Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Ocular Pseudoexfoliation and Cardiovascular Disease: A National Cross-Section Comparison Study

Background: Pseudoexfoliation is a systemic disorder characterized by the deposition of extracellular matrix material. The microfibrillar material that gives rise to the condition is visible clinically in the anterior segment of the eye, and is also found in other tissues, including blood vessels, skin, gallbladder, kidneys, lungs, and heart. Aims: The present study aims to determine whether ocular pseudoexfoliation is associated with selected cardiovascular diseases. Materials and Methods: A cross-section comparison study was conducted with the help of the Veterans Health Administration databases, using the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth revision, Clinical Modification for pseudoexfoliation of lens capsule and pseudoexfoliation glaucoma. Selected cardiovascular diseases and risk factors for cardiovascular disease were identified using the appropriate medical codes. Patients with primary open-angle glaucoma, chronic sinusitis, and benign prostatic hyperplasia served as the comparison groups. A logistic regression model was used to control for age, gender, race, and major cardiovascular risk factors. Results: There were 6,046 case patients with pseudoexfoliation; approximately half were diagnosed with pseudoexfoliation glaucoma. Various stages of ischemic heart disease, cardiomyopathy, and aortic aneurysm were significantly associated with ocular pseudoexfoliation, after controlling for age, gender, race, and major cardiovascular risk factors. Associations, in general, were less demonstrable relative to the primary open-angle glaucoma comparison group. Conclusion: Associations of ocular pseudoexfoliation with cardiovascular diseases were generally fewer and less pronounced when compared to patients with primary open-angle glaucoma. These results add to the results of earlier studies, which suggest that open-angle glaucoma itself might be a risk factor for certain cardiovascular disorders.
Thrombomodulin as an intravascular safeguard against inflammatory and thrombotic diseases

Introduction: Thrombomodulin is a transmembrane protein expressed on the surface of endothelial cells. It plays an important role in regulating inflammation as well as coagulation within blood vessels. Recently, a recombinant form of an extracellular fragment of thrombomodulin (rTM) has been developed and is expected to be useful for patients suffering from inflammatory and thrombotic diseases. Areas covered: We initially focus on the physiological and biochemical features of thrombomodulin, including its distribution, structure and function. We then discuss potential therapeutic applications of rTM. Expert opinion: Thrombomodulin exerts anticoagulant and anti-inflammatory effects, in part through activated protein C (APC)-dependent mechanisms. Although recombinant human APC (rhAPC) failed to improve the survival of patients with septic shock and has now been withdrawn from the market, rTM may have some advantages over rhAPC. First, rTM may have less risk of bleeding complications than rhAPC, because rTM needs thrombin to act as an anticoagulant and thus its anticoagulant power can be automatically adjusted by the amount of existing thrombin. Second, the APC-independent actions of rTM might confer benefits, including the suppression of complements, endotoxin (representative pathogen-associated molecular pattern) and high-mobility group box 1 protein (prototypical damage-associated molecular pattern) through the lectin-like domain of rTM.
Frequent Mutation of β-Catenin and APC Genes in Primary Colorectal Tumors from Patients with Hereditary Nonpolyposis Colorectal Cancer

Hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC) is characterized by defective DNA mismatch repair, which results in genetic instability of tumors; however, only a few target genes have been recognized. Our previous study detected a low frequency of APC gene mutation (21%) in colorectal tumors from HNPCC patients, in contrast to a high frequency of APC gene alteration (>70%) in non-HNPCC tumors. Because both β-catenin and ACP gene mutations have recently been shown to activate the same signaling pathway, we analyzed β-catenin mutation in HNPCC tumors. A notable frequency of β-catenin gene mutation (43%, 12 of 28) was found to occur in HNPCC colorectal tumors. β-Catenin mutations were not detected in tumors with APC mutations. All β-catenin mutations detected in HNPCC tumors existed within the regulatory domain of β-catenin. Immunohistochemical staining of tumors with this mutation showed accumulation of β-catenin protein in nuclei. These and previous data from our laboratory suggest that activation of the β-catenin-Tcf signaling pathway, through either β-catenin or APC mutation, contributes to HNPCC colorectal carcinogenesis in ∼65% of cases.
Lysyl Oxidase Isoforms and Potential Therapeutic Opportunities for Fibrosis and Cancer

ABSTRACT Introduction: The lysyl oxidase family of enzymes is classically known as being required for connective tissue maturation by oxidizing lysine residues in elastin and lysine and hydroxylysine residues in collagen precursors. The resulting aldehydes then participate in cross-link formation, which is required for normal connective tissue integrity. These enzymes have biological functions that extend beyond this fundamental biosynthetic role, with contributions to angiogenesis, cell proliferation, and cell differentiation. Dysregulation of lysyl oxidases occurs in multiple pathologies including fibrosis, primary and metastatic cancers, and complications of diabetes in a variety of tissues. Areas covered: This review summarizes the major findings of novel roles for lysyl oxidases in pathologies, and highlights some of the potential therapeutic approaches that are in development and which stem from these new findings. Expert opinion: Fundamental questions remain regarding the mechanisms of novel biological functions of this family of proteins, and regarding functions that are independent of their catalytic enzyme activity. However, progress is underway in the development of isoform-specific pharmacologic inhibitors, potential therapeutic antibodies and gaining an increased understanding of both tumor suppressor and metastasis promotion activities. Ultimately, this is likely to lead to novel therapeutic agents.
Mortalidade por câncer de mama e câncer de colo do útero em município de porte médio da Região Sudeste do Brasil, 1980-2006

The aim of this study was to analyze mortality trends from breast cancer and uterine cervical cancer in Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais State, Brazil. The mortality time series from the Mortality Information System of the Brazilian Ministry of Health was used. Age-related specific mortality rates were calculated and standardized against the world population. Polynomial regression models were applied. Breast cancer was the main cause of cancer-related death for women in Juiz de Fora. Trend analysis using the polynomial regression model showed a decrease in mortality due to uterine cervical cancer (p = 0.001) and an increase in mortality due to breast cancer (p = 0.035) over the course of the time series. The trends in mortality due to breast cancer and cervical cancer in Juiz de Fora suggest an ongoing epidemiological transition, with significant mortality due to breast cancer and persistently high cervical cancer rates.
The estimation of human teratogenic/fetotoxic risk of exposures to drugs on the basis of Hungarian experience: a critical evaluation of clinical and epidemiological models of human teratology

Background: The risk and benefit of drug use during pregnancy needs a better balance because the teratogenic risk is exaggerated. Objective: To show the objectives and results of the Hungarian Congenital Abnormality Registry, the Hungarian Case-Control Surveillance of Congenital Abnormalities and the Budapest Monitoring System of Self-poisoned Pregnant Women in the estimation of human teratogenic/fetotoxic risk of exposures to drugs that resulted in the statement mentioned in the Background. Methods: The description of the methodology in the Hungarian Congenital Abnormality Registry, Hungarian Case-Control Surveillance of Congenital Abnormalities and the Budapest Monitoring System of Self-poisoned Pregnant Women shows strengths and limitations of these systems and may help to understand better the role of these public health oriented post-marketing systems of drug teratogenicity. Results/conclusions: The above Hungarian public health systems want to minimise the methodological weaknesses (e.g., recall bias) compared to other models and previous studies, but the teratogenic risk estimation of exposures to drugs can result in only signals, which need confirmation in other studies. These systems are important but only some parts of the whole range in the evaluation of drug teratogenicity. The experiences of the author led to his conclusion that the exaggeration of teratogenic risk may cause hazards for both pregnant women and their fetuses.
Prevalence of Temporomandibular Disorder in Children and Adolescents from Public Schools in Southern Portugal

Background: The prevalence of temporomandibular disorder (TMD) in children and adolescents is in the range of 6-68% and can be triggered or aggravated by emotional stress. Aim: The study was to investigate the prevalence of TMD in Portuguese children and adolescents and its association with emotional stress. Materials and Methods: The sample comprised 3,260 students aged 5-19 years. The questionnaire was used to assess the presence of TMD, and was applied in a single moment. Results: TMD was observed in 821 (25.2%) students. The most common symptoms of TMD were: if considered tense or nervous (52%), have headaches (36.8%), and habit of clenching or grinding teeth (27.3%). The girls had a 1.36 higher probability of developing TMD than boys (95% CI: 1.14-1.63; p < 0.001); moreover, students from the older age group had a 2.31 higher probability of developing the disorder (95% CI: 1.85-2.89; p < 0.001). Students who considered themselves tense or nervous presented 8.74 higher probability (95% CI: 7.03-10.86; p < 0.001) of developing TMD. Conclusion: This study showed a high prevalence of TMD in children and adolescents in southern Portugal, and revealed a significant association between this dysfunction and the levels of emotional stress. Female students, older students, and those considered tense or nervous have a higher probability of developing TMD.
Using Community Involvement Strategies in the Fight against Infant Mortality: Lessons from a Multisite Study of the National Healthy Start Experience

This article presents the findings of a multisite qualitative study of the community involvement experience of nine Healthy Start sites in their efforts to reduce infant mortality. Empowerment theory was used as a broad theoretical framework, and in-depth interviews, focus groups, observation, and documents review were the primary data collection methods utilized. Six key ways in which community involvement was found to enrich the program are described. These ranged from creating the conditions in which individuals could improve their parenting skills to mobilizing communities to help change programs, practices, and policies. Lessons learned for this program and for other initiatives aimed at eliminating health disparities are discussed.
Comparison of Inflammatory, Metabolic, and Anthropometric Parameters in Elderly Women With and Without Insulin Resistance

The objective of the present study was to investigate the relationship between inflammatory, metabolic, and anthropometrical parameters of elderly women with insulin resistance (IR) and without insulin resistance (WIR). One hundred and seventy-two elderly women aged 67.5 (± 5 years) were submitted to anthropometrical analysis, by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry, and biochemistry tests such as lipidogram, fasting blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, insulin, C-reactive protein, Interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and Interferon-gamma. Body mass index, waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, body fat mass, triglycerides, very low density lipoprotein, fasting glucose, and insulin were significantly higher, while lean body mass was lower (p < 0.05), in elderly with IR as compared to WIR. There was no significant difference between groups in the inflammatory parameters. Elderly women with IR present increased anthropometrical and metabolic parameters that predispose them to several chronic nontransmissible diseases. Additional inflammatory parameters should be used in elderly women to define an optimal relationship with insulin resistance in clinical practice.
A Qualitative Study on Factors that Influence Turkish Medical Students’ Decisions to Become Family Physicians After the Health Transformation Programme

Background: In Turkey, general practitioners were authorized to work as family physicians without specialization, within the scope of the Health Transformation Programme, due to inadequate number of family medicine specialists since 2004. With this new implementation Family Medicine specialty became a less preferable option for medical students. Aims: The study was to investigate the perspectives of medical students and understand the issues to choose Family Medicine specialty as a career option. Materials and Methods: This qualitative study was performed with 48 final year medical students using a convenience sample from two medical universities. Results: Three main categories emerged from the data viewing Family Medicine ‘as a specialty’, ‘as an employment’, and finally ‘as a system’. Very few students stated that Family Medicine would be their choice for specialty. Conclusions: Family Medicine does not seem to be an attractive option in career planning by medical students. Several factors that may constrain students from choosing Family Medicine include: not perceiving Family Medicine as a field of expertise, and the adverse conditions at work which may originate from duality in the system.
Study on risk factors of diabetes mellitus among residents of an urban field practice area of Kurnool Medical College

International Journal of Medical Science and Public Health | 2015 | Vol 4 | Issue 7 969 International Journal of Medical Science and Public Health Online 2015. © 2015 Arepalli Sreedevi. This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), allowing third parties to copy and redistribute the material in any medium or format and to remix, transform, and build upon the material for any purpose, even commercially, provided the original work is properly cited and states its license. Research Article
Visual Outcome in 879 Children Treated for Strabismus: Insufficient Accommodation and Vision Deprivation, Deficient Emmetropisation and Anisometropia

Purpose: To identify the effect of infant hypermetropia on residual amblyopia in children remaining after treatment. Materials and Methods: 879 strabismic children had cycloplegic retinoscopy at the age of 6 months and later when strabismus was diagnosed. A total of 26 hypermetropes consistently wore glasses from the age of 6 months, and 305 other hypermetropes had their accommodation periodically assessed by dynamic retinoscopy before strabismus was diagnosed. The relation between the last known visual acuity after treatment and all other clinical findings was analysed using t-tests and regression analysis. Results: Vision less than 6/12 in nonfixing eyes was associated with infantile hypermetropia > +5.0D, and in rare instances in excess of -3.0D of myopia. In hypermetropes only, anisometropia was associated with worse amblyopia. Astigmatism was associated with myopia and low levels of hypermetropia but not with worse vision. The vision of fixing eyes that were hypermetropic was significantly worse than that of emmetropic or myopic eyes. Wearing spectacles from the age of 6 months was associated with better vision in the nonfixing eye. Vision in the nonfixing eye of 19 hypermetropic heterotropes who started wearing glasses between 6 and 18 months of age also was better than that of those who started wearing glasses after 18 months of age. Insufficiency of accommodation was related to the degree of infantile hypermetropia, to worse vision and to failure to emmetropise. Difference in amplitude of accommodation between the eyes was largest in hypermetropes with anisometropia > +1.50 D and was marginally associated with worse vision in microtropes who became anisometropic after infancy. Hypermetropia decreased more in fixing eyes than in nonfixing eyes, thereby causing anisohypermetropia to increase after infancy. This change was most pronounced in hypermetropic microtropes. Conversely, failure of fixing eyes to emmetropise was associated with an increase in their inability to accommodate and heterotropia. Conclusions: On the basis of these findings, severe residual amblyopia in children remaining after treatment could be explained by additional vision deprivation. It can be reduced by starting spectacle correction of hypermetropia before the age of 18 months. Anisometropia seemed the result of deficient emmetropisation.
Prevalence of Varicocele among Primary and Secondary Infertile Men: Association with Occupation, Smoking and Drinking Alcohol

Background: Existing data suggests that varicocele plays a central role in progressive infertility. Aims: This study was designed to assess the occupational and lifestyle factors of development of varicocele among male infertile, for a better prevention and management of the varicocele. Materials and Methods: All males with infertility, who presented at Fatemezahra Infertility and Reproductive Health Research Center between April 2010 and February 2011, were examined. Their occupations, smoking, and drinking alcohol, presence or absence of varicocele were evaluated. The lifestyle factors associated with varicocele were analyzed. Results: The data of 816 men, aged 21-71 years, were included in the study. Two hundred and sixty-one men (32%) with varicocele and 555 (68%) without varicocele were found. Percentage of varicocele was significantly higher in smokers compared with non-smokers (P = 0.035). The adjusted OR for varicocele in smokerswas significantly higher than that in non-smoker (OR = 2.420; 95% CI = 1.04, 5.61). No significant differences were seen between varicocele and occupation or alcohol drinking for the prevalence of varicocele. Conclusions: The findings of the present study indicated that a high frequency of varicocele was indentified among male infertile. Therefore, it is necessary for those male cigarette-smokers to evaluate their possibilities of infertility and varicocele.
Efficacy and safety of drugs for ulcerative colitis

Importance of the field: Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the colon that carries considerable burden and morbidity for patients and presents a constant challenge in management for gastroenterologists. Continued advances in medical therapies provide a range of treatment options for patients, but with this is the need to balance the potential benefits of a particular medication with its side effect profile in both the short and the long term. Areas covered in this review: This article will review the current drugs used in the treatment of UC, including 5-amninosalicylates, antibiotics, steroids, immunomodulators and biologics, with particular attention to their indications, efficacy and toxicity profile. What the reader will gain: The reader will gain a comprehensive understanding of the various medical therapies used in the treatment of UC with focus on efficacy and toxicity profiles, allowing providers to choose appropriate medical therapies for their patients. Take home message: The particular agent used depends upon the extent and severity of disease, with mild-to-moderate disease treated with conventional therapy including 5-amninosalicylates. Steroids are used in the short term to bring active disease into remission, and the more aggressive immunomodulators and biologics are reserved for more severe disease given their toxicity profiles.
Chronic Plantar Fasciitis is Mediated by Local Hemodynamics: Implications for Emerging Therapies

Plantar fasciitis (PF) is a common, disabling condition affecting millions of patients each year. With early diagnosis and timely application of traditional nonsurgical treatments, symptoms generally resolve over time. However, despite adequate treatment, 20% of patients will experience persistent symptoms. In these patients, minimally invasive therapies that augment local hemodynamics to initiate a regenerative tissue-healing cascade have the greatest potential to resolve long-standing symptoms. We performed a narrative review based on a best evidence evaluation of manuscripts published in Medline-indexed journals to determine the mechanisms involved in soft tissue injury and healing. This evaluation also highlights emerging minimally invasive therapies that exploit these mechanisms in recalcitrant PF.
Brainstem Evoked Potential in Newly Diagnosed Patients of Subclinical Hypothyroidism

Background: Hypothyroidism is known to be associated with impairment of hearing. The hearing impairment may be conductive, sensorineural, or mixed. Aims: The aim is to assess the auditory pathway by brainstem auditory evoked potentials (BAEPs) in newly diagnosed patients of subclinical hypothyroidism and healthy sex- and age-matched controls. Materials and Methods: The study included 25 healthy sex- and age-matched controls (Group I) and 25 patients of newly diagnosed subclinical hypothyroidism (Group II). The recording was taken by using RMS EMG EP MK2 equipment. The unpaired Student′s t-test was used and a P value <0.05 was considered significant. Results: Wave V of right ear BAEP in group II was prolonged (6 ± 0.62 ms) compared to group I (5.49 ± 0.26 ms), and wave V of left ear BAEP in group II was prolonged (5.84 ± 0.57 ms) compared to group I (5.47 ± 0.35 ms). There was no significant coefficient of correlation between wave V and inter-peak latency (IPL) I-V compared to thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels of both the ears. Conclusion: The prolongation of wave V in BAEPs of both ears suggests that the central auditory pathway is affected significantly in subclinical hypothyroid patients.
Status of Superoxide Dismutase in Transfusion Dependent Thalassaemia

Background: Thalassemia is a collection of genetic impairments in beta and alpha genes causing various states of anemia. Severe types of the disease need lifelong transfusions, leading to oxidant-antioxidant disturbance due to massive iron deposits. Aims: The aim of this study was to assess the antioxidant enzyme Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) and ferritin levels of thalassemia major patients in a peripheral health facility. Materials and Methods: Two hundred and nine probands were recruited and performed laboratory experiments for SOD and Ferritin levels. Chelation administration and clinical score were taken from interviewing the family and from medical report data. Results: The study showed that SOD intensity was lower (162.41 u/ml) compared to the normal cutoff point (P = 0.001), while the mean of Ferritin levels was ten times over the normal value (4226,67 ng/dl). Observations also reported that chelation medicine was not administrated properly. Conclusions: The data indicates that thalassemic patients have oxidant-antioxidant uproar due to oxidative stress. Monitored chelating administration, selective antioxidant, and a well-balanced diet may prevent oxidative injury.