Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of Oxygen Free Radicals on KATP Channel Activity in Mouse Cardiac Myocytes

Background and Objective:Oxygen-derived free radicals (OFRs), produced as myocardium is reperfused after ischemic injury, contribute to reversible and irreversible cellular injury. KATP channels, activated by ischemia, have been reported to participate in the arrhythmogenic response to acute myocardial ischemia. Therefore, we examined the effects of OFRs on the regulation of KATP channel activity. Materials and Methods: Isolated mice (ICR) hearts were perfused with Tyrode’s solution on a Langendorff apparatus. Single ventricular myocytes were isolated using enzymatic digestion with collagenase and protease. Single channel currents in the inside-out patch mode were recorded. OFRs were applied by mixing hypoxanthine and xanthine oxidase. The currents were recorded in the patch membrane at a holding potential of -60 mV. Results:OFRs generated by 0.1 U/mL xanthine oxidase and 0.5 mM hypoxanthine had no effects on the activities of KATP channels before and after treatment with 200 μM ATP. OFRs generated with 0.2 U/mL xanthine oxidase and 1.0 mM hypoxanthine reactivated the channel activities which had been attenuated by 100 μM ATP. In the presence of 100 U/mL superoxide dismutase and 122 U/mL catalase, which are OFRs scavengers, OFRs did not affect the KATP channels activities. Conclusion:OFRs generated by the reaction of hypoxanthine and xanthine oxidase increased the KATP channel activities in the inside-out patch. (Korean Circulation J 2003;33 (12):1140-1146)
Human &bgr;-Defensin 3 Peptide Is Increased and Redistributed in Crohn’s Ileitis

Background:Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) maintain a sterile environment in intestinal crypts, limiting microbial colonization and invasion. Decreased AMP expression is proposed to increase the risk for inflammatory bowel disease. Expression and function of inducible AMPs, human &bgr;-defensin 2 and 3 (hBD-2 and hBD-3), remain poorly characterized in healthy and chronically inflamed intestine. Methods:Peptide concentrations of hBD-2 and hBD-3 in serum and intestinal biopsies of subjects with ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease (CD), and those of healthy subjects were measured by ELISA. Messenger RNA of hBD-2 and hBD-3 was quantified by quantitative PCR in biopsies from the terminal ileum (TI) of patients with CD and healthy controls. Peptide localization of hBD-3 in the TI was visualized by confocal microscopy. Results:Immunoreactive hBD-3 peptide is present in the TI and colon in healthy subjects. In the TI of patients with CD, hBD-3, but not hBD-2 peptide, is increased 4-fold, whereas hBD-2 peptide is elevated in the serum. Messenger RNA of hBD-3 in the CD TI remains unchanged and does not correlate with hBD-3 peptide expression. However, hBD-3 is localized to Paneth cell granules and the apical surface of the healthy columnar epithelium. In CD, hBD-3 peptide location switches to the basolateral surface of the columnar epithelium and is diffusely distributed within the lamina propria. Conclusion:The peptide hBD-3 throughout the healthy gastrointestinal tract suggests a role in maintaining balance between host defenses and commensal microbiota. Increased and relocalized secretion of hBD-3 toward the lamina propria in the CD TI indicates possible local immunomodulation during chronic inflammation, whereas increased serum hBD-2 in CD implicates its systemic antimicrobial and immunomodulatory role.
EBV+ cutaneous B‐cell lymphoproliferation of the leg in an elderly patient with mycosis fungoides and methotrexate treatment

A 77‐year‐old man with a 5‐year history of mycosis fungoides (MF) who had received several lines of therapy, including intravenous courses of Methotrexate (MTX) for the past 2 years, went on to develop several ulcerated cutaneous nodules on the left leg. Biopsy revealed diffuse sheets of EBV‐positive large B cells (CD20+ CD30 ± IgM Lambda), with an angiocentric distribution and a monoclonal IGH gene rearrangement. Although the pathological features were diagnostic for an EBV‐positive diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL), several possibilities could be considered for assignment to a specific entity: EBV‐positive DLBCL of the elderly, methotrexate‐induced lymphoproliferative disorder (LPD), lymphomatoid granulomatosis, or the more recently described EBV‐positive mucocutaneous ulcer. The development of EBV+ lymphoproliferations has been reported in two other patients with MF under MTX, and occurred as skin lesions of the leg in one of these and in the current case, which may question the relatedness to primary cutaneous DLCBL, leg‐type.
Bone apposition around two different sandblasted and acid-etched titanium implant surfaces: a histomorphometric study in canine mandibles.

PURPOSE The aim of this study was to evaluate bone apposition to a modified sandblasted and acid-etched (SLA) implant surface (modSLA) in the canine mandible as compared with the standard SLA surface. MATERIAL AND METHODS In this experimental study, all mandibular premolars and first molars were extracted bilaterally in five foxhounds. After a healing period of 6 months, each side of the mandible received six randomly assigned dental implants alternating between the standard SLA and modSLA surface. The dogs were sacrificed at 2 weeks (n=2) or 4 weeks (n=3) after implant placement. Histologic and histomorphometric analyses were then performed for each implant. RESULTS The microscopic healing patterns at weeks 2 and 4 for the two implant types with the standard SLA and modSLA surfaces showed similar qualitative findings. New bone tissue had already established direct contact with implant surfaces after 2 weeks of healing. The mean percentage of newly formed bone in contact with the implant (BIC) was significantly greater for modSLA (28.2+/-7.9%) than for SLA (22.2+/-7.3%) (P<0.05). This difference was no longer evident after 4 weeks. An increase in BIC for both implant surface types occurred from weeks 2 to 4. This increase was statistically significant when compared with SLA at 2 weeks (P<0.05), but not when compared with modSLA at 2 weeks. CONCLUSION The data from the present study demonstrate significantly more bone apposition for the modSLA surface than the standard SLA surface after 2 weeks of healing. This increased bone apposition may allow a further reduction of the healing period following implant placement for patients undergoing early loading procedures.
Bone level alterations at implants placed in the posterior segments of the dentition: outcome of submerged/non-submerged healing. A 5-year multicenter, randomized, controlled clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE To determine if longitudinal bone level change at Astra Tech implants placed in the posterior part of the dentition was influenced by the healing conditions provided following implant placement, i.e., submerged or non-submerged healing. MATERIAL AND METHODS Eighty-four patients and 115 fixed partial dentures (FPDs or cases) entered the study. The cases were randomized into two implant installation groups: initially non-submerged (group A) or initially submerged (group B) implants. Three hundred and twenty-four implants were installed (group A=153; group B=171): 145 in the maxilla and 179 in the mandible. Radiographs from the implant sites were obtained at FPD insertion (baseline) and subsequently every 12 months. In the radiographs, the position of the marginal bone at the mesial and distal aspects of the implants was determined and the radiographic (Rx) bone level change over time was calculated. RESULTS Seven implants failed to integrate (four in group A and three in group B). During the 5 years of monitoring, three implants had to be removed and 35 implants were lost to follow-up. The Rx bone level alteration that occurred during year 1 was 0.02+/-0.38 mm in group A and 0.17+/-0.51 mm in group B. During the subsequent 4 years there was some further Rx bone loss in group B (0.02+/-0.62 mm), while in group A there was some gain of bone (0.07+/-0.5 mm). CONCLUSION The peri-implant bone level change and number of biological complications that took place during the 5 years was small and unrelated to the surgical protocol used for implant placement.
Maximizing fluid delivered by bubble‐free electroosmotic pump with optimum pulse voltage waveform

In generating high electroosmotic (EO) flows for use in microfluidic pumps, a limiting factor is faradaic reactions that are more pronounced at high electric fields. These reactions lead to bubble generation at the electrodes and pump efficiency reduction. The onset of gas generation for high current density EO pumping depends on many parameters including applied voltage, working fluid, and pulse duration. The onset of gas generation can be delayed and optimized for maximum volume pumped in the minimum time possible. This has been achieved through the use of a novel numerical model that predicts the onset of gas generation during EO pumping using an optimized pulse voltage waveform. This method allows applying current densities higher than previously reported. Optimal pulse voltage waveforms are calculated based on the previous theories for different current densities and electrolyte molarity. The electroosmotic pump performance is investigated by experimentally measuring the fluid volume displaced and flow rate.
The Role of Macrophages and Dendritic Cells in the Initiation of Inflammation in IBD

Abstract:In the healthy gastrointestinal tract, homeostasis is an active process that requires a careful balance of host responses to the enteric luminal contents. Intestinal macrophages and dendritic cells (DCs) comprise a unique group of tissue immune cells that are ideally situated at the interface of the host and the enteric luminal environment to appropriately respond to microbes and ingested stimuli. However, intrinsic defects in macrophage and DC function contribute to the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel diseases, as highlighted by recent genome-wide association studies. Gastrointestinal macrophages and DCs participate in inflammatory bowel disease development through inappropriate responses to enteric microbial stimuli, inefficient clearance of microbes from host tissues, and impaired transition from appropriate proinflammatory responses to anti-inflammatory responses that promote resolution. By understanding how intestinal macrophages and DCs initiate chronic inflammation, new pathogenesis-based therapeutic strategies to treat human inflammatory bowel diseases will be elucidated.
Association of single-nucleotide polymorphisms in non-coding regions of the TLR4 gene with primary open angle glaucoma in a Mexican population

ABSTRACT Background: Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) non-coding polymorphisms are associated to primary open angle glaucoma (POAG), normal tension glaucoma, and pseudoexfoliation glaucoma. This study was performed to determine whether non-coding single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the TLR4 gene contribute to POAG in a Mexican population. Material and methods: A total of 187 unrelated Mexican patients with POAG and 109 control subjects were included. Allelic, genotypic, and haplotypic diversity was assessed for the non-coding polymorphisms rs11536889, rs1927911, rs12377632, and rs2149356 of the TLR4 gene. Genotyping of target SNPs was performed by 5′ exonuclease allelic discrimination assays. Results: Strong linkage disequilibrium was observed among the SNPs (D’ > 0.818), which were located in one haplotype block. The rs11536889 polymorphism was not associated to POAG in any case. The frequency of the minor allele of rs2149356 was significantly higher in the glaucoma group, conferring an increased risk of POAG (p = 0.0018, OR = 1.803, 95% CI 1.2556–2.5890) whereas minor allele of rs12377632 was significantly lower, attributing a protective effect (p = 0.0001, OR = 0.6662, 95% CI 0.4753–0.9339). Subjects with genotypes carrying the minor allele of rs1927911 and rs2149356 shown an increased risk for POAG (p = 0.03, OR = 1.78, 95% CI 1.10–2.87, and p < 0.0004, OR =2.62, 95%CI 1.61–4.27 respectively). Finally, we found significant risk haplotypes. The GTT haplotype (constituted by rs1927911, rs12377632, and rs2149356) reached the higher OR (p = 0.0026, OR = 4.70, 95% CI 1.73–12.77). Conclusions: We have identified intronic TLR4 SNPs as genetic susceptibility alleles for POAG in a Mexican population. Our findings support the association of the TLR4 gene with POAG.
Effects of decontamination and implant surface characteristics on re-osseointegration following treatment of peri-implantitis.

BACKGROUND Although considerable bone fill may occur following treatment of peri-implantitis, re-osseointegration appears to be limited and unpredictable. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the effects of various decontamination techniques and implant surface configurations on re-osseointegration of contaminated dental implants. MATERIAL AND METHODS Three months after tooth extraction, implants consisting of a basal part and an exchangeable intraosseous implant cylinder (EIIC) were placed in the mandibles of dogs. The EIIC was machined (M), sandblasted and acid-etched (SLA), or titanium plasma sprayed (TPS). Ligature-induced peri-implantitis was initiated 8 weeks post-implantation and lasted until bone loss reached the junction of the two implant parts. Three treatment modalities were applied: (T1) the EIIC was exchanged for a pristine EIIC; (T2) the EIIC was sprayed in situ with saline; and (T3) the EIIC was removed, cleansed outside the mouth by spraying with saline, steam-sterilized, and remounted. A collagen barrier was placed over each fixture, and 3 months later, samples were processed for histology and histomorphometry. RESULTS T2 revealed the highest bone-to-implant contact (BIC) level (significantly better than T1 and T3). T2 also yielded the highest bone crest level (significantly better than T1), followed by T3 (significantly better than T1). SLA showed the highest BIC level (significantly better than M), followed by TPS. There were no statistically significant differences in bone crest height between implant types. CONCLUSIONS Both SLA implants and in situ cleansing resulted in the best re-osseointegration and bone fill of previously contaminated implants.
Effect of a 2-Month Program of Antioxidants-Micronutrient-Rich Diet on Concentrations of Lead, Cadmium and Aluminum in Obese Egyptian Children

Effect of a 2-Month Program of Antioxidants-Micronutrient-Rich Diet on Concentrations of Lead, Cadmium and Aluminum in Obese Egyptian Children Background: It is conceivable that toxic metals contribute to obesity by influencing various aspects of metabolism. On the same time, antioxidant micro nutrient rich diet can be a major factor in chelating heavy metals. Objective: Evaluate the effects of a 2-month program of a balanced low-caloric diet rich in antioxidants and micronutrients on the level of lead, cadmium and aluminum in obese children. Materials and Methods: 65 children (11 to 14 years) with simple obesity (BMI > the 95th percentile) were selected in this study. Children were put on a balanced diet regimen high in antioxidants and micro nutrients with low calories (1500 cal/day) for 2 months. Levels of lead, cadmium and aluminum in 24-hour urine collected were measured before and after the intervention using atomic absorption spectrometry. Results: Comparing before and after dietary intervention program, significant reduction was observed only in case of urinary lead and cadmium with P < 0.001. In addition to significant weight loss and reduction of BMI (kg/m2) from 29.1 to 27 with P<0.05. Conclusion: Diet rich in antioxidants and micro nutrients could reduce the toxic effects of heavy metals in obese children and thus facilitate control of obesity.
Intrafamilial variability in syndromic microphthalmia type 5 caused by a novel variation in OTX2

ABSTRACT Background: Anophthalmia/microphthalmia/coloboma (MAC) spectrum encompasses the most severe malformations of the eye. Together, they have an incidence of 2 in 10,000 births and can be unilateral or bilateral. These disorders are genetically heterogeneous.Materials and methods: We ascertained a large three-generation family with multiple members showing variable phenotypes of syndromic microphthalmia. Exome sequencing was performed for the proband and his affected maternal aunt. Targeted sequencing of OTX2 gene was performed for other family members.Result: Variable clinical presentation in the form of unilateral microphthalmia and bilateral microphthalmia as well as nonpenetrance were noted. Exome sequencing revealed a novel heterozygous variant c.278G>T (p.W93L) in OTX2 in the proband. All affected members as well as the unaffected mother of the proband carried the same variant.Conclusion: Syndromic microphthalmia due to mutations in OTX2 can present with significant intrafamilial phenotypic variability.
Improvement and long-term stability of neuromuscular adaptation in implant-supported overdentures.

OBJECTIVES In edentulous patients, implant-supported overdentures can improve chewing efficiency and patient satisfaction, and even a positive impact on bone tissue preservation has been observed. The objective of this long-term study was to investigate whether kinesiographic and electromyographic (EMG) parameters would also benefit from implant placement and whether the status achieved would remain consistent over time. MATERIAL AND METHODS The functional adaptability of the neuromuscular system in edentulous patients has been recorded in four different states of restoration: (1) insufficient old dentures, (2) new complete dentures, (3) implant-supported overdentures, and (4) implant-supported overdentures 10 years in use. In each state of restoration, the neuromuscular adaptation was assessed during masticatory activity on the basis of myodynamic parameters such as vertical opening, frontal extension and closing velocity. EMG parameters, i.e. Musculus masseter and Musculus temporalis activities were recorded simultaneously. RESULTS The results revealed a general increase in the myodynamic and EMG-parameters. All of them clearly approached the values for normal dentate subjects and maintained this level over a period of 10 years. The significant changes between states 2 and 3 indicate that implant stabilization of dentures is accompanied by an immediate increase of the neuromuscular parameters. CONCLUSIONS In elderly edentulous patients, the treatment with two interforaminal implants provides evidence of neuromuscular adaptation towards values of healthy dentate. Thus, the known benefits of implant placement such as tissue perseverance and improved function are complemented by improved neuromuscular adaptation.
Serum Matrix Metalloproteinase-2, -7 and -9 (MMP-2, MMP-7, MMP-9) levels as Prognostic Markers in Patients with Colorectal Cancer

Introduction: Matrix metalloproteinases are produced by tumour cells, hence, they may be associated with tumour progression including invasion, migration, angiogenesis and metastasis. Finding prognostic markers to better identify patients with higher risk for poor survival would be valuable in order to customize pre- and postoperative treatment as well as to enable closer follow-up of these patients. Aim of our study was to examineMMP-2, MMP-7 and MMP-9 serum levels and correlated them with pathological data such as stage of the colorectal cancer (CRC) and outcome.Methods: The investigation included 82 patients with operable CRC without distant metastases, who had underwent blood tests in order to determine the MMP-2, MMP-7 and MMP-9 serum levels in the following time periods: preoperatively, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months postoperatively.Results: The values of the investigated MMPs decrease postoperatively and start to increase 6 month later in patients of all stages of the disease, reaching the highest value 12 month postoperatively with statistically important differences of MMP-2, MMP-7 and MMP-7 serum levels in terms of disease staging and defined points of time. Analysis of the results showed that the MMP-2 serum levels obtained 3 and 12 months postoperatively,than MMP-7 serum levels 12 months postoperatively and the MMP-9 serum levels in all analyzed points in time were in significant association with the CRC patients’outcome.Conclusion: The MMP-2, MMP-7 and especially MMP-9 serum values could be important indicators for diagnosis of the patients with CRC and for monitoring of disease progression.
PRIMARY VENTRICULAR HEMORRHAGE: FURTHER CONTRIBUTION TO A CHARACTERISTIC SYMPTOM GROUP

In a previous study of ventricular hemorrhage based on an anatomic clinical survey of twelve cases, of both extraventricular and primary ventricular types, an effort was made to find a differential picture for diagnostic purposes.1Three additional cases of the primary ventricular type are submitted here. The clinical course of events and the verification of anatomic lesions at autopsy enable me to amplify the diagnostic statement made in the first study, the characteristic symptom group described which remains essentially corroborated. REPORT OF CASES Case 1. —M. D. , a laborer aged 55, who was obese, had complained of a slight headache for a few days. The sugar content of the blood was 170 mg. , and the blood pressure 175 systolic and 100 diastolic. On returning from work, he suddenly fell unconscious. Half an hour later convulsive seizures appeared in the left arm and leg, which lasted only a fraction of
Updates on resources, software tools, and databases for plant proteomics in 2016–2017

Proteomics data processing, annotation, and analysis can often lead to major hurdles in large‐scale high‐throughput bottom‐up proteomics experiments. Given the recent rise in protein‐based big datasets being generated, efforts in in silico tool development occurrences have had an unprecedented increase; so much so, that it has become increasingly difficult to keep track of all the advances in a particular academic year. However, these tools benefit the plant proteomics community in circumventing critical issues in data analysis and visualization, as these continually developing open‐source and community‐developed tools hold potential in future research efforts. This review will aim to introduce and summarize more than 50 software tools, databases, and resources developed and published during 2016–2017 under the following categories: tools for data pre‐processing and analysis, statistical analysis tools, peptide identification tools, databases and spectral libraries, and data visualization and interpretation tools. Intended for a well‐informed proteomics community, finally, efforts in data archiving and validation datasets for the community will be discussed as well. Additionally, the author delineates the current and most commonly used proteomics tools in order to introduce novice readers to this ‐omics discovery platform.
The Ocular Hypotensive Efficacy of Topical Fasudil, a Rho-Associated Protein Kinase Inhibitor, in Patients With End-Stage Glaucoma

To investigate the effects of topical administration of a selective Rho-associated kinase (ROCK) inhibitor, fasudil 0.5% and 1.2% in glaucomatous patients. In this interventional case series study, 4 eyes of 4 patients with unilateral end-stage primary open-angle glaucoma and no light perception vision were assigned to receive topical fasudil 0.5% (in 3 eyes) or 1.2% (in 1 eye) ophthalmic solution twice daily for 8 weeks. At weeks 1, 2, 3, 4, and 8, intraocular pressure (IOP) and adverse events were evaluated. Baseline mean IOP was 53.5 ± 3.4 mm Hg and mean IOP reductions of the last visit were −8.25 ± 1.2 mm Hg at 2 hours and −8.75 ± 2.2 mm Hg at 4 hours. Mean IOP reductions were clinically and statistically significant with 0.5% and 1.2% fasudil and peak effects occurred 2–4 hours after application (P = 0.0002). The largest IOP reductions were produced by 1.2% fasudil (up to −12 mm Hg). Conjunctival hyperemia was found in 1 patient with 1.2% fasudil. Topical administration of fasudil in end-stage primary open-angle glaucoma patients, caused reduction in IOP and was well tolerated. ROCK inhibitors could be considered as a candidate for glaucoma therapy in future.