Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Nurses' assessment of rehabilitation potential and prediction of functional status at discharge from inpatient rehabilitation

The goals of this study were to evaluate the accuracy of nurses' predictions of rehabilitation potential in older adults admitted to inpatient rehabilitation facilities and to ascertain whether the addition of a measure of executive cognitive function would enhance predictive accuracy. Secondary analysis was performed on prospective data collected for 362 Medicare beneficiaries enrolled in a national, multicenter study of rehabilitation outcomes. Ordinary least squares regression analysis was performed. Nurses' admission prognoses for rehabilitation potential predicted patients' functional status for observed activities of daily living upon discharge (r = 0.20, R2 = 0.04, P< 0.001). The addition of a measure of executive cognitive function, the Behavioral Dyscontrol Scale, significantly enhanced the variance explained by the model (r = 0.48, R2 = 0.23, P< 0.001). Nurses' prediction of functional outcome for hip fracture patients was significant (r = 0.26, R2=0.07, P< 0.001). Predictions for patients with medical–surgical diagnoses did not achieve significance (r = 0.12, R2 = 0.02, P = 0.13). The findings show the independence of nursing prognoses and the level of executive cognitive function, and suggest that inclusion of this measurement of executive cognitive function may significantly enhance the accuracy of nursing prognoses. Development and implementation of related nursing education might be warranted. Further research is needed to ascertain the best method to introduce assessment of executive cognitive function into the rehabilitation environment.
Activation of liver X receptor sensitizes mice to gallbladder cholesterol crystallization

Gallstone disease is a hepatobiliary disorder due to biochemical imbalances in the gallbladder bile. In this report, we show that activation of nuclear receptor liver X receptor (LXR) sensitized mice to lithogenic diet–induced gallbladder cholesterol crystallization, which was associated with dysregulation of several hepatic transporters that efflux cholesterol, phospholipids, and bile salts. The combined effect of increased biliary concentrations of cholesterol and phospholipids and decreased biliary concentrations of bile salts in LXR‐activated mice led to an increased cholesterol saturation index and the formation of cholesterol crystals. Interestingly, the lithogenic effect of LXR was completely abolished in the low‐density lipoprotein receptor (Ldlr) null background or when the mice were treated with Ezetimibe, a cholesterol‐lowering drug that blocks intestinal dietary cholesterol absorption. These results suggest that LDLR‐mediated hepatic cholesterol uptake and intestinal cholesterol absorption play an essential role in LXR‐promoted lithogenesis. Conclusion: The current study has revealed a novel lithogenic role of LXR as well as a functional interplay between LXR and LDLR in gallbladder cholesterol crystallization and possibly cholesterol gallstone disease (CGD). We propose that LXR is a lithogenic factor and that the LXR transgenic mice may offer a convenient CGD model to develop therapeutic interventions for this disease. (HEPATOLOGY 2008.)
Association Between Two Functional Polymorphisms of Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Protein 3 and Colorectal Cancer Risk in a Chinese Population

Circulating levels of insulin-like growth factor binding protein 3 (IGFBP3) are modulated by functional variants of IGFBP3 and therefore may be associated with higher risk of colorectal cancer development. However, few studies have investigated the role of IGFBP3 polymorphisms in colorectal cancer in Chinese individuals. In this study, two common polymorphisms of IGFBP3 were determined by the Taqman genotyping platform in 202 Chinese colorectal cancer cases diagnosed between 2006 and 2008 and 212 cancer-free population controls. Data showed that the genotype distribution of G2133C (rs2864746), but not A-202C (rs2864744), was significantly different between cancer cases and controls. Unconditional logistic regression analyses revealed that participants carrying the G2133C GC heterozygote or CC homozygote had a significant 1.55-fold increased risk of colorectal cancer development in an allele dose-responsive manner. However, there was no evidence of a dose-effect relationship between number of variants and risk for CRC occurrence. Data suggest that the exon 1 G2133C missense variant of IGFBP3 may be a susceptibility factor for colorectal cancer in Chinese subjects. Larger studies are warranted to validate our findings in a Chinese population.
Proteomic Analysis of the Rat Ovary Following Chronic Low-Dose Exposure to 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-Dioxin (TCDD)

2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) is a ubiquitously distributed endocrine-disrupting chemical and reproductive toxicant. In order to elucidate low-dose TCDD-mediated effects on reproductive or endocrine functions, female Sprague-Dawley rats were orally administered various concentrations (20, 50, or 125 ng/kg once weekly) TCDD for 29 wk. A proteomic analysis of the ovaries by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) tandem mass spectrometry showed distinct changes in the levels of several proteins that are relevant markers of TCDD toxicity. Serum estradiol (E2) levels of TCDD-treated animals were markedly lower than control. There were no significant differences in bone mineral density (BMD) of femurs. The body weight of the 125-ng/kg TCDD group was significantly decreased relative to control and there was also a significant reduction in absolute and relative ovarian weights. Expressions of selenium binding protein 2, glutathione S-transferase mu type 3, Lrpap1 protein, NADPH, and peptidylprolyl isomerase D were upregulated, while prohibitin and N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor expression levels were downregulated. Data provide further insight into the mechanisms by which TCDD disrupts ovarian function by indicating which differential protein expressions following low-dose TCDD exposure.
Regenerative treatment of peri-implantitis bone defects with a combination of autologous bone and a demineralized xenogenic bone graft: a series of 36 defects.

AIM As the treatment of peri-implantitis-induced bone loss is still a problem, we studied the regenerative treatment of these defects with a mix of autologous bone and a new type of bone graft substitute (demineralized xenogenic bone graft) including growth factors. MATERIAL AND METHODS In a prospective manner, 36 cases of peri-implantitis-induced bone loss (depth >4 mm) in 22 patients were followed for 1 year. After resolving the acute infection by local rinsing, granulation tissue was removed. The implants were decontaminated with etching gel and the defects were filled with autologous bone mixed 1:1 with a xenogenic bone graft. The prosthetic reconstructions did not have to be removed. Values of probing depths as well as bone defects were analyzed. RESULTS The radiologic evaluation of the bone defects after regenerative treatment revealed a mean reduction of 3.5 mm comparing the values from 5.1 mm prior to surgery to 1.6 mm 1 year after treatment. Average reduction of the probing depth was 4 mm. The remaining bone defects were larger than 3 mm in 4 out of 36 implants 1 year after treatment. Probing depths of more than 4 mm were present in seven implants. CONCLUSION Within the limits of the study, we conclude that for bone defects larger than 4 mm in case of peri-implantitis, this single surgical intervention provided a reliable method to reduce bone defects.
Acute liver failure: Summary of a workshop

Acute liver failure (ALF) is a rare but challenging clinical syndrome with multiple causes; a specific etiology cannot be identified in 15% of adult and 50% of pediatric cases. The course of ALF is variable and the mortality rate is high. Liver transplantation is the only therapy of proven benefit, but the rapidity of progression and the variable course of ALF limit its use. Currently in the United States, spontaneous survival occurs in approximately 45%, liver transplantation in 25%, and death without transplantation in 30% of adults with ALF. Higher rates of spontaneous recovery (56%) and transplantation (31%) with lower rates of death (13%) occur in children. The outcome of ALF varies by etiology, favorable prognoses being found with acetaminophen overdose, hepatitis A, and ischemia (≈60% spontaneous survival), and poor prognoses with drug‐induced ALF, hepatitis B, and indeterminate cases (≈25% spontaneous survival). Excellent intensive care is critical in management of patients with ALF. Nonspecific therapies are of unproven benefit. Future possible therapeutic approaches include N‐acetylcysteine, hypothermia, liver assist devices, and hepatocyte transplantation. Advances in stem cell research may allow provision of cells for bioartificial liver support. ALF presents many challenging opportunities in both clinical and basic research. (HEPATOLOGY 2008.)
Granulin‐epithelin precursor as a therapeutic target for hepatocellular carcinoma

Primary liver cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), is the fifth most common cancer and the third leading cancer killer in the world. There is no effective therapeutic option for most HCC patients. A new therapeutic strategy is essential. Granulin‐epithelin precursor (GEP, also called progranulin, acrogranin, or PC‐derived growth factor) was identified as a potential therapeutic target for HCC from our earlier genome‐wide expression profiles. We aimed to conduct a detailed investigation with in vitro and animal experiments. We developed the anti‐GEP monoclonal antibody (mAb), and examined its effect on hepatoma cells and normal liver cells in vitro. A nude mice model transplanted with human HCC was used to investigate if anti‐GEP mAb can inhibit tumor growth in vivo. We demonstrated that anti‐GEP mAb inhibited the growth of hepatoma cells but revealed no significant effect on normal liver cells. In the nude mice model transplanted with human HCC, anti‐GEP mAb decreased the serum GEP level and inhibited the growth of established tumors in a dose‐dependent manner. The anti‐GEP mAb reduced tumor cell proliferation via the p44/42 MAPK and Akt pathways, and reduced tumor angiogenesis to deprive the nutrient supply with reduced microvessel density and tumor vascular endothelial growth factor level. Conclusion: We have shown that anti‐GEP antibody can inhibit HCC growth, providing evidence that GEP is a therapeutic target for HCC treatment. (HEPATOLOGY 2008.)
Survey of Public Perceptions of Prion Disease Risks in Canada: What Does the Public Care About?

A national public survey on public perceptions of prion disease risk in Canada was conducted from October to December 2007. The survey aimed at documenting the public's perceptions of prion diseases, within the broader context of food safety, in establishing parameters of risk acceptability. It also documented the public's perceptions of prion diseases in delineating social values and ethics that can guide Canada's future policies on prion disease risk management. In addition, the survey served to establish baseline data against which to monitor the evolution of the public's views on and understanding of this important risk issue. In total, 1517 Canadians were randomly selected to be representative of the adult population by region, age, and gender, as per the 2001 Census. This study presents descriptive findings from the survey regarding perceived risk, perceived control, uncertainty, sources of information, trust and knowledge, and beliefs pertaining to bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE). The survey data reveal that Canadians do not perceive mad cow disease as a salient risk but consider it more of an economic, political, social, and foreign trade issue than a public health one. Canadians are somewhat prepared to pay a premium to have a safer food supply, but not to the same extent that they desire extra measures pertaining to BSE risk management. In the context of increasing accountability in risk management decisions about food safety and population health issues, it is important to understand the way Canadians perceive such matters and identify their information needs and the factors that influence the acceptability of risks and of risk management policies.
Lindane-Induced Generation of Reactive Oxygen Species and Depletion of Glutathione do not Result in Necrosis in Renal Distal Tubule Cells

Lindane is a chlorinated hydrocarbon pesticide, currently used in prescription shampoos and lotions to treat scabies and lice infestations. Lindane is known to be nephrotoxic; however, the mechanism of action is not well understood. In other organ systems, lindane produces cellular damage by generation of free radicals and oxidative stress. Morphological changes were observed in lindane-treated Madin–Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells indicative of apoptosis. Lindane treatment induced time-dependent reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. Onset of ROS generation correlated with an initial increase in total glutathione (GSH) levels above control values, with a subsequent decline in a time-dependent manner. This decline may be attributed to quenching of free radicals by GSH, thereby decreasing the cellular stores of this antioxidant. Necrotic injury was assessed by measuring lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) leakage from the cell after lindane exposure. No significant LDH leakage was noted for all concentrations tested over time. Generation of ROS and alterations in cellular protective mechanisms did not result in necrotic injury in MDCK cells, which corresponds with our morphological findings of lindane-induced apoptotic changes as opposed to necrosis in MDCK cells. Thus, lindane exposure results in oxidative damage and alterations in antioxidant response in renal distal tubule cells, followed by cell death not attributed to necrotic injury.
Ribavirin exposure after the first dose is predictive of sustained virological response in chronic hepatitis C

The impact of ribavirin exposure on sustained virological response (SVR) in patients with chronic hepatitis C is unknown. Preliminary studies showed marked inter‐individual variability of ribavirin concentrations despite dose adjustment for body weight (BW) and suggested there was a correlation between single time point concentrations and SVR. None of them evaluated the global exposure to ribavirin. This study was conducted to determine whether early ribavirin global exposure is related with SVR. An exploratory pharmacokinetic‐pharmacodynamic (PK‐PD) study was conducted in genotype 1 hepatitis C patients treated with peginterferon alfa‐2a and ribavirin (dose‐adjusted for BW) for 12 weeks, to which amantadine was added for the following 36 weeks. Full and abbreviated ribavirin area under the concentration time curves (AUC0–12h, AUC0–4h) were derived from plasma concentration profiles at day 0 (D0), week 12 (W12), W12 + 1 day, and W24. Virological follow‐up was performed at D0 (0, 12, and 24 hours), W2, W4, W6, and monthly until W72 (TaqMan polymerase chain reaction, cut‐off 15 international units/mL). Twenty‐eight patients were enrolled in the study and 24 completed it. Patients with a SVR had a significantly higher D0 AUC0–12h (3695 [1571–6916] versus 2937 [1266–4913] μg/hour/L, P = 0.03) and D0 AUC0–4h (2010 [615–3175] versus 1340 [622–2246] μg/hour/L, P = 0.03). Patients with D0 AUCs above the cut‐off values defined by receiver operating characteristic curves (3014 μg/hour/L and 1755 μg/hour/L for AUC0–12h and AUC0–4h, respectively) had a significantly better chance of achieving an SVR than patients with AUCs under the thresholds (odds ratio = 16.0, 95% confidence interval 1.54–166.6, P = 0.02 and odds ratio = 8.9, 95% confidence interval, 1.4–56.6; P = 0.02). Conclusion: Ribavirin exposure at D0 is significantly related to SVR. To our knowledge, this is the first study to give an early pharmacokinetic predictor of SVR. We propose a minimum AUC0–4h threshold of 1755 μg/hour/L at D0 as a target for ribavirin dose adjustment. (HEPATOLOGY 2008;47:1453–1461.)
Mechanisms of hepatocyte growth factor–mediated and epidermal growth factor–mediated signaling in transdifferentiation of rat hepatocytes to biliary epithelium

Previous studies from our laboratory have demonstrated that hepatocytes can transdifferentiate into biliary epithelium (BE) both in vivo and in vitro; however, the mechanisms are unclear. The current study was designed to investigate the mechanisms of hepatocyte transdifferentiation in vitro. Rat hepatocytes were cultured in roller bottles to obtain hepatocyte organoid cultures, which were stimulated with various growth factors (GFs) including hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), epidermal growth factor (EGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF), stem cell factor (SCF), macrophage‐stimulating protein (MSP), fibroblast growth factor‐a (FGF‐a), fibroblast growth factor‐b (FGF‐b), and fibroblast growth factor‐8b (FGF‐8b). Only the cultures treated with HGF, EGF, and their combination exhibited formation of hepatocyte‐derived biliary epithelium (BE) despite the presence and activation of all the pertinent cognate membrane receptors of the rest of the GFs. Microarray analysis of the organoid cultures identified specific up‐regulation of approximately 500 target genes induced by HGF and EGF, including members of the extracellular matrix (ECM) protein family, Wnt/β‐catenin pathway, transforming growth factor beta (TGF‐β)/bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) pathway, and CXC (cysteine‐any amino acid‐cysteine) chemokines. To investigate the downstream signaling involved in hepatocyte to biliary epithelial cell (BEC) transdifferentiation, we investigated expression and activities of mitogen‐activated protein (MAP) kinases [extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK)1/2, p38, and c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK)/stress‐activated protein kinase (SAPK)] as well as serine/threonine kinase AKT. The analysis indicated that AKT phosphorylation was particularly increased in cultures treated with HGF, EGF, and their combination. Whereas phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K) inhibitor LY294002 completely inhibited biliary epithelium formation, AKT inhibitor could only moderately reduce formation of BE in the organoid cultures treated with HGF+EGF. Most of the HGF+EGF target genes were altered by LY294002. Conclusion: Taken together, these data indicate that hepatocyte to BE transdifferentiation is regulated by HGF and EGF receptors and that PI3 kinase–mediated signaling independent of AKT is a crucial component of the transdifferentiation process. (HEPATOLOGY 2008.)
Diagnosis after an acute psychiatric inpatient stay: how do psychotic and non-psychotic diagnoses relate to the results of psychometric tests of substance abuse?

Substance abuse is a frequent comorbidity in patients referred for severe acute psychiatric disorders, but is not always documented in medical record diagnoses. We estimated the presence of substance abuse problems in 74 acute patients in a psychiatric intensive care unit. Instruments used were the AUDIT (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test), and DUDIT (Drug Use Disorders Identification Test). Medical record diagnoses were divided into four groups: psychotic disorders (N¼18), affective disorders (N¼34), substance abuse disorders (N¼9) and other diagnosis (N¼13). The AUDIT questionnaire indicated scores above cut-off for seven (38.9%) patients with a psychotic disorder, 18 (52.9%) with an affective disorder, six (66.7%) with a substance abuse diagnosis and three (23.1%) with other diagnoses. The DUDIT questionnaire indicated scores above cut-off for six (33.3%) patients with a psychotic disorder, four (11.8%) with an affective disorder, seven (77.8%) with a substance abuse diagnosis and none of the patients with other diagnoses. The sensitivity and specificity of the AUDIT test in this sample were calculated as 0.67 and 0.57 respectively and of the DUDIT test as 0.78 and 0.13 respectively. Substance abuse in patients in an acute ward is under-communicated in medical record file diagnoses. Using tests could enhance diagnostic accuracy and help clinicians in choosing correct treatment.
Long-term function of single-implant restorations: a 17- to 19-year follow-up study on implant infraposition related to the shape of the face and patients' satisfaction.

BACKGROUND Various levels of infraposition of single-implant restorations have been observed in long-term follow-up studies, but little knowledge is available on the biological mechanism behind this pattern. PURPOSE The primary aim of this study is to report the frequency and severeness of implant infraposition in the anterior single-implant application after 17 to 19 years in function and, secondly, to try to relate these observations to anatomical appearance of the shape of the face of the patient. MATERIALS AND METHODS The present study comprised of 57 patients who were provided with 65 CeraOne™ single-tooth restorations (Nobel Biocare AB, Gothenburg, Sweden) between 1989 and 1991. Altogether 46 of these patients were treated with single implants in the anterior region. Besides clinical and radiographic data, clinical photographs, study casts, and patient's assessment of the long-term aesthetic result (visual analog scale) was collected at the termination of the present study. The degree of implant crown infraposition was related to assessed facial shape and to patient and clinical assessment of the aesthetic result by means of Pearson's correlation test. To increase the numbers of patients, another group of 25 patients presented in another similar study were pooled with the present material for prevalence calculations. RESULTS Altogether 47 patients showed up for the final examination after an average of 18 years (82%). Two implants failed (18 years cumulative survival rates [CSR]- 96.8%) and eight original single-crown restorations were replaced (CSR 83.8%). Three of the replaced crowns were replaced because of infraposition of the crowns. About 40% of the patients showed signs of infraposition, similar in younger and older age groups, but more frequently observed in female patients at termination of the study (p < 0.05). There was a weak trend indicating an association between "long-face" appearance and infraposition of the crown restoration (p > 0.05), and patients were more satisfied with the aesthetic clinical result than the participating clinicians (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION Single-implant restorations in the anterior upper jaw may present small degrees of infraposition in long-term perspectives. Female patients seem to be at a higher risk of infraposition (p < 0.05), but no clear relationship between age at implant placement or facial shape and degree of infraposition was possible to establish (p > 0.05). Patients were more satisfied with the aesthetic result, as compared with the clinicians (p < 0.05), and patients seemed to pay less attention to the degree of infraposition in their aesthetic assessments, as compared with most of the clinicians.