Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Hemiarthroplasty or total hip arthroplasty for the treatment of a displaced intracapsular fracture in active elderly patients: 12‐YEAR FOLLOW‐UP OF RANDOMISED TRIAL

Aims Our aim was to analyse the long‐term functional outcome of two forms of surgical treatment for active patients aged > 70 years with a displaced intracapsular fracture of the femoral neck. Patients were randomised to be treated with either a hemiarthroplasty or a total hip arthroplasty (THA). The outcome five years post‐operatively for this cohort has previously been reported. We present the outcome at 12 years post‐operatively. Patients and Methods Initially 252 patients with a mean age of 81.1 years (70.2 to 95.6) were included, of whom 205 (81%) were women. A total of 137 were treated with a cemented hemiarthroplasty and 115 with a cemented THA. At long‐term follow‐up we analysed the modified Harris Hip Score (HHS), post‐operative complications and intra‐operative data of the patients who were still alive. Results At a mean follow‐up of 12 years (8.23 to 16.17, standard deviation 2.24), 50 patients (20%), 32 in the hemiarthroplasty group and 18 in the THA group, were still alive, of which 47 (94%) were women. There were no significant differences in the mean modified HHS (p = 0.85), mortality (p = 0.13), complications (p = 0.93) or rate of revision surgery (p = 1.0) between the two groups. Conclusion In the treatment of active elderly patients with an intracapsular fracture of the hip there is no difference in the functional outcome between hemiarthroplasty and THA treatments at 12 years post‐operatively.
Creatinine modified Child–Turcotte–Pugh and integrated model of end‐stage liver disease scores as predictors of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis‐related in‐hospital mortality: Applicable or not

Despite intensive management, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is associated with poor prognosis especially in hospitalized patients. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine prognostic factors for SBP‐related in‐hospital mortality, and to evaluate the predictive power of Child–Pugh (CP), model of end‐stage liver disease (MELD), creatinine modified Child–Turcotte–Pugh (CrCTP), and integrated MELD (iMELD) for identifying the best score to predict mortality.
Exploring hearing aid use in older women through narratives

Abstract This study explored experiences surrounding hearing aid use and non-use in older women with hearing loss. A narrative approach was used to gain an in-depth understanding of the meaning and contextual issues that impact upon the adaptation process of older adults and their transitions in using hearing devices. Four women over the age of sixty who were identified as being consistent hearing aid users took part in three face-to-face interviews. 43 biographic-narrative-interview guiding framework was used to gather data in this study. Data were analyzed both holistically and thematically from a phenomenological perspective to identify the meaning and essence of the participants’ experiences. The results revealed an overarching theme of meaningful participation in life situations and events that were linked to purposeful use and non-use of hearing aids. Barriers and facilitators related to participation, which in turn affect hearing aid use and acceptance, were uncovered. The results of this study have implications for audiologic research, and practice. Sumario Este estudio exploró las experiencias alrededor del uso o no uso de auxiliares auditivos por ancianas con pérdidas auditivas. Se usaron las narraciones como enfoque, para lograr la comprensión exhaustiva del significado y de los aspectos contextuales que impactan el proceso de adaptación de los adultos mayores y su transición en el uso de instrumentos auditivos. Tomaron parte en tres entrevistas cara-a-cara, cuatro mujeres mayores de sesenta años, identificadas como usuarias consistentes de auxiliares auditivos. Se usó el marco guía de 43 de entrevistas biográficas-narrativas para obtener los datos de este estudio. Estos datos fueron analizados tanto holística como temáticamente, desde una perspectiva fenomenológica para identificar el significado y la esencia de las experiencias de las participantes. Los resultados revelaron un tema enarcado de participación significativa en situaciones de vida y eventos ligados al uso propositivo o al no uso de auxiliares auditivos. Las barreras y los facilitadores relacionados con la participación, que afectan en sus momentos el uso y la aceptación del auxiliar auditivo, no fueron cubiertos. Los resultados de este estudio tienen implicaciones para la investigación y la práctica audiológica.
Manipulation of Colour and Shape Information and its Consequence upon Recognition and Best-Likeness Judgments

Previous forays into the study of recognition have revealed an advantage for line-drawn and photographic shape caricatures of faces in reaction-time paradigms. When a presentation-time technique was used, photographs with enhanced colour intensity and saturation were also found to provide superior recognition accuracy to veridical images. This has provided strong evidence that distinctive information can produce a recognition advantage for famous faces in both colour and shape domains. Such a presentation-time paradigm allows the display of stimuli over a range of brief display periods. Using this paradigm, subjects recognised photorealistic target faces caricatured in shape with greater accuracy than veridical images, consistent with previous findings when reaction time was used as a measure. Subjects were also asked to identify the best likeness for individuals using photorealistic stimuli and an interactive paradigm with shape caricature, colour caricature, and contrast control varied by the user in real-time. The best likeness with shape manipulation was a slight anticaricature, while with colour-caricature and contrast-control images a mildly exaggerated image was selected as the best likeness. Thus, although images caricatured substantially in colour or shape (+40%) induce superior recognition compared to veridical images, such substantial exaggerations are not necessarily seen as best likenesses under prolonged exposure.
MOLECULAR MODELING AND STRUCTURE-BASED THERMODYNAMIC ANALYSIS OF THE StAR PROTEIN

Although much progress has been achieved in the study of the steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) dependent cholesterol transfer inside mitochondria, not one mechanism can account for all experimental data obtained to date. We have thus investigated the possibility that molecular modeling and structure-based thermodynamic calculations (STC) could enlighten these discrepancies. Starting from the crystallographic data of the human MLN64, a StAR homology model was generated and subjected to STC to verify the importance of StAR structural alterations for proper function. As expected, the model resembled the MLN64 crystal, although no binding site “tunnel” was obtained. Instead, a closed cavity was discovered, approximately the size and shape of cholesterol. This suggests that StAR does indeed require structural alterations to allow cholesterol binding, most evidently by the C-terminal α-helix above the U-shaped β-barrel. Through STC, it is shown that unfolding of this helix is probable and leads to a 2% subpopulation of partially unfolded StAR, supportive of both the intermembrane shuttle and the molten globule hypotheses.
Gamma Knife Radiosurgery for Refractory Epilepsy Caused by Hypothalamic Hamartomas

Background: Hypothalamic hamartomas are associated with precocious puberty and chronic epilepsy characterized by gelastic seizures. The seizure disorder is usually refractory to most antiepileptic drugs. Gamma knife surgery has emerged as an alternative to microsurgical removal or radiofrequency ablation to improve seizure control. We present our experience with radiosurgery in 4 patients afflicted by this disorder. Methods: Using gamma knife radiosurgery, 4 patients with intractable gelastic seizures and complex epilepsy were managed. Patient age varied from 5 to 29 years. The duration of symptoms was 4–28 years. A conformal radiosurgery plan was designed with a mean of 4.25 isocenters to cover the hamartoma at the 50% isodose line. A mean margin dose of 17.5 Gy was used. The clinical outcome was evaluated with the Engel scale. Results: No complication occurred. After a median follow-up of 22 months, 3 patients had shown some improvement, with 2 attaining Engel class II status. Conclusion: Gamma knife surgery is a promising alternative to microsurgical removal for patients with refractory epilepsy caused by hypothalamic hamartomas.
Functional Alterations in Endocrine Pancreas of Rats With Different Degrees of Dexamethasone-Induced Insulin Resistance

Objectives: We have analyzed the peripheral insulin and glucose sensitivity in vivo, and islet function ex vivo in rats with different degrees of insulin resistance induced by dexamethasone (DEX). Methods: Dexamethasone, in the concentrations of 0.1 (DEX 0.1), 0.5 (DEX 0.5), and 1.0 mg/kg body weight (DEX 1.0) was administered daily, intraperitoneally, to adult Wistar rats for 5 days, whereas controls received saline. Results: Dexamethasone treatment induced peripheral insulin resistance in a dose-dependent manner. At the end of the treatment, only DEX 1.0 rats showed significant increase of postabsorptive blood glucose and serum triglycerides, and nonesterified fatty acids levels. Incubation of pancreatic islets in increasing glucose concentrations (2.8-22 mM) led to an augmented insulin secretion in all DEX-treated rats. Leucine, carbachol, and high KCl concentrations induced the insulin release in DEX 0.5 and DEX 1.0, whereas arginine augmented secretion in all DEX-treated groups. Conclusions: We demonstrate that in DEX 0.5 and, especially in DEX 0.1 groups, but not in DEX 1.0, the adaptations that occurred in the endocrine pancreas are able to counteract metabolic disorders (glucose intolerance and dyslipidemia). These animal models seem to be interesting approaches for the study of degrees of subjacent effects that may mediate type 2 diabetes (DEX 1.0) and islet function alterations, without collateral effects (DEX 0.1 and DEX 0.5).
A Pharmacogenetic Discovery: Cystamine Protects Against Haloperidol-Induced Toxicity and Ischemic Brain Injury

Haloperidol is an effective antipsychotic agent, but it causes Parkinsonian-like extrapyramidal symptoms in the majority of treated subjects. To address this treatment-limiting toxicity, we analyzed a murine genetic model of haloperidol-induced toxicity (HIT). Analysis of a panel of consomic strains indicated that a genetic factor on chromosome 10 had a significant effect on susceptibility to HIT. We analyzed a whole-genome SNP database to identify allelic variants that were uniquely present on chromosome 10 in the strain that was previously shown to exhibit the highest level of susceptibility to HIT. This analysis implicated allelic variation within pantetheinase genes (Vnn1 and Vnn3), which we propose impaired the biosynthesis of cysteamine, could affect susceptibility to HIT. We demonstrate that administration of cystamine, which is rapidly metabolized to cysteamine, could completely prevent HIT in the murine model. Many of the haloperidol-induced gene expression changes in the striatum of the susceptible strain were reversed by cystamine coadministration. Since cystamine administration has previously been shown to have other neuroprotective actions, we investigated whether cystamine administration could have a broader neuroprotective effect. Cystamine administration caused a 23% reduction in infarct volume after experimentally induced cerebral ischemia. Characterization of this novel pharmacogenetic factor for HIT has identified a new approach for preventing the treatment-limiting toxicity of an antipsychotic agent, which could also be used to reduce the extent of brain damage after stroke.
Historical controlled trial of OKT3 versus basiliximab induction therapy in simultaneous pancreas–renal transplantation

SUMMARY: Simultaneous pancreas–kidney (SPK) transplant recipients are at high immunological risk of rejection. Antibody induction is beneficial but lymphocyte‐depleting therapy is associated with a high incidence of side‐effects. We performed a historical controlled trial to compare OKT3 versus anti‐CD25 antibody (basiliximab) induction therapy with regard to patient, kidney and pancreas survival, as well as to examine for any differences in acute rejection, graft function, and infective complications. Twenty‐eight consecutive SPK transplants were performed at the Monash Medical Centre between December 1997 and November 2001. Anti CD3 monoclonal antibody (OKT3) was used prior to March 2000 (n = 12) and basiliximab was used after (n = 16), both in combination with cyclosporin, mycophenolate, and prednisolone. A retrospective comparison of outcomes was performed. At 6 months, patient (100 vs 100%), kidney (91.7 vs 91.7%) and pancreas (75 vs 83.3%) survival were similar in the OKT3 and basiliximab groups, respectively. A minority of subjects in each group remained free from rejection (42% basiliximab vs 25% on OKT3, P = NS). Renal function was superior in the basiliximab group (mean calculated creatinine clearance 79.4 ± 11.9 vs 54.5 ± 15.9 mL/min for basiliximab vs OKT3, P < 0.001). The incidence of major opportunistic infection was lower in basiliximab‐treated patients (9 vs 50% in the OKT3 group, P = 0.033). Basiliximab was associated with similar 6‐month patient, kidney and pancreas survival, superior renal function and less opportunistic infection as compared with OKT3 induction therapy in SPK transplants. Basiliximab is at least as effective and is safer than OKT3 for induction therapy in SPK transplantation.
Serum albumin promotes ATP-binding cassette transporter-dependent sterol uptake in yeast.

Sterol uptake in fungi is a multistep process that involves interaction between external sterols and the cell wall, incorporation of sterol molecules into the plasma membrane, and subsequent integration into intracellular membranes for turnover. ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters have been implicated in sterol uptake, but key features of their activity remain to be elucidated. Here, we apply fluorescent cholesterol (NBD-cholesterol) to monitor sterol uptake under anaerobic and aerobic conditions in two fungal species, Candida glabrata (Cg) and Saccharomyces cerevisiae (Sc). We found that in both fungal species, ABC transporter-dependent uptake of cholesterol under anaerobic conditions and in mutants lacking HEM1 gene is promoted in the presence of the serum protein albumin that is able to bind the sterol molecule. Furthermore, the C. glabrata ABC transporter CgAus1p expressed in S. cerevisiae requires the presence of serum or albumin for efficient cholesterol uptake. These results suggest that albumin can serve as sterol donor in ABC transporter-dependent sterol uptake, a process potentially important for growth of C. glabrata inside infected humans.
Contribution of the Interleukin‐6/STAT‐3 Signaling Pathway to Chondrogenic Differentiation of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent cells that can differentiate into chondrocytes. Articular cartilage contains MSC‐like chondroprogenitor cells, which suggests their involvement in the maintenance of cartilage homeostasis by a self‐repair mechanism. Interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) is a cytokine with a wide range of physiologic functions, which are produced by MSCs in a steady manner and in large quantities. The purpose of this study was to investigate the involvement of IL‐6 signaling in MSC differentiation into chondrocytes.
Healing and remodeling of articular incongruities in a rabbit fracture model.

Healing of 0.5 or 1.0-millimeter step-off defects associated with displaced intra-articular fractures of the medial femoral condyle was examined in fifty-four adult New Zealand White rabbits. The rabbits were treated with either immobilization for three weeks, intermittent active motion, or continuous passive motion for seven days. At twelve weeks, the healing and remodeling of the step-off defects were examined with use of contact-pressure maps on pressure-sensitive film, light microscopy (with hematoxylin and eosin or safranin-O staining), and scanning electron microscopy. Macroscopically, the sharp profile that had been present initially with both sizes of step-off defect had rounded off; however, there was less residual incongruity with the 0.5-millimeter step-offs than with the 1.0-millimeter step-offs. Among step-off defects of the same size, the method of treatment had no discernible effect on the macroscopic appearance of the surface of the joint. With fresh step-offs (the control group), the contact pressure of the cartilage on the elevated side was approximately three times greater than that at a distance from the step-off. On the depressed side, an unloaded zone extended approximately three times the height of the step-off, with an average width of 3.4 millimeters for the 1.0-millimeter step-offs and 1.6 millimeters for the 0.5-millimeter step-offs. After healing and remodeling, the unloaded zone still averaged 2.5 millimeters in width for the 1.0-millimeter step-offs but had decreased to only 0.35 millimeter in width for the 0.5-millimeter step-offs. For seven of the nine 0.5-millimeter step-offs, the contact pressure in the previously unloaded zone ranged from 0.5 to 1.5 megapascals, with a mean of 0.8 megapascal (40 per cent of the normal mean contact pressure at this location). Under light microscopy, the cartilage on the elevated side of the healed step-offs had decreased in thickness, was displaced toward the defect and tapered toward the depressed side, and ended in a hypocellular tissue flap. In contrast, the cartilage on the depressed side had thickened as a result of hyperplasia of the chondrocytes and hypertrophy of the cartilage and had failed to establish continuity between the sides of the defect. There was a marked increase in the subchondral vascular bed and re-establishment of the subchondral plate. With the exception of the aforementioned hypocellular tissue flap, safranin O stained the cartilage on both levels of the step-off uniformly, which indicated the absence of glycosaminoglycan depletion. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Long-Term Survival After Liver Transplantation in 4,000 Consecutive Patients at a Single Center

ObjectiveTo evaluate the long-term survival outcomes of a large cohort of liver transplant recipients and to identify static and changing factors that influenced these outcomes over time. Summary Background DataLiver transplantation has been accepted as a therapeutic option for patients with end-stage liver disease since 1983, with continual improvements in patient survival as a result of advances in immunosuppression and medical management, technical achievements, and improvements in procurement and preservation. Although many reports, including registry data, have delineated short-term factors that influence survival, few reports have examined factors that affect long-term survival after liver transplantation. MethodsFour thousand consecutive patients who underwent liver transplantation between February 1981 and April 1998 were included in this analysis and were followed up to March 2000. The effect of donor and recipient age at the time of transplantation, recipient gender, diagnosis, and year of transplantation were compared. Rates of retransplantation, causes of retransplantation, and cause of death were also examined. ResultsThe overall patient survival for the entire cohort was 59%; the actuarial 18-year survival was 48%. Patient survival was significantly better in children, in female recipients, and in patients who received transplants after 1990. The rates of retransplantation for acute or chronic rejection were significantly lower with tacrolimus-based immunosuppression. The risk of graft failure and death was relatively stable after the first year, with recurrence of disease, malignancies, and age-related complications being the major factors for loss. ConclusionSignificantly improved patient and graft survival has been observed over time, and graft loss from acute or chronic rejection has emerged as a rarity. Age-related and disease-related causes of graft loss represent the greatest threat to long-term survival.
Exploring the relation between body mass index, diet, and dental caries among 6-12-year-old children.

BACKGROUND AND AIM Childhood overweight and obesity are becoming a major public health concern all over the world. Change in lifestyles and economic growth have led to sedentary lifestyle and altered dietary patterns. There are conflicting reports in the literature regarding the association between body mass index (BMI) and dental caries from various parts of the world. The aim of the present study was to determine if there is an association between BMI-for-age and dental caries in children and to find out the role of diet with respect to BMI-for-age and dental caries. MATERIALS AND METHODS Demographics and anthropometric measurements were obtained for 600 children and BMI-for-age was calculated. Clinical examination for dental caries was carried out following WHO criteria. A diet recording sheet was prepared and children/parents were asked to record the dietary intake for 3 days. Data obtained were statistically analyzed using Chi-square, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and multiple linear regression. RESULTS After excluding improperly filled diet recording sheets, 510 children were included in the study. Caries prevalence was more in obese children than in other BMI groups. Caries scores increased as BMI-for-age increased, though this was not statistically significant. Consumption of fatty foods and snacks was more with obese children compared to other groups. A correlation was found between caries and snacks. CONCLUSION Dental caries scores showed no relationship between BMI-for-age in children. Both snacks and fatty food items were consumed more by obese children, which seeks attention.
Phosphoinositide 3-kinase is a novel target of piceatannol for inhibiting PDGF-BB-induced proliferation and migration in human aortic smooth muscle cells.

AIMS Abnormal migration and proliferation of human aortic smooth muscle cells (HASMCs) to the intima causes intimal thickening of the aorta, which is strongly related to the development of atherosclerosis. Previous studies have suggested that red wine polyphenols, particularly resveratrol, have great protective effects against cardiovascular diseases. Here, we compared the anti-atherosclerotic effect of piceatannol, a metabolite of resveratrol, and its underlying mechanisms. METHODS AND RESULTS We demonstrated that piceatannol inhibited platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-BB-induced cell migration using a modified Boyden chamber assay and wound healing assay. Western blot analysis showed that PDGF-BB-induced phosphorylation of Akt, p70S6K, and p38 was inhibited by piceatannol, but not resveratrol. In vitro and ex vivo phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) assays demonstrated that piceatannol suppressed PI3K activity more effectively than resveratrol. PDGF-BB-induced migration and proliferation of HASMCs were inhibited by treatment with a commercial PI3K inhibitor, LY294002. Both in vitro and ex vivo pull-down assays revealed that piceatannol directly binds with sepharose 4B-PI3K beads in an ATP-competitive manner. CONCLUSION The results of the present study demonstrate that piceatannol directly binds with PI3K in an ATP-competitive manner and suppresses PI3K activity with anti-atherosclerotic effects.