Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Human kallikrein 6 (hK6): a new potential serum biomarker for diagnosis and prognosis of ovarian carcinoma.

PURPOSE The discovery of new ovarian cancer biomarkers that are suitable for early disease diagnosis and prognosis may ultimately lead to improved patient management and outcomes. PATIENTS AND METHODS We measured, by immunoassay, human kallikrein 6 (hK6) concentration in serum of 97 apparently healthy women, 141 women with benign abdominal diseases, and 146 women with histologically proven primary ovarian carcinoma. We then calculated the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of this test and examined the association of serum hK6 concentration with various clinicopathologic variables and patient survival. RESULTS Serum hK6 concentration between normal and benign disease patients was not different (mean, 2.9 and 3.1 micro g/L, respectively). However, hK6 in presurgical serum of ovarian cancer patients was highly elevated (mean, 6.8 micro g/L; P <.001). Serum hK6 decreased after surgery (to a mean of 3.9 micro g/L) in 68% of patients. The diagnostic sensitivity of serum hK6 at 90% and 95% specificity is 52% and 47%, respectively, in the whole patient population. For early stage disease (stage I or II), sensitivity is approximately 21% to 26%. When combined with CA-125, at 90% specificity, sensitivity increases to 72% (for all patients) and to 42% in stage I or II disease. Serum hK6 concentration correlates moderately with CA-125 and is higher in patients with late-stage, higher-grade disease and in patients with serous histotype. Preoperative serum hK6 concentration is a powerful predictor of disease-free and overall survival in both univariate and multivariate analyses. CONCLUSIONS Serum hK6 concentration seems to be a new biomarker for ovarian carcinoma and may have value for disease diagnosis and prognosis.
Increased type II deiodinase protein in OA-affected cartilage and allelic imbalance of OA risk polymorphism rs225014 at DIO2 in human OA joint tissues

Objective Genetic variation at the type II deiodinase (D2) gene (DIO2) was previously identified as osteoarthritis (OA) risk factor. To investigate mechanisms possibly underlying this association, we assessed D2 protein in healthy and OA-affected cartilage and investigated allelic balance of the OA risk polymorphism rs225014 at DIO2 in human OA joints. Methods Immunohistochemical staining of healthy and OA-affected cartilage was performed for D2. We then assessed allelic balance of DIO2 mRNA within OA-affected cartilage both at and away from the lesion, ligaments and subchondral bone. Allelic balance was measured by the amount of alleles ‘C’ and ‘T’ of the intragenic OA risk polymorphism rs225014 in heterozygous carriers. Results A markedly higher amount of D2 positive cells and staining intensity was observed in OA cartilage. A significant, 1.3-fold higher presence was observed for the OA-associated rs225014 ‘C’ allele relative to the ‘T’ allele of DIO2, which was significant in 28 of 31 donors. Conclusion In OA cartilage, D2 protein presence is increased. The allelic imbalance of the DIO2 mRNA transcript, with the OA risk allele ‘C’ of rs225014 more abundant than the wild-type ‘T’ allele in heterozygote carriers provides a possible mechanism by which genetic variation at DIO2 confers OA risk.
Mechanisms responsible for the vascular effect of aqueous Trigonella foenum-graecum leaf extract in diabetic rats

Background and Objective: Since a beneficial vascular effect of aqueous leaf extract of Trigonella foenum-graecum (TFG) has previously been reported, this study was conducted to evaluate the underlying mechanisms, including the role of nitric oxide (NO) and cyclooxygenase pathways, in diabetic rats. Materials and Methods: Male Wistar rats were divided into control, extract-treated control, diabetic, and extract-treated diabetic groups. Diabetes was induced by a single i.p. injection of streptozotocin (STZ; 60 mg/kg). Treatment groups received TFG extract (200 mg/kg; ip.) every other day for 1 month. Contractile reactivity of the thoracic aorta to KCl and noradrenaline (NA) and relaxation response to acetylcholine (ACh) were determined. For determination of the participation of NO and prostaglandins in the relaxation response to ACh, aortic rings were incubated for 30 min before the experiment with N-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) and/or indomethacin (INDO). Results: The diabetic state significantly increased the maximum contractile response to KCl and NA (P < 0.01-0.005) and reduced the maximum relaxation due to ACh (P < 0.01) as compared to controls and treatment with TFG extract in the diabetic group significantly improved these changes relative to the untreated diabetic group (P < 0.05). With L-NAME pretreatment, no significant difference between diabetic and extract-treated diabetic groups was found out. On the other hand, there was a significant difference between these two groups following INDO pretreatment (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Intraperitoneal administration of aqueous leaf extract of TFG for one month could improve some functional indices of the vascular system in the diabetic state and endothelium-derived prostaglandins are essential in this respect.
Reduced-Intensity Conditioning Regimen Combined with Low-Dose Total Body Irradiation in the Treatment of Myelodysplastic Syndrome

Although reduced-intensity conditioning (RIC) has been increasingly used in patients with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) to reduce transplant-related mortality, a high relapse rate in RIC remains an unresolved problem. Considering the additive antileukemic effect of low-dose total body irradiation (TBI), we evaluated the feasibility of combining RIC regimens with low-dose TBI in de novo MDS. The RIC regimen combined with low-dose TBI in this study consisted of fludarabine (150 mg/m2), intravenous busulfan (6.4 mg/kg), and TBI (400 cGy). Antithymocyte globulin was used to overcome HLA mismatching. A total of 31 subjects were recruited with a median age of 39 years (range 19–63). The patients received transplants from siblings (n = 20) or unrelated donors (n = 11). All patients rapidly achieved full-donor chimerism. At a median follow-up for survivors of 35 months (range 6.0–54.9), the 3-year overall survival, event-free survival, transplantation-related mortality, and relapse rates were 67.6, 63.2, 20.5 and 11.4%, respectively. The 3-year cumulative incidence of acute (grades II–IV) and chronic extensive graft-versus-host disease in patients who survived at least 100 days was 39.2 and 44.6%, respectively. These results suggest that an RIC combined with low-dose TBI may be a feasible therapeutic approach for treating de novo MDS.
Identification and Inference in a Simultaneous Equation Under Alternative Information Sets and Sampling Schemes

In simple static linear simultaneous equation models the empirical distributions of IV and OLS are examined under alternative sampling schemes and compared with their first-order asymptotic approximations. We demonstrate that the limiting distribution of consistent IV is not affected by conditioning on exogenous regressors, whereas that of inconsistent OLS is. The OLS asymptotic and simulated actual variances are shown to diminish by extending the set of exogenous variables kept fixed in sampling, whereas such an extension disrupts the distribution of IV and deteriorates the accuracy of its standard asymptotic approximation, not only when instruments are weak. Against this background the consequences for the identification of parameters of interest are examined for a setting in which (in practice often incredible) assumptions regarding the zero correlation between instruments and disturbances are replaced by (generally more credible) interval assumptions on the correlation between endogenous regressor and disturbance. This yields OLS-based modified confidence intervals, which are usually conservative. Often they compare favorably with IV-based intervals and accentuate their frailty.
Kinetic analysis of specific antibodies in serum and urine of experimentally Encephalitozoon cuniculi-infected rabbits

Encephalitozoonosis is a common infectious disease caused by Encephalitozoon cuniculi in rabbits. The purpose of this study was to examine the levels of antibody in urines of experimentally E. cuniculi -infected rabbits. Humoral immune response and spore excretion in urines were also examined. Rabbits were orally infected with E. cuniculi , and sera and urines were collected. Levels of serum IgG, IgM, IgA and urinary IgG were examined. The presences of spores in urines were examined by quantitative PCR. Specific IgG in sera started to be detected at day 20 after infection and kept high level during the course of experiment. Serum IgM started to be detected 1 week earlier than that of serum IgG and decreased to almost undetectable level by day 100 after infection. However, the level of IgM increased gradually again thereafter. Serum IgA was transiently detected between 20 and 70 days after infection and kept undetectable level thereafter. Specific IgG in urines started to be detected from 60 days after infection. The amount of spore DNA was correlated with the amount of IgG in urine. In conclusion, the detections of serum and urinary antibodies were useful for the prediction of stage of latent infection in encephalitozoonosis.
Sulforaphane is anticonvulsant and improves mitochondrial function

The nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 pathway (Nrf2) has been previously identified to protect the brain against various impacts. Here, we investigated the effect of the Nrf2 activator sulforaphane in various seizure models and hippocampal mitochondrial bioenergetics. We found that daily injections of sulforaphane for 5 days elevated the seizure thresholds to 6 Hz stimulation and fluorothyl‐, but not pentylenetetrazole‐induced tonic seizures and protected mice against pilocarpine‐induced status epilepticus (SE). Also, sulforaphane increased the antioxidant defences within hippocampal formations and blood plasma. In addition, sulforaphane treatment reduced the extent of hippocampal lipid peroxidation 24 h post‐SE and protected hippocampal mitochondria against SE‐induced reduction in state 2 and uncoupler‐stimulated state 3 respiration. SE‐mediated partial loss of rotenone‐sensitive and complex II‐driven respiration was reduced, consistent with the enhanced activities of complexes I and II in sulforaphane‐treated SE mice. In mitochondria isolated from both no SE and SE mice, sulforaphane increased state 3 respiration and respiration linked to ATP synthesis, which may contribute to its anticonvulsant and antioxidant effects by providing more ATP for cellular vital and protective functions. However, sulforaphane did not prevent SE‐induced hippocampal cell death. In conclusion, sulforaphane and/or Nrf2 activation are viable anticonvulsant strategies, which are antioxidant and enhance mitochondrial function, especially the ability to produce ATP.
A prognostic nomogram for colorectal cancer liver metastases after percutaneous thermal ablation

Abstract Purpose: To assess the efficacy of percutaneous thermal ablation in treating colorectal cancer liver metastases (CRCLM), and to propose a prognostic nomogram for overall survival (OS). Materials and methods: Seventy-one patients with CRCLM undergoing thermal ablation at our institute from 2009 to 2013 were identified and analysed to formulate a prognostic nomogram. The concordance index (C-index) and calibration curve were calculated to evaluate the predictive accuracy of the nomogram. The nomogram was compared with two current prognostic nomograms for patients with CRCLM who had undergone hepatectomy (Kattan) and selective internal radiation therapy (Fendler). Predictive validity was assessed in the validation cohort of 25 patients who had undergone thermal ablation from 2014 to 2016. Results: The median OS in the primary cohort was 26.4 months, whereas the 1-, 3- and 5-year OS rates were 72.2%, 37.2% and 17%, respectively. The median progression-free survival was 4.2 months. After univariate and multivariate analysis, a prognostic nomogram was formulated based on four predictors, including the number of tumours, maximum diameter of the tumour, CA19–9 level and ablation margin. The C-index of the nomogram was 0.815. Based on the patients of this study, the C-index was significantly higher than that of the Fendler nomogram (C-index, 0.698) and Kattan nomogram (C-index, 0.514, p < 0.001). Predictive accuracy of the proposed nomogram was also satisfactory in the validation cohort, with a C-index of 0.884. Conclusions: Thermal ablation was an effective therapy for CRCLM. Moreover, the nomogram was effective and simple for CRCLM patients undergoing thermal ablation.
SWOG 99-16: Randomized phase III trial of docetaxel (D)/estramustine (E) versus mitoxantrone(M)/prednisone(p) in men with androgen-independent prostate cancer (AIPCA).

3 Background: The median survival of AIPCA patients (pts) treated with M+P is 10-12 months. Phase I/II trials of AIPCA pts treated with D+E reported survivals of 20-23 months. SWOG 99-16 was designed to compare the survival D+E to M+P. METHODS 770 men with progressive AIPCA were randomized to either Arm 1) Dexamethasone 60 mg premedication; D=60 mg/m2 day(D) 2, E= 280 mg PO D1-5 Q 21 D or Arm 2) M 12 mg/m2 + P 5 mg PO BID q 21 D. Pts were dose escalated to 70 mg/m2 in Arm 1 and 14 mg/m2in Arm 2 if no Grade(G) 3 or 4 toxicities were observed in cycle 1. Assuming 310 eligible pts in each arm, the study had 0.80 power to detect a 33% difference in survival. All p-values reported are two-sided. RESULTS Pt Characteristics: Eligible pts Arm 1:334; Arm 2 :332. Pretreatment characteristics were equally balanced for age, race, performance status, PSA and symptoms. Response and Survival: The median survival of men treated on Arm 1 was 18 months and Arm 2 was 15 months (logrank p=.008). The hazard ratio was 0.77 (95% confidence interval 0.64, 0.94). Arm 1 also demonstrated a superior median time to progression (6 months) compared to Arm 2 (3 months) logrank p<0.0001. The measurable disease response rates in Arm 1 and 2 were 17% and 10% (p=.30), respectively. TOXICITY G 3 or 4 toxicity was reported in 175 pts (54%) on Arm 1 and 109 pts (34%) on Arm 2, due to higher rates of gastrointestinal (63pts vs. 21pts) and cardiovascular (44pts vs 20pts) events on Arm 1. There was no significant difference in toxic deaths observed Arm 1 (n=7, 2%) vs. Arm 2 (n=4, 1%). CONCLUSIONS The 23% improvement in survival in men treated with D+E supports its use as first line therapy for AIPCA. This is the first large randomized trial demonstrating a survival advantage in AIPCA. [Table: see text].
INTERNET OF THINGS – SOME ETHICAL ISSUES

The purpose of this study is to treat aspects that are related to the sensitivity of data, information and knowledge transmitted through Internet of Things, helping all people interested in these new ICT technologies to become aware of some ethical issues. In this new media, which is no more in its infancy, the vulnerabilities and attacks are various, caused by technological advances and proliferated through lack of users’ awareness. This warning message is needed because of data, information and knowledge transfer from virtual to physical devices that are connected to wireless networks of different sizes and importance. The transfer is augmented by the extended use of new technologies as RFID, NFC, sensors, 3G and 4G and brings along the adjustment of the traditional information security threats to this new environment, as well as the emergence of new characteristic dangers. The problems treated here are of interest both for each of us, as individuals, and for the organizations managers – especially in a world in which the borderline between the physical and virtual life is becoming more and more difficult to draw.
A Research for evaluation on stress change via thermotherapy and massage

In this research, a device, which has a thermotherapic and massaging function and relaxes muscles, was used to evaluate the effect muscle relaxation has on stress relief. Therefore, the physiological changes namely Heart Rate (HR), Heart Rate Variability (HRV) and Skin Temperature (SKT) of the subjects which reflect the autonomic nervous system and cardiovascular relationship were obtained and analyzed. In order to evaluate the assumption that the treatment relieves the subject's physiological and psychological stress, experiment was carried out on 25 adults (13 male and 12 female, age 52.32±18.121) through stages consisted of relaxation, pre-treatment, treatment and post-treatment. Treatment was provided to the back, stomach and leg area by massaging 55°C heat to the back. According as the physiological changes of subjects before and after treatment were compared, the present research was able to prove that thermotherapy and massage treatment induces physiological change of patients thus relieves stress.
Cost of Glaucoma in Canada: Analyses Based on Visual Field and Physician's Assessment

PurposeA longitudinal, retrospective study investigated the cost of primary open angle glaucoma (POAG). MethodsPatient files from two tertiary care glaucoma practices were reviewed. Patients diagnosed with POAG and ≥2.5 years of follow-up data were included. Data collected included visual field mean deviation, physician's assessment, and resource utilization (physician visits, procedures, and medications). Costs, reported in 2001 Canadian dollars, were compared between groups, based on initial visual field mean deviation, including mild (<5 dB), moderate (5 to <12 dB), and severe (≥12 dB), and based on physician's assessment, including controlled, uncontrolled, or patients initially uncontrolled for 12 months who become controlled. ResultsOf 411 patient charts extracted, 265 were included; 35 were excluded for ocular comorbidities and 111 patients with insufficient follow-up. Mean (standard deviation) yearly costs overall (N = 265) and for mild (n = 90), moderate (n = 91), and severe (n = 84) groups were $508 ($278), $408 ($266), $512 ($288), and $609 ($243), respectively. Differences between mean yearly costs were statistically significant for all three groups (P < 0.05). Costs for controlled (n = 110), uncontrolled (n = 76), and uncontrolled then controlled group (n = 79) were $423 ($243), $594 ($314), and $542 ($256), respectively. The controlled group cost was significantly lower than both of the other groups (P < 0.05). Discussion and ConclusionsThe cost of treating POAG increases with visual field mean deviation severity and uncontrolled disease. Many patients diagnosed with glaucoma had already progressed to later stages in the disease process. Early disease detection may provide a substantial cost savings to the health care system.
Clostridium difficile Associated Disease in the Older Adults

INTRODUCTION The spectrum of antibiotic associated diarrheal disorders ranges from antibiotic associated diarrhea (AAD), to the rare but dramatic presentation of hemorrhagic colitis and Clostridium difficile associated disease (CDAD). C. difficile is responsible for 10%–20% of cases of AAD, depending upon the type of antibiotic and individual susceptibility (1,2). In older adults CDAD has emerged as the most frequent nosocomial infection with substantial morbidity, mortality and economic burden to healthcare. The topic is pertinent to geriatric gastroenterology since, advanced age is critical among the major risk factors for CDAD. AAD is not synonymous with CDAD and is a frequent side effect of many antibiotics. AAD is usually self-limited or can be treated with empirical and supportive therapy, along with discontinuation of the offending antibiotic. Beta-lactum antibiotics and clindamycin are among the many antibiotics often noted to induce diarrhea in up to 25% of the patients (3,4). Most cases of AAD, not associated with any colonic mucosal lesions, are caused by alterations of gut micro flora resulting in mild diarrhea secondary to intestinal carbohydrate and / or bile acid metabolism (5). Antibiotic (ampicillin) associated hemorrhagic colitis has been recently recognized to be the result of Klebsiella oxytoca infection and will not be discussed in this review. CDAD, the focus for discussion here, ranges from mild diarrhea to fulminant and fatal colitis, and is caused by toxins A and B, produced by a spore forming obligate anaerobic bacillus. It is part of the normal fecal flora in many infants, 5% of healthy adults, and 10% or more of hospitalized adults without diarrhea who have received antibiotics or chemotherapeutic agents (6). Since the understanding of C. difficile as the main etiologic factor for Pseudo membranous colitis GERIATRIC GASTROENTEROLOGY, SERIES #21
Tubular Atrophy and Interstitial Fibrosis After Renal Transplantation Is Dependent on Galectin-3

Background. Chronic allograft injury (CAI), characterized by interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy, leads to a progressive decline in graft function, resulting in the loss of 5% of renal transplants per annum, and eludes specific therapies. Galectin-3 (gal-3) is a &bgr;-galactoside-binding lectin expressed in diverse fibrotic tissue, and mice deficient in gal-3 have reduced fibrosis in kidney, liver, and lung models. The role of gal-3 in CAI is examined in this study. Methods. We adopted a murine model of CAI, characterized by a single class II mismatch between BM12 donor and C57BL/6 recipient strains. Syngeneic transplants served as controls (C57BL/6). Transplants were then performed between BM12 donors and gal-3 null recipients on a C57BL/6 background. Results. Transplantation of BM12 kidneys into C57BL6 mice was associated with interstitial fibrosis (P<0.0001), tubular atrophy (P<0.0001), and upregulation in gal-3 expression (P=0.002), compared with syngeneic controls. Transplanting BM12 kidneys into gal-3 null mice resulted in significant preservation of tubules (P=0.008) and reduced interstitial fibrosis (P=0.01), with decreased myofibroblast activation (P=0.01) and collagen I expression (P=0.04), compared with wild type controls. The number of infiltrating leukocytes was unaltered by abrogation of gal-3, but reduced expression of YM1 (P=0.0001), a marker of alternative macrophage activation, along with a reduction in the number of circulating CD4-positive T cells (P=0.01), and reduced expression of interleukin-4 (P=0.02) in gal-3 null mice suggest possible mechanisms by which gal-3 may promote renal transplant fibrosis. Conclusion. Our results suggest a potential role for gal-3 in CAI, and this represents a potentially exciting therapeutic target.