Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Disposition of thalidomide in rabbits and rats.

The rates of absorption, metabolism and excretion of thalidomide were compared in rabbits and rats. The half-life of the drug was virtually the same (2-3 hr) in rats, rabbits and pH 7.4 buffer. The absorption of orally administered thalidomide was more rapid in rabbits than in rats and the time-course for the elimination of metabolites was different in the two species. Although thalidomide is metabolized mainly by spontaneous hydrolysis in various tissues, the rate of breakdown is considerably greater in rabbit liver. Evidence is presented indicating that thalidomide in both species becomes bound to tissue components, possibly by covalent bonds.
Neuropsychiatric Consequences of Deep Brain Stimulation in Patients with Chronic Movement Disorders

Nowadays, the main surgical treatment for Parkinson disease (PD) and other chronic movement disorders is deep brain stimulation (DBS), which has been reported to have consequences such as decline in verbal fluency and episodes of depression. We designed an interventional study in 12 patients (9 men, 3 women) affected by PD, dystonia, and tic who underwent bilateral subthalamic nucleus (STN) DBS operation. We assessed each patient before surgery, 1 month, and then 1 year after the operation. The results of our study showed a significant improvement with respect to the scores of the Short Form Health Survey (SF36). The Hamilton anxiety scale also showed an overall but insignificant improvement. The mean scores of the Beck depression inventory had a great drop 1 month after operation but a rise 12 months later, through an overall insignificant pattern. Pearson correlation test showed a significant negative correlation between age and the changes of the SF36 scores. The BDI scores were assessed in relation with age. Although there was no actual relation between them before the operation, we detected a positive correlation between them 1 year after the DBS. The results of our study were generally compatible with the results of Drapier et al. (2006), Heo et al. (2008), York et al. (2009), Paek et al. (2013), and amazingly similar to the meta-analysis published by Couti (2014) reporting an improvement in the mood of patients postoperatively that declines gradually with time. Is it possible to conclude that these changes are related with the differences between pre-operative expectations and real long-term outcomes? Correlations between changes seen in BDI and SF36 scores with age can be considered as a confirmatory evidence for this argument. All cases showed an insignificant gradual decline in digit span test, which may be independent of the operation, according to the studyof York (2009). Although the Controlled Oral Word Association (COWA) test could not prove a significant deterioration in verbal fluency but a slight decline after 1 year was obvious, besides one patient who turned aphasic during this period. These results resemble the outcomes of the studies of Contarino et al. (2007) and York et al. (2009). The outcomes showed that the benefits of DBS outweighs the slight risk of developing depression; However, patients especially the elderly must be under regular monitoring for early detection of mood changes. Adverse effect on verbal fluency is another important issue to be considered while evaluating the cost benefits of the operation. Thus ethically patients should be made aware of this potential risk before decision making. According to negative correlation between the improvement in the quality of life and age, and the significant relationship between age and higher BDI scores, we strongly suggest that age be considered as a determinant factor in case selection.
Examination of Changes in Youth Diet and Physical Activity Over the Summer Vacation Period

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine weight, diet, and physical activity (PA) changes in youth over summer vacation. Methods: Thirty healthy subjects (19 male, 11 female; mean age + SEM 10.0+0.1 yrs) were assessed before the end of the 2009/2010 school year (baseline), and prior to the start of the 2010/2011 school year (post-test). Results: Significant (p< 0.05) increases in height, weight, body mass index (BMI), and BMI percentile-for-age were observed. Percent time spent in light (p=0.002) and moderate (p=0.014) PA intensities both decreased, while time spent being sedentary significantly (p=0.006) increased. No significant diet changes were reported. Conclusion: This healthy youth population increased time spent being sedentary at the expense of light and moderate PA over summer vacation. The result was an increase in BMI and BMI percentile-for-age. Future studies are needed to examine ways to prevent this decline in PA in youth over summer vacation.
Prenatal Diagnosis of Congenital Absence of Aortic Valve: A Report of Two Cases with Different Outcomes and a Literature Review

Congenital absence of aortic valve (AAV) is a rare cardiac anomaly associated with high mortality. We present 2 prenatally diagnosed cases of AAV. In both cases, fetal echocardiography showed no aortic valve tissue and free aortic regurgitation. At 24 weeks' gestation, case 1 showed a hypoplastic hypocontractile left ventricle and mitral atresia, but did not develop hydrops and was born at term. Bilateral pulmonary arterial banding was performed with continuous infusion of prostaglandin E1 at 5 days of age followed by Norwood and bidirectional Glenn procedures at 3 months of age. The hypoplastic non-compliant left ventricle and mitral atresia might have limited aortic regurgitation. Case 2 showed hydrops at 23 weeks' gestation. An enlarged hypocontractile left ventricle and massive mitral insufficiency were noted. The regurgitant flow was directed to the right atrium through a foramen ovale. This peculiar hemodynamic established a malignant circuit which was arbitrarily called ‘inverse circulatory shunt'. Intrauterine death occurred at 28 weeks' gestation. An autopsy showed absent aortic valve leaflets but three tiny membranous remnants. Hemodynamic evaluation by fetal echocardiography should include the documentation of the presence of and assessment of the grade of aortic regurgitation, mitral regurgitation and blood flow through a foramen ovale as well as left ventricular function.
Gastric cancer risk predisposition and prognostic significance of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) gene polymorphisms—A case–control study in an Omani population

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) plays a central role in angiogenesis, tumor growth, and metastasis. We investigated the associations between VEGF gene polymorphisms and gastric cancer (GC) risk predisposition and prognostic characteristics in an Omani population, an ethnic group which has not been studied previously. We analyzed three VEGF polymorphisms (+405 G/C, −460 T/C, and +936 C/T) by the extraction of genomic DNA from peripheral blood of 130 GC patients and 130 control subjects followed by VEGF genotyping using polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR‐RFLP) analysis. There were no significant associations between the VEGF polymorphisms and GC risk. There were significant correlations between the +405 C/C genotype and both poor tumor differentiation (P = 0.007) and lymph node metastasis (P = 0.03) and between the −460 T/T genotype and poor tumor differentiation (P = 0.03) with a statistical trend toward lymph node involvement (P = 0.05). VEGF gene polymorphisms had no significant effects on survival, but the VEGF +405 G/G genotype had a statistical trend toward lower survival rate with a hazard ratio of 1.6 [95% CI, 0.9–2.9] compared with the VEGF +405 CC/GC combined genotype (P = 0.049). Multivariate analysis showed that disease stage at diagnosis and the +405 G/G genotype were independent variables of adverse prognostic significance. There were no associations between the six common haplotypes identified and both GC risk predisposition and survival. The current study suggests that VEGF polymorphisms have no role in GC risk predisposition, but may have prognostic significance in GC patients. Mol. Carcinog. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
[The current epidemic situation and surveillance regarding hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome in China, 2010].

OBJECTIVE To analyze the surveillance data on hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) including the epidemiological characteristics and trend of the disease, in 2010. METHODS Descriptive methods were conducted to analyze the surveillance data in 2010 which were collected from the internet-based National Notifiable Disease Reporting System and 40 HFRS sentinels in China. RESULTS There were 9526 cases of HFRS reported in 2010 in the country with an annual morbidity of 0.71/10(5), which was higher than that reported in 2009. And the case fatality rate in 2010 was 1.24%. During the year 2010, most cases were reported in spring and autumn-winter season, with November as the peak month. The proportion of cases reported in autumn-winter season was higher than that in spring. The number of cases reported in males was higher than that in females among all the age groups, and similar pattern of mortality could be seen in most of the age groups. The percentage of cases over 60 years old had increased in recent years. Farmers were still under the highest risk. Density and the virus-carrying rate of animal hosts, as well as the infection rate were relatively stable and similar to the previous findings. As to the prevailing species, Apodemus agrarius and Rattus norvegicus were still the most common and leading animal hosts. However, the dominant species in sentinel of Yunnan were Rattus flavipectus and Eothenomys miletus respectively, and a new hantavirus called LUXV was found, namely Eothenomys miletus. CONCLUSION HFRS cases were widely distributed in most provinces of China, but cases mainly focus on certain areas and present the nature of aggregation. The risk of outbreak could not be ruled out for variety of factors. Population characteristics and seasonal fluctuation had been changing.
Deposition of Nacystelyn from a Dry Powder Inhaler in Healthy Volunteers and Cystic Fibrosis Patients

The aim of this study was to compare, using gamma scintigraphy, the lung deposition of a novel mucoactive agent, Nacystelyn (NAL), administered as a dry powder inhaler (DPI) in six healthy volunteers, six adult patients with cystic fibrosis (CF), and six children and adolescents patients with CF. The correlation between in vitro and in vivo results was also tested. It was first demonstrated that the method of labeling of NAL with 99mTc was reliable as tested by three in vitro methods (multistage liquid impinger, multistage cascade impactor, and 2-stage glass impinger). The deposition of unlabeled NAL, labeled NAL, and the radiolabel was similar in all stages of each device. Furthermore, the fine particle fraction (FPF) was the same on all apparatuses. The mean lung deposition obtained in volunteers was 27.5 ± 13.5%. The results are approximately three times higher than the results obtained previously in healthy volunteers with NAL metered-dose inhalers (MDIs). As expected, the lung deposition observed in patients with CF was lower, e.g., 23.5 ± 7.0% for adults and 16.5 ± 5.9% for children and adolescents. A significant correlation was found between lung deposition and both the patient weight (p < 0.02) and height (p < 0.04). Surprisingly, the peripheral:central (P:C) ratio was similar for the three populations, indicating that the presence of mucus in moderately ill patients with CF does not modify the lung distribution of NAL. The FPF measured in vitro was similar to that obtained in volunteers but higher than that found in both patient populations. The DPI formulation of NAL developed will probably improve patient compliance and comfort in future clinical trials and postmarketing use of the drug.
Protein 2 Plasmodium falciparum Merozoite Surface Intrinsically Unstructured Protein, Antigenic Characterization of an

Published Ahead of Print 10 September 2012. 2012, 80(12):4177. DOI: 10.1128/IAI.00665-12. Infect. Immun. Raymond S. Norton and Robin F. Anders Paul Masendycz, Michael Foley, James G. Beeson, Reiling, Kaye Wycherley, Michelle J. Boyle, Vivian Kienzle, Christopher G. Adda, Christopher A. MacRaild, Linda Protein 2 Plasmodium falciparum Merozoite Surface Intrinsically Unstructured Protein, Antigenic Characterization of an
CONCENTRATIONS OF SOME ELEMENTS IN DAIRY COWS WITH REPRODUCTIVE DISORDERS

Serum Ca, P, Mg, Zn, and Cu concentrations in cows affected with reproductive disorders were determined. A possible relation between serum concentrations of these elements and reproductive diseases was evaluated. In total, 109 Holstein cows ageing between 3 and 9 years were investigated. Thirty-six cows showed postpartum anoestrous, fifty-six were repeat breeders, and seventeen cows served as controls. The mean concentration of Ca in cows with repeat breeding was found to be significantly higher (P<0.01) than that in the control and anoestrous group. The P concentration in cows with repeat breeding and anoestrus was significantly lower (P<0.01) than in the control group. The mean Mg concentrations were almost identical for these three groups. Although the levels of Zn and Cu in cows with repeat breeding and anoestrus were lower than in the control group, the variations were not statistically significant. As the aetiology of the reproductive diseases is very broad, even a slight decrease in serum levels of Zn and Cu may induce or predispose animals to repeat breeding and anoestrus. In the light of these findings, the rations of animals with reproductive disorders are recommended to be supplemented with Zn, Cu, and P.
Expression and activity of the cytochrome P450 2E1 in patients with nonalcoholic steatosis and steatohepatitis

Background/Aims: Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and nonalcoholic fatty liver (NAFL) have a different prognosis and should be dealt with differently. The pathogenesis of NASH implicates the overexpression of cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1). We investigated whether the noninvasive determination of CYP2E1 activity could replace a liver biopsy in order to differentiate NASH from NAFL.
Predicting the response to growth hormone treatment in short children with chronic kidney disease.

CONTEXT Short stature in children with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is due to various underlying congenital or acquired renal disorders resulting in variable impairment of renal function and variable response to GH treatment. OBJECTIVE It was the aim to develop a mathematical model that allows the prediction of the individual growth response and to identify nonresponders. DESIGN Data from 208 prepubertal children on conservative or dialysis treatment in a large pharmaco-epidemiological survey, the KIGS (Pfizer International Growth Database), were used for the model and data from 67 similar CKD patients registered at the Dutch Growth Research Foundation for validation. RESULTS Annualized height velocity (centimeters per year) during the first year of GH treatment was best predicted by age at start, weight sd score, underlying renal disorder (hereditary kidney disorder), glomerular filtration rate (at baseline), and GH dosage. Using these parameters, the final model explained 37% of the overall variability of growth response. Standard error of the estimates was 1.6 cm. Age was the most important predictor of growth response (20.3% of variability) followed by weight sd score at start, and 27.2% of the variability of the second-year response could be predicted by the first-year response and glomerular filtration rate. Nonresponders of the validation group could be correctly identified. CONCLUSION Based on simple clinical variables, a robust prediction model was developed that provides realistic expectations of individual growth response to GH in short children with CKD. The model will help in identifying nonresponders and to tailor treatment strategies.
Population Fluctuation of the Small Filefish, Rudarius ercodes, in the Zostera Bed in Odawa Bay

Seasonal and annual population fluctuations of Rudarius ercodes in the Zostera bed in Odawa Bay were studied. A recruitment group of small sized fish occurred every summer and grew into large sized fish by spring of the following year. The number of catch per haul of each recruitment group was used as an index of relative population density. From the seasonal changes of this index, three peaks were observed in September-October, May-June, and August-September at the head of the bay and in October-November, April-May, and August-October at the mouth of the bay. In winter only a few individuals stayed at the monuth and none at the head of the bay, although they were distributed in both areas in other seasons. From the change of the number per haul of three recruitment groups at each peak, it was found that the great annual population fluctuation at the first peak decreased gradually and the population level approached about 100 individuals per haul at the third peak. These facts suggest the possiblilty of movement in and out of the bay and some process of population regulation.
Primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma: optimal therapy and prognostic factors in 41 consecutive Asian patients

This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the clinical characteristics and prognostic factors of Asian patients with primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma (PMBCL) and to determine the role of rituximab in this entity. Forty-one consecutive patients from 1997 to 2009 were included: 14 received CHOP chemotherapy (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, prednisolone), while 27 more recently treated patients received CHOP with rituximab (R-CHOP). All patients with a complete or partial response received consolidation involved field radiotherapy (RT). After a median follow-up of 31.2 months (104.4 months for CHOP and 28.8 months for R-CHOP), the overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) for R-CHOP- and CHOP-treated patients were 87% vs. 57% and 88% vs. 36%, respectively. R-CHOP resulted in an improvement of PFS (hazard ratio [HR] 8.27, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.23–30.74, p = 0.002) and OS (HR 4.20, 95% CI 1.05–16.8, p = 0.04). Nineteen patients had positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) evaluation after six cycles of R-CHOP (metabolic complete response 13, partial metabolic response five, and metabolic progression one). All five patients with a metabolic partial response received RT instead of intensive salvage chemotherapy; four remained progression-free. In patients with PMBCL, R-CHOP in combination with involved field radiotherapy portended a 3-year OS rate of 87%, which is comparable to historical survival rates with more intensive chemotherapy regimens.
Repair of Large Traumatic Tympanic Membrane Perforation with a Steri-Strips Patch

Objective. To investigate the effects of the Steri-Strips patch (3M) on the treatment of large traumatic tympanic membrane perforations (TMP). Study Design. Prospective, randomized, controlled. Setting. Tertiary university hospital. Subjects and Methods. A randomized prospective analysis was performed between February 2009 and January 2011 for the treatment of traumatic TMP larger than 50% of the entire tympanic membrane. The results of closure rate, closure time, hearing gain, and rate of otorrhea between conservative observation, paper patching, and Steri-Strips patching groups were compared. Results. In total, 87 patients were analyzed in this study. The closure rates of the perforations in the Steri-Strips patching, paper patching, and observation groups were 93.3%, 84.2%, and 78.9%, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in tympanic membrane closure rate between the 3 groups. The Steri-Strips technique decreased the need for repeat procedures. Overall, the Steri-Strips and paper patching groups showed shorter healing times compared with the observation group. However, there was an increased rate of otorrhea in the Steri-Strips group compared with the observation group. Conclusion. Steri-Strips patching reduced the healing time and need for repeat procedures in patients with large traumatic TMPs. However, the occurrence of otorrhea was significantly more common in patients treated with the Steri-Strips technique.
Effect of Serum Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase Levels on Myocardial Perfusion and Long-Term Prognosis After Primary Angioplasty in Patients With Acute ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction

Background Gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) level was found to be elevated in plasma of patients with cardiovascular risk factors. The aim of our study was to assess the relationship between serum GGT levels and the occurrence of no-reflow as well as to evaluate the prognostic value of GGT in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) population. Methods and Results One hundred sixty-eight consecutive patients with STEMI who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) were enrolled in the study. Patients with STEMI were grouped into tertiles according to their admission serum GGT levels. No-reflow after PCI was assessed both angiographically (thrombolysis in myocardial infarction [TIMI] flow and myocardial blush grade) and electrocardiographically (ST resolution). Gamma-glutamyl transferase levels were higher in patients with STEMI compared to the elective PCI group subjects. Patients with angiographically (TIMI flow ⩽2 or TIMI flow 3 with final myocardial bush grade ⩽2 after PCI) and electrocardiographically (ST resolution <30%) detected no-reflow were increased in number across the GGT tertiles. In addition, 1-year mortality rates showed a significant increase across the tertile groups (4% vs 11% vs 23%, P < 0.01). Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that GGT levels on admission were a significant predictor of long-term mortality of myocardial blush grade–detected no-reflow phenomenon. High GGT level on admission was a significant predictor for long-term mortality and major adverse cardiac events. Conclusions In patients with STEMI undergoing primary PCI, high GGT levels at admission were found to be associated with no-reflow phenomenon and increased long-term mortality.
A Comparative Study of Outcomes of Dacryocystorhinostomy with and without Silicone Stenting

Background and objectives: Endoscopic DCR is a surgical procedure to drain the lacrimal sac in instances of Nasolacrimal duct obstruction. The common causes of failure of dacryocystorhinostomy are obstruction of the rhinostomy site and of the common canaliculus. Various methods to prevent the recurrence of obstruction at rhinostomy site following endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy have been tried such Mitomycin-C, use of silicone stent and steroid nasal sprays. Stenting appears to be cost-beneficial and simple procedure to achieve the above result. So we undertook a study to compare the results of Primary Endoscopic DCR with and without Silicone stenting. Methods: The surgical outcomes of EndoscopicDCR with and without Silicone stent were compared in 20 patients of chronic dacryocystitis who had postsaccular lacrimal obstruction. silicone stent was used in 10 patients and remaining 10 patients were taken as controls. Follow-up was done at 1 st week, 1month and every month till 6months after surgery. Surgical success was evaluated subjectively and objectively after 6months and results were compared. Results: The success rate was 90% with Silicone stent as compared to 80% without Silicone stent . There was no statistical difference in the results of two groups. Interpretation and conclusion: Silicone stent has no significant beneficial effect in preventing reclosure of the dacryocystorhinostomy stoma after primary endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy. Meticulous, atraumatic surgical technique is gold standard in achieving a successful surgical result.