancies in primary Sjögren’s syndrome

Low peripheral CD4+ counts or low CD4+/CD8+ ratios may be important risk factors for lymphoma in SS Theander et al break new ground with the observation that a low CD4+/CD8+ T lymphocyte ratio is a risk factor for the development of B cell lymphoma in Sjogren’s syndrome (SS) in a longitudinal population based study.1 Also, while the incidence of lymphoma is substantially increased in their patients with SS over that in the general population, it is not as high that described in an initial report in a highly selected population. This increased risk of developing lymphoma was seen only in patients who met the American European classification criteria (AECC) for SS.2 Additionally, Theander et al found that purpura or skin vasculitis, and low C3 and low C4 are associated with the development of haematological malignancy.1 Interestingly, while indolent lymphomas (often of the mucosa associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) type) are more commonly reported in SS, Theander et al found that 58% in their cohort had high grade, diffuse large B cell lymphomas.1 A strength of their study is the use of the Swedish health registers to provide population based data and the availability of a well characterised population of patients with SS. An intriguing, incidental, and tenuous observation, which will require further investigation, is that a history of skin cancer may increase the risk of later developing lymphoma in patients with SS. The interpretation of these findings is discussed here. The findings of Theander et al 1 regarding risk factors for B cell lymphomas in SS2 raise interesting questions. ### Why are patients with SS more prone to B cell lymphomas? In part, the answer relates to the clinical characteristics of the disease, and that lymphocytes, including B cells, are important in SS. SS has been described as an autoimmune exocrinopathy or epitheliitis.3 Lymphocytic infiltration of the …
Chewing detection from an in-ear microphone using convolutional neural networks

Detecting chewing sounds from a microphone placed inside the outer ear for eating behaviour monitoring still remains a challenging task. This is mainly due the difficulty in discriminating non-chewing sounds (e.g. speech or sounds caused by walking) from chews, as well as due to to the high variability of the chewing sounds of different food types. Most approaches rely on detecting distictive structures on the sound wave, or on extracting a set of features and using a classifier to detect chews. In this work, we propose to use feature-learning in the time domain with 1-dimensional convolutional neural networks for for chewing detection. We apply a network of convolutional layers followed by fully connected layers directly on windows of the audio samples to detect chewing activity, and then aggregate individual chews to eating events. Experimental results on a large, semi-free living dataset collected in the context of the SPLENDID project indicate high effectiveness, with an accuracy of 0.980 and F1 score of 0.883.
Nutritional , medicinal and pharmacological properties of papaya ( Carica papaya linn . ) : A review

Papaya (Carica papaya linn) is well known for its exceptional nutritional and medicinal properties throughout the world. From the times immemorial, the whole Papaya plant including its leaves, seeds, ripe and unripe fruits and their juice is used as traditional medicine. Nowadays, Papaya is considered as nutraceutical fruit due to its multifaceted medicinal properties. The prominent medicinal properties of papaya include Anti-fertility, Diuretic, Uretonic, Anti-hypertensive, Hypolipidemic, Anti-helmintic, Wound healing, Antifungal, Antibacterial, Antitumor and free radical scavenging activities. Phytochemically, the whole plant contains enzymes (Papain), lycopene, carotenoids, alkaloids, monoterpenoids, flavonoids, mineral and vitamins. This important nutricious fruits feed the body and immune system. In present review article, a attempt is made to compile all the strange facts available about this tasty fruit. This tasty fruit of papaya is popular among family members of all ages for the delicious dishes derived from it.
Using image J to document healing in ulcers of the foot in diabetes

The aim of the study was to assess the reliability of measuring the cross‐sectional area of diabetic foot ulcers using Image J software. The inter‐ and intra‐rater reliability of ulcer area measures were assessed using digital images of acetate tracings of ulcers of the foot affecting 31 participants in an off‐loading randomised trial. Observations were made independently by five specialist podiatrists, one of whom was experienced in the use of Image J software and educated the other four in a single session. The mean (±SD) of the mean cross‐sectional areas of the 31 ulcers determined independently by the five observers was 1386·7 (±22·7) mm2. The correlation between all pairs of observers was >0·99 (P < 0·001). There was no significant difference overall between the five observers (ANOVA F1.538; P = 0·165) and no difference between any two (paired samples test t = −0·787–1·396; P ≥ 0·088). The correlation between the areas determined by two observers on two occasions separated by not less than 1 week was very high (0·997 and 0·999; P < 0·001 and <0·001, respectively). The inter‐ and intra‐reliability of the Image J software is very high, with no evidence of a difference either between or within observers. This technique should be considered for both research and clinical use in order to document changes in ulcer area.
Development of smoking by birth cohort in the adult population in eastern Finland 1972–97

OBJECTIVE To analyse the dynamics of smoking prevalence, initiation, and cessation in relation to sex, age, birth cohort, study year, and educational level. DESIGN Six independent cross-sectional population surveys repeated every five years between 1972 and 1997. SETTING The provinces of North Karelia and Kuopio in eastern Finland. SUBJECTS Independent random samples of 18 088 men and 19 200 women aged 25–64 years. Those comprising the oldest birth cohort were born in 1913–17 and those in the youngest were born in 1968–72. RESULTS Among men the prevalence of smoking decreased over time, but the cohort effect observed in smoking initiation was obscured by the changes in smoking cessation. Differences between the educational categories were small. Among women the prevalence of smoking increased during the study period. This was mainly caused by the less highly educated, in whom smoking initiation clearly increased in successive birth cohorts, but a more moderate cohort effect was also present among the more highly educated women. CONCLUSIONS In men decreased initiation and increased cessation contributed to the downward trend in smoking prevalence, whereas among women, changes in smoking were mostly caused by augmented initiation in successive birth cohorts. During the study period educational inequalities in smoking widened, as the less highly educated came increasingly to form the smoking population.
Comparison of the prevalence of radiographic osteoarthritis of the knee and hand between Japan and the United States.

OBJECTIVE There is no direct international comparison of the prevalence of osteoarthritis (OA) between Japanese and Caucasians. We compared the prevalence of radiographic knee and hand OA between women in Hizen-Oshima, Japan, and in Framingham, Massachusetts, USA. METHODS A population based cross sectional study among 358 women in Japan and 815 women in the USA aged 63 years or older for knee joints, and 157 women in Japan and 655 women in the USA aged 71 years or older for hands. Radiographs were obtained of knees and hands, and were graded according to the Kellgren-Lawrence (K-L) criteria. Definite OA was defined as K-L grade 2 or higher, present in at least one joint of a given group. A person was defined as having OA or not in a given joint group, and we used logistic regression with the US group as referent to determine the prevalence odds ratio of OA among Japanese. RESULTS The age adjusted prevalence of knee OA in Japanese women was higher than in Caucasians (OR 1.96, 95% CI 1.50-2.56), while the prevalence of hand OA other than distal interphalangeal joint in Japanese was lower than in Caucasians (OR for proximal interphalangeal joint 0.66, 95% CI 0.46-0.93; OR for metacarpophalangeal joint 0.62, 95% CI 0.42-0.90), especially base of thumb OA (OR 0.15, 95% CI 0.11-0.22). CONCLUSION These findings suggest site-specific differences in the prevalence of OA that may be attributed to genetic and/or environmental factors.
Pathophysiology and assessment of neuropathic pain in Fabry disease

Severe neuropathic pain and hypohidrosis are important symptoms of Fabry disease, particularly in the first three decades of life. The pain is associated with a length‐dependent small‐fibre neuropathy that also causes a selective deficiency of cold perception. Cold exposure often accentuates the pain and worsens thermal perception. The hypohidrosis leads to poor exercise and heat tolerance. The mechanisms by which α‐galactosidase A deficiency causes these physiological abnormalities are poorly understood. The stored glycolipid (globotriaosylceramide) may interfere with the function of cellular membrane proteins, such as ion channels, or may lead to cytotoxicity. The characteristic neuropathic pain can be symptomatically treated with various types of anticonvulsant drugs, such as carbamazepine. Improvement in neuropathic pain as a primary outcome measure has been useful in demonstrating that enzyme replacement therapy is effective in improving pain‐related quality of life in Fabry disease.
Linking novelty seeking and harm avoidance personality traits to cerebellar volumes

Personality traits are multidimensional traits comprising cognitive, emotional, and behavioral characteristics, and a wide array of cerebral structures mediate individual variability. Differences in personality traits covary with brain morphometry in specific brain regions, and neuroimaging studies showed structural or functional abnormalities of cerebellum in subjects with personality disorders, suggesting a cerebellar role in affective processing and an effect on personality characteristics. To test the hypothesis that cerebellar [white matter (WM) and cortex] volumes are correlated with scores obtained in the four temperamental scales of the Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI) by Cloninger, a total of 125 healthy participants aged 18–67 years of both genders (males = 52) completed the TCI and underwent magnetic resonance imaging. The scores obtained in each temperamental scale were associated with the volumes of cerebellar WM and cortex of right and left hemispheres separately by using linear regression analyses. In line with our hypothesis, novelty seeking (NS) scores were positively associated with WM and cortex cerebellar volumes. Harm avoidance (HA) scores were negatively associated with WM and cortex cerebellar volumes. The range of individual differences in NS and HA scores reflects the range of variances of cerebellar volumes. The present data indicating a cerebellar substrate for some personality traits extend the relationship between personality and brain areas to a structure up to now thought to be involved mainly in motor and cognitive functions, much less in emotional processes and even less in personality individual differences. Hum Brain Mapp 35:285–296, 2014. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Is confocal microscopy a valuable tool in diagnosing nodular lesions? A study of 140 cases

Nodular lesions pose diagnostic challenges because nodular melanoma may simulate all kinds of melanocytic and nonmelanocytic lesions. Reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) is a novel technique that allows visualization of the skin at nearly histological resolution although limited laser depth penetration hampers visualization of the deep dermis.