Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Misoprostol treatment of dystocia due to ringwomb in Awassi ewe: a case report.

Incomplete dilatation of the cervix of the ewe is descriptively named ‘ringwomb’ (1). A small hole, the size of a ring (hence the name) is felt (2). Cervical priming refers to dilating and softening of the cervix in the first stage of labor is a gradual process (3). A Caesarean section mostly performed to treat such cases in ewes. Misoprostol an analogue of prostaglandin E1 is widely used to ripen the cervix and/or initiate labor at term in human and it is more widely used to control postpartum bleeding (4,5). PGE1 has never been used in ovine obstetrics to dilate the cervix in dystocia cases due to ringwomb. Previously in this clinic misoprostol had been used successfully to treat incomplete dilatation in a cow (6). This report describes the first successful use of misoprostol (PGE1) for the treatment of ringwomb in Awassi ewe.
Endovascular treatment of very small (≤ 3 mm) intracranial aneurysms: An updated systemic review

Aim: Previously‐published meta‐analyses have concluded that coil embolization of very small (≤ 3 mm) intracranial aneurysms carry a high risk of procedural rupture, leading to morbidity and mortality. Several case series subsequently questioned the real procedural rupture risk. We therefore carried out an updated meta‐analysis.
p38 MAP Kinase and MAPKAP Kinases MK2/3 Cooperatively Phosphorylate Epithelial Keratins*

The MAPK-activated protein kinases (MAPKAP kinases) MK2 and MK3 are directly activated via p38 MAPK phosphorylation, stabilize p38 by complex formation, and contribute to the stress response. The list of substrates of MK2/3 is increasing steadily. We applied a phosphoproteomics approach to compare protein phosphorylation in MK2/3-deficient cells rescued or not by ectopic expression of MK2. In addition to differences in phosphorylation of the known substrates of MK2, HSPB1 and Bag-2, we identified strong differences in phosphorylation of keratin 8 (K8). The phosphorylation of K8-Ser73 is catalyzed directly by p38, which in turn shows MK2-dependent expression. Notably, analysis of small molecule p38 inhibitors on K8-Ser73 phosphorylation also demonstrated reduced phosphorylations of keratins K18-Ser52 and K20-Ser13 but not of K8-Ser431 or K18-Ser33. Interestingly, K18-Ser52 and K20-Ser13 are not directly phosphorylated by p38 in vitro, but by MK2. Furthermore, anisomycin-stimulated phosphorylations of K20-Ser13 and K18-Ser52 are inhibited by small molecule inhibitors of both p38 and MK2. MK2 knockdown in HT29 cells leads to reduced K20-Ser13 phosphorylation, which further supports the notion that MK2 is responsible for K20 phosphorylation in vivo. Physiologic relevance of these findings was confirmed by differences of K20-Ser13 phosphorylation between the ileum of wild-type and MK2/3-deficient mice and by demonstrating p38- and MK2-dependent mucin secretion of HT29 cells. Therefore, MK2 and p38 MAPK function in concert to phosphorylate K8, K18, and K20 in intestinal epithelia.
Change in body mass index is a stronger predictor of change in fat mass than lean mass in elderly black and white women

The aim of this study was to determine the relation between change in body mass index (BMI) and changes in fat mass (FM), lean soft tissue (LST), and percentage body fat (%Fat) in elderly (67.6 ± 6.0 years) women varying in race (53 black, 144 white) who underwent measurements of BMI, FM, LST, and %Fat at baseline and after 2 years. The group did not markedly change body composition over 2 years (BMI = −0.1 ± 1.5 kg/m2, P = 0.53; FM = 0.0 ± 2.8 kg, P = 0.95; LST = −0.4 ± 1.7 kg, P < 0.001; %Fat = 0.3 ± 2.0%, P = 0.06). Change in BMI predicted change in FM (r = 0.90, SEE = 1.19 kg FM, P < 0.001) but was less predictive of change in %Fat (r = 0.64, SEE = 1.54%Fat, P < 0.001). Change in BMI was curvilinearly related to change in LST adjusted for change in height (R = 0.76, SEE = 1.10 kg LST, P < 0.001). Change in BMI more strongly predicts change in FM than LST and could be used to monitor change in FM in community‐dwelling women. Am. J. Hum. Biol., 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Eating frequency predicts changes in regional body fat distribution in healthy adults

Background Eating frequency (EF) has been associated with generalized obesity. Aim We aimed to prospectively investigate potential associations of frequency of eating episodes with regional fat layers. Design EF was evaluated at baseline in 115 subjects free of clinically overt cardiovascular disease (54 ± 9.1 years, 70 women) in a prospective, observational study. Methods Metabolic parameters known to be associated with dietary factors and anthropometric markers including ultrasound assessment of subcutaneous (Smin) and pre-peritoneal (Pmax) fat and their ratio Smin/Pmax (AFI) were evaluated at baseline and at follow-up, 5 years later. Results EF at baseline positively correlated with Pmax, even after adjustment for potential confounders. EF above median was also an independent predictor for Pmax (beta coefficient = -0.192, P = 0.037) and AFI (beta coefficient = 0.199, P = 0.049) at follow up. Multivariable linear mixed models analysis demonstrated that subjects with increased EF presented a lower progression rate of Pmax (beta = -0.452, P = 0.006) and a higher progression rate of AFI (beta = 0.563, P = 0.003) over time, independently of age, sex, progression of BMI, energy intake, smoking and changes in parameters of glucose metabolism. Conclusions High EF is associated with lower progression rate of pre-peritoneal fat accumulation. Future interventional studies should further investigate the clinical utility of these findings.
In Vitro Antioxidant Activity of Habbe Sara (Unani Medicine) Prescribed for Febrile Convulsions

Unani system of medicine (Unanipathy) originated in Greece, enriched by Persians and Arabs and now became an integral part of Alternative medicinal systems of Pakistan and India. Habbe Sara (HS) is a Unani medicine prescribed for liver damage and febrile convulsions. The drug was tested for antioxidant activity, as there is growing evidence of role of free radicals in disease progression in liver disorders and epilepsy and benefits of concomitant antioxidant administration. Currently available antiepileptic drugs either exacerbate or decrease free radicals. Habbe Sara was tested for free radical scavenging and metal chelating activity. It showed considerable in vitro antioxidant activity in a dose dependent manner. Keywords: Unani, Ascorbic acid, Disodium ethylene diamine tetra acetic acid, Free radical scavenging, Metal chelation
Extracapsular extension but not the tumour burden of lymph node metastases is an independent adverse risk factor in lymph node‐positive bladder cancer

Seiler R, von Gunten M, Thalmann G N & Fleischmann A (2011) Histopathology 58, 571–578 Extracapsular extension but not the tumour burden of lymph node metastases is an independent adverse risk factor in lymph node‐positive bladder cancer
Short but catching up: Statural growth among native Amazonian Bolivian children

The ubiquity and consequences of childhood growth stunting (<−2 SD in height‐for‐age Z score, HAZ) in rural areas of low‐income nations has galvanized research into the reversibility of stunting, but the shortage of panel data has hindered progress. Using panel data from a native Amazonian society of foragers‐farmers in Bolivia (Tsimane'), we estimate rates of catch‐up growth for stunted children. One hundred forty‐six girls and 158 boys 2 ≤ age ≤ 7 were measured annually during 2002–2006. Annual Δ height in cm and in HAZ were regressed separately against baseline stunting and control variables related to attributes of the child, mother, household, and village. Children stunted at baseline had catch‐up growth rates 0.11 SD/year higher than their nonstunted age and sex peers, with a higher rate among children farther from towns. The rate of catch up did not differ by the child's sex. A 10% rise in household income and an additional younger sibling lowered by 0.16 SD/year and 0.53 SD/year the rate of growth. Results were weaker when measuring Δ height in cm rather than in HAZ. Possible reasons for catch‐up growth include (a) omitted variable bias, (b) parental reallocation of resources to redress growth faltering, particularly if parents perceive the benefits of redressing growth faltering for child school achievement, and (c) developmental plasticity during this period when growth rates are most rapid and linear growth trajectories have not yet canalized. Am. J. Hum. Biol., 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Tryptophan Residues Promote Membrane Association for a Plant Lipid Glycosyltransferase Involved in Phosphate Stress*

Chloroplast membranes contain a substantial excess of the nonbilayer-prone monogalactosyldiacylglycerol (GalDAG) over the biosynthetically consecutive, bilayer-forming digalactosyldiacylglycerol (GalGalDAG), yielding a high membrane curvature stress. During phosphate shortage, plants replace phospholipids with GalGalDAG to rescue phosphate while maintaining membrane homeostasis. Here we investigate how the activity of the corresponding glycosyltransferase (GT) in Arabidopsis thaliana (atDGD2) depends on local bilayer properties by analyzing structural and activity features of recombinant protein. Fold recognition and sequence analyses revealed a two-domain GT-B monotopic structure, present in other plant and bacterial glycolipid GTs, such as the major chloroplast GalGalDAG GT atDGD1. Modeling led to the identification of catalytically important residues in the active site of atDGD2 by site-directed mutagenesis. The DGD synthases share unique bilayer interface segments containing conserved tryptophan residues that are crucial for activity and for membrane association. More detailed localization studies and liposome binding analyses indicate differentiated anchor and substrate-binding functions for these separated enzyme interface regions. Anionic phospholipids, but not curvature-increasing nonbilayer lipids, strongly stimulate enzyme activity. From our studies, we propose a model for bilayer “control” of enzyme activity, where two tryptophan segments act as interface anchor points to keep the substrate region close to the membrane surface. Binding of the acceptor substrate is achieved by interaction of positive charges in a surface cluster of lysines, arginines, and histidines with the surrounding anionic phospholipids. The diminishing phospholipid fraction during phosphate shortage stress will then set the new GalGalDAG/phospholipid balance by decreasing stimulation of atDGD2.
Cytokeratin 18 (CK18) and CK18 Fragments for Detection of Minimal Residual Disease in Colon Cancer Patients

Despite advances in therapeutic approaches for patients with colorectal cancer (CRC), approximately 20-45% of those who undergo apparently curative surgery subsequently develop local or distant tumor recurrence (Harrison & Benziger, 2011). The liver constitutes the preferred metastatic site in approximately 30% of cases. According to the TNM staging system, a stage-specific 5-year survival rate of approximately 93% has to be expected for stage I, 72-84% for stage II, 44-83% for stage III and 8% for stage IV colon cancer (O’Connell et al., 2004). An early identification of patients at risk of developing metastatic disease after surgery would be of great importance for improving the clinical outcome. Currently, there are no reliable methods to identify patients who are at increased risk of relapse and in need of adjuvant chemotherapy. Aggressive postoperative treatment with cytotoxic drugs without certain indication leads to overtreatment of patients and severe side effects. Appropriate biomarkers for the identification of CRC patients at high risk for recurrence and/or poor prognosis are required to facilitate individually tailored therapy (Gangadhar et al., 2010).
Rheumatoid arthritis patients who smoke have a higher need for DMARDs and feel worse, but they do not have more joint damage than non-smokers of the same serological group.

OBJECTIVES To investigate the influence of smoking on disease activity, drug need and radiographic joint damage in RF-positive and -negative patients with early RA. METHODS Baseline and 3-yr follow-up data of 896 patients of an early RA cohort comprised clinical and radiographic parameters (Ratingen Score). Information about disease severity, treatment and smoking were obtained by questionnaires. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to show the influence of smoking on drug use, ACR improvement and joint damage. Smokers and non-smokers were compared according to RF serology. RESULTS Fifty per cent of the patients were never, 23% past and 27% current smokers. Current smokers were significantly more often RF-positive (71%) than past (66%) or never smokers (53%), but neither the RF-positive nor the RF-negative current smokers had higher 28-joint disease activity score (DAS28) or radiographic scores than never or past smokers. Within 3 yrs, current smokers had taken significantly more DMARD combinations or biologics. Non-smokers and those with <20 pack-years (PYs) had a 2-fold higher probability to reach ACR improvement than heavy smokers (>20 PYs). However, smokers did not differ in radiographic joint damage when compared with non-smokers of the same serological group. CONCLUSIONS The higher use of DMARDs may indicate that smoking weakens the potency of anti-rheumatic drugs and/or is needed to control an otherwise higher disease activity. Since the risk of adverse events increases with the amount of drugs taken, this is another reason to persuade RA patients to quit smoking.
How useful is BMI in predicting adiposity indicators in a sample of Maya children and women with high levels of stunting?

Body mass index (BMI) is used frequently to estimate adiposity levels in children and adults. However, the applicability of BMI to populations with high levels of stunting has been questioned. Stunted people can have disproportionately short legs, which may increase BMI without increasing body fat because of the relatively larger trunk compared with the legs.
Risk assessment for renal injury post aortic surgery using new and more sensitive markers of renal injury.

Renal failure in patients undergoing Aortic surgery is associated with a poor outcome. The shortcomings of serum creatinine for measuring renal function are well documented. We examined the value of alternative markers in diagnosing and predicting renal damage in patients undergoing abdominal aortic surgery and those exposed to intravascular contrast media. Cystatin C lacks some of the reservations associated with serum creatinine when used as a marker of glomerular filtration rate. The protease inhibitor alpha-glutathione Stransferase (a-GST) is recovered in urine after injury to proximal tubular cells. Urine microalbumin is a marker of glomerular permeability. Together we used all four assays to detect and characterize the nature of renal injury after surgery and contrast exposure. Cystatin C had a marginally better sensitivity than serum creatinine at detecting baseline renal impairment. It also showed earlier changes in individual patients whose renal dysfunction deteriorated over time. The urinary markers showed an earlier significant rise after the onset of surgery when compared to serum markers, but only a-GST rose significantly after contrast exposure. Patients undergoing a supra-renal cross-clamp showed significantly higher a-GST levels (and not the other three markers) when compared to the infra-renal group. Cystatin C appears to have better sensitivity and specificity for predicting the need for dialysis in patients undergoing surgery. Peak serum
Rituximab use in everyday clinical practice as a first-line biologic therapy for the treatment of DMARD-resistant rheumatoid arthritis.

OBJECTIVES This study assessed the utility of rituximab for the therapy of RA in a non-academic environment in a group of cases where anti-TNF was either not available or relatively contraindicated. METHODS Thirty-nine patients with active RA who had failed at least one DMARD received two rituximab infusions 2 weeks apart. Seventeen patients received two 1000 mg doses, and 22 received the 500 mg regimen. The 28-joint disease activity index (DAS28) and European League against Rheumatism (EULAR) response criteria were recorded at baseline, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months. RF and ANA were recorded at baseline and at 6 and 12 months. RESULTS There was a significant improvement in the DAS28 at all time points, and EULAR response was observed in 29 of 33 patients (87.9%) at 3 months, 25 of 33 patients (75.8%) at 6 months, 22 of 29 patients (75.9%) at 9 months and 23 of 30 patients (76.7) at 12 months. Improvement was also noted in CRP, and both RF and ANA were generally reduced after treatment. Patients who were on the higher regimen of two 1000 mg doses appeared to respond slightly better compared with the lower dose regimen. CONCLUSIONS Rituximab is well tolerated in everyday clinical practice and may represent a good short-term treatment option where anti-TNF therapy is either unavailable or relatively contraindicated.
Problems of recruiting participants for nursing research: a case study

There is a well established theoretical base for many of the methodological aspects of nursing research1,2,3. Researchers have explored measurement tools, design of studies, methods of data collection and analysis, but the question of recruitment of participants to a research project remains a neglected area despite the profound influence it can have on the success or failure of that project. A research project into the management of challenging behaviour in children with learning disabilities (being conducted at Hull University) provides a case study as a means of exploring and illustrating the potential problems of recruitment. This paper then identifies general guidelines that researchers can adopt for effective recruitment strategies. The conclusions drawn emphasise that recruitment is an important element of the research process and deserves careful attention in the initial planning phases of a study to ensure its completion.
Papillary thyroid carcinomas with and without BRAF  V600E mutations are morphologically distinct

Finkelstein A, Levy G H, Hui P, Prasad A, Virk R, Chhieng D C, Carling T, Roman S A, Sosa J A, Udelsman R, Theoharis C G & Prasad M L (2012) Histopathology 60, 1052–1059
Adipose tissue: Another target organ for lead accumulation? A study on sardinian children (Italy)

This study analyzes the relationship between lead levels and adipose tissue in Sardinian children. As an environmental pollutant, lead occurs in two different chemical forms: inorganic and organic lead; organic lead is present in the environment mainly as lead‐alkyls (tetramethyl and tetraethyl lead). The lead‐alkyls are characterized by their liposolubility; because of this characteristic, the behavior of organic Pb in the organism is similar to that of persistent organic pollutants (POPs). In fact, the high liposolubility of POPs, synthetic chemical substances highly resistant to biodegradation in both the environment and the human body, gives them a preferential tendency to accumulate in adipose tissue.
Massage Therapy: Principles and Practice

Unit One: Surveying the Territory: History, Standards, Boundaries, Equipment, and Environment 1. A Historical Perspective of Massage 2. Professional Standards, Boundaries, and the Therapeutic Relationship 3. Tools of the Trade and the Massage Environment Unit Two: Benefits, Contraindications, Screening, Technique, and Special Considerations for the Massage Practitioner 4. Health, Hygiene, Sanitation, and Safety Standards 5. Massage Physiology Benefits, Indications, Contraindications, and Endangerment Sites 6. The Science of Body and Table Mechanics 7. Classifying Swedish Massage Movements 8. Client Intake, Assessment, and Documentation 9. Adaptive Massage and Client Management Issues 10. Putting it all Together Unit Three: Anatomy and Physiology for the Massage Therapist 11. Introduction to the Human Body: Cells, Tissues, and the Body Compass 12. Integumentary System 13. Skeletal System 14. Skeletal Nomenclature 15. Muscular System 16. Muscular Nomenclature and Kinesiology 17. Nervous System 18. Endocrine Glands and Hormones 19. Circulatory and Lymphatic/Immune Systems 20. Respiratory System 21. Digestive System 22. Urinary System Unit Four: A User's Guide to Complimentary and Adjunctive Therapies 23. Hydrotherapy, and Spa Applications 24. Clinical Massage 25. Seated Massage 26. Asian Bodywork Therapy: Shiatsu Unit Five: Business Practices 27. The Business of Massage Appendices Glossary Index
Endocrine responses, weight change, and energy sparing mechanisms during Ramadan among Gambian adolescent women

Ramadan fasting imposes a diurnal rather than a chronic energetic challenge. When Ramadan occurs during the agricultural season in subsistence populations, diurnal and chronic effects combine. The impact of layered energetic challenges on adolescent activity, metabolism, and body composition have not been quantified. This study compares the effects of a Ramadan (30 July–3 October 2009) and subsequent non‐Ramadan (14 July–12 August 2010) agricultural season in 67 Gambian subsistence agriculturalist women between 14 and 20 years old.
The Biomechanics of the Foot and Ankle

An examinee-fastening device for use in an X-ray photographing apparatus including engageable support bands for firmly fastening an examinee to a bed plate, and preliminary fixing means for preliminarily fastening the examinee to the bed plate prior to engagement of the engageable support bands, thereby providing improved fastening of the examinee to the bed plate.
Immunohistochemical detection of intravascular platelet microthrombi in patients with lupus nephritis and anti-phospholipid antibodies.

OBJECTIVES To evaluate whether the use of platelet immunohistochemistry (IHC) markers improves the sensitivity of histological methods to detect microthrombosis in SLE nephritis and aPLs and to analyse the clinicopathological correlations of microthrombosis in this setting. METHODS Kidney biopsy specimens from 65 patients with SLE, including 36 with positive aPLs, were studied by IHC using antibodies against platelet glycoproteins CD41 and CD61. Clinical data at the time of kidney biopsy and during a mean follow-up of 7.5 years after biopsy were recorded and analysed with regard to histological or IHC data. RESULTS Histological lesions previously defined as APS nephropathy were found in 33% of the SLE kidney biopsies and were not associated with positive aPLs. Microthrombi detected as intravascular CD61(+) platelet deposits were present in 43% of the tissues and were significantly associated with positive aPLs, but not with histological APS nephropathy, nephritis manifestations nor with renal outcome. Histological APS lesions but not CD61(+) microthrombi correlated with an older age at nephritis presentation, previous cardiovascular risk factors and worse renal outcome. CONCLUSIONS Immunodetection of intravascular CD61(+) platelet aggregates is more sensitive than histological evaluation to detect acute microthrombosis and provides a better correlation with aPLs in SLE patients. In contrast, histological lesions consistent with APS nephropathy were not associated with aPLs but with cardiovascular risk factors and worse renal outcome.