Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Detection of CALR Mutation in Clonal and Nonclonal Hematologic Diseases Using Fragment Analysis and Next-Generation Sequencing.

OBJECTIVES To describe three methods used to screen for frameshift mutations in exon 9 of the CALR gene. METHODS Genomic DNA from 47 patients was extracted from peripheral blood and bone marrow using the EZ1 DNA Blood Kit (Qiagen, Valencia, CA) and quantified by the Quant-iT PicoGreen dsDNA Assay Kit (Invitrogen, San Diego, CA). After clinical history, cytogenetics, and molecular tests, patients were diagnosed with either clonal or nonclonal hematologic diseases. CALR screening was primarily performed using fragment analysis polymerase chain reaction, then next-generation sequencing and Sanger sequencing. RESULTS Among the 18 patients diagnosed with clonal diseases, one had acute myeloid leukemia (positive for trisomy 8), and 17 had myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs), including chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), essential thrombocythemia (ET), primary myelofibrosis (PMF), and polycythemia vera (PV). Patients with CML were positive for the BCR-ABL1 fusion. Ten patients were positive for JAK2 (PMF, n = 1; ET, n = 2; PV, n = 7), and three were CALR positive (ET, n = 1; PMF, n = 2). Patients diagnosed with a nonclonal disease were negative for JAK2, BCR-ABL, and CALR mutations. CONCLUSIONS Screening for CALR mutations is essential in BCR-ABL-negative MPNs since it not only provides valuable diagnostic and prognostic information but also identifies potential treatment targets. Since this study describes the importance of screening for known and novel biomarkers, we described in detail three methods that could be easily integrated into a clinical laboratory.
Developmental rate and allocation of transgenic cells in rabbit chimeric embryos

Summary The objective of this study was to compare developmental capacity of rabbit chimeric embryos and the allocation of the EGFP gene expression to the embryoblast (ICM) or embryonic shield. We produced chimeric embryos (TR<>N) by synchronous transfer of two or three blastomeres at the 16-cell stage from transgenic (TR) into normal host embryos (N) at the same stage. In the control group, two to three non-transgenic blastomeres were used to produce chimeric embryos. The TR embryos were produced by microinjection of EGFP into both pronuclei of fertilized rabbit eggs. The developmental rate and allocation of EGFP-positive cells of the reconstructed chimeric embryos was controlled at blastocyst (96 h PC) and embryonic shield (day 6) stage. All chimeric embryos (120/120, 100%) developed up to blastocyst stage. Using fluorescent microscope, we detected green signal (EGFP expression). In 90 chimeric (TR<>N) embryos (75%). Average total number of cells in chimeric embryos at blastocyst stage was 175 ± 13.10, of which 58 ± 2.76 cells were found in the ICM area. The number of EGFP-positive cells in the ICM area was 24 ± 5.02 (35%). After the transfer of 50 chimeric rabbit embryos at the 16-cell stage, 20 embryos (40%) were flushed from five recipients on day 6 of pregnancy, of which five embryos (25%) were EGFP positive at the embryonic shield stage. Our results demonstrate that transgenic blastomeres in synchronous chimeric embryos reconstructed from TR embryos have an ability to develop and colonize ICM and embryonic shield area.
Why do local corticosteroid injections work in carpal tunnel syndrome, but not in ulnar neuropathy at the elbow?

but we also found multiple nerve enlargements, especially the ulnar nerve at the elbow, and we hypothesized a possible susceptibility of deposition at entrapment sites. We noticed a mild increase of hyperechoic tissue inside the nerve, but we especially found enlargement of the fascicles with preserved fascicular pattern and enlargement, even at proximal sites. US can often guide the diagnostic process and, when it does not show clear findings, other imaging techniques, such as magnetic resonance, should be considered for nerve assessment. Further investigation focused on echogenicity, fascicular structure, and assessment along the entire course of the nerve is desirable to better understand the differences in US pattern in different deposition neuropathies. This information should help in the diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutic response in this type of neuropathy.
Amyloid and polypeptide hormones: What is their interrelationship?

Amyloid deposits are common in certain polypeptide-producing tissues and are sometimes a characteristic feature of diseases affecting these tissues. Recent years have given us increasing knowledge about the nature of this type of amyloid and its pathogenesis.A hyaline stroma, different in appearance from collagen, was observed in some endocrine tissues and tumors at an early date'2. Fairly soon, the amyloid nature of this stroma was discussed and designations like “atypical amyloid” or “paraamyloid” 3 were used. For a long time, the amyloid was regarded as a non-specific product of degeneration but when the nature of some systemic amyloids started to become elucidated in 1971, there was a growing suspicion that the amyloid in endocrine tissues reflected a specific pathologic event. This suspicion was verified in 1976 with the clarification of the hormonal nature of the amyloid (calcitonin derived) in a medullary carcinoma of the thyroid. Since then, three more polypeptide hormones have been identified as .
Sodium: can infants consume too much?

Purpose – Although small levels of sodium may be beneficial during infancy, high intakes may be detrimental to infant health. The aim of this paper is to give an overview on how sodium can influence infant health status in the short and long term.Design/methodology/approach – The most up‐to‐date and pertinent studies within the literature have been included and summated in this paper.Findings – The findings from this review indicate that high sodium intakes during infancy can have short‐ and long‐term health implications. Predominant sources of sodium include: cow's milk, formula diluted with high‐sodium bottled water and home‐prepared foods. Dietary advice needs to be imparted to parents with regard to “safe sodium” intakes for infants and how these can be achieved.Originality/value – This paper gives a concise, up‐to‐date overview evaluating sodium intake and infant health.
Modifications of chemically induced-enucleated nuclear transfer technique by reverse-order nuclear transfer in mouse

Summary To improve the developmental potential of somatic cell cloned embryos derived from demecolcine (DC) induced-enucleated nuclear transfer (INT), we modified the INT procedures by transferring donor nuclei into recipient cytoplasts prior to the induced enucleation of the recipient cytoplasts, and we called this modified INT technique as reverse-order and induced-enucleated nuclear transfer (RINT). Standard nuclear transfer (SNT) and INT were performed as controls. The dynamic changes of maternal and transferred donor nuclei in the RINT oocytes were monitored to evaluate the feasibility of this new nuclear transfer (NT) technique by timed immunofluorescence. Timed immunofluorescence showed that RINT is feasible because none of the transferred donor nuclei were expelled with the second polar body (Pb) in the RINT oocytes, while 42.2% of the oocytes showed extrusion of all maternal chromosome and spindles with the second Pb at 60 min after activation and DC treatment. Although there was no difference in cleavage rate (86.6% vs. 82.1%), the rates of successful enucleation and blastocyst formation were significantly increased in RINT compared with INT (44.1% vs. 27.5% and 43.3% vs. 12.8%, respectively; p < 0.01). Compared with SNT, there was no difference in cleavage rate (86.6% vs. 78.4%), but the blastocyst developmental rate was significantly increased in the RINT group (43.3% vs. 25.3%; p < 0.01). Blastocysts derived from RINT had a higher total cell number than those from SNT (45.1 ± 3 vs. 37.6 ± 4; p < 0.05). Our results provide evidence that RINT is feasible and may provide a more efficient and simple method for NT than INT.
Diagnosis and management of premature ovarian failure

Key content: • Premature ovarian failure affects approximately 1 in 100 women before the age of 40 years. • Ninety percent of cases are idiopathic; the rest are due to autoimmune and chromosomal disorders and other rare syndromes. • The condition is usually permanent but ovarian activity can resume and fertility has been noted among 5–10% of women with the diagnosis. • Multidisciplinary management involving reproductive subspecialists, endocrinologists and psychologists should be considered. • The mainstay of treatment is appropriate counselling and support, discussion about hormone replacement therapy and reproductive health care, including contraception and fertility treatment.
Effect of Raphia hookeri Seed Extract on Blood Glucose, Glycosylated Haemoglobin and Lipid Profile of Alloxan Induced Diabetic Rats

Aim: To examine the effect of Raphia hookeri (RH) seed extract on blood glucose, glycosylated haemoglobin and lipid profile of alloxan induced diabetic rats. Materials and Methods: In the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), the animals received the extract (1 g/kg) or glibenclamide (0.01 mg/kg) or vehicle and 30 min later they received oral glucose load (1 g/kg). Glucose was estimated at 30min, 1, 2, 3 and 4 h. In hypoglycaemic study, the extract was administered at doses of 100, 250 and 500 mg/kg body weight (bwt) doses. In fasting blood glucose study (FBG), diabetic Wister rats, 5 per group, received graded doses (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg) of the extract or glibenclamide (10 mg/kg) or vehicle for 15 days. Blood was collected on days 0, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15 for glucose estimation. Lipid profile was analyzed using modified enzymatic procedure.
Rehabilitation of workers with musculoskeletal injury and chronic pain

Abstract The aim of this study was to examine the relevance of type of work and socio-economic status on the experiences of pain rehabilitation for workers with musculo-skeletal injuries. The paper reports results of a study conducted with patients (n=20) and treating professionals (n = 40). The findings of this study provide insight into how patients with chronic musculo-skeletal pain and treating professionals determined success and also what they saw as barriers to success. Emergent themes and rich descriptions that supported the study showed that patients’ experiences were shaped significantly by social factors, and that type of work and socio-economic status were key determinants of success in terms of patients regaining their sense of independence and control over their lives – as opposed to losing control, remaining helpless and dependent on others, or becoming intent on revenge and validation of their pain and suffering.
Results of Arthroscopy-Assisted TightRope Repair of Acromioclavicular Dislocations

Background The present study assessed results of arthroscopy-assisted TightRope (Arthrex, Naples, FL, USA) repair of acute Rockwood grade III and V acromioclavicular (AC) dislocations. Methods We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 57 patients with AC dislocations treated with TightRope fixation: 15 Rockwood grade III and 42 grade V. Functional results were assessed using the Constant score, and Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) and RAND 36-ltem Health Survey scores after a mean 2.6 years of follow-up (range 1.0 years to 4.5 years). Radiographic results were assessed using the AC joint coracoclavicular (CC) distance. Results Postoperative radiographs showed anatomical AC joint reduction in all patients. In nine patients, fixation failed before 6 weeks postoperatively, mainly as a result of suture breakage. For the remaining 47 patients, CC distance was well maintained at 6 weeks. At follow-up, mean (SD) CC distance was significantly increased compared to the contralateral side or postoperative radiographs [17 (4) mm versus 10 (3) mm]. Mean DASH score was 9, Constant score was 88 and the RAND 36 score showed a quality of life similar to the Finnish reference population. Conclusions Despite initial good reduction of grade III and V AC dislocations using TightRope fixation, subluxation often recurs after 6 weeks. Patients suffer minor subjective complaints that do not worsen the quality of life.
Podoconiosis – non‐filarial geochemical elephantiasis – a neglected tropical disease?

Podoconiosis or mossy foot is a form of non‐filarial lymphedema. This geo‐chemical elephantiasis is a disabling condition caused by the passage of microparticles of silica and aluminum silicates through the skin of people walking barefoot in areas with a high content of soil of volcanic origin. Podoconiosis is widespread in tropical Africa, Central America and North India, yet it remains a neglected and under‐researched condition. The disabling effects of podoco‐niosis cause great hardship to patients. It adversely affects the economic (reduced productivity and absenteeism), social (marriage, education, etc.) and psychological (social stigma) well‐being of those affected. Podoconiosis can be prevented; the main primary preventive measure is protective footwear. Secondary measures include a strict hygiene regimen and compression therapy, which can reverse initial lesions. Tertiary approaches include surgical management, such as shaving operations to reduce hyperplastic and verru‐cous elephantiasis.
Effect Of combining FK506 and neurotrophins on neurite branching and elongation

There is a clinical need to improve the outcomes of peripheral nerve regeneration and repair after injury. In addition to its immunosuppressive effects, FK506 (tacrolimus) has been shown to have neuroregenerative properties. To determine biologically relevant local FK506 and growth factor concentrations, we performed an in vitro bioassay using dorsal root ganglion (DRG) from chicken embryos.
A telepaediatric burns service and the potential travel savings for families living in regional Australia

In approximately six years we have conducted more than 1000 burns consultations for children living in 65 regional towns throughout Queensland and in northern New South Wales. Some regional towns are up to 2600 km from the specialist paediatric burns centre in Brisbane. We have calculated the potential travel distance saved, assuming that each consultation required a return journey to Brisbane, and that paediatric patients would have been accompanied by a parent or carer. The annual number of telepaediatric burns consultations conducted has grown from 64 in 2001 to 285 in 2006. The average time spent per consultation was 13 min (SD 2). In 2006, telepaediatric burns appointments accounted for about 17% of all burns outpatient appointments. The median distance of patients seen by telehealth was 600 km (interquartile range 300–1225). In six years, the estimated travel savings were about 1.4 million km, which is equivalent to a return journey from Earth to the Moon. twice.
An outbreak of staphylococcal food poisoning in a nursing hostel, Mysore, Karnataka

Objectives: To know the clinical profile of the students affected due to food poisoning, the possible source of infection and the causative agent for food poisoning. Background: Food-borne diseases due to microbial contamination of food, represent serious threat to the health of millions of people henceforth, we investigated into the outbreak of food poisoning in a nursing hostel of urban Mysore. Materials and Methods: A descriptive study was conducted using semi-structured questionnaire to gather information on regarding time and type of food item consumed, onset of symptoms, presenting symptoms, medical care provided and time taken for recovery. A case for the outbreak was defined as any person who had consumed lunch on 9/12/12 from the implicated kitchen and had experienced vomiting or diarrhea or pain abdomen or all the three symptoms within 24 hours of eating lunch. Results: Out of 171 inmates,46 people suffered from food poisoning within a period of 3 days,thus leading to the attack rate of 26.9%. Commonest symptom reported among the students was pain abdomen (26.9%) followed by diarrhea. Highest risk of food poisoning was associated with consumption of Kerala matta rice This association was statistically significant with relative risk of 31.49 (95% CI 10.82-95.6). Samples of 'Kerala matta rice was subjected to bacteriological analysis, which showed colonies of coagulase-positive Staphylococcus aureus . Conclusions: In the present outbreak, the results of investigation revealed that 'Kerala matta rice' was the food item responsible for occurrence of food poisoning due to Staphylococcus . Environmental factors that could have played an important role in bacterial proliferation and enterotoxin production are manual handling of cooked rice by the food handlers and storage of the rice at room temperature for a long duration between time of preparation and consumption.
Comparative Effects of Telmisartan and Eprosartan on Insulin Sensitivity in the Treatment of Overweight Hypertensive Patients

The aim of this study was to compare the effect of telmisartan and eprosartan on insulin sensitivity in overweight hypertensive patients. Fifty overweight (BMI > or = 25 and <30 kg/m (2)) outpatients, aged 41-65 years, with mild to moderate hypertension [systolic blood pressure (SBP) >140 and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) > or = 90 and < or = 110 mmHg], after a 4-week placebo period, were randomized to receive telmisartan 80 mg or eprosartan 600 mg for 8 weeks. Following another 4-week placebo period, patients were crossed to the alternative regimen for further 8 weeks. At the end of each placebo and active treatment period, blood pressure (BP), insulin sensitivity (by euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), insulin (FPI), total cholesterol (TC), LDL-C, HDL-C, and triglycerides (Tg) were evaluated. Insulin sensitivity was expressed as the amount of glucose infused during the last 30 min (glucose infusion rate, GIR) in micromol/min/kg. Both telmisartan and eprosartan significantly reduced SBP/DBP values (by a mean of 19.4/13.3 mmHg and 17.9/12.1 mmHg respectively, all p<0.001 vs. placebo), with no significant difference between the two treatments. GIR was significantly increased by telmisartan (2.25+/-0.61 micromol/min/kg, p<0.05 vs. placebo) but not by eprosartan (0.25+/-0.14 micromol/min/kg, p=ns), the difference between the two drugs being statistically significant (p<0.02). No change in FPG, FPI, HDL-C, and Tg was observed with either treatment. Telmisartan significantly reduced TC (-9.9 mg/dl, -5%, p<0.04 vs. placebo) and LDL-C (-8.8 mg/dl, -7%, p<0.03 vs. placebo), whereas eprosartan did not influence them. These findings indicate a superiority regarding an improvement of insulin sensitivity and plasma lipid profile in overweight hypertensives by telmisartan as compared to eprosartan, possibly related to the selective stimulating PPAR-gamma property of telmisartan.
Progressive motility – a potential predictive parameter for semen fertilization capacity in bovines

Summary We examined the association between progressive motility of spermatozoa and in vitro fertilization (IVF) competence of bovine ejaculates. Fresh semen was evaluated using a computerized sperm quality analyzer for bulls using progressive motility as the primary parameter. Ejaculates with high progressive motility (HPM; >81%) were compared with those with low progressive motility (LPM; <62%). Semen concentration and sperm velocity were lower (P < 0.05) in HPM versus LPM ejaculates. Volume and motile sperm concentration did not differ between groups (P > 0.05). Examination of sperm morphology revealed a higher proportion of spermatozoa with abnormal morphology (P < 0.01) in LPM versus HPM ejaculates, the predominant abnormal feature being a bent tail (P < 0.05). Sperm viability, acrosome integrity and DNA fragmentation did not differ between HPM and LPM samples. Mitochondrial membrane potential was higher (P < 0.01) in HPM versus LPM semen. Zinc concentrations in the seminal plasma correlated with progressive motility (R2 = 0.463, P = 0.03). In addition, representative ejaculates from HPM and LPM groups were cryopreserved in straws and used for IVF. The proportions of embryos cleaved to 2- and 4-cell stages (88.1 ± 1.1 versus 80.5 ± 1.7, P = 0.001) and developed to blastocysts (33.5 ± 1.6 versus 23.5 ± 2.2, P = 0.026) were higher for HPM than LPM semen. The total cell number of embryos and blastocyst apoptotic index did not differ between groups. Although sperm progressive motility is associated with IVF competence, further examination is required to determine whether progressive motility can serve as a predictor of semen fertilization capacity in vivo.
Cardiac Pacemakers From the Patient’s Perspective

There are about 3 million people worldwide with pacemakers, and each year 600 000 pacemakers are implanted. With rare exception, implantation of a pacemaker does not change the recipient’s activities or lifestyle. Although most people who receive pacemakers are aged 60 years or older, people of any age, even children, may need pacemakers. Almost all pacemakers are implanted to treat slow heart beating, which is called “bradycardia. ” At rest, the heart usually beats about 50 to 70 times each minute, and the heart rate may increase 2- to 3-fold during stress or exercise. If the heart beats too slowly, the brain and body do not get enough blood flow and a variety of symptoms may result. Extreme slowing or complete stopping of the heartbeat can be fatal. In other cases, people may have no symptoms but are at high risk for dangerously slow heart rates because of disturbances of the electrical system of the heart. A pacemaker may be recommended for these people before symptoms occur. The normal heartbeat is controlled by a natural pacemaker in the heart called the sinus node. The electrical signal generated by the sinus node spreads throughout the heart causing it to beat. The most common reason for pacemaker implantation is because the sinus node function becomes too slow from age, heart disease, or heart medications. The other leading cause for pacemaker implantation is failure of the normal electrical signal to reach …
First report on the successful hybridization of Pangasianodon hypophthalmus (Sauvage, 1878) and Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822)

Summary Breeding and larval performance of novel hybrids from reciprocal crosses of Asian catfish Pangasianodon hypophthalmus (Sauvage, 1878) and African catfish Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822) were investigated in this study. Spawning was by hormonal injection of brood fish, artificial fertilization, and incubation in triplicate aquarium tanks (0.5 × 0.5 × 0.5 m3) with continuous aeration. Reciprocal crosses (♀C. gariepinus × ♂P. hypophthalmus and ♀P. hypophthalmus × ♂C. gariepinus) had lower hatchability (≤50%) than their pure siblings (≥75%). Fish from all crosses survived until the juvenile stage but survival at 35 days post hatching (dph) was higher for pure C. gariepinus sib. ♀C. gariepinus × ♂P. hypophthalmus was observed to be less resistant to degradation of water quality than the other crosses, however it had higher body weight compared with the other crosses that showed similar performance. Morphological comparison of surviving juvenile at 35 dph, showed that all ♀P. hypophthalmus × ♂C. gariepinus and 13% of the ♀C. gariepinus × ♂P. hypophthalmus exhibited the very same morphology as that of their maternal parent species, while the other portion of the ♀C. gariepinus × ♂P. hypophthalmus cross exhibited morphological traits that were intermediate between those of both parent species. This study been the first successful attempt to hybridize both species and therefore, laid the groundwork for further studies on the aquaculture potentials of the novel hybrids.