Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Ischemic postconditioning reduced myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury: The roles of melatonin and uncoupling protein 3

Objective: Protective effects of ischemic postconditioning (PostC) decrease/disappear with age and chronic heart diseases. Similarly, low serum melatonin levels have been reported in the same risk groups. The aims of this study were to investigate the effects of melatonin on the protection of PostC in ischemia–reperfusion (I/R)-induced infarct size and roles of uncoupling protein (UCP) 3, irisin, and nuclear factor kappa B (NFkB) levels. Methods: Rats were pinealectomized (Px) or sham operated (non-Px) 2 months before the I/R studies. The left main coronary artery was occluded for 30 min followed by 120 min reperfusion. PostC was induced with three cycles of R/I (10 s each) after ischemia. Results: The infarct size was found to be significantly higher in Px rats (54.68±1.5%) than in the control group (35.1±2.5%). PostC and melatonin administrations to non-Px rats significantly reduced the infarct size. On the other hand, PostC did not create a significant effect in Px rats, but protection was provided when PostC was co-administrated with melatonin. While significant decreases were detected in the UCP3 levels, irisin and NFkB levels increased with I/R and Px. Treatment with PostC and melatonin in non-Px groups and their co-administration in Px groups were found to return all the genes close to normal levels. Conclusion: The physiological and pharmacological concentrations of melatonin may play a role in the protection of PostC. In cases when physiological melatonin is reduced, such as aging and heart diseases, this protection may decrease, and this effect may be restored by melatonin replacement. PostC and melatonin may regulate energy metabolism and inflammatory mediators and protect mitochondria by affecting the UCP3, irisin, and NFkB levels.
Prevention of Connexin43 remodeling protects against duchenne muscular dystrophy cardiomyopathy.

Aberrant expression of the cardiac gap junction protein connexin-43 (Cx43) has been suggested to play a role in the development of cardiac disease in the mdx mouse model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), however a mechanistic understanding of this association is lacking. Here, we identified a reduction of phosphorylation of Cx43 serines S325/S328/S330 in human and mouse DMD hearts. We hypothesized that hypo-phosphorylation of Cx43 serine-triplet triggers pathological Cx43 redistribution to the lateral sides of cardiomyocytes (remodeling). Therefore, we generated knock-in mdx mice in which the Cx43 serine-triplet was replaced with either phospho-mimicking glutamic acids (mdxS3E) or non-phosphorylatable alanines (mdxS3A). The mdxS3E but not mdxS3A mice were resistant to Cx43 remodeling with a corresponding reduction of Cx43 hemichannel activity. MdxS3E cardiomyocytes displayed improved intracellular Ca2+ signaling and a reduction of NOX2/reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Furthermore, mdxS3E mice were protected against inducible arrhythmias, related lethality and the development of cardiomyopathy. Inhibition of microtubule polymerization by colchicine reduced both NOX2/ROS and oxidized CaMKII, increased S325/S328/S330 phosphorylation and prevented Cx43 remodeling in mdx hearts. Together, these results demonstrate a mechanism of dystrophic Cx43-remodeling and suggest that targeting Cx43 may be a therapeutic strategy to prevent heart dysfunction and arrhythmias in DMD patients.
Rural health issues in rheumatology: a review.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW Early access to rheumatology is imperative to achieve appropriate outcomes in rheumatologic diseases. But there seems to be a significant gap and disparity in the access to rheumatology care between urban and rural areas. This review was undertaken to analyze this issue. RECENT FINDINGS A significant delay in diagnosis of rheumatic disorder has been correlated to the travel distance to rheumatologist. It is also clear that currently, a significant rheumatology workforce shortage exists and is projected to worsen significantly, thereby making this gap and disparity much bigger. SUMMARY The scope of this gap and disparity in rheumatology care for rural patients remains incompletely defined and quantified. It is felt to be a significant issue and it is important to invest resources to obtain information about its scope. In addition, a number of solutions already exist which can be implemented using current network and infrastructure. These include relatively low-cost interventions such as patient navigator, remote rheumatology experts and if possible tele-rheumatology. These interventions can assist temporarily but a major improvement will require policy change at federal and state government level as well as involvement, buy-in, and incentivization of the providers and health networks providing rheumatology care.
Non artheritic bilateral anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy (NAION) as devastating complication following Total Hip Arthroplasty: a case report

Introduction: Postoperative vision loss (PVL) is an extremely rare complication following major surgical procedures. Patients with systemic hypertension, diabetes, coronary diseases and smokers are generally predisposed to this complication. More frequently, it is caused by ischemic optic neuropathy (ION), central retinal artery occlusion or retinal vein occlusion. Rare cases of unilateral PVL following total joint arthroplasty surgery have been recently described in literature. Case report: This case report describes the first reported bilateral non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION), which occurred 3 days following a total hip arthroplasty with a consequent post-operative hypotension. Conclusions: Orthopedic surgeons should be aware that in hip joint replacement procedures, selected patients present an higher risk of ION following intra/postoperative hypotension and prolonged surgical times. (www.actabiomedica.it)
Promoting behavioural changes to improve oral hygiene in patients with periodontal diseases: a systematic review.

AIM This systematic review investigates the impact of specific interventions aiming at promoting behavioural changes to improve oral hygiene (OH) in patients with periodontal diseases. METHODS A literature search was performed on different databases up to March 2019. Randomized and non-randomized controlled trials evaluating the effects of behavioural interventions on plaque and bleeding scores in patients with gingivitis or periodontitis were considered. Pooled data analysis was conducted by estimating standardized mean difference between groups. RESULTS Of 288 articles screened, 14 were included: 4 studies evaluated the effect of motivational interviewing (MI) associated with OH instructions, 7 the impact of oral health educational programs based on cognitive behavioural therapies, and 3 the use of self-inspections/videotapes. Studies were heterogeneous and reported contrasting results. Meta-analyses for psychological interventions showed no significant group difference for both plaque and bleeding scores. No effect was observed in studies applying self-inspection/videotapes. CONCLUSIONS Within the limitations of the current evidence, OH may be reinforced in patients with periodontal diseases by psychological interventions based on cognitive constructs and MI principles provided by oral health professionals. However, no conclusion can be drawn on their specific clinical efficacy as measured by reduction of plaque and bleeding scores over time.
Dynamic Extreme Aneuploidy (DEA) in the vegetable pathogen Phytophthora capsici and the potential for rapid asexual evolution

Oomycete plant pathogens are difficult to control and routine genetic research is challenging. A major problem is instability of isolates. Here we characterize >600 field and single zoospore isolates of Phytophthora capsici for inheritance of mating type, sensitivity to mefenoxam, chromosome copy number and heterozygous allele frequencies. The A2 mating type was highly unstable with 26% of 241 A2 isolates remaining A2. The A1 mating type was stable. Isolates intermediately resistant to mefenoxam produced fully resistant single-spore progeny. Sensitive isolates remained fully sensitive. Genome re-sequencing of single zoospore isolates revealed extreme aneuploidy; a phenomenon dubbed Dynamic Extreme Aneuploidy (DEA). DEA is characterized by the asexual inheritance of diverse intra-genomic combinations of chromosomal ploidy ranging from 2N to 3N and heterozygous allele frequencies that do not strictly correspond to ploidy. Isolates sectoring on agar media showed dramatically altered heterozygous allele frequencies. DEA can explain the rapid increase of advantageous alleles (e.g. drug resistance), mating type switches and copy neutral loss of heterozygosity (LOH). Although the mechanisms driving DEA are unknown, it can play an important role in adaptation and evolution and seriously hinders all aspects of P. capsici research.
Potential prebiotic effect of a long-chain dextran produced by Weissella cibaria: an in vitro evaluation

Abstract Dextrans are homopolysaccharides of D-glucose units produced by lactic acid bacteria. They have several technological applications and potential utilisation in positively modulating gut microbiota is attracting increasing attention. Whereas the prebiotic activity of low polymerisation degree (DP) dextrans has been established, high DP dextrans still deserve deeper investigation. In the present study, a long linear chain dextran produced by Weissella cibaria was compared to inulin with regards to the growth of specific health-related taxa and to the production of organic acids in pH-controlled batch cultures of intestinal microbiota. qPCR quantification of Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Prevotella, Bacteroides fragilis, and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii revealed differences in their relative abundance, depending on the carbon source, that reflected the pattern of fermentation products determined by HPLC. Dextran mainly enhanced the relative amount of Prevotella and Bacteroides, consistently with a favourable acetate–propionate ratio suggesting a promising utilisation as functional ingredient in the food industry.
Rheumatological Findings in Patients with Breast Cancer.

Objective Breast Cancer (BC) is the most frequently diagnosed malignancy worldwide. Not only may BC be associated with rheumatic symptoms and diseases, but also the drugs used in the treatment of this disease, including aromatase inhibitors (AIs), may lead to musculoskeletal system symptoms. In this study, we aimed to investigate the spectrum of rheumatic symptoms and diseases developing in patients with BC having no previous diagnosis of any inflammatory rheumatic disease. Materials and Methods Patients with a history of BC referring to Rheumatology Outpatient Clinics with complaints of musculoskeletal system symptoms at two centers between 2008 and 2018 were screened retrospectively. Patients with a previous diagnosis of any inflammatory rheumatic diseases before the occurrence of BC were excluded. Demographic data, onset and duration of BC, as well as onset and duration of rheumatic symptoms/diseases were recorded. Relevant laboratory tests, including autoantibodies, available imaging findings and the treatments received were also registered. Results Mean age of 128 BC patients at the time of admission was found to be 54.76±8.21 years. Mean durations of disease for BC and rheumatic disorders were 85.705±15.507 and 60.84±19.20 months, respectively. Out of 128 BC patients, nearly one third (n: 41; 32.03%), developed an inflammatory rheumatic disease, and rheumatoid arthritis was the most frequent pathology. Nonspecific arthralgia and myalgia were more frequent in patients receiving AIs than those receiving tamoxifen, despite lack of significant difference (p=0.421, p=0.411). Conclusion Given that nearly one third of the patients developed an inflammatory rheumatic disease, it should be remembered that locomotor symptoms in patients with BC may be caused not only by bone metastasis or paraneoplastic effects, but they may also suggest the presence of associated rheumatic diseases.
Decreased Jagged1 Expression in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells Delays Endothelial Regeneration in Arteriovenous Graft.

AIMS It is well-established that endothelial dysfunction promotes activation of vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC). Whether decreased accumulation of VSMCs affects endothelial regeneration and functions in arteriovenous graft (AVG) remodeling has not been studied. We sought to identify mechanisms by which the Notch ligand, Jagged1, in VSMCs regulates endothelial cell (EC) functions in AVGs. METHODS AND RESULTS AVGs were created in transgenic mice bearing VSMC-specific knockout (KO) or overexpression of Jagged1. VSMC migration, EC regeneration and its barrier functions as well as AVG remodeling were evaluated. Jagged1 expression was induced in VSMCs of neointima in the AVGs. Jagged1 KO in VSMCs inhibited the accumulation of extracellular matrix as well as VSMC migration. Fewer α-SMA-positive VSMCs were found in AVGs created in VSMC-specific Jagged1 KO mice (VSMCJagged1 KO mice) vs. in WT mice. Decreased VSMCs in AVGs were associated with deterioration of EC functions. In AVGs created in transgenic mice bearing Jagged1 KO in VSMCs exhibited delayed EC regeneration and impaired EC barrier function. Barrier dysfunction of ECs increased inflammatory cell infiltration and dysregulation of AVG remodeling and arterialization. The increased expression of IL-1β in macrophages was associated with expression of adhesion markers in ECs in AVGs created in VSMCJagged1 KO mice. In contrast, AVGs created in mice with overexpression of Jagged1 in VSMCs exhibited improved EC regeneration plus decreased macrophage infiltration. This led to AVG remodeling and arterialization. In co-cultures of ECs and VSMCs, Jagged1 deficiency in VSMCs suppressed N-cadherin and integrin β3 expression in ECs. Inhibition of integrin β3 activation delayed EC spreading and migration. Notably, Jagged1 overexpression in VSMCs or treatment with recombinant Jagged1 stimulated the expression of N-cadherin and integrin β3 in ECs. Jagged1-induced responses were blocked by inhibition of Notch signaling. CONCLUSIONS Jagged1 expression in VSMCs maintains EC barrier functions and blocks infiltration of macrophages. These responses promote remodeling and arterialization of AVGs. TRANSLATIONAL PERSPECTIVE The vein is subjected to arterial environment immediately after AVG or arteriovenous fistula surgery. ECs in the vein of the AVGs and arteriovenous fistulae are denuded and regenerated later. Deficiency of Jagged1 expression in VSMCs inhibits VSMC migration, proliferation, and interferes with arterialization of vein of the AVGs. These responses also delay EC regeneration and EC barrier function with increased inflammation leading to failed vascular remodeling of AVGs. Thus, a strategy to regulate Jagged1 expression will improve AVG arterialization and function.
How to Intervene in the Caries Process: Early Childhood Caries – A Systematic Review

For an Organisation for Caries Research/European Federation of Conservative Dentistry consensus, this systematic review is aimed to assess the question of how to manage the caries process in the case of early childhood caries (ECC). Medline via PubMed was searched systematically regarding management of ECC. First priority was existing systematic reviews or randomized clinical trials otherwise cohort studies dealing with management of ECC, primarily with carious anterior teeth. After data extraction, the potential risk of bias was estimated depending on the study types, and the level of evidence was evaluated. Regarding management of ECC, results are presented for silver diamine fluoride (SDF, n = 5), nonoperative caries management (NOCM, n = 10), and restorative approaches (RA, n = 8) separately, as different kinds of studies with different levels of evidence were found for the different aspects in the management of ECC. The 5 systematic reviews on SDF showed a high potential for arrest of ECC on a high level of evidence. In NOCM, a low level of evidence for a moderate effect of fluoride varnish in arresting or remineralizing, especially non-cavitated lesions, was assessed. For RA in carious anterior upper primary teeth, a low level of evidence was found for higher failure rates of glass ionomer cement and composite fillings than composite strip crowns even if placed under general anaesthesia and especially compared to other crowns (stainless steel and zirconia). In conclusions, ECC may be managed successfully with nonoperative (SDF, regular fluoride application) and moderately well with operative approaches, but the decision is affected by many other variables such as pulpal involvement, the child’s cooperation, or a general anaesthesia setting.
Fetal growth and well‐being in a study of maternal hypertension in rabbits

Obtaining growth and physiologic data in the postnatal laboratory animal is common. However, monitoring growth in utero is far more difficult, with little data available except upon termination of pregnancy. High‐resolution ultrasound was used to monitor growth, morphology, and fetal well‐being in normotensive and hypertensive rabbits (21 fetuses) at day 16, 20, and 26 of the 32 day gestational period. Set protocols, comparable to those routinely assessed in humans, were devised and followed for each examination. Birth weight was greater in offspring of hypertensive as compared to normotensive mothers (p < 0.001); however, litter size was reduced. The greater birth weight was reflected in growth parameters measured throughout gestation indicating the predictive value of ultrasound. High‐resolution ultrasound was a reliable and sensitive method for biometric and morphologic assessment of the fetal rabbit, demonstrating that growth trajectory of offspring of hypertensive mothers may be altered early in gestation.
Case report of atypical endometrial stromal cells in an endometrial polyp and osteoclastic like giant cells in leiomyoma in the same patient: Is it a coincidence or is it a result of Tamoxifen treatment?

Atypical stromal cells are rarely identified in the endometrial polyps of the female lower genital system. These cells are suggested to develop due to a degenerative or reactive phenomenon. And osteoclastic like giant cells, which have been reported in many epithelial and mesenchymal tumors of uterus, may develop because of a degenerative or a reactive process. In this case report, we present a breast cancer patient who was commenced on Tamoxifen treatment presenting with formation of both atypical stromal cells in an endometrial polyp and osteoclastic like giant cells in the leiomyoma of the uterus. Patients who are treated with Tamoxifen should be followed meticulously to detect tumoral or proliferative lesions of endometrium and myometrium because of the adverse effects of tamoxifen on uterus. (www.actabiomedica.it)
AUGMENTED AND VIRTUAL REALITIES: THE FUTURE OF BUILDING DESIGN AND VISUALIZATION

The present study precisely conveys the methodology of developing a three-dimensional (3D) architectural model of a villa with its walk-through and displaying the model in virtual reality, which as a result, be used by the clients to spectate, customize and buy the real estate property. Additionally, the case study highlights the advancement in architecture, as certain specifications of each element of a 3D model can be viewed in a virtual environment. Virtual reality is a transpiring platform, and in addition to that, the real-estate sector shows its incorporation in designing, marketing, and selling projects. The teaching and learning process can be eased out by intervening it with technology that generates an enhanced visualization environment. These technologies, when used constructively, save time and energy and also hoard economic standards ensuing lucrative benefits.
Too Fast, too Straight, too Weird: Non-Reactive Indicators for Meaningless Data in Internet Surveys

Practitioners use various indicators to screen for meaningless, careless, or fraudulent responses in Internet surveys. This study employs an experimental-like design to empirically test the ability of non-reactive indicators to identify records with low data quality. Findings suggest that careless responses are most reliably identified by questionnaire completion time, but the tested indicators do not allow for detecting intended faking. The article introduces various indicators, their benefits and drawbacks, proposes a completion speed index for common application in data cleaning, and discusses whether to remove meaningless records at all.
DETERMINING THE TRADE POTENTIAL OF TRADE BETWEEN PAKISTAN AND SAFTA COUNTRIES USING GRAVITY MODEL

The study tried to identify main determinants of exports between Pakistan and SAFTA countries by applying the gravity model of trade. Panel data were used from the period 2003 to 2016. The independent variables include GDP, GDP per capita, distance, border, and inflation to investigate their impact on trade patterns. The Multiple Regression models were applied. The results suggested the gravity model fits into data reasonably well and Pakistan's GDP, distance, and border showed a significant negative relationship with trade patterns of SAFTA countries. Whereas inflation and per capita GDP showed a significant positive relationship with trade patterns between Pakistan and SAFTA countries. This work has tried to apply theoretical concepts and empirical analysis to add to the limited literature already available. The results suggest significant potential in SAFTA regions for Pakistan, which is still untapped. This suggested a development of liberal trade policies, decreasing Nontariff barriers to increase trade within the region.
Síndrome de cáncer hereditario de mama y ovario: aplicación clínica

Objective: To provide gynaecologists with tools for the identification of patients at risk of hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome (HBOC) and present advise regarding the preventive management of patients with this syndrome.Materials and methods: Questions were asked in relation to the risk of patients with HBOC developing breast and ovarian cancer. To answer those questions, a review of the relevant literature was conducted in the Medline database via PubMed, and in ScienceDirect and SciELO. The MESH terms used were Breast and Ovarian Cancer Syndrome, Ovarian Neoplasms, Breast Neoplasms, BRCA1 Genes, BRCA2 Genes, and their equivalent in English. Results were limited to articles published between 2005 and 2015.Results: Overall, 56 articles were found in PubMed, of which 45 were selected. The search in ScienceDirect and SciELO resulted in 7 articles. Additionally, 4 articles from other sources not linked to these data bases were also included.Conclusions: Obstetric gynaecologists must identify patients at risk of presenting Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Syndrome, and explain to the patients the importance of performing molecular testing for BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes; and they must participate in multi-disciplinary teams consisting also of geneticists, surgeons, oncologists and patients for medical decision-making in accordance with the molecular results.