Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of prostaglandin E1 in patients with mixed arterial and venous ulcers of the lower limbs

Mixed arterial and venous ulcers of the lower limbs are present in around 15–30% of patients with chronic venous ulcers (CVUs) and are considered difficult‐to‐heal wounds. The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of the treatment of mixed arterial and venous ulcers of the lower limbs with prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) infusion. This study was carried out in 48 consecutive patients. Patients who showed intolerability to PGE1, and patients with peripheral neuropathy, blood or systemic diseases, malignancy and acute wound infections or necrotic tissue on the wound bed were excluded. The patients were separated at random into two main groups: group I (25 patients) received standard treatment and PGE1 infusion. Group II (23 patients) received only standard treatment. Pre‐treatment data indicated the area of ulceration. The number of healed ulcers and the variation in the area of ulceration were considered as endpoints. The endpoints were noticed after 120 days from the beginning of treatment. Healing occurred in 80% of limbs of group I and in 52·2% of limbs of group II patients. The average reduction in area was 92% versus 60% in patients of group I and II, respectively. During the whole treatment period, the incidence of adverse events was 8% in group I: there was one case of headache and one case of headache and hypotension combined. No side effects were recorded in patients of group II. In conclusion, PGE1 infusion is a determinant in the reduction of the healing time of mixed ulcers of the lower limbs.
A pilot study investigating lactic acid bacterial symbionts from the honeybee in inhibiting human chronic wound pathogens

Treatment and management of chronic wounds is a large burden on the health sector and causes substantial suffering for the patients. We believe that 13 lactic acid bacteria (LAB) symbionts isolated from the honey crop of the honeybee are important players in the antimicrobial action of honey, by producing antimicrobial substances and can be used in combination with heather honey as an effective treatment in wound management. A total of 22 patients with chronic ulcers were included; culture‐dependent and molecular‐based (MALDI‐MS and 16S rRNA gene sequencing) techniques were used to identify bacteria from chronic wounds. These clinical isolates were used for in vitro antimicrobial testing with standardised viable LAB and sterilised heather honey mixture. Twenty of the patients' wounds were polymicrobial and 42 different species were isolated. Patient isolates that were tested in vitro were inhibited by the LAB and honey combination with inhibitory zones comparable with different antibiotics. LAB and heather honey in combination presents a new topical option in chronic wound management because of the healing properties of honey, antimicrobial metabolite production from the LAB and their bactericidal effect on common chronic wound pathogens. This new treatment may be a stepping stone towards an alternative solution to antibiotics.
No significant clinical drug-drug interaction potential with indacaterol

Background and aim: Indacaterol is an inhaled, long acting beta2 agonist, that is metabolized by UGT1A1 and cytochrome P450 enzymes, mainly CYP3A4. In vitro studies showed indacaterol to be a low affinity substrate for the efflux transporter Pgp. Four studies evaluated whether co-administration of drugs that inhibit CYP3A4 and/or Pgp may result in elevated systemic concentrations of indacaterol. Method: All studies had open-label, two period, crossover designs in which a single inhaled 300μg dose of indacaterol was first given alone and then in the presence of steady-state concentrations of the orally administered inhibitor. Serum indacaterol was quantified using a sensitive LC/MS/MS method. The key PK parameters were Cmax, AUC0-24h and AUClast. Results: Verapamil was used as the prototype inhibitor of Pgp and resulted in 1.5- to 2-fold increase in AUC and 1.5-fold increase in Cmax. Erythromycin (CYP3A4 inhibitor) resulted in an increase of 1.4- to 1.6-fold for AUC and 1.2-fold for Cmax. Combined inhibition of Pgp and CYP3A4 by the strong dual inhibitor ketoconazole caused 1.9 to 2-fold and 1.3-fold increases in AUC and Cmax, respectively. Concomitant treatment with another dual inhibitor of CYP3A4 and Pgp, ritonavir, resulted in a 1.7- to 1.8-fold increase in AUC, whereas Cmax was unaffected. Conclusion: Systemic clearance of indacaterol is influenced by modulation of both Pgp and CYP3A4. The 2-fold AUC increase caused by ketoconazole reflects the impact of maximal combined inhibition. As indacaterol has demonstrated good overall safety at daily doses of up to 600μg over a year, the magnitude of exposure increases due to drug-interactions do not raise any safety concerns for therapeutic doses up to 300μg.
Measures of physical performance assessments: Self‐Paced Walk Test (SPWT), Stair Climb Test (SCT), Six‐Minute Walk Test (6MWT), Chair Stand Test (CST), Timed Up & Go (TUG), Sock Test, Lift and Carry Test (LCT), and Car Task

In this review, clinical physical performance measures (PPMs) that relate directly to people with lower extremity osteoarthritis (OA) (1), yet are also relevant for other rheumatic conditions that affect the lower extremity, are evaluated. This information is complementary and an update to some of the measures of adult general performance presented in the special issue of Arthritis Care & Research in 2003 (2). In the current review, PPMs are defined as clinician-observed measures of physical function that assess a task that can be classified as “activities” using the World Health Organization International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) model (3). They do not include measures that are specific tests of body structure, body function, or impairments, e.g., specific measures of strength or balance. Physical function is related to “the ability to move around” (4) and “the ability to perform daily activities” (5) and is assessed directly by an observer while the activity is being performed by an individual, usually by timing, counting, or distance measures. PPMs measure what an individual can do rather than what the individual perceives they can do as in self-reported functional measures (5). The selection of PPMs for this review was based on the following criteria: 1) clinical (field) tests: PPMs were selected if they were readily available, required portable or no equipment, and could be conducted within the clinical setting; 2) relevant to core activities commonly impaired in people with OA: a range of PPMs was selected to reflect the ICF activities most relevant to individuals with lower extremity OA, including walking and moving (ICF d450– 69), changing and maintaining body position (ICF d410– 29), climbing (ICF d4551), and carrying, moving, and handling objects (ICF d430–49); 3) current trends: PPMs that have been included in a performance battery for lower extremity OA were targeted to reflect current trends and recommendations in recent literature (a performance battery is a composite of a number of individual PPMs grouped together); and 4) most commonly cited: PPMs for individuals with OA that were most commonly cited in a literature search were given priority over those less frequently cited. A computerized literature search using Medline, CINAHL, ISI Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane was performed. Key terms were mapped to medical subject headings terms: osteoarthritis (hip and knee), task performance and analysis, observation, physical examination, walking or mobility limitations, physical fitness, physical functioning or disability evaluation, and performancebased measures.
Patient preoperative expectations of total hip replacement in European orthopedic centers

Patient expectations have been identified as a factor that may account for individual differences in recovery after total hip replacement (THR) surgery. However, patient expectations have not been studied within a valid theoretical framework. This study employed the World Health Organization's model of health, the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF), to classify the content of preoperative patient expectations of THR.
Subepidermal moisture (SEM) and bioimpedance: a literature review of a novel method for early detection of pressure‐induced tissue damage (pressure ulcers)

Current detection of pressure ulcers relies on visual and tactile changes at the skin surface, but physiological changes below the skin precede surface changes and have a significant impact on tissue health. Inflammatory and apoptotic/necrotic changes in the epidermal and dermal layers of the skin, such as changes in interstitial fluid (also known as subepidermal moisture (SEM)), may precede surface changes by 3–10 days. Those same epidermal and subepidermal changes result in changes in the electrical properties (bioimpedance) of the tissue, thereby presenting an objective, non‐invasive method for assessing tissue damage. Clinical studies of bioimpedance for the detection of pressure ulcers have demonstrated that changes in bioimpedance correlate with increasing severity of pressure ulcer stages. Studies have also demonstrated that at anatomical locations with pressure ulcers, bioimpedance varies with distance from the centre of the pressure ulcers. The SEM Scanner, a handheld medical device, offers an objective and reliable method for the assessment of local bioimpedance, and therefore, assessment of tissue damage before signs become visible to the unaided eye. This literature review summarises pressure ulcer pathophysiology, principles of bioimpedance and clinical research using bioimpedance technology to assess pressure ulcers.
A functional splice site in the 5' untranslated region of a zein gene

Zein genes, the genes coding for the zein storage proteins of maize, have a unique gene structure where at least two promoters lie upstream of the coding region. Between the P1 promoter (900 base pairs upstream of the coding region) and the translation initiation AUG codon are 18 short reading frames. A discrepancy between the signals obtained by S1-mapping and primer extension and the DNA sequence in the region of one of these signals suggests the presence of a 3' splice site lying 40 nucleotides upstream of the coding region. A splicing event removing all of the short reading frames from the mRNA transcribed from the P1 promoter would bring this mRNA into a translatable form. Further evidence for a functional 3' splice site has been obtained from sequencing of primer extension products and in vitro splicing of a hybrid intron in the HeLa cell in vitro splicing system.
The CelluTome epidermal graft‐harvesting system: a patient‐reported outcome measure and cost evaluation study

Conventional split skin grafts (SSG) require anaesthesia, specialist equipment and can have high donor site (DS) morbidity. The CelluTome epidermal graft‐harvesting device is a novel alternative, providing pain‐free epidermal skin grafts (ESG) in the outpatient setting, with projected minimal DS trauma and improved patient satisfaction. This study aimed to compare ESG with SSG by evaluating patient‐related outcome measures (PROMs) and the cost implications of both.
Alterações afetivas em pacientes deprimidos submetidos à Estimulação Transcraniana por Corrente Contínua

The present study evaluated, through self-reports of positive affects, of negative affects and of life satisfaction, the therapeutic effects of anodal Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Endereco: Instituto de Psicologia da Universidade de Sao Paulo. Avenida Professor Mello Moraes, 1721 Bloco F. CEP: 05508-030. Cidade Universitaria. Sao Paulo, SP – Brasil. Telefone: (11) 85477982. Email: jufiquer@usp.br. Artigo apresentado na Sessao Coordenada: Depressao em Foco: Avancos Teoricos Metodologicos e de Tratamento (Area de Psicobiologia e Neurociencias) na XXXVII Reuniao Anual da Sociedade Brasileira de Psicologia, 2007. Apoio Financeiro: Fapesp e CNPq. 150 Fiquer, J. T. , et al. (TDCS) on depressed patients. Thirty one patients with major depression participated on this study. They were distributed in two groups: Active Group (n=21) treated with ten sessions of anodal 2mA TDCS applied in the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and the Control Group (n=10) treated with ten sessions of TDCS placebo. Both groups answered a Brief Affect Scale and evaluated their life satisfaction through a Scale of Schematic Faces before and after the treatment. Patients of the Active Group presented an increase of positive affects, a reduction of negative affects and an increase of their life satisfaction. These findings point to the presence of bidimensional affective alterations in depression and to the therapeutic potential of the TDCS in the readjustment of positive and negative affects.
The impact of lower limb chronic oedema on patients' quality of life

This study aimed to explore patients' perceptions regarding the impact that lower limb chronic oedema has on their quality of life (QoL). A quantitative descriptive design was used to collect data from patients with lower limb chronic oedema. A condition‐specific validated questionnaire was distributed to a purposive sample (n = 122) through manual lymphatic drainage/vascular/health clinics in Ireland. Results indicated that patients with lower limb chronic oedema experience a wide range of physical problems such as limb heaviness (74%, n = 66), weakness (44%, n = 40) and pain (38%, n = 34). Additionally, difficulties with walking (53%, n = 48), standing (51%, n = 46) and bending (45%, n = 40) were reported. Concerns regarding poor body image were strongly evident (76%, n = 68). Difficulties finding clothing/footwear to fit oedematous limb(s) were reported (59%, n = 53), in addition to finding clothes that participants would like to wear (64%, n = 58). Emotional symptoms of irritability (42%, n = 38), anxiety (41%, n = 37) and tension (40%, n = 36) were reported. Over half of the participants (55%, n = 49) stated that their chronic swelling affected their social functioning and their ability to engage in leisure activities. This study has identified that lower limb chronic oedema has significant psychological, social and physical implications for persons' QoL.
In vitro and in vivo models investigating pharmacological modulators of the metabolic syndrome

BACKGROUND: Owing to the long-term health risks associated with increased adiposity and the limited efficacy of existing anti-obesity agents, there is an urgent need for further development of alternative therapeutic options to serve as an adjunct to lifestyle measures to address global cardiometabolic risk and thus reduce the risk of developing obesity-related illnesses such as type II diabetes and cardiovascular disease. AIMS/METHODS: The studies presented in this thesis aimed to investigate the effects of novel (CBi antagonist) and existing (metformin) pharmacological agents on components of the metabolic syndrome using in vitro and in vivo models. This was undertaken with in vitro studies of the effect of CBi receptor modulation on white, brown and primary (subcutaneous and omental) pre-adipocyte proliferation, adipogenesis and adipokine production as well as a randomised, double-blind cross-over trial of the effects of metformin on vascular function and metabolic profile in young women with polycystic ovary syndrome (in vivo). RESULTS: CBi receptor antagonism inhibited white and primary pre-adipocyte proliferation and increased expression of terminal markers of adipogenesis while promoting adiponectin production. In young women with PCOS, short term metformin therapy improved arterial stiffness and endothelial function, resulted in modest weight loss and an elevation in serum adiponectin. There is increasing evidence for the key role the latter plays in metabolic processes and vascular health, and these increases in adiponectin levels may underlie some of the mechanisms mediating the changes observed. Therefore treatments targeting a switch inthe adipokine profile as the therapeutic goal represent a new approach to addressing global cardiometabolic risk.
The primary structure and expression of the second open reading frame of the polymerase gene of the coronavirus MHV-A59; a highly conserved polymerase is expressed by an efficient ribosomal frameshifting mechanism.

Sequence analysis of a substantial part of the polymerase gene of the murine coronavirus MHV-A59 revealed the 3' end of an open reading frame (ORF1a) overlapping with a large ORF (ORF1b; 2733 amino acids) which covers the 3' half of the polymerase gene. The expression of ORF1b occurs by a ribosomal frameshifting mechanism since the ORF1a/ORF1b overlapping nucleotide sequence is capable of inducing ribosomal frameshifting in vitro as well as in vivo. A stem-loop structure and a pseudoknot are predicted in the nucleotide sequence involved in ribosomal frameshifting. Comparison of the predicted amino acid sequence of MHV ORF1b with the amino acid sequence deduced from the corresponding gene of the avian coronavirus IBV demonstrated that in contrast to the other viral genes this ORF is extremely conserved. Detailed analysis of the predicted amino acid sequence revealed sequence elements which are conserved in many DNA and RNA polymerases. Images
Therapie der Akne mit Antiandrogenen – Eine evidenzbasierte Übersicht

Hintergrund: Zu den wichtigsten Faktoren, die zur Pathogenese der Akne beitragen, gehört eine erhöhte Talgdrüsenaktivität mit Seborrhoe. Die antiandrogene Therapie zielt auf die androgenmetabolisierenden follikulären Keratinozyten und die Talgdrüse mit primärer sebostatischer Wirkung, wobei eine Minderung der Talgsyntheserate von 12,5 % bis zu 65 % erreicht werden kann. Nach ihrem Mechanismus teilt man die Antiandrogene ein in Androgenrezeptorblocker sowie Hemmer der zirkulierenden Androgene durch Wirkung auf das Ovar (orale Kontrazeptiva), Hemmer der zirkulierenden Androgene durch Wirkung auf die Hypophyse (Gonadotropin‐releasing‐Hormone‐Agonisten und Dopamin‐Agonisten bei Hyperprolaktinämie), Hemmer der Nebennierenrindenaktivität und Hemmer des peripheren Androgenmetabolismus (5α‐Reduktase‐Inhibitoren, Hemmer anderer Enzyme).
Color Doppler Ultrasonography in Mapping Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Background: Although Color Doppler Ultrasonography (CDUS) is useful in the diagnosis of various diseases of the head and neck, flow signals in oral malignant masses are less studied; hence the present study assesses the usefulness of Color Doppler Ultrasonography in quantifying oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) vascularization. In addition, we determine the hemodynamic parameters by spectral analysis obtained during a Color Doppler Ultrasonography procedure. We have studied the usefulness of Color Doppler Ultrasonography in mapping oral squamous cell carcinoma of the buccal mucosa, tongue and lip. Methods: This case-control study enrolled 60 subjects aged 20-70 years. Group A constituted 30 cases diagnosed with oral squamous cell carcinoma and Group B constituted 30 healthy controls. Ultrasonographic investigation of each mass was performed. The spectral waveform (time-velocity Doppler spectrum) of the flow signal was analyzed for the pulsatility index, resistive index, peak systolic velocity (m/sec), and end diastolic velocity (m/sec). All patients had real-time, gray-scale sonography and Color Doppler Ultrasonography with spectral wave analysis. Results: The mean value for the resistive index in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma was 0.40±0.14 whereas for healthy subjects, it was 0.83±0.07. The mean pulsatility index value in malignant patients was 0.86±0.20 while for healthy subjects, it came-out to be 2.61±0.77. Conclusion: These Doppler indices have been shown to be sensitive and specific for the diagnosis of malignant oral tumors. Although Color Doppler Ultrasonography cannot replace histopathological procedures, it plays a definite role as an adjunct to clinical evaluation of oral squamous cell carcinoma patients.
Giant Aplasia Cutis Congenita without Associated Anomalies

Abstract: Aplasia cutis congenita is a congenital condition in which skin, bone, and dura can be absent. The condition can present in isolation or with associated conditions such as limb anomalies or embryologic malformations. The majority of cases affect the scalp and are limited to the dermis and epidermis. Vertex aplasia cutis typically range in size from 0.5 to 3 cm. The rare larger scalp defects are prone to complications of hemorrhage and infection, and subsequently patients are at risk for death. For these reasons, surgical intervention for large defects may be required. We report the case of a 12‐month‐old Haitian boy who presented with aplasia cutis congenita of the scalp involving 10 cm of skin and 9 cm of underlying bone. There were no other associated anomalies.
Frühdiagnostik der rheumatoiden Arthritis

Zusammenfassung Die rheumatoide Arthritis (RA) führt unbehandelt über chronische Entzündungsprozesse der Synovialis zur Zerstörung von Gelenken und hat damit eine erhebliche Morbidität der Patienten zur Folge. Ein früher Therapiebeginn innerhalb von drei Monaten (sogenanntes „Window of Opportunity“) mit dem Ziel einer konsequenten Krankheitskontrolle verbessert die Langzeitprognose der Patienten erheblich. Voraussetzung für das Errei-chen dieses Ziels ist eine frühe Diagnose -sicherung. Die ACR/EULAR-Klassifikationskriterien 2010 sind dabei ein wichtiges Instrument. Ihr sinnvoller Einsatz in der klinischen Routine in Kombination mit rationeller Labor-diagnostik, modernen bildgebenden Verfahren und nicht zuletzt guter Kooperation mit primärversorgenden Hausärzten und Inter-nisten im Rahmen von Überweisungsstrategien ermöglichen es, das Ziel der nationalen Leitlinien einer Diagnose und eines Therapiebeginns innerhalb von drei bis sechs Monaten zu erfüllen. Dies setzt eine informierte Bevölkerung, gut geschulte Primärärzte und einen guten Zugang zur spezialärztlichen rheumatologischen Versorgung voraus.
Characterization of cDNA encoding the mouse DNA topoisomerase II that can complement the budding yeast top2 mutation.

Several cDNA clones encoding mouse DNA topoisomerase II were obtained from a mouse spermatocyte cDNA library and the entire coding sequence of the gene was determined. The mouse DNA topoisomerase II consists of 1528 amino acids with a molecular weight of 173 kDa. It shares significant homologies with the other eucaryotic enzymes, although species-specific sequences are observed in their highly charged C-terminal regions. The complete mouse TOP2 cDNA was put under yeast GAL1 promoter and examined for complementation of top2ts mutation in S.cerevisiae. We found that the cloned mouse gene could rescue the temperature-sensitive top2ts mutation, depending on its induction by galactose. The functional expression of the mouse DNA topoisomerase II in yeast was further confirmed by enzymatic assays and by immunological methods with antibodies specific for the mouse enzyme.
LISTA, a comprehensive compilation of nucleotide sequences encoding proteins from the yeast Saccharomyces

The amount of nucleotide sequence data is increasing exponentially. We therefore made an effort to make a comprehensive database (LISTA) for the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Each sequence has been attributed a single genetic name and in the case of allelic duplicated sequences, synonyms are given, if necessary. For the nomenclature we have introduced a standard principle for naming gene sequences based on priority rules. We have also applied a simple method to distinguish duplicated sequences of one and the same gene from non-allelic sequences of duplicated genes. By using these principles we have sorted out a lot of confusion in the literature and databanks. Along with the genetic name, the mnemonic from the EMBL databank, the codon bias, reference of the publication of the sequence and the EMBL accession numbers are included in each entry.