Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Occult hepatitis C virus infection: what does it mean?

Occult hepatitis C virus infection (OCI) is a recently identified entity of which the existence became evident when nucleic acid amplification assays of enhanced sensitivity were introduced for the detection of hepatitis C virus (HCV) genome and its replication. This form of HCV infection has been found to persist in the presence of antibodies against HCV and normal levels of liver enzymes for years after spontaneous or antiviral therapy‐induced resolution of hepatitis C and, therefore, can be termed as secondary OCI. HCV RNA in OCI circulate at fluctuating levels normally not exceeding 200 genome copies per millilitre of serum or plasma, while low levels of virus genome and its replicative intermediate RNA‐negative strand are detectable in the liver and, importantly, immune cells, which provide an opportunity to detect active virus replication without the need for acquiring a liver biopsy. In addition to secondary OCI, a form of OCI accompanied by persistently moderately elevated serum liver enzymes in the absence of antibodies to HCV, which can be termed as cryptogenic OCI, has also been described. The current understanding of the nature and characteristics of OCI, methods and pitfalls of its detection, as well as the documented and expected pathological consequences of OCI will be summarized in this review.
Localization, mechanism and reduction of renal retention of technetium-99m labeled epidermal growth factor receptor-specific nanobody in mice.

BACKGROUND Nanobodies are single-domain antigen binding fragments derived from functional heavy-chain antibodies elicited in Camelidae. They are powerful probes for radioimmunoimaging, but their renal uptake is relatively high. In this study we have evaluated the role of megalin on the renal uptake of anti-EGFR (99m)Tc-7C12 nanobody and the potency of gelofusine and/or lysine to reduce renal uptake of (99m)Tc-7C12. METHODS First we compared the renal uptake of (99m)Tc-7C12 in megalin-deficient and megalin-wild-type mice using pinhole SPECT/microCT and ex vivo analysis. The effect of gelofusine and lysine administration on renal accumulation of (99m)Tc-7C12 was analyzed in CD-1 mice divided into lysine preload at 30 min before tracer injection (LysPreload), LysPreload + gelofusine coadministration (LysPreload + GeloCoad), lysine coadministration (LysCoad), gelofusine coadministration (GeloCoad) and LysCoad + GeloCoad. The combined effect of gelofusine and lysine on tumor uptake was tested in mice xenografts. RESULTS Renal uptake of (99m)Tc-7C12 was 44.22 ± 3.46% lower in megalin-deficient compared with megalin-wild-type mice. In CD-1 mice, lysine preload had no effect on the renal retention whereas coinjection of lysine or gelofusine with the tracer resulted in 25.12 ± 2.99 and 36.22 ± 3.07% reduction, respectively. The combined effect of gelofusine and lysine was the most effective, namely a reduction of renal retention of 45.24 ± 2.09%. Gelofusine and lysine coadministration improved tumor uptake. CONCLUSION Megalin contributes to the renal accumulation of (99m)Tc-7C12. Gelofusine and lysine coinjection with the tracer reduces the renal uptake while tumor uptake is improved. Although this methodology allows for optimization of imaging protocol using nanobodies, further improvements are needed before using these molecules for radionuclide therapy.
The effects of a group batterer treatment program: A randomized experiment in Brooklyn

Despite numerous evaluations of batterer treatment programs, most lack sufficient methodological rigor to yield valid answers about the programs' effectiveness. This paper presents results from an experimental evaluation in which 376 adult males convicted of domestic violence were randomly assigned to either a 40-hour batterer treatment program or 40 hours of community service that did not include any therapeutic treatment. We examined both official records and victims' reports of recidivism. Those assigned to the treatment program showed significantly lower recidivism, on the basis of all outcome measures from official records. Although victims' reports also recorded fewer failures among the batterers assigned to the treatment group, the differences in failure rates were not large enough to be statistically significant. Overall results suggest that therapeutic treatment for batterers may reduce domestic violence among convicted batterers who agree to this sentence.
VITREOUS SURGERY FOR IMPENDING MACULAR HOLE

Purpose: In a study conducted 15 years ago, the “Vitrectomy for Prevention of Macular Hole Study Group” was not able to prove the benefits and advantages of vitrectomy for treatment of impending macular holes; however, during the interim period, notable improvements have been achieved concerning diagnosis and efficacy of treatment. This study aims to identify the effect of current vitreous surgery for treatment of symptomatic impending macular holes. Methods: Nineteen eyes of 17 consecutive patients who had undergone vitrectomy with internal limiting membrane peeling and short-acting gas tamponade for treatment of symptomatic impending macular holes were reviewed. Outer foveal defects on preoperative optical coherence tomography were demonstrated in all cases. We analyzed visual outcome and postoperative change in foveal appearance on optical coherence tomography. Results: The follow-up period ranged from 3 months to 41 months, with a mean of 13.5 months. Mean logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution best-corrected visual acuity improved postoperatively from 0.42 ± 0.18 to 0.11 ± 0.11 (P < 0.01). Postoperative optical coherence tomography examination revealed anatomical closure with complete disappearance of outer foveal defects in all patients. Conclusion: In symptomatic patients with impending macular holes, current vitreous surgery may prevent progression to a full-thickness macular hole and improve visual outcome. A randomized trial is warranted.
Dose‐intensive chemotherapy with growth factor or autologous bone marrow/stem cell transplant support in first‐line treatment of advanced or metastatic adult soft tissue sarcoma

A systematic review was performed to determine whether first‐line dose‐intensive chemotherapy supported by growth factor or autologous bone marrow/stem cell transplantation improves response rate, time‐to‐disease progression, or survival compared with standard‐dose chemotherapy in patients with inoperable, locally advanced, or metastatic soft tissue sarcoma. The MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases were searched. Three randomized trials (2 phase 3, 1 phase 2), 12 phase 2, and 5 phase 1 dose‐escalation trials were located. One randomized trial (N = 314) did not detect significant differences in response rate (P = .65) or survival (log‐rank P = .98) between high‐dose doxorubicin plus ifosfamide with granulocyte macrophage colony‐stimulating factor and doxorubicin plus ifosfamide at standard doses. Progression‐free survival, however, was significantly longer in the high‐dose arm (log‐rank P = .03). Higher rates of thrombocytopenia, infection, grade 3 of 4 asthenia, and stomatitis were observed with high‐dose compared with standard‐dose chemotherapy. Preliminary results from a second randomized trial (N = 162) indicated no benefit with respect to tumor response for an intensified mesna, doxorubicin (Adriamycin), ifosfamide, and dacarbazine regimen with granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor support compared with standard doxorubicin, ifosfamide, and dacarbazine. Grade 4 thrombocytopenia was significantly higher with the high‐dose regimen. Four phase 2 trials of high‐dose regimens observed tumor response rates greater than 50%. Phase 1 trials reported dose‐limiting toxicity for dose‐intensive chemotherapy regimens. On the basis of the available evidence, high‐dose chemotherapy with growth factor or autologous bone marrow/stem cell transplantation should not be used in the routine treatment of patients with inoperable, locally advanced, or metastatic soft tissue sarcoma. Cancer 2008. © 2008 American Cancer Society.
AUTOSOMAL RECESSIVE VITELLIFORM MACULAR DYSTROPHY IN A LARGE COHORT OF VITELLIFORM MACULAR DYSTROPHY PATIENTS

Purpose: To report 11 cases of autosomal recessive vitelliform macular dystrophy and to compare their molecular findings and phenotypic characteristics with those of patients with the more common and well-described dominant form of the disease. Methods: Blood samples were obtained from 435 unrelated individuals with a clinical diagnosis of vitelliform macular dystrophy and screened for mutations in the coding sequences of BEST1. Medical records and retinal photographs of selected patients were reviewed. Results: Nine of the 435 probands were found to have 2 plausible disease-causing variations in BEST1, while 198 individuals were found to have heterozygous variations compatible with autosomal dominant inheritance. Inheritance phase was determined in three of the recessive families. Six novel disease-causing mutations were identified among these recessive patients: Arg47Cys, IVS7−2A>G, IVS7+4G>A, Ile205del12ATCCTGCTCCAGAG, Pro274Arg, and Ile366delCAGGTGTGGC. Forty-four novel disease-causing mutations were identified among the patients with presumed autosomal dominant disease. The phenotype of patients with recessive alleles for BEST1 ranged from typical vitelliform lesions to extensive extramacular deposits. Conclusion: The authors provide evidence that two abnormal BEST1 alleles, neither of which causes macular disease alone, can act in concert to cause early-onset vitelliform macular dystrophy.
Outcomes after radiotherapy for basaloid squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck

Basaloid squamous cell carcinoma (BSCC) is an uncommon, high‐grade variant of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the head and neck. Its poorer prognosis compared with common SCC remains controversial. The authors investigated the outcomes of patients with BSCC who received radiotherapy and compared them with the outcomes of patients with SCC.
CORRELATION OF INCREASED FUNDUS AUTOFLUORESCENCE SIGNALS AT CLOSED MACULA WITH VISUAL PROGNOSIS AFTER SUCCESSFUL MACULAR HOLE SURGERY

Purpose To study the significance of the increased fundus autofluorescence (FAF) signals at closed macula with spectral-domain optical coherence tomography and visual prognosis after successful surgery in eyes with idiopathic full-thickness macular holes (MHs). Methods Seventy-eight eyes of 78 consecutive patients with full-thickness MHs underwent successful standard vitrectomy, with internal limiting membrane peeling and followed by 10% sulfur hexafluoride gas injection. Simultaneous FAF and optical coherence tomography images were recorded at 10 days, and 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively, using a combined spectral-domain optical coherence tomography–fluorescein angiography device (Spectralis™/HRA Heidelberg Retina Angiograph 2). The appearance of increased FAF in the macula postoperatively and the relationship of FAF and optical coherence tomography findings to best-corrected visual acuity were examined. Results Stage 2, 3, and 4 MHs were present in 31, 29, and 18 eyes, respectively. The median patient age was 66 years, with a range of 54 to 79 years. In all patients, the MHs were successfully closed, and the preoperative increased FAF corresponding to MH disappeared 10 days after surgery. In 36 eyes (46.2%), however, hyperautofluorescence again appeared in the macular area 1 month postoperatively. This hyperautofluorescence was significantly associated with the recovery of the external limiting membrane lines at the fovea 1 month after surgery (P = 0.001, multiple logistic regression analysis). Also, this recovery of the external limiting membrane lines 1 month postoperatively was significantly associated with the recovery of photoreceptor inner and outer segment junction line 3 months postoperatively at the fovea (P < 0.001, Fisher exact test). Moreover, a good best-corrected visual acuity of 20/28 or better at 6 months after surgery was significantly associated with hyperautofluorescence in the macula 1 month postoperatively, the recovery of the photoreceptor inner and outer segment lines at the fovea 3 months postoperatively, and preoperative good visual acuity (P < 0.05, multiple logistic regression analysis). Conclusion In full-thickness MHs, 46.2% of our patients showed increased FAF in the macula 1 month after successful MH surgery. This hyperautofluorescence could be a sign of good visual prognosis postoperatively.
Targeted therapy in head and neck cancer

In patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN), tumor recurrence, secondary tumors, and comorbidities contribute to therapy failure, and treatment approaches often are limited by their toxicity. With the incorporation of targeted therapies, the number of options available for patients with SCCHN is growing. The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is involved in the development and progression of SCCHN and is associated with a poor prognosis. The anti‐EGFR monoclonal antibody (MoAb) cetuximab is the first targeted therapy to be developed for SCCHN. Recent data confirmed a survival advantage and enhanced locoregional control of SCCHN with cetuximab plus radiotherapy (RT) in patients with locally advanced (LA) SCCHN. Single‐agent cetuximab conferred clinical benefits for patients with platinum‐refractory metastatic disease, and a recent phase 3 trial demonstrated a survival benefit with cetuximab and standard platinum‐based therapy in the front‐line treatment of recurrent/metastatic disease. Cetuximab has a toxicity profile milder than that of cytoxic agents and does not exacerbate RT toxicity when it is used in combination. Small‐molecule EGFR‐tyrosine kinase inhibitors also have shown promise in combination with chemoradiotherapy or as single agents, although they are in earlier stages of developmental. Other targeted approaches (eg, antiangiogenics) are also under investigation. Ongoing clinical trials will further define targeted treatment roles in all stages of SCCHN. Cancer 2008. © 2008 American Cancer Society.
High‐dose chemotherapy and immunotherapy in adult Burkitt lymphoma

It has been recognized that cure is possible for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐infected patients with Burkitt lymphoma/leukemia (BL) if appropriate chemotherapy is used. The introduction of rituximab in BL therapeutic schemes has been scarcely explored. The outcome and toxicity of HIV‐positive patients with BL treated in a rituximab and intensive chemotherapy‐based trial was evaluated.
Should cirrhosis change our attitude towards treating non‐hepatic cancer?

Cirrhosis is a major cause of morbidity and mortality and is the end stage of any chronic liver disease. Cancer, a leading cause of death worldwide, is a growing global health issue. There are limited data in the literature on the incidence, prevalence and management of non‐hepatic cancers (NHC) in cirrhotic patients. The aim of this brief review was to underline the main concerns, pitfalls and warnings regarding practice for these patients.
Gene‐specific alterations of hepatic gene expression by ligand activation or hepatocyte‐selective inhibition of retinoid X receptor‐α signalling during inflammation

Inflammation leads to transcriptional downregulation of many hepatic genes, particulary those activated by retinoid X receptor‐α (RXRα) heterodimers. Inflammation‐mediated reduction of nuclear RXRα levels is a main factor in reduced nuclear receptor (NR)‐regulated hepatic gene expression, eventually leading to cholestasis and liver damage.
Cost‐benefit analysis of cephradine and mezlocillin prophylaxis for abdominal and vaginal hysterectomy

Summary. Four hundred patients (300 abdominal and 100 vaginal hysterectomies) were randomized to receive a single, pre‐operative intravenous injection of saline (placebo), 2 g cephradine or 5 g mezlocillin. The frequency of wound and pelvic infections was significantly reduced (P<0.05, χ2‐ or Fisher's exact test) in the abdominal hysterectomy patients who received cephradine (16% vs 23% mezlocillin, 29% placebo) and in the vaginal hysterectomy patients who received cephradine or mezlocillin (0% mezlocillin, 6% cephradine vs 27% placebo). These results are similar to those of previous studies and suggest that prophylaxis is more effective for vaginal than for abdominal hysterectomy. However, a cost‐benefit analysis supported the opposite conclusion. Cephradine prophylaxis for abdominal hysterectomy resulted in cost savings to the hospital and the community health services with measurable benefits to the patient. In contrast, cephradine or mezlocillin prophylaxis for vaginal hysterectomy resulted in increased costs to the hospital, no savings to community services and no significant benefit to the patient. We conclude that cost‐benefit analysis provided valuable additional information to the conventional, statistical analysis of wound or pelvic infection rates.
Recent advancements in the diagnosis of oral premalignant and malignant lesions: A comprehensive review

The diagnosis and treatment of lesions are currently based on histopathology, which is the gold standard for the diagnosis of cancer and dysplasia at the molecular level. Recently, there has been an increasing trend of optical spectroscopy methods for the detection of oral premalignant and malignant lesions and the same is highlighted in this paper. It depends on the optical spectrum derived from any tissue that contains information about the histological and biochemical make-up of that tissue. It provides tissue diagnosis in real-time, non-invasively, and in situ .
ORGANIC AND NITROGENOUS MATTER EFFECTS ON THE DENITRIFICATION OF SALINE AND PROTEIN‐RICH EFFLUENTS

Abstract The separate effect of protein concentration, nitrate concentration and carbon/nitrogen (C/N) ratio on the rate and efficiency of nitrate reduction was studied in batch reactors fed with a mixture of a synthetic substrate and a saline protein‐rich salmon‐plant effluent. At a constant nitrate concentration (40 mg L−1), the specific rate of nitrate removal decreased by 60% with increasing initial protein concentration (392 to 1900 mg L−1) and ammonification prevailed under these conditions; meanwhile at a constant protein concentration (1104 mg L−1), the specific rate of nitrate removal increased 58 times with increasing nitrate concentrations (0.5 to 78 mg L−1) and denitrification was the main route for nitrate reduction. The C/N ratio had an inverse effect on the specific rate of denitrification; the latter ranged from 227 to 563 [mg NO3 −‐N (g VSS·d)−1] for a C/N ratio of 163 to 16 [mg TOC (total organic carbon) (mg NO3 −‐N)−1], respectively. On the other hand, the ammonia production rate was proportional up to a C/N ratio of 150.
IRON MONOSULFIDE AS A SCAVENGER FOR DISSOLVED HEXAVALENT CHROMIUM AND CADMIUM

Abstract Iron sulfide minerals are common components of soil/sedimentary environments. Reactions near the surfaces of iron sulfides play important roles in metal retention, mobility, and bioavailability. A series of batch experiments was conducted to study the removal of aqueous chromium and cadmium by iron monosulfide. Hexavalent chromium was reduced to Cr(III) by iron monosulfide with simultaneous precipitation of chromium and iron oxyhydroxide. In contrast to chromium, the primary retention mechanism of cadmium by iron monosulfide was lattice exchange. Surface adsorption to iron monosulfide and precipitation with sulfide on the iron monosulfide surface also contributed to the removal of aqueous cadmium. New phases of both chromium and cadmium were confirmed with transmission electron microscopy. The solution pH was an important factor in this research; it can change particle surface charge and metal species, hence affecting the removal of chromium, but not cadmium. Ferrous ions without FeS exhibited less Cr(VI) removal than with FeS, which might be owing to sulfides from FeS and the existence of the solid phase. Iron monosulfide exhibited higher removal efficiency for chromium and cadmium than zero valent iron and other iron oxide minerals, and the synergistic effect of ferrous iron and sulfide appeared to cause this result.
PLUS DISEASE DIAGNOSIS IN RETINOPATHY OF PREMATURITY: Vascular Tortuosity as a Function of Distance from Optic Disk

Purpose: To examine vascular tortuosity as a function of distance from the optic disk in infants with retinopathy of prematurity. Methods: Thirty-four wide-angle retinal images from infants with retinopathy of prematurity were reviewed by 22 experts. A reference standard for each image was defined as the diagnosis (plus vs. not plus) given by the majority of experts. Tortuosity, defined as vessel length divided by straight line distance between vessel end points, was calculated as a function of distance from the disk margin for arteries and veins using computer-based methods developed by the authors. Results: Mean cumulative tortuosity increased with distance from the disk margin, both in 13 images with plus disease (P = 0.007 for arterial tortuosity [n = 62 arteries], P < 0.001 for venous tortuosity [n = 58 veins] based on slope of best fit line by regression), and in 21 images without plus disease (P < 0.001 for arterial tortuosity [n = 94 arteries], P <0 .001 for venous tortuosity [n = 85 veins]). Images with plus disease had significantly higher vascular tortuosity than images without plus disease (P < 0.05), up to 7.0 disk diameters from the optic disk margin. Conclusion: Vascular tortuosity was higher peripherally than centrally, both in images with and without plus disease, suggesting that peripheral retinal features may be relevant for retinopathy of prematurity diagnosis.
Biogenic modified silica as a sorbent of cadmium ions: Preparation and characterization

This work describes the preparation and characterization of biogenic modified silica from rice hull ash and its use as a sorbent of cadmium ions. Thus, an agro‐industrial residue has been used to produce a new adsorbent product which is able to remove toxic elements. Mesoporous biogenic silica was obtained by alkaline extraction of sodium silicate by hydrolysis with the sol‐gel process, and it was modified with salen using 1,2‐dichloroethane as a spacer. The surface area of the silica was measured by nitrogen adsorption/desorption analysis. Surface modification was measured by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The degree of functionalization was obtained by elemental analysis. This work showed that biogenic modified silica can be produced in aqueous media from rice hull ash using a simple method, providing an alternative method for adsorbent preparation. Thermogravimetric analysis showed that the salen‐modified silica is stable up to 209 °C. The modified silica displays appropriate structural characteristics for an adsorbent. The cylindrical pores, open at both ends, allow free diffusion of cadmium ions to the adsorption sites on the silica surface. The surface modification increases cadmium adsorption on the silica surface 100‐fold. The salen‐modified silica showed specific adsorption for Cd2+ of 44.52 mg/g SiO2 at cadmium concentration of 100 mg/l.
Clinicopathological correlation of infective vaginal discharges in non pregnant sexually active women of reproductive age group in a tertiary care centre of Western UP

Background: The aim was to study the etiology of infective vaginal discharges prevalent in our area and to study its association with PID. Methods: A total of 500 patients were recruited for study attending Gynae OPD and presenting with vaginal discharge. After detailed history taking and physical examination three sterile vaginal swabs were taken from the posterior fornix and sent for culture of Candida and Trichomonas on Saborauds Dextrose Agar and Kufperberg media respectively and one was used for smear for gram’s staining to diagnose Bacterial vaginosis by Nugent’s scoring. Results: In this study, prevalence of BV, Candida and Trichomonas vaginalis was found to be 146 (29.2%), 106 (21.2%) and 15(3%) respectively out of 24 cases had mixed infections while no organism was found in 257 cases (51.4%). Candida infection was found to be significantly associated with presence of other complaints such as itching, burning micturition, dyspareunia etc (p