Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Multiparametric autoantibody profiling of patients with systemic sclerosis in Greece

Background: Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune rheumatic disease characterized by a wide range of disease-specific and disease-related autoantibodies (autoAbs). Profile assays have been developed and are currently in use to meet the demand for better characterization of all autoAbs found in SSc patients. Aim: To assess the clinical relevance of SSc-related autoantibodies in 158 patients with SSc, all from Central Greece, taking advantage of a multiparametric SSc autoantibody line immunoassay. Material and methods: 158 consecutive patients with SSc (137 females, mean age 53.2 ± 10 years; 63 patients with dcSSc and 95 with lcSSc) from central Greece were included in the study. Eighteen patients with morphea were also included. Serum samples were analyzed by a profile SSc nucleoli line assay (Euroimmun) to detect Abs against 13 autoantigens: Scl-70, Centromere (A, B), RNA polymerase III (subunits 11 & 155), fibrillarin, NOR90, Th/To, PM/Scl 100, PM/Scl75, Ku, PDGFR and Ro52. Antinuclear autoAbs (ANAs) were detected by indirect immunofluorescence. Results: ANAs were detected in 97.5% of SSc patients. Reactivities to specific autoantigens were as follows: Topo I, 40.5%; CENP, 32.9%; Ro52, 21.5%; RP11, 8.9%; RP155, 13.3%; NOR 90, 4.4%; Ku 3.8%; PM-Scl75, 3.2%; PM-Scl100, 1.3%; Th/To, 1.3%; Fibrillarin, 1.3%; PDGFR 0%; Ro52 21.5%. Twenty-one of SSc did not have any of the main autoAbs, namely anti-Topo I, anti-CENP, anti-RNA pol III Abs. Conclusions: Multiparametric autoAb test provides positive SSc-associated autoAb reactivities in SSc patients negative for the three main autoAbs and this may prove of significance in early disease diagnosis.
The Effects of a Hypothermia Prevention Program on the Body Temperature and Shivering in Women Undergoing Cesarean Section

Introduction and objective: Hypothermia is a common condition during general and spinal anesthesia which itself causes unpleasant complications including shivering, cardiovascular disorders, infection and delayed wound healing, coagulation disorders, delayed recovery, and prolonged hospitalization time. The present research aimed to study the effects of a hypothermia prevention program on the central body temperature and shivering in women undergoing a cesarean section. Methodology: The present research was a quasiexperimental study in which 92 pregnant women undergoing cesarean section by spinal anesthesia in Ali-ibn Abi Talib Hospital of Zahedan during summer 2017 were purposively selected as the sample and randomly assigned to the intervention (hypothermia intervention program) and control (conventional care) groups. The participants were examined in terms of hypothermia and shivering and their central body temperature was measured 7 times. The obtained data were statistically analyzed using analysis of variance with repeated measures in SPSS-21. Findings: The results showed that the pattern of body temperature changes over time was different in the two groups (p=0.001). The results also indicated that 23.9%, 30.4%, and 17.4% of patients in the control group experienced mild, moderate, and severe shivering, respectively. These figures for the intervention group were 6.5%, 19.6%, and 4.3%. These data suggest that there is a difference between the two groups in terms of shivering (p=0.001). Conclusion: The study findings indicate that a hypothermia prevention program can greatly prevent the reduction in central body temperature and its complications, including shivering, in women undergoing a cesarean section. Hence, this inexpensive and effective care program is recommended to be used for patients undergoing major chest, abdominal, and pelvic surgery.
Effect of 5-Day Nitrofurantoin vs Single-Dose Fosfomycin on Clinical Resolution of Uncomplicated Lower Urinary Tract Infection in Women: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Importance The use of nitrofurantoin and fosfomycin has increased since guidelines began recommending them as first-line therapy for lower urinary tract infection (UTI). Objective To compare the clinical and microbiologic efficacy of nitrofurantoin and fosfomycin in women with uncomplicated cystitis. Design, Setting, and Participants Multinational, open-label, analyst-blinded, randomized clinical trial including 513 nonpregnant women aged 18 years and older with symptoms of lower UTI (dysuria, urgency, frequency, or suprapubic tenderness), a positive urine dipstick result (with detection of nitrites or leukocyte esterase), and no known colonization or previous infection with uropathogens resistant to the study antibiotics. Recruitment took place from October 2013 through April 2017 at hospital units and outpatient clinics in Geneva, Switzerland; Lodz, Poland; and Petah-Tiqva, Israel. Interventions Participants were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to oral nitrofurantoin, 100 mg 3 times a day for 5 days (n = 255), or a single 3-g dose of oral fosfomycin (n = 258). They returned 14 and 28 days after therapy completion for clinical evaluation and urine culture collection. Main Outcomes and Measures The primary outcome was clinical response in the 28 days following therapy completion, defined as clinical resolution (complete resolution of symptoms and signs of UTI without prior failure), failure (need for additional or change in antibiotic treatment due to UTI or discontinuation due to lack of efficacy), or indeterminate (persistence of symptoms without objective evidence of infection). Secondary outcomes included bacteriologic response and incidence of adverse events. Results Among 513 patients who were randomized (median age, 44 years [interquartile range, 31-64]), 475 (93%) completed the trial and 377 (73%) had a confirmed positive baseline culture. Clinical resolution through day 28 was achieved in 171 of 244 patients (70%) receiving nitrofurantoin vs 139 of 241 patients (58%) receiving fosfomycin (difference, 12% [95% CI, 4%-21%]; P = .004). Microbiologic resolution occurred in 129 of 175 (74%) vs 103 of 163 (63%), respectively (difference, 11% [95% CI, 1%-20%]; P = .04). Adverse events were few and primarily gastrointestinal; the most common were nausea and diarrhea (7/248 [3%] and 3/248 [1%] in the nitrofurantoin group vs 5/247 [2%] and 5/247 [1%] in the fosfomycin group, respectively). Conclusions and Relevance Among women with uncomplicated UTI, 5-day nitrofurantoin, compared with single-dose fosfomycin, resulted in a significantly greater likelihood of clinical and microbiologic resolution at 28 days after therapy completion. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01966653
Recent strategies in perinatal mental health care in Japan

In Japan, perinatal mental disorders are recognized as significant complications of pregnancy and the postpartum period. Left untreated, maternal mental disorders can lead to serious social and physical problems in mothers, including suicide, child abuse, and child neglect. A number of steps in perinatal mental health care can be taken to help mothers remain emotionally balanced during pregnancy and after childbirth. Active interventions mediated by cooperation among professionals from multiple fields will decrease the incidence of serious problems associated with maternal mental disorders.
Immortalized HEK 293 Kidney Cell Lines as Models of Renal Cells: Friends or Foes?

The immortalized cell lines derived from human embryonic kidney, named HEK 293, are extensively used as models of human renal cells in in vitro studies. Nevertheless, ample evidence in the literature shows that HEK 293 cells display genotypic and phenotypic characteristics that differ substantially from primary kidney cells, with potential detrimental effects on the quality of the experimental results. Among the differences documented between HEK 293 and renal cells, there is an altered pattern of expression of many proteins involved in the development and physiological functions of the kidney. Methionine sulfoxide reductase (Msr) enzymes are ubiquitous components of the cellular machinery, evolved to counteract the damages inflicted to methionine residues by oxidative stress, particularly intense in kidney tissues. In this article, we have compared the levels of expression of several different Msr enzymes in human kidney and in a HEK 293 strain and have observed significant differences between the two cell types.
Novel foods: a risk profile for the house cricket (Acheta domesticus)

Abstract Novel foods could represent a sustainable alternative to traditional farming and conventional foodstuffs. Starting in 2018, Regulation (EU) 2283/2015 entered into force, laying down provisions for the approval of novel foods in Europe, including insects. This Approved Regulation establishes the requirements that enable Food Business Operators to bring new foods into the EU market, while ensuring high levels of food safety for European consumers. The present risk profile tackles the hazards for one of the most promising novel food insects, the house cricket (Acheta domesticus). The risk profile envisages a closed A. domesticus crickets rearing system, under Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) and good farming practices (GFP), in contrast with open cricket farms. The methodology used involves screening the literature and identifying possible hazards, followed by adding relevant inclusion criteria for the evidence obtained. These criteria include animal health and food safety aspects, for the entire lifespan of crickets, based on the farm to fork One Health principle. When data were scarce, comparative evidence from close relatives of the Orthoptera genus was used (e.g. grasshoppers, locusts and other cricket species). Nevertheless, significant data gaps in animal health and food safety are present. Even if HACCP‐type systems are implemented, the risk profile identifies the following considerable concerns: (1) high total aerobic bacterial counts; (2) survival of spore‐forming bacteria following thermal processing; (3) allergenicity of insects and insect‐derived products; and (4) the bioaccumulation of heavy metals (e.g. cadmium). Other hazards like parasites, fungi, viruses, prions, antimicrobial resistance and toxins are ranked as low risk. For some hazards, a need for additional evidence is highlighted.
Ocular effects of hepatitis c virus antiviral drugs

Purpose The goal of this research is to find out the incidence of any ophthalmic adverse effects associated with sofosbuvir − ribavirin combination therapy in comparison with sofosbuvir − ribavirin − interferon combination therapy in patients having chronic hepatitis C. Patients and methods A prospective nonrandomized comparative study was carried on 80 eyes of 40 patients with a documented diagnosis of chronic hepatitis C referred by the Internal Medicine and Hepatogastroenterology Department. Study group 1 (20 patients; 40 eyes) patients enrolled in the dual-therapy delineation (a 24-week regimen of 400 mg/day sofosbuvir and a 600 mg/day ribavirin) and study group 2 (20 patients; 40 eyes) patients registered in the triple-therapy planning (12-week regimen of sofosbuvir and ribavirin plus 180-µg peginterferon α-2a subcutaneously weekly). All recorded patients were subjected to entire ophthalmic examination before the medicaments strategy inauguration with periodic examination at 3 and 6 months during the treatment plan using Schirmer test and tear film breakup time test. Results Retinopathy has been evidenced at 3 months after treatment onset in 15% of group 2 candidates and receded at 6 months, which dates 3 months after treatment termination, with no cases of retinopathy in group 1 patients; the difference was statistically insignificant. Schirmer test and tear film breakup time results changed significantly over the 6-month study period. In study group 1, values of both tests decreased at 3 months after the start of sofosbuvir antiviral drug therapy and continued to dwindle throughout the period of follow-up. On the contrary, in study group 2, they decreased at 3 months after treatment onset but came to the common standard values 3 months after treatment discontinuation. Conclusion In our research, both study groups show that the drug-induced dry eye effects were in any event reasonably mild and had trivial effect on one’s daily performance. The retinal lesions in our patients were peacefully asymptomatic, as there were no effects on the best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) in all patients throughout the 6-month study period.
The role of heparin-binding protein in the diagnosis of acute mesenteric ischemia.

BACKGROUND Acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI) is associated with a high mortality rate, yet diagnostic difficulties persist. Although many biomarkers have been investigated for diagnostic purposes, as well as imaging methods, a sufficiently specific and sensitive marker has not been identified. This research was designed to examine whether heparin-binding protein (HBP), which has a role in the early phase of inflammation, could be useful in the diagnosis of AMI. METHODS Serum samples obtained from a previously performed rabbit model of AMI were used in the study. HBP, C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin 6 (IL-6) levels were measured in blood samples obtained at baseline and 1, 3, and 6 hours from subjects that were separated into 3 groups: control, sham, and ischemia. The change in each marker over time and comparisons of the groups were evaluated statistically. RESULTS A significant difference was not detected at the first hour in any of the studied markers. At the third hour, the CRP and IL-6 levels in the ischemia group indicated a significant increase in comparison with the control and sham groups (p<0.001). The HBP values showed a significant increase at the sixth hour in the ischemia group in comparison with the others (p<0.001). CONCLUSION The HBP level demonstrated a slower increase in a rabbit model of AMI compared with CRP and IL-6. However, it still has the potential to become an early diagnostic biomarker. Diagnostic sensitivity and specificity should be evaluated in further clinical trials.
Clinical pattern and causative agents of adverse cutaneous drug reactions in a tertiary care hospital SKIMS Soura Srinagar.

Background: Adverse drug reactions are the most frequent side effects of drugs. Most of them being benign but can prove fatal sometimes. Aim: To study the different clinical spectrum of cutaneous adverse drug reactions and to determine causative drugs. Methods: It was a prospective hospital based study carried out for a period of 3 years. It was part of continuous adverse drug reaction monitoring carried out by our pharmacovigilance center at SKIMS. Results: Out of 1225 total adverse drug reactions 685 were enrolled as cutaneous ADR’s. Most common types observed were maculopapular rash (43.9%), fixed drug eruptions (36.2%) and urticaria (15.1%). The drugs most incriminated for various cutaneous ADR’s were antimicrobials (48.7%), anticonvulsants (22%), and NSAIDS (17.9%). Antimicrobials were also responsible for maximum of (58.3%) of severe cutaneous ADR’s like TEN and SJS. Conclusion: Pattern of cutaneous ADR’s and their causative drugs are similar to those observed in other regions with small variations, as reported by similar studies. However, due to emergence of newer drugs and differing trends in use of drugs, both pattern of cutaneous ADR’s as well as drugs causing them are changing every year. Further studies of similar nature with more expertise are required for safe use of drugs in future. JMS 2017;20(2):73-76
A specific dietary intervention to restore brain structure and function after ischemic stroke

Occlusion of the middle cerebral artery (MCAo) is among the most common causes of ischemic stroke in humans. Cerebral ischemia leads to brain lesions existing of an irreversibly injured core and an ischemic boundary zone, the penumbra, containing damaged but potentially salvageable tissue. Using a transient occlusion (30 min) of the middle cerebral artery (tMCAo) mouse model in this cross-institutional study we investigated the neurorestorative efficacy of a dietary approach (Fortasyn) comprising docosahexaenoic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, uridine, choline, phospholipids, folic acid, vitamins B12, B6, C, and E, and selenium as therapeutic approach to counteract neuroinflammation and impairments of cerebral (structural+functional) connectivity, cerebral blood flow (CBF), and motor function. Male adult C57BL/6j mice were subjected to right tMCAo using the intraluminal filament model. Following tMCAo, animals were either maintained on Control diet or switched to the multicomponent Fortasyn diet. At several time points after tMCAo, behavioral tests, and MRI and PET scanning were conducted to identify the impact of the multicomponent diet on the elicited neuroinflammatory response, loss of cerebral connectivity, and the resulting impairment of motor function after experimental stroke. Mice on the multicomponent diet showed decreased neuroinflammation, improved functional and structural connectivity, beneficial effect on CBF, and also improved motor function after tMCAo. Our present data show that this specific dietary intervention may have beneficial effects on structural and functional recovery and therefore therapeutic potential after ischemic stroke.
Sustenance of salivary response in human population and suggestions for elderly denture wearer: An in vivo study

Aim: The purpose of this study was to confirm whether psychic stimulation of salivation occurs in human also and to formulate certain guidelines for complete denture wearers. Material and Methods: Armamentarium used for this study includes preweighed cotton packets, two glass beakers, stopwatch, electronic digital balance, cotton tweezers, and hot fresh snacks. After this, the mopping protocol for the participants was made, and each participant was told to follow the instructions for all the 6 days of observations. The collected data of salivary flow as per the protocol were tabulated in terms of increase in cotton weight for all the steps. Similar tables were prepared for all the forty participants. As the sample size was small, a nonparametric analytical plan was adopted. Wilcoxon signed-rank test (nonparametric variant of paired t-test) and Mann–Whitney U-test (nonparametric variant of Student's t-test) were used. Results: For baseline secretions (day 1 without thought of food) values for all steps were overall higher in males, mean value is 2.99 ± 1.14 g as compared to 2.08 ± 0.82 g for females for Step 1 (0 – 3)mts, in males as compared to in females for Step 5(12 – 15)mts. Overall, a significant difference between two genders was observed for baseline flow during all the steps except for Step 5 (P < 0.05) with males showing significantly higher flow as compared to females. It was observed that there was a significant difference between baseline and stimulated salivary flow in all the participants on all the days of observation, except for the Step 4 and 5 where it was near to baseline. Conclusions: The findings generally suggest that yes there is an enhancement of salivary flow with the thought of food, but it lasts for 6–9 min after which it turns to base level.
Thoracolumbar fractures: Nonsurgical versus surgical treatment

The thoracolumbar (TL) region is a common site of injury after high-energy trauma which can result in significant disability. Despite advances, controversies continue to exist regarding the management of the injury and indications for surgery. This review is aimed to provide an insight into the existing literature on the nonoperative and operative management of TL trauma. Many classifications of spinal fractures have been proposed to guide management. However, there are no high-level studies comparing the outcomes of surgical and conservative management using these classification systems. These classifications have also not been validated by randomized clinical trials. In general, surgical stabilization is indicated for biomechanically unstable fractures such as flexion distraction injuries, unstable burst fractures, and fracture dislocations whereas simple compression fractures are treated conservatively. There is conflicting evidence in trials comparing conservative and surgical management in TL burst fractures with intact neurology. Progressive neurological deficits, significant kyphosis, and significant canal compromise are generally accepted indications for surgery without proper Level 1 or Level 2 evidence.
Sustained Subconjunctival Delivery of Infliximab Protects the Cornea and Retina Following Alkali Burn to the Eye

Purpose Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α is upregulated in eyes following corneal alkali injury and contributes to corneal and also retinal damage. Prompt TNF-α inhibition by systemic infliximab ameliorates retinal damage and improves corneal wound healing. However, systemic administration of TNF-α inhibitors carries risk of significant complications, whereas topical eye-drop delivery is hindered by poor ocular bioavailability and the need for patient adherence. This study investigates the efficacy of subconjunctival delivery of TNF-α antibodies using a polymer-based drug delivery system (DDS). Methods The drug delivery system was prepared using porous polydimethylsiloxane/polyvinyl alcohol composite fabrication and loaded with 85 μg of infliximab. Six Dutch-belted pigmented rabbits received ocular alkali burn with NaOH. Immediately after the burn, subconjunctival implantation of anti-TNF-α DDS was performed in three rabbits while another three received sham DDS (without antibody). Rabbits were followed with photography for 3 months. Results After 3 months, the device was found to be well tolerated by the host and the eyes exhibited less corneal damage as compared to eyes implanted with a sham DDS without drug. The low dose treatment suppressed CD45 and TNF-α expression in the burned cornea and inhibited retinal ganglion cell apoptosis and optic nerve degeneration, as compared to the sham DDS treated eyes. Immunolocalization revealed drug penetration in the conjunctiva, cornea, iris, and choroid, with residual infliximab in the DDS 3 months after implantation. Conclusions This reduced-risk biologic DDS improves corneal wound healing and provides retinal neuroprotection, and may be applicable not only to alkali burns but also to other inflammatory surgical procedures such as penetrating keratoplasty and keratoprosthesis implantation.
Cross Sectional Study of Fibromatous Epulis in A Buffalo Herd

Fibromatous epulis, is a rare growth affecting the gingival mucosa of neonates. It is benign condition seen more frequently in females with multiple Epuli occurring in only 10% of cases. The cause and origin of fibromatous epulis remains unclear. This clinical investigations discussed about the epidemiology, clinical outcome, concurrent infection, biochemical and complete blood profile of a buffalo calf positive for epulis. Epulis arising from the upper and lower gingival margin, which were successfully managed therapeutically.