Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A study of longitudinal measurements in the screening for osteopenia of prematurity

Aim: To investigate the biochemical parameters and bone Â“speed of soundÂ” (SoS) values used in the screening for osteopenia of prematurity (OP). Material and Methods: Serial measurements of tibial bone SoS and concomitant serum calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels of preterm infants in postnatal week 1, 3, and 6 were studied retrospectively. Results: Fifty premature infants ≤ 35 weeks of gestational age were included in the study. A positive correlation was detected between serum P levels and SoS values at 1st and 6th week (r = 0.55, P = 0.0001 and Rho = 0.67, P = 0.0001, respectively). SoS values in postnatal week 3 were correlated with SoS values in week 1 and week 6 (Rho = 0.67, P = 0.0001 and Rho = 0.65, P = 0.0001, respectively). Serum Ca, P, and ALP levels measured in postnatal week 1 and 3 were not predictive of the subsequent risk of osteopenia. The SoS value in week 3 (≤ 2940 m/s) was predictive of the risk of osteopenia in week 6, with sensitivity of 85% and specify of 73% (Area under the curve [AUC] = 0.80, p = 0.001). Conclusions: Serum P levels were correlated with bone SoS values. Bone SoS measurements in postnatal week 3 rather than biochemical parameters was predictive of the risk of osteopenia in postnatal week 6. For this reason, screening for osteopenia can be started at postnatal week 3 in newborn units where quantitative ultrasonography (QUS) is used.
Peran Mesenchymal Stem Cells dalam Regulasi PDGF dan Sel Islet pada Diabetes

Diabetes merupakan kelompok penyakit metabolik yang ditandai dengan peningkatan kadar glukosa darah sebagai akibat kerusakan sel β pankreas dan atau resistensi insulin. Penelitian klinik menunjukan bahwa transplantasi islet dapat memperbaiki gejala terkait diabetes, meskipun demikian keterbatasan pendonor menjadi masalah serius. Hasil penelitian terkini melaporkan bahwa Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) berpotensi tinggi dalam meregenerasi kerusakan jaringan pankreas termasuk sel islet dengan melibatkan berbagai growth factor terutama PDGF. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui pengaruh MSCs tali pusat dalam meningkatkan jumlah sel islet dan gambaran kadar PDGF pada hari ke 44 fase remodelling jaringan pankreas yang rusak. Penelitian ini menggunakan 20 mencit (Mus musculus) Balb-C yang diinduksi streptozotocin hingga diabetes. Terdapat 4 kelompok penelitian (n=5/kelompok) terdiri atas kontrol (K) dan perlakuan (P). Kelompok kontrol diberi PBS sementara P1, P2, dan P3 diberi MSCs dengan dosis berbeda, yaitu: P1=1,5x105, P2= 3x105, dan P3=6x105 sel secara intraperitoneal. Pada hari ke 44 dilakukan pemeriksaan ELISA pada sampel darah untuk mengetahui kadar PDGF dan histopatologi jaringan untuk penghitungan sel islet pankreas. Hasil penelitian didapatkan peningkatan jumlah sel islet pankreas secara signifikan (p<0,05) dan kadar PDGF sesuai dengan kelompok kontrol. Penelitian eksperimental pada mencit (Mus musculus) inimengesankan bahwa MSCs mampu meningkatkan jumlah sel islet pankreas dan meregulasi kadar PDGF.
Effects of Endovascular Stent-Assisted Angioplasty on Cellular Metabolism in the Hippocampus of Elderly Patients with Symptomatic Vertebrobasilar Artery Stenosis

Background Cerebral artery stenosis is closely related to cognitive function, and angioplasty can improve the cognitive function of elderly patients with vertebrobasilar artery stenosis. The specific mechanism, however, is not clear. This study explored the effect of angioplasty on cellular metabolism in the hippocampus of elderly patients with symptomatic vertebrobasilar artery stenosis. Material/Methods Eighteen elderly patients with symptomatic vertebrobasilar artery stenosis who underwent endovascular stent-assisted angioplasty (ESAA) in our department were studied. The changes in cellular metabolism (NAA/Cr, CHO/Cr, NAA/CHO) in bilateral hippocampal areas were detected by MRS before and at 6 months and 12 months after the ESAA. The Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale (MoCA), Hamilton Depression Self-assessment Scale (HAMD), and Hamilton Anxiety Self-assessment Scale (HAMA) were also used to evaluate the cognition, depression, and anxiety of patients at different time points of the study, and analyzed the correlation between the changes of cellular metabolism in the hippocampus and the scores of MoCA, HAMD, and HAMA. Results The levels of NAA/Cr in left/right hippocampal areas were significantly higher at 6 and 12 months after the ESAA than before (1.01±0.17/1.22±0.26 vs. 1.10±0.20/1.05±0.26 vs. 0.82±0.10/0.84±0.11, respectively) (P<0.01). MoCA scores were positively correlated with the levels of NAA/Cr in the left/right hippocampal areas (P<0.05 and P<0.01, respectively). Conclusions ESAA can improve cognitive function of patients by changing the cellular metabolism of the hippocampus in elderly patients with symptomatic vertebrobasilar artery stenosis.
Correction: Dictyostelium Myosin Bipolar Thick Filament Formation: Importance of Charge and Specific Domains of the Myosin Rod

Myosin-II thick filament formation in Dictyostelium is an excellent system for investigating the phenomenon of self-assembly, as the myosin molecule itself contains all the information required to form a structure of defined size. Phosphorylation of only three threonine residues can dramatically change the assembly state of myosin-II. We show here that the C-terminal 68 kDa of the myosin-II tail (termed AD-Cterm) assembles in a regulated manner similar to full-length myosin-II and forms bipolar thick filament (BTF) structures when a green fluorescent protein (GFP) ''head'' is added to the N terminus. The localization of this GFP-AD-Cterm to the cleavage furrow of dividing Dictyostelium cells depends on assembly state, similar to full-length myosin-II. This tail fragment therefore represents a good model system for the regulated formation and localization of BTFs. By reducing regulated BTF assembly to a more manageable model system, we were able to explore determinants of myosin-II self-assembly. Our data support a model in which a globular head limits the size of a BTF, and the large-scale charge character of the AD-Cterm region is important for BTF formation. Truncation analysis of AD-Cterm tail fragments shows that assembly is delicately balanced, resulting in assembled myosin-II molecules that are poised to disassemble due to the phosphorylation of only three threonines. Dictyostelium myosin bipolar thick filament formation: Importance of charge distribution and specific domains of the myosin rod. PLoS Biol 2(11): e356.
Vessel Wall Inflammation in Spontaneous Cervical Artery Dissection

Background and Purpose—Vessel wall inflammation (VWI) may be a pathogenetic factor in cervical artery dissection (CAD). We used contrast-enhanced high-resolution MRI (hrMRI) and positron emission tomography CT (PET-CT) to systematically investigate VWI in spontaneous CAD. Methods—In this monocentric, prospective, observational study, all consecutive patients with acute, MRI-confirmed, spontaneous CAD admitted to our center between August 2007 and August 2009 were included. VWI was defined as perivascular contrast enhancement in hrMRI and increased perivascular [18F]-fluorodesoxyglucose uptake in PET-CT. VWI was further differentiated between local (restricted to the site of dissection) and generalized (exceeding the site of dissection). Results—A total of 37 patients were included. Multiple dissections were seen in 10 patients (27%). Twenty-five patients received both modalities as planned, 8 received only PET-CT, and 4 received only hrMRI. A subset of patients showed signs of a generalized VWI in hrMRI (.
Studies on the Influence of Enriched-Environment Housing Combined With Systemic Administration of an α2-Adrenergic Antagonist on Spatial Learning and Hyperactivity After Global Ischemia in Rats

Background and Purpose The purpose of this study was to determine whether an enriched housing environment and/or systemic administration of the α2-adrenergic receptor antagonist atipamezole facilitate the rate of spatial learning after global ischemia in rats. Methods Carotid arteries were closed for 20 minutes after permanent cauterization of vertebral arteries on the previous day. Enriched-environment housing and drug/saline treatment were begun 3 days after ischemia. For rehabilitation, housing in an enriched environment was combined with exploration in a labyrinth. Behavioral tests (the open-arena test and water-maze learning set task) were performed after 1-week periods of drug/saline treatment three times. In addition, the open-arena test was performed to evaluate the baseline level of animals 2 days after the induction of ischemia and at the end of the experiment, when the water-maze task was assessed in another room. Results Rats housed in an enriched environment after ischemia showed better acqui.
The effects of National Health Insurance Scheme on equity and quality of diabetes care in secondary healthcare facilities in SouthWest Nigeria

There have been concerns about the influence of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) on equity and quality of diabetes care in many healthcare settings. This study aimed to assess the effects of NHIS onequity and quality of diabetes care (DC) in Nigeria. A prospective cross-sectional study was carried out among 110 (insured n=42, uninsured=68) consenting type 2-diabetics. Diabetic outpatients on oral hypoglycemic drugs, with at least 4 clinic visits prior to the time of the study were consecutively selected at two NHIS accredited public hospitals in Southwest, Nigeria. Patients’ perceptions of equity and quality of DC were assessed using a validated 27 items questionnaire. The medical care and pharmaceutical care in diabetes were independently assessed using medical chart review and a direct observation of dispensing pharmacists’ activities respectively. Chi-squared test was used to determine associations between variables. Majority (61.8%) of the study participants were uninsured. Females (50.9%) were more than the males (49.1%), 40.0% had post-secondary qualifications. The mean ages for the insured and uninsured were 52.02±11.6 and 58.97± 9.3years respectively. The insured and the uninsured differ in their perceptions of drug availability (p<0.001). The pharmacists’ counselling time (p<0.001) differs between the groups. The quality of medical care provided to the diabetics was generally low. The NHIS did not influence the quality of DC, though it may have engendered inequity in pharmaceutical care in the facilities.Journal of Medical and Biomedical Sciences (2018) 7(1), 11 - 21
Nutrition Status and the Risk of Mortality in Children 6–36 Months Old in Tanzania

Anthropometric measurements were taken on 2,452 children between 6 and 36 months of age at baseline and at two-month intervals thereafter in rural Tanzania. The children were followed for one year. All deaths occurring in this group were recorded using a village registration system introduced as part of a village nutrition status monitoring system. The relationship between the anthropometric indicators (weight for age, height for age, and weight for height, as well as weight increment) and subsequent mortality was assessed. The results indicate that over the one-year period, nutrition status was a significant predictor of mortality, with the probability of survival lower in children of low nutrition status. Low weight for age (<60% of the standard) was associated with a nine-fold increase in risk compared to weight for age above 80%; low weight for height (<80%) earned an almost fourfold increase in risk compared to weight for height>90%; and low height for age had a twofold increase in risk compared to the normal categories. An overall linear relationship was found between nutrition status and mortality, suggesting a gradual increase in mortality as nutrition status deteriorates. Incremental weight appears to be a good short-term predicator of mortality.
Age-related striatal BOLD changes without changes in behavioral loss aversion

Loss aversion (LA), the idea that negative valuations have a higher psychological impact than positive ones, is considered an important variable in consumer research. The literature on aging and behavior suggests older individuals may show more LA, although it is not clear if this is an effect of aging in general (as in the continuum from age 20 and 50 years), or of the state of older age (e.g., past age 65 years). We also have not yet identified the potential biological effects of aging on the neural processing of LA. In the current study we used a cohort of subjects with a 30 year range of ages, and performed whole brain functional MRI (fMRI) to examine the ventral striatum/nucleus accumbens (VS/NAc) response during a passive viewing of affective faces with model-based fMRI analysis incorporating behavioral data from a validated approach/avoidance task with the same stimuli. Our a priori focus on the VS/NAc was based on (1) the VS/NAc being a central region for reward/aversion processing; (2) its activation to both positive and negative stimuli; (3) its reported involvement with tracking LA. LA from approach/avoidance to affective faces showed excellent fidelity to published measures of LA. Imaging results were then compared to the behavioral measure of LA using the same affective faces. Although there was no relationship between age and LA, we observed increasing neural differential sensitivity (NDS) of the VS/NAc to avoidance responses (negative valuations) relative to approach responses (positive valuations) with increasing age. These findings suggest that a central region for reward/aversion processing changes with age, and may require more activation to produce the same LA behavior as in younger individuals, consistent with the idea of neural efficiency observed with high IQ individuals showing less brain activation to complete the same task.
“AVALIAÇÃO DA MORTALIDADE POR CAUSAS EXTERNAS SEGUNDO A CLASSIFICAÇÃO INTERNACIONAL DAS DOENÇAS (CID) EM GOIÁS, NO PERÍODO DE 2009 A 2013”

Objetivo: Levantar a taxa de mortalidade por causas externas, segundo a Classificação Internacional de Doenças (CID), em Goiás, no período de 2009 a 2013. Metodologia: Trata-se de um estudo descritivo temporal (2009 a 2013), sobre mortalidade por causas externas, no estado goiano, a partir de dados do Sistema de Informações sobre Mortalidade. Resultados: Foram utilizadas as variáveis: ciclista e motociclista traumatizado em acidente de transporte, ocupante em automóvel de transporte pesado, lesões autoprovocadas intencionalmente e agressões. As taxas são mais altas na população de adultos jovens, principalmente do sexo masculino. Com relação às lesões autoprovocadas, a discrepância entre os gêneros geralmente atribui-se à maior agressividade, maior intenção de morrer e uso de meios letais entre os homens. Conclusão: A comparação literária permite concluir que os fatores que contribuem para o aumento da mortalidade têm cunho socioeconômico e cultural e a implementação de políticas públicas é necessária para reduzir esses índices.
Perfusion Monitoring During Oculoplastic Reconstructive Surgery - Opportunities for Optimization of Surgical Techniques

Existing oculoplastic reconstructive surgical techniques are based on empirical knowledge and were established long before perfusion monitoring was possible. It is believed that an avascular graft should always be placed on a vascular bed or flap and also that the viable length of a flap depends on the width of its pedicle. The actual role of the length, width and thickness of a random flap in its survival is still not clear. Modern imaging techniques now enable monitoring of perfusion and reconsideration of how to optimize the reconstructive surgical procedures. In the present thesis, different surgical techniques were studied, namely tarsoconjunctival flaps using the modified Hughes procedure, random pattern skin advancement flaps and full-thickness eyelid axial flaps. Perfusion was assessed using laser Doppler velocimetry, laser speckel, thermography and tissue oxygenation (pO2) measurements.The results from the tarsoconjunctival flaps in pigs (Paper I) showed that perfusion decreased gradually during dissection and advancement of the tarsoconjunctival flap. At the time when the flap was sutured into placed, there was virtually no perfusion or oxygenation of the distal end of the flap. A recent study shows that the same is true for tarsoconjunctival flaps in patients (Paper II). Using a free eyelid composite graft may be an alternative reconstructive surgical technique and this has now been performed in a first case (Paper III). The results from the random pattern advancement skin flaps in pigs (Paper IV) show that the flap length may be more important than the length to width ratio. Perfusion decreased gradually from the base to the tip of the flap, reaching ~20% at 2.5 cm from the base of the flap, with virtually no perfusion 3.0 cm from the base of the flap. Making the flap longer does not seem meaningful and a free transplant may then be considered. The length to width ratio of the flap did not determine perfusion or oxygenation. Perfusion were preserved to a greater extent in the thick flaps (~40%) than in the thin flaps (~20%). On the other hand a full-thickness composite eyelid flap (paper V), which is an axial flap, there is only a slight decrease in perfusion. The results support the view that plastic surgery of the eyelids is permissive, and the rich vascularization of the eyelid due to the anastomotic network of vessels in the tarsal plate may increase the likelihood of flap survival and surgical success.In conclusion, modern techniques enables detailed flap monitoring and opens opportunities to optimize some surgical procedures. (Less)
Differential Expression of Specific Dermatan Sulfate Domains in Renal Pathology

Dermatan sulfate (DS), also known as chondroitin sulfate (CS)-B, is a member of the linear polysaccharides called glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). The expression of CS/DS and DS proteoglycans is increased in several fibrotic renal diseases, including interstitial fibrosis, diabetic nephropathy, mesangial sclerosis and nephrosclerosis. Little, however, is known about structural alterations in DS in renal diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the renal expression of two different DS domains in renal transplant rejection and glomerular pathologies. DS expression was evaluated in normal renal tissue and in kidney biopsies obtained from patients with acute interstitial or vascular renal allograft rejection, patients with interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy (IF/TA), and from patients with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), membranous glomerulopathy (MGP) or systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), using our unique specific anti-DS antibodies LKN1 and GD3A12. Expression of the 4/2,4-di-O-sulfated DS domain recognized by antibody LKN1 was decreased in the interstitium of transplant kidneys with IF/TA, which was accompanied by an increased expression of type I collagen, decorin and transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β), while its expression was increased in the interstitium in FSGS, MGP and SLE. Importantly, all patients showed glomerular LKN1 staining in contrast to the controls. Expression of the IdoA-Gal-NAc4SDS domain recognized by GD3A12 was similar in controls and patients. Our data suggest a role for the DS domain recognized by antibody LKN1 in renal diseases with early fibrosis. Further research is required to delineate the exact role of different DS domains in renal fibrosis.
Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome & its Components Among University Young Students in South of Gaza, Palestine

Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of cardio-metabolic risk factors including central obesity, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia and hypertension (HTN). It is considered to be a leading cause for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and diabetes mellitus (DM). Also, patients with MetS have high mortality rate. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of MetS among University College of Science and Technology (UCST) young students using the definition of National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP ATPIII). The study sample was consisting of 200 students (100 males and 100 females). Sociodemographic data, clinical data, life style status and dietary habits of the study population were taken by interview questionnaire. Anthropometric and biochemical evaluation were carried out. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20. The most prevalent MetS parameters in the total sample were low high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) 31.0%, large waist circumference (WC) 14.0%, high Glucose 12.5%, high Triglycerides (TG) 8.5% and high blood pressure (BP) 6.0%. Further, the percentage of female students who had high WC was higher than thus in male students. Based on NCEP ATP III definition, the prevalence of MetS in the total sample was 10.0%, with 8.0% of females and 12.0% males having MetS. There is an evidence for the presence of MetS among UCST students. It also appears that males have high incidence of MetS as compared to females. Early detection, intervention for MetS risk factors & improve dietary habits, healthier life style & promote exercise contributes to reduce the risk of MetS development.
The Current Status of Knowledge and Behavior Related to STI Prevention among High School Students in Korea

This study explores coping with STIs and related factors including knowledge, sexual behavior, and sex education among Korean adolescents. Anonymous self-administered questionnaires were distributed to 135 male and 150 female high school students. The results showed that 2.1% of participants had had sexual experience. Males had less information than females (p<0.05); 38.5% of males did not consult anyone. In contrast, females acquired information from and consulted with their parents. Although females' sexual abstinence behavior was higher than that of males (p<0.001), there were no significant differences in the STI knowledge test. Regarding sex education, 32.4–59.5% of students had received education on STIs. Students' degree of satisfaction with sexual knowledge was 10.2%, their understanding of STIs was poor, and they could not cope with having a checkup. In conclusion, high school students receive insufficient education to protect themselves from STIs. Their knowledge was not related to sexual abstinence behavior and coping behavior. Therefore, schools in Korea should provide high school students with appropriate education on STI prevention and coping behavior. In addition, an environment that facilitates consultation and clinics for helping young people deal with sexual problems should be provided.