Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Risk factors of Alzheimer's disease among Iranian population.

BACKGROUND Several demographic, environmental and clinical risk factors have been determined as possible risk/protective factors of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The purpose of this study was to find out which one of these known factors is related to developing of AD in Iranian population. MATERIALS AND METHODS In a case-control study, 115 elderly patients (mean age of 70+/-8.18 years) with DSM-IV based final diagnosis compared with 115 non-demented counterparts matched for age, sex, and socioeconomic status regarding lifestyle, family history, and history of bio-psychosocial health. RESULTS All differences between the two groups were non-significant except for history of hypertension (P=0.018) which was most prevalent in AD group. Risk of the incident AD for the hypertensive group was 1.71 (1.08-2.70) compared to the non-hypertensive group. CONCLUSION These results confirm the previously reported relationship between AD and vascular factors. Prevention, early detection, and treatment of hypertension may have some implications in the primary and secondary prevention of AD.
OX40 costimulation enhances interleukin-4 (IL-4) expression at priming and promotes the differentiation of naive human CD4(+) T cells into high IL-4-producing effectors.

Th2 cell development is critically dependent on the presence of interleukin-4 (IL-4) at priming. The cellular origin and the mechanisms regulating this early production of IL-4 at the site of naive T-cell priming are extensively investigated. We previously reported that anti-CD3-activated and CD28-costimulated naive human CD4(+) T cells themselves release very low but sufficient levels of IL-4 to support their development into high IL-4-producing cells. We show here that ligation of OX40 Ag, a member of the tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNF-R) family, on activated umbilical cord blood CD4(+) T cells upregulates IL-4 production at priming and thereby promotes their development into effector cells producing high levels of the type 2 cytokines IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13. OX40 ligation increases four times the expression of IL-4 mRNA after 48 hours of anti-CD3/B7.1 activation and significantly augments the release of IL-4 and IL-13 in primary cultures. The effects of OX40 costimulation on Th cell differentiation are observed in the presence of optimal and suboptimal CD28 stimulation. Because OX40 ligand is expressed on dendritic cells, the OX40 costimulation pathway may be involved in the physiological regulation of Th cell development by augmenting the differentiation of IL-4-producing cells.
An intervention programme to establish regular toothbrushing: understanding parents' beliefs and motivating children.

AIMS/OBJECTIVES To determine the benefit of twice daily toothbrushing on newly erupted first permanent molars. To investigate, through the Health Belief Model, how parents' beliefs influence the likelihood of their children brushing twice a day. To identify aspects of a toothbrushing intervention programme that can be used in general dental practice. DESIGN Randomised controlled trial. SETTING Schools in deprived communities in Scotland. PARTICIPANTS 461, 5-year-old children. INTERVENTIONS/METHODS Supervised toothbrushing on school-days with a 1,000 ppm chalk-based fluoride toothpaste for two years. A school and home-based incentive scheme including toothbrushing charts, 6-monthly dental examinations and parental questionnaires. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Caries increment and twice daily toothbrushing. RESULTS In the control group, children who brushed once a day or less had 64% more caries than those who brushed at least twice a day (P = 0.001). In the intervention group this difference in caries was reduced to 16% (P > 0.05). The most significant parental belief explaining variation in twice-daily brushing was whether parents feel strongly that there is time to check their child's toothbrushing (P = 0.0001). The odds of these parents reporting that their child brushes twice daily are nearly three times greater. 95% of parents felt that toothbrushing charts would be a good way for dentists in practice to encourage children to brush regularly. CONCLUSIONS The benefit of twice daily toothbrushing on caries development in newly erupted first permanent molar teeth is around 50% compared to brushing once a day or less. Parents' beliefs do influence the likelihood of their children brushing twice a day. Key parts of the intervention programme can be used when children attend general dental practice and would be welcomed by parents.
Matrix metalloproteinase‐9 expression in the nuclear compartment of neurons and glial cells in aging and stroke

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are well‐recognized denominators for extracellular matrix remodeling in the pathology of both ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes. Recent data on non‐nervous system tissue showed intracellular and even intranuclear localizations for different MMPs, and together with this, a plethora of new functions have been proposed for these intracellular active enzymes, but are mostly related to apoptosis induction and malign transformation. In neurons and glial cells, on human tissue, animal models and cell cultures, different active MMPs have been also proven to be located in the intra‐cytoplasmic or intra‐nuclear compartments, with no clear‐cut function. In the present study we show for the first time on human tissue the nuclear expression of MMP‐9, mainly in neurons and to a lesser extent in astrocytes. We have studied ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke patients, as well as aged control patients. Age and ischemic suffering seemed to be the best predictors for an elevated MMP‐9 nuclear expression, and there was no evidence of a clear‐cut extracellular proteolytic activity for this compartment, as revealed by intact vascular basement membranes and assessment of vascular densities. More, the majority of the cells expressing MMP‐9 in the nuclear compartment also co‐expressed activated‐caspase 3, indicating a possible link between nuclear MMP‐9 localization and apoptosis in neuronal and glial cells following an ischemic or hemorrhagic event. These results, besides showing for the first time the nuclear localization of MMP‐9 on a large series of human stroke and aged brain tissues, raise new questions regarding the unknown spectrum of the functions MMPs in human CNS pathology.
Sedoanalgesia for cardioversion: comparison of alfentanil, remifentanil and fentanyl combined with propofol and midazolam: a prospective, randomized, double-blind study.

OBJECTIVE Electrical cardioversion (EC) is a short but painful procedure to restore sinus rhythm. The aim of this study is to compare the effect of fentanyl, remifentanil and alfentanil in association with propofol and midazolam for elective EC. PATIENTS AND METHODS Ninety-nine patients older than 18-years, American Society of Anesthesiologists I/II/III grades undergoing elective EC were randomized into 3 groups. All patients received 2 mg midazolam and propofol (0.5 mg/kg). Group A received alfentanil (5 µg/kg i.v. bolus), Group F received fentanyl (0.5 µg/kg i.v. bolus) and Group R received remifentanil (0.25 µg/kg i.v. bolus). Hemodynamics and respiratory variables [Heart rate (HR), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), mean arterial pressure (MAP), SpO2, respiratory rate (RR)], and Modified Aldrete recovery score (MARS) were assessed at six different time points (baseline, right after EC, and 3rd min, 5th min, 10th min, 30th min following EC). Also, induction times (time to reach RSS to 5) and recovery times (time to reach MARS to 8) were recorded. The incidence of respiratory depression, bradycardia, hypotension and adverse effects were also recorded. RESULTS Hemodynamic variables were similar in all groups. SpO2 values in Group R were significantly lower at 3rd min (p = 0.005). Induction and recovery times were longest in Group F. There were significant differences at 3rd, 5th and 10th minute MARS values between groups. The incidence of hypotension and bradycardia were similar in all groups (p > 0.05) but respiratory depression was higher in Group R (p = 0.047). CONCLUSIONS Propofol alfentanil combination has more beneficial advantages in their rapid onset, early recovery time and less respiratory depression than remifentanil and fentanyl.
Prevalence and extent of lifetime cumulative attachment loss (LCAL) at different thresholds and associations with clinical variables: changes in a population of young male military recruits over 3 years.

AIM The aims of this study were to monitor the prevalence and progression of lifetime cumulative attachment loss (LCAL) in a group of young British male military recruits over a 3-year period, and to determine the relationship between signs of LCAL and selected periodontal variables. METHODS 100 subjects, aged 16-20 years (mean 17 years) at baseline, were examined at 0 (baseline), 12 and 30 months. LCAL, probing depth, plaque, bleeding on probing, gingival colour and supra- and subgingival calculus were assessed on the mesio-buccal, disto-buccal, mesio-lingual and disto-lingual surfaces of all teeth present, excluding third molars. Data were analysed cross-sectionally at each examination. RESULTS Over the period of the study, the prevalence of LCAL > or =1 and 2 mm ranged from 95-100%, whereas LCAL > or =3 mm ranged from 40-47%. The extent of LCAL > or =1 mm ranged from 76-86%. However, the extent of LCAL > or =2 mm was dramatically lower (10.5-12.7%), and LCAL > or =3 mm was uncommon (0.5-0.9%). Examining the number of subjects according to the number of sites affected above a threshold, showed that a small number of subjects have a large number of sites above threshold. Using Pearson's rank correlation coefficient a significant correlation (p<0.05) was found between LCAL and the periodontal variables of gingival bleeding and supra- and subgingival calculus. CONCLUSIONS These data suggest that the onset and progression of chronic periodontitis can be seen in young adults, and in this group gingival bleeding and supra- and subgingival calculus are the variables most strongly associated with early periodontitis.
Efficacy and safety of linagliptin as monotherapy or add-on treatment in Asian patients with suboptimal glycemic control: a pooled analysis

Abstract Aims: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the dipeptidyl peptidase (DPP)-4 inhibitor linagliptin in Asian patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), a rapidly increasing population. Methods: Data were pooled for Asian patients receiving linagliptin orally once daily, as monotherapy or added to existing oral antidiabetes therapies, in multinational randomized placebo-controlled clinical trials. Efficacy data were taken from four pivotal trials with 24-week durations to allow for robust efficacy assessment. Safety data were pooled from a wider group of 10 trials with varying durations to capture the largest possible incidence of adverse events (AEs). The primary efficacy endpoint was change from baseline to week 24 in HbA1c. AEs were analyzed descriptively. Results: Mean baseline HbA1c (±SD) in this population was 8.2 ± 0.9%. Placebo-corrected mean change in HbA1c after 24 weeks was −0.79% (95% confidence interval [CI]: −0.92 to −0.67; p < 0.0001). Placebo-corrected mean change in fasting plasma glucose was −17.8 ± 2.4 mg/dL (95% CI: −22.6, −13.0; p < 0.0001). In a small subgroup, mean post-prandial glucose was reduced by a placebo-corrected −56.9 ± 14.0 mg/dL (95% CI: −85.2, −28.5). AEs occurred in 58.0% of linagliptin patients (serious AEs in 2.4%) and 58.2% of placebo patients (serious AEs in 3.0%). Conclusions: This study was limited by the post hoc nature of the analysis, and because the pooling did not differentiate between geographically distant Asian regions. Nonetheless, this analysis provides evidence that linagliptin was efficacious and well tolerated as monotherapy or added to other oral antidiabetes therapies in Asian patients with T2DM.
The Fate of Dermal and Dermal‐Fat Grafts

&NA; Histological changes in dermis and dermal‐fat grafts have been hampered by the lack of a defined boundary to allow precise localization. We describe a model in which grafts of skin components were coated with india ink and implanted over the perichondrium of pigs' ears. Histological studies were then performed at 2‐weekly intervals for 10 weeks. The survival of the grafts was also quantified. Skin adnexal structures found in dermal grafts survived with some changes. Grafts with an epithelial component produced an intense inflammatory infiltrate and formed inclusion cysts. Fat tended to disappear, a significant part of it being replaced by fibrous tissue. Dermis grafts implanted in the ears of growing pigs not only survived, but grew. Mackay DR, Manders EK, Saggers GC, Schenden MJ, Zaino R. The fate of dermal and dermal‐fat grafts. Ann Plast Surg 1993;31:42‐46
Topological Localization of Monomeric C-reactive Protein Determines Proinflammatory Endothelial Cell Responses*

Background: Monomeric C-reactive protein (mCRP) may contribute to atherogenesis by inducing endothelial activation. Results: mCRP induces much weaker endothelial cell (EC) responses from the basolateral than from the apical surfaces of ECs. Conclusion: Tissue-associated mCRP likely contributes little to EC activation. Significance: Topological localization is an important factor that defines the contribution of inflammatory mediators to chronic vascular inflammation. The activation of endothelial cells (ECs) by monomeric C-reactive protein (mCRP) has been implicated in contributing to atherogenesis. However, the potent proinflammatory actions of mCRP on ECs in vitro appear to be incompatible with the atheroprotective effects of mCRP in a mouse model. Because mCRP is primarily generated within inflamed tissues and is rapidly cleared from the circulation, we tested whether these discrepancies can be explained by topological differences in response to mCRP within blood vessels. In a Transwell culture model, the addition of mCRP to apical (luminal), but not basolateral (abluminal), surfaces of intact human coronary artery EC monolayers evoked a significant up-regulation of MCP-1, IL-8, and IL-6. Such polarized stimulation of mCRP was observed consistently regardless of EC type or experimental conditions (e.g. culture of ECs on filters or extracellular matrix-coated surfaces). Accordingly, we detected enriched lipid raft microdomains, the major surface sensors for mCRP on ECs, in apical membranes, leading to the preferential apical binding of mCRP and activation of ECs through the polarized induction of the phospholipase C, p38 MAPK, and NF-κB signaling pathways. Furthermore, LPS and IL-1β induction of EC activation also exhibited topological dependence, whereas TNF-α did not. Together, these results indicate that tissue-associated mCRP likely contributes little to EC activation. Hence, topological localization is an important, but often overlooked, factor that determines the contribution of mCRP and other proinflammatory mediators to chronic vascular inflammation.
D-Amino Acid Oxidase-pLG72 Interaction and D-Serine Modulation

pLG72 is a small, primate-specific protein of 153 amino acids. It is the product of the G72 gene, expressed in testis, spinal cord, and brain. The presence of G72 transcript and pLG72 has recurrently been called into question, however G72 mRNA and pLG72 protein levels were higher in blood and brain of patients with schizophrenia than in healthy controls. On the one hand, the SNP rs2391191 corresponding to the R30K substitution in pLG72 was genetically linked to schizophrenia, reduced thickness of the brain cortex in schizophrenia-affected individuals, and altered memory function. Various lines of evidence indicated that pLG72 is a mitochondrial protein, specifically an extrinsic protein bound on the outer membrane. Over the years, pLG72 was proposed to be involved in different functions: (a) overexpression induces mitochondria fragmentation, increasing the numbers of shorter and more mobile ones which could be delivered faster to regions of intense growth and facilitating the dendritic complexity; (b) it might induce oxidative stress by interacting with methionine-R-sulfoxide reductase B2; and (c) it binds and modulates the activity of FMN-containing oxidoreductase of the respiratory complex I. The main role of this protein, however, is related to its binding to the human flavoenzyme D-amino acid oxidase (hDAAO), i.e., the main catabolic enzyme for D-enantiomer of serine. This D-amino acid is a main endogenous coagonist of the N-methyl-D-aspartate type glutamate receptor (NMDAR) involved in main functions such as synaptic plasticity, learning, memory, and excitotoxicity. For this work, we reviewed the recent literature concerning the hDAAO-pLG72 interaction, focusing on the molecular details of the interaction, the effect of hDAAO function and stability, and the cellular effects, especially on D-serine concentration. The main effects related to the pathological R30K substitution are also reported. We have highlighted the gaps in our knowledge of this human protein as well as the relevance of clarifying the molecular details of hDAAO-pLG72 interaction in order to design molecules to modulate hDAAO activity/stability and thus NMDAR function acting at the D-serine cellular level.
High tibial osteotomy for osteoarthritis of the knee with valgus deformity.

In forty-nine osteotomies performed for valgus deformity, the results with regards to retention of mobility, relief of pain, and achievement of stability were far inferior to the results in a previously published series of sixty-three knees osteotomized for varus deformity. Instability was still present in thirty of forty-nine compared with eighteen of sixty-three; pain in twenty-three of forty-nine compared with eleven of sixty-three; and lack of adequate mobility in three of forty-nine compared with ten of sixty-three. The optimum position was 5 degrees of vaigus and overcorrection was bad. Knees with medial tilting of more than 15 degrees did poorly.
Pneumococcal nasopharyngeal colonization in young South Indian infants.

BACKGROUND Streptococcus pneumoniae is the most frequent bacterial cause of morbidity and mortality in young children. Bacteria carried in the nasopharynx of healthy children reflect the prevalent strains circulating in the community. METHODS We recruited 464 newborns from a rural area in South India with endemic vitamin A deficiency. Nasopharyngeal specimens were collected from each infant at ages 2, 4 and 6 months. RESULTS Fifty-four percent of study infants were colonized by age 2 months, with 64.1 and 70.2% carriage prevalence at ages 4 and 6 months, respectively. The odds of carriage at 2 months were significantly increased in female infants, infants living in a household in which 20 or more cigarettes were smoked each day, infants whose mothers had less than 1 year of schooling and infants fed colostrum. At age 4 months infants having 2 or more siblings <5 years of age were at significantly increased risk of carriage. At age 6 months none of the potential risk factors examined achieved statistical significance, but maternal night blindness increased the risk of colonization 3-fold. The odds of carrying a PncCRM197 vaccine serotype were increased among infants born to mothers who experienced night blindness during pregnancy. The most prevalent serogroups/types during the first 6 months of life were 6, 9, 10, 11, 14, 15, 19, 23 and 33, accounting for 76.7% of all serotyped isolates. CONCLUSIONS South Indian infants experience high rates of pneumococcal carriage during the first 6 months of life, which may partially explain their increased risk for pneumonia.
THE EFFECTS OF DIFFERENT ARTIFICIAL LIGHT COLOURS ON THE GROWTH RATE OF EMBRYO AND JUVENILE RAINBOW TROUT ONCORHYNCHUS MYKISS ( WALBAUM , 1792 ) *

The colour of light is a very important environmental factor that affects fish physiology. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of different colours of light on weight gain, length, condition factor and specific growth rates of the juvenile rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss. The study employed fertilized eggs that were exposed separately to seven colour lamps including white (573 nm, control), azure (397 nm), blue (459 nm), green (524 nm), yellow (586 nm), orange (611 nm) and red (742 nm). The experiment was conducted for 5 months (from fertilization until the fish reached 2 g wet weight) at the Sheshpir fish farm (west of Fars province), Iran. After yolk sac absorption, the weight and length of randomly sampled fish were measured monthly. The results showed that weight parameters of fish exposed to yellow (0.562 ± 0.13) and white (0.547 ± 0.13) coloured light were higher (p ≤ 0.05) than fish subjected to the other colours. The highest length growth was observed in fish exposed to yellow (3.91 ± 0.16) and white (3.61 ± 0.10) light, respectively. The highest growth rate (4.641 ± 0.29) and condition factor (2.00 ± 0.03) were observed in fish maintained under yellow light. Address: Dorota Fopp-Bayat, University of Warmia and Mazury, ul. M. Oczapowskiego 5, 10-956 Olsztyn, Poland, phone: +48(89) 523 47 72, e-mail: foppik@gmail.com * The work was supported by project number 83-SC-1458-102 and UWM project number 18.610. 003-300 WPŁYW WYBRANYCH RODZAJÓW BARWY ŚWIATłA NA WZROST EMBRIONÓW I MŁODOCIANYCH STADIÓW PSTRĄGA TĘCZOWEGO ONCORHYNCHUS MYKISS (WALBAUM, 1792) Fereshteh Dadfar1, Aminollah Bahaoddini2, Hamid Reza Esmaeili2, Dorota Fopp-Bayat3 1 Katedra Biologii Uniwersytet Payame Noor w Teheranie, Iran 2 Katedra Biologii Uniwersytet Shiraz w Szirazie, Iran 3 Katedra Ichtiologii Uniwersytet Warmińsko-Mazurski w Olsztynie, Polska S ł o w a k l u c z o w e: akwakultura, barwa światła, SGR, pstrąg tęczowy.
Serotoninergic neurons in the mormyrid brain and their projection to the preelectromotor and primary electrosensory centers: Immunohistochemical study

Serotonin‐containing neurons in the brain of the weak‐electric fish Gnathonemus petersii (mormyridae, teleostei) were studied with the aid of immunohistochemical labeling. Study of the central serotoninergic innervation was focused on the structures subserving the command of the electric organ and the first central relay of the electrosensory system.
Wireless Sensor Networks for Water Quality Monitoring and Control within Lake Victoria Basin: Prototype Development

The need for effective and efficient monitoring, evaluation and control of water quality in Lake Victoria Basin (LVB) has become more demanding in this era of urbanization, population growth and climate change and variability. Traditional methods that rely on collecting water samples, testing and analyses in water laboratories are not only costly but also lack capability for real-time data capture, analyses and fast dissemination of information to relevant stakeholders for making timely and informed decisions. In this paper, a Water Sensor Network (WSN) system prototype developed for water quality monitoring in LVB is presented. The development was preceded by evaluation of prevailing environment including availability of cellular network coverage at the site of operation. The system consists of an Arduino microcontroller, water quality sensors, and a wireless network connection module. It detects water temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, and electrical conductivity in real-time and disseminates the information in graphical and tabular formats to relevant stakeholders through a web-based portal and mobile phone platforms. The experimental results show that the system has great prospect and can be used to operate in real world environment for optimum control and protection of water resources by providing key actors with relevant and timely information to facilitate quick action taking.