Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Low cdc27 and high securin expression predict short survival for breast cancer patients

Cell cycle regulators cdc27 and securin participate in control of the mitotic checkpoint and survey the mitotic spindle to maintain chromosomal integrity. This is achieved by their functions in metaphase–anaphase transition, DNA damage repair, enhancement of mitotic arrest and apoptosis. We report on the roles of cdc27 and securin in aneuploidy and prognosis of breast cancer. The study comprises 429 breast cancer patients with up to 22 years of follow‐up. DNA content was determined by image cytometry, and immunopositivity for cdc27 and securin was based on tissue microarrays. An inverse association between cdc27 and securin expression was observed in both image cytometric and immunohistochemical analyses. Low cdc27 and high securin expression identified patients with significant difference in disease outcome. Cdc27 and securin immunoexpression identified patients at risk of early cancer death within five years from diagnosis. In multivariate analysis, the combination of cdc27 and securin immunohistochemistry was the strongest predictor of cancer death after lymph node status. We demonstrate, for the first time in human breast cancer, the prognostic value of cdc27 and securin immunohistochemistry. Cdc27 and securin appear promising biomarkers for applications in predicting disease progression, prognostication of individual patients and potential in anti‐mitotic drug development.
Embryo development and gestation using fresh and vitrified oocytes.

BACKGROUND The objective of this study was to compare the gestational results obtained with vitrified/thawed oocytes by a novel vitrification method (Vitri-ingá) to results obtained with fresh oocytes. METHODS A total of 125 IVF-ET procedures carried out over 2008 were analysed, in which 79 patients received embryos from fresh oocytes (Group 1), and 46 patients received embryos from vitrified/thawed oocytes using Vitri-ingá (Group 2). Fresh and vitrified/thawed oocytes were fertilized and embryos were transferred. Fertilization, pregnancy and implantation rates were compared. RESULTS Vitrified oocytes presented a survival rate of 84.9%. Fertilization, pregnancy and implantation rates showed no statistically significant differences between fresh and cryopreserved/thawed groups (81.3, 51.9, 21.3% and 80.8, 45.6 and 14.9%, respectively). Only the average number of blastomeres in Group 1 (6.86 +/- 2.07) was significantly higher than in Group 2 (6.35 +/- 2.26; P = 0.010). CONCLUSIONS Despite some differences in the patient groups, the clinical results of this study demonstrated that the Vitri-ingá method preserves the potential of human vitrified oocytes for fertilization and further development.
Lower back MRI region-based segmentation for computer-aided systems

Vertebral column (spine) and intervertebral disc (IVD) diseases are major sources of lower back pain. Exquisite segmentation of the spinal anatomy is salutary and substantial so as to be utilized for computer-aided diagnosis and computer-assisted surgery systems. A modified region-based segmentation approach was applied to magnetic resonance (MR) sagittal and axial plane images of different lumbosacral spine patients. It confers distinguished mean dice similarity coefficient of 0.99755 with low standard deviation of about 0.001 for axial plane IVD segmentation.
Relationship of Candidate Communication and Organization Skills to Oral Certification Examination Scores

This study investigated the relationship between candidate's proficiency in communication/organization and ability measures derived from judges' oral examination ratings on a medical specialty certification examination. Judges who rated candidates on the oral examination also provided a separate rating for candidates' communication/organization skills. ANOVA was used to examine differences among levels of communication/organizational skills with respect to candidates' ability measures on the oral examination. There was a statistically significant increase in oral examination measures for candidates with higher levels of communication/organization skills. This supports the hypothesis that candidates who were more proficient in organizing and presenting their responses were more likely to have better performance on the oral examination. Given communication and oral examination ratings were provided by the same judges, future research should investigate whether these preliminary findings generalize to situations in which communication ratings are obtained from independent ratings during and outside the oral examination.
Spectacles and custom toric hydrogel contact lenses: a comparison of vision.

BACKGROUND The quality of vision obtained through spectacles and toric hydrogel contact lenses is important when determining which correction type is best. METHODS Twenty-six subjects with 0.75D-3.50D of refractive astigmatism were selected to wear Sunsoft Custom toric hydrogel contact lenses. Snellen acuity and contrast sensitivity measurements were gathered with both toric hydrogel lenses and spectacles. At the conclusion of the study each subject completed a questionnaire rating his or her preference for spectacles or toric hydrogel lenses based on the quality of vision with each. RESULTS Our findings reveal no statistically significant difference when comparing contrast sensitivity thresholds, Snellen acuity thresholds or subjective preference between spectacles and toric hydrogel lenses. CONCLUSIONS Based on quality of vision, practitioners should not hesitate to recommend toric hydrogel lenses in addition to the traditional spectacle correction as a viable method of correction for the moderately astigmatic patient.
Endogenous Labor Market Cycles

This paper shows that in a perfectly stationary physical environment of the labor market, moral hazard and competition in long-term contracts can generate cycles in the tightness of the market, which in turn may induce job creation and destruction, and two periods or much longer cycles in employment and output. We claim that the model may shed light on the unemployment volatility puzzle, which has inspired many discussions in the literature.
Molecular studies of beta-thalassemia in Israel. Mutational analysis and expression studies.

Advances in molecular genetics have contributed greatiy to the understanding of genetic disorders and their distribution in various parts of the world. Techniques of molecular cloning and sequencing led to the identification of numerous mutations which impair P-globin gene function. '-* The development of in vitro techniques of gene amplification based on the polymerase chain reaction (PCR)3 greatly facilitated identification of point mutations by allowing rapid analysis of a large number of samples using allele-specific oligonucleotide probes. Unknown mutant alleles could then be sequenced directly following PCR amplification: Over the past several years we have applied these modern techniques to the study of P-thalassemic alleles in Israel. Being the Holy Land for three major religions and a homeland for ancient cultures, Israel has attracted migrations of varied populations and as such, has an ethnic diversity probably unparalleled for a country of its size. Furthermore, the unique identities and cultural integrity of a significant portion of the population are still preserved, even after centuries of coexistence in a small geographic region. Consanguinity has been and still is practiced extensively in many communities,' increasing the frequency of affected offspring with recessive genetic disorders. There are several hundred patients with P-thalassemia in Israel. Affected children continue to be born in spite of a prenatal diagnosis program initiated fifteen years ago, based on globin chain synthesis ratios in fetal blood samples. Most of the patients belong to distinct and well-defined ethnic groups. Carriership within the various ethnic groups ranges from less than 1% to as high as 20%. 6 We subdivided the groups with a high incidence of thalassemia according to geographic origin and religious background, because intermarriage between the various religious groups is rare. Accordingly, some groups with a notable incidence of P-thalassemia are Jews of
Short Dental Implants Retaining Two-Implant Mandibular Overdentures in Very Old, Dependent Patients: Radiologic and Clinical Observation Up to 5 Years.

PURPOSE To describe the survival rate and peri-implant bone loss in very old patients dependent for their activities of daily living (ADL), treated with mandibular two-implant overdentures (IODs) in the context of a previously reported randomized controlled trial. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 19 patients received two interforaminal Straumann implants (Regular Neck, 4.1 mm diameter, 8 mm length) that were subsequently loaded with Locator attachments, transforming their preexisting inferior conventional denture into an IOD. The primary outcome measures were implant survival rate and radiographically assessed peri-implant bone loss. Secondary outcome measures included peri-implant probing depth and Plaque Index scores, as well as implant mobility. Nutritional state (body mass index and blood markers) and cognitive state (Mini-Mental State Examination) were also analyzed. RESULTS The patient cohort comprised eight men and 11 women with a mean age of 85.7 ± 6.6 years. The implant survival rate up to 5 years was 94.7%, with one early and one late implant failure. The mean loss of peri-implant bone height was 0.17 mm per year (95% confidence interval: 0.09 to 0.24; P < .001). Peri-implant probing depth and Plaque Index scores were low and stable during the first 2 years, and thereafter increased continuously. Correlation analysis suggests that a reduced cognitive function and nutritional state are not a particular risk factor for accelerated peri-implant bone loss. CONCLUSION The high implant survival and acceptable peri-implant health suggest that neither age nor dependency for the ADLs is a contraindication for the placement of implants. Nevertheless, close monitoring of the patients concerning a potential further functional decline precluding denture management and performing oral hygiene measures is advised.
Purification, toxicity, and antiendotoxin activity of polymyxin B nonapeptide

Polymyxin B, a relatively toxic antibiotic, has potent endotoxin-neutralizing properties that may be beneficial as adjunctive therapy in gram-negative sepsis. Polymyxin B nonapeptide (deacylated polymyxin B) is devoid of antibiotic activity but retains the capacity to disorganize the outer membrane of gram-negative bacteria. To evaluate the potential therapeutic usefulness of this derivative, we produced purified polymyxin B nonapeptide, tested its in vivo toxicity in animals, and evaluated its in vitro antiendotoxin activity. Effectiveness as an antiendotoxin agent was assessed by examining the ability of polymyxin B nonapeptide to block the enhanced release of toxic oxygen radicals induced by lipopolysaccharide in human neutrophils (priming). In vivo, at doses of 1.5 and 3.0 mg/kg, polymyxin B nonapeptide did not exhibit the neuromuscular blocking, neurotoxic, or nephrotoxic effects that were observed with polymyxin B sulfate. Both polymyxin B and polymyxin B nonapeptide inhibited lipopolysaccharide-induced neutrophil priming in a concentration-dependent manner, but the parent compound, polymyxin B, was 63 times more effective on a weight basis. The inhibitory activity of both compounds, however, diminished rapidly when they were added after the start of the lipopolysaccharide-neutrophil incubation. We conclude that polymyxin B nonapeptide is less toxic than polymyxin B and, at the doses tested, lacks the neurotoxicity and nephrotoxicity of the parent compound. Polymyxin B nonapeptide retains the antiendotoxin activity of polymyxin B but is much less potent. The findings suggest that these compounds block an early step in the neutrophil priming process, possibly lipopolysaccharide attachment to or insertion into the neutrophil membrane.
Shikimic and Salicylic Acids Induced Resistance in Faba Bean Plants against Chocolate Spot Disease

Surveys for faba bean chocolate spot disease covering 6 districts in Delta of Egypt were conducted. Out of these surveys, six isolates of the pathogen were obtained and purified using single spore technique. These isolates were identified as Botrytis fabae. All isolates were subjected to pathogenicity tests to determine the most aggressive one. All isolates appear to have the potency to cause chocolate spot disease, but the isolate from Sherbin was considered to be the most aggressive one and was selected for further studies. In vitro, the effect of provided phenolic compounds on inhibition of mycelia growth and the growth rate of B. fabae was investigated and arranged as follows: salicylic acid > Shikimic acid > shikimic acid+salicylic acid, as compared to control values. Furthermore, significant reduction in the disease incidence (%) and severity (%) were recorded in faba bean plants treated with salicylic acid followed by shikimic acid then their interaction. Botrytis fabae infection caused noticeable increase in the activity of defense enzymes (i.e., peroxidase, polyphenol oxidase and phenyl alanine ammonia lyase) in infected faba bean plants. In the majority of cases, the applied phenolic compounds induced additional increase in such enzymes than that sprayed with fungicide. This increment was concomitant with the increase in the endogenous total phenols, shikimic acid and salicylic acid content. In addition, the most effective treatment in enhancement faba bean resistance against B fabae infection was salicylic acid at 0.7 mM
Screening for amblyopia risk factors in pre-verbal children using the Plusoptix photoscreener: a cross-sectional population-based study

Aims To evaluate the accuracy and applicability of Plusoptix photoscreener in screening pre-verbal children at risk of amblyopia. Methods In this cross-sectional population-based study 996 children aged 6–36 months were screened with the Plusoptix. The children underwent complete examinations that included a manual cycloplegic retinoscopy, slit lamp examination, cover test, the Hirschberg test and an assessment of fixation pattern. In addition, the prevalence of amblyogenic risk factors was estimated, the Plusopix measurements were compared with cycloplegic retinoscopy, and the referral criteria were modified to improve the accuracy of the device. Results Amblyogenic hyperopia >+3.50 D, myopia >−3.00 D, astigmatism >1.50 D in the orthogonal meridian or >1.00 D in the oblique meridian, or anisometropia >1.50 D was detected in 4.7%, 0.0%, 12.3% and 0.5% of the samples, respectively. The average difference between retinoscopy and photorefraction for spherical equivalence was −0.16±1.0 D (p<0.05). Testability was 98.1% for the Plusoptix. The Plusoptix vision screener referred 47.8% of these children for sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and false-negative rates of 100%, 38.7%, 19% and 100%, respectively. These same measurements with the modified referral criteria (hyperopia ≥2.00 D in children under 12 months and astigmatism ≥1.25 D) were 93.6%, 51.2%, 21.7% and 98.2%. Conclusion The Plusoptix is a useful objective screening instrument, but still has low specificity for detecting amblyopia risk factors in the paediatric population.
Trends in the terminal care of cancer patients: South Australia, 1981-1990.

BACKGROUND The increasing numbers of cancer patients, the high costs of terminal care, and the development of palliative care services have led to a growing interest in patterns of terminal cancer care. These patterns are relevant to the formulation and evaluation of health services policy. AIMS To investigate trends in the place of death of South Australian cancer patients between 1981 and 1990, and to examine associations of socio-demographic and clinical variables with the place of death. METHODS Data relating to 2715 deaths attributed to cancer in 1990 were extracted from the Central Cancer Registry. To assess trends, these data were directly standardised to the age-sex distribution of cancer deaths in 1981 and 1985 which were investigated in a previous study. Unconditional logistic regression was used to investigate predictors of place of death. RESULTS The proportion of deaths which occurred in major metropolitan public hospitals decreased from 40% in 1981 to 28% in 1990. Conversely, the proportion which occurred in hospice units increased from 5% to 20% over the same period. There was a decline in the proportion of deaths which occurred in private hospitals, but there was no significant change in the proportion which occurred in country hospitals or nursing homes. The proportion of deaths at home remained around 14%. Associated with place of death were age, sex, type of malignancy, survival time from diagnosis to death, Aboriginality, and area of residence. Further research to assess the clinical appropriateness of terminal care patterns is suggested.
Emerging Therapies in Neurorehabilitation

ABSTRACT Just as advancing technology has furthered our understanding of how the nervous system recovers, technology also enables the development of novel approaches to treatment. Because nervous system disease and injury often lead to severely impaired function, patients and families are willing to try anything, so therapies are often adopted with little evidence that they actually work. Evidence shows that comprehensive rehabilitation programs produce better outcomes, but it is still not understood what components of these multifaceted programs are critical to their success. Functional neuroimaging and other modalities now allow monitoring of neurophysiologic changes that can be paired with assessments detailing clinical changes, furthering our understanding of the factors that influence the recovery process. This article discusses several novel and emerging therapies in neurorehabilitation as well as recent multistudy reviews of selected treatments.
The three-factor structure of the Levenson self-report psychopathy scale: fool's gold or true gold? A study in a sample of Italian adult non-clinical participants.

The major aim of this study was to evaluate the factor structure of the Italian translation of the Levenson Self-Report Psychopathy Scale (LSRP) in a sample of 740 community dwelling adult participants. Hull method, minimum average partial analysis and quasi-inferential parallel analysis techniques were used to identify a three-factor solution that appeared broadly consistent with previous work. The three factors exhibited reliability coefficients >0.70, and the three-factor structure was adequately reproduced across gender, educational level and civil status strata (median congruence coefficients = 0.94, 0.93 and 0.95 respectively) and remained largely unchanged when the effect of participants' age was controlled for (median factor score correlation = 0.99). Although Factor 3 in our study was demarcated mainly by reverse-keyed items, the LSRP factors yielded meaningful relations with retrospective measures of antisocial behaviour in adolescence and HEXACO personality traits and were conceptually consistent with the triarchic model of psychopathy of Patrick, Fowles and Krueger (2009).
Vitreo-retinal disorders at high altitude in Nepal.

INTRODUCTION Nepal has many mountains including the highest one in the world. People living in high altitude are often involved in climbing mountains. OBJECTIVE To explore the pattern of vitreo-retinal disorders at high altitude in Nepal. MATERIALS AND METHODS Consecutive patients aged 40 years and older who presented at the micro-surgical eye camp at Lukla of Solukhumbu district (2,860 metres) were included. Detailed ocular and systemic histories and ocular examination including dilated fundus evaluation were done. RESULTS There were a total 81 patients with the mean age of 56.7 years (S.D 11.15). Females (51.9 %) outnumbered males. Sherpa comprised of 76.5 % followed by Rai (9.8 %). The main occupation was agriculture (51.9 %) followed by mountain trekking (28.4 %). Smokers comprised of 13.5 %. Hypertension was the predominant systemic problem (28 %). The best corrected visual acuity of 6/18 and better was found in 86.4 % of cases and less than 3/ 60 in 3.6 % of cases. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) was found in 19.6 % of cases with a predominant mild AMD (16 %), hypertensive retinopathy in 12.2 %, with grade I hypertensive change in 8.6 %, retinal vein occlusion (RVO) in 7.1 % of cases and with a branch RVO in 4.9 %. Dilated and tortuous retinal vessels were present in 25.9 % of cases; out of this, 9.8 % of the cases had concurrent AMD and/or hypertensive retinopathy. Other retinal problems were macular hole (2.46 %), solar retinopathy (2.46 %) and choroidal tear (1.2 %). CONCLUSION AMD, hypertensive retinopathy, and RVO are the main vitreo-retinal disorders besides the dilated and tortuous retinal vessels in people living at high altitude in Nepal.
Ca2+ sparks promote myogenic tone in retinal arterioles

Ca2+ imaging reveals subcellular Ca2+ sparks and global Ca2+ waves/oscillations in vascular smooth muscle. It is well established that Ca2+ sparks can relax arteries, but we have previously reported that sparks can summate to generate Ca2+ waves/oscillations in unpressurized retinal arterioles, leading to constriction. We have extended these studies to test the functional significance of Ca2+ sparks in the generation of myogenic tone in pressurized arterioles.
Mitochondrial phylogeny of the genus Echinococcus (Cestoda: Taeniidae) with emphasis on relationships among Echinococcus canadensis genotypes

SUMMARY The mitochondrial genomes of the genus Echinococcus have already been sequenced for most species and genotypes to reconstruct their phylogeny. However, two important taxa, E. felidis and E. canadensis G10 genotype (Fennoscandian cervid strain), were lacking in the published phylogeny. In this study, the phylogeny based on mitochondrial genome sequences was completed with these taxa. The present phylogeny highly supports the previous one, with an additional topology showing sister relationships between E. felidis and E. granulosus sensu stricto and between E. canadensis G10 and E. canadensis G6/G7 (closely related genotypes referred to as camel and pig strains, respectively). The latter relationship has a crucial implication for the species status of E. canadensis. The cervid strain is composed of two genotypes (G8 and G10), but the present phylogeny clearly suggests that they are paraphyletic. The paraphyly was also demonstrated by analysing the complete nucleotide sequences of mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) of E. canadensis genotypes from various localities. A haplotype network analysis using the short cox1 sequences from worldwide isolates clearly showed a close relatedness of G10 to G6/G7. Domestic and sylvatic life cycles based on the host specificity of E. canadensis strains have been important for epidemiological considerations. However, the taxonomic treatment of the strains as separate species or subspecies is invalid from a molecular cladistic viewpoint.