Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
NaCl Potentiates Human Fibrocyte Differentiation

Excessive NaCl intake is associated with a variety of fibrosing diseases such as renal and cardiac fibrosis. This association has been attributed to increased blood pressure as the result of high NaCl intake. However, studies in patients with high NaCl intake and fibrosis reveal a connection between NaCl intake and fibrosis that is independent of blood pressure. We find that increasing the extracellular concentration of NaCl to levels that may occur in human blood after high-salt intake can potentiate, in serum-free culture conditions, the differentiation of freshly-isolated human monocytes into fibroblast-like cells called fibrocytes. NaCl affects the monocytes directly during their adhesion. Potassium chloride and sodium nitrate also potentiate fibrocyte differentiation. The plasma protein Serum Amyloid P (SAP) inhibits fibrocyte differentiation. High levels of extracellular NaCl change the SAP Hill coefficient from 1.7 to 0.8, and cause a four-fold increase in the concentration of SAP needed to inhibit fibrocyte differentiation by 95%. Together, our data suggest that NaCl potentiates fibrocyte differentiation. NaCl-increased fibrocyte differentiation may thus contribute to NaCl-increased renal and cardiac fibrosis.
A water-soluble fraction from a by-product of wheat increases the formation of propionic acid in rats compared with diets based on other by-product fractions and oligofructose

Background Dietary fibre is fermented by the colonic microbiota to carboxylic acids (CA), with potential health effects associated in particular with butyric and propionic acid. Objective To investigate the formation of CA in the hindgut of healthy rats fed dietary fibre from different fractions of wheat shorts, a by-product of the milling of wheat. Design Rats were fed dietary fibre (80 g/kg feed per day for 7 days) from wheat shorts and fractions thereof (ethanol-soluble, water-soluble and insoluble fractions), oligofructose (OF) diet and a mixture of oligofructose and raffinose (OR) diet. Results The water-soluble fraction, with a high content of arabinoxylan (AX), increased the formation of propionic acid in the hindgut and lowered the ratio of acetic to propionic acid in the portal blood of rats. High levels and proportions of butyric acid were seen in rats fed the OR diet. The pattern of CA resulting from the ethanol-soluble diet, mainly composed of fructan and raffinose, was more similar to that of the OF diet than the OR diet. Conclusions The high formation of propionic acid with the water-soluble fraction may be attributed to the high AX content. The results also indicate that the wheat fructans produced more propionic acid and less butyric acid than OF. It may furthermore be speculated that the formation of butyric acid associated with the OR diet was due to a synergetic effect of OR.
The Selection of Grammatical Features in Word Production: The Case of Plural Nouns in German

Two experiments investigate the effect of number congruency using picture-word interference. Native German participants were required to name pictures of single objects (Nase 'nose') or two instances of the same object (Nasen 'noses') while ignoring simultaneously presented distractor words. Distractor words either had the same number or were different in number. In addition, the type of plural formation (same or different inflectional plural suffix) and the semantic relationship (same or different semantic category) between target and distractor were varied in Experiments 1 and 2. Results showed no effect of number congruency in either experiment. Furthermore, the type of inflectional suffix did not exert an influence on naming latencies in Experiment 1, but semantic relationship led to a significant interference effect in Experiment 2. The results indicate that selection of the number feature diacritic in noun production is not a competitive process. The implications of the results for models of lexical access are discussed.
Microwaves from Mobile Phones Inhibit 53BP1 Focus Formation in Human Stem Cells More Strongly Than in Differentiated Cells: Possible Mechanistic Link to Cancer Risk

Background It is widely accepted that DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) and their misrepair in stem cells are critical events in the multistage origination of various leukemias and tumors, including gliomas. Objectives We studied whether microwaves from mobile telephones of the Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) and the Universal Global Telecommunications System (UMTS) induce DSBs or affect DSB repair in stem cells. Methods We analyzed tumor suppressor TP53 binding protein 1 (53BP1) foci that are typically formed at the sites of DSB location (referred to as DNA repair foci) by laser confocal microscopy. Results Microwaves from mobile phones inhibited formation of 53BP1 foci in human primary fibroblasts and mesenchymal stem cells. These data parallel our previous findings for human lymphocytes. Importantly, the same GSM carrier frequency (915 MHz) and UMTS frequency band (1947.4 MHz) were effective for all cell types. Exposure at 905 MHz did not inhibit 53BP1 foci in differentiated cells, either fibroblasts or lymphocytes, whereas some effects were seen in stem cells at 905 MHz. Contrary to fibroblasts, stem cells did not adapt to chronic exposure during 2 weeks. Conclusions The strongest microwave effects were always observed in stem cells. This result may suggest both significant misbalance in DSB repair and severe stress response. Our findings that stem cells are most sensitive to microwave exposure and react to more frequencies than do differentiated cells may be important for cancer risk assessment and indicate that stem cells are the most relevant cellular model for validating safe mobile communication signals.
The Ontario Mother and Infant Survey: Breastfeeding Outcomes

Across-sectional survey of postpartumwomen following discharge from five hospitals in Ontario, Canada, examined breastfeeding patterns and risk factors for early discontinuation. Consenting mothers completed self-administered questionnaires prior to discharge (n = 1250) and telephone interviews at 4 weeks postdischarge (n = 875). Breastfeeding initiation rates for women completing the interview varied from 82% to 96% across the sites. Continuation rates rapidly declined, with 13% to 24% ofwomen who had initiated breastfeeding switching to formula by 4 weeks postpartum. Perceived inadequate milk supply, difficulty with breastfeeding techniques, and sore nipples were the main reasons reported. Risk factors for breastfeeding cessation included not completing high school; intention to breastfeed less than 4 months; not anticipating the use of a “mom's group” or “drop-in center”; one or more maternal visits to a family physician; length of postpartum stay greater than 48 hours; unmet need for care or help with breastfeeding; and received advice, information, or support about formula feeding.
Evolution of Costs of Inflammatory Bowel Disease over Two Years of Follow-Up

Background With the increasing use of anti-TNF therapy in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), a shift of costs has been observed with medication costs replacing hospitalization and surgery as major cost driver. We aimed to explore the evolution of IBD-related costs over two years of follow-up. Methods and Findings In total 1,307 Crohn's disease (CD) patients and 915 ulcerative colitis (UC) patients were prospectively followed for two years by three-monthly web-based questionnaires. Changes of healthcare costs, productivity costs and out-of-pocket costs over time were assessed using mixed model analysis. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify costs drivers. In total 737 CD patients and 566 UC were included. Total costs were stable over two years of follow-up, with annual total costs of €7,835 in CD and €3,600 in UC. However, within healthcare costs, the proportion of anti-TNF therapy-related costs increased from 64% to 72% in CD (p<0.01) and from 31% to 39% in UC (p < 0.01). In contrast, the proportion of hospitalization costs decreased from 19% to 13% in CD (p<0.01), and 22% to 15% in UC (p < 0.01). Penetrating disease course predicted an increase of healthcare costs (adjusted odds ratio (adj. OR) 1.95 (95% CI 1.02–3.37) in CD and age <40 years in UC (adj. OR 4.72 (95% CI 1.61–13.86)). Conclusions BD-related costs remained stable over two years. However, the proportion of anti-TNF-related healthcare costs increased, while hospitalization costs decreased. Factors associated with increased costs were penetrating disease course in CD and age <40 in UC.
Hypocalcaemia following total thyroidectomy: An analysis of 806 patients

Background: Permanent hypocalcaemia following thyroidectomy causes considerable morbidity. This prospective observational study aims to define the factors likely to predict hypocalcaemia following total thyroidectomy. Materials and Methods: Patients who were subjected to total thyroidectomy during January 2005 to December 2009 were followed up for a minimum period of 1 year. Efficacy of an intraoperative parathyroid hormone assay to predict hypocalcaemia was validated. Results: Overall incidence of hypocalcaemia was 23.6% (n = 190) and that of permanent hypocalcaemia was 1.61% (n = 13). Onset was delayed up to 3rd postoperative day in 13 patients. Hypocalcaemia was significantly associated with thyroidectomy for Grave's Disease (P = 0.001), Hashimoto's thyroiditis (P = 0.003), and with incidental parathyroidectomy (P = 0.006). The intraoperative assay of parathyroid hormone showed low sensitivity (0.5) and satisfactory specificity (0.9) in predicting hypocalcemia. Conclusion: Hypocalcemia could manifest late in the immediate postoperative period and this may explain latent hypocalcemia. High incidence of hypocalcaemia noted in Grave's Disease could be due to the autoimmunity since same feature was noted associated with Hashimoto's thyroiditis and the incidence of hypocalcaemia was not high in the subgroup with toxic nodular goiter. The incidence of hypocalcemia was not affected by age or sex.
Transplantation of human islets without immunosuppression

Significance Diabetes mellitus type 1 is an autoimmune disease that results in irreversible destruction of insulin-producing beta cells. Substantial advances have been made in beta cell replacement therapies over the last decades. However, lack of eligible donor organs and the need for chronic immunosuppression to prevent rejection critically limit a widespread application of these strategies. In this paper we present the clinical success of using a bioartificial pancreas for the transplantation of insulin-producing islets without affecting the immune system. In a patient with long-standing type-1 diabetes we could demonstrate persistent graft function and regulated insulin secretion without the need for immune-modulating medication. This strategy opens up avenues for more widespread and safe application of various cell-based therapies. Transplantation of pancreatic islets is emerging as a successful treatment for type-1 diabetes. Its current stringent restriction to patients with critical metabolic lability is justified by the long-term need for immunosuppression and a persistent shortage of donor organs. We developed an oxygenated chamber system composed of immune-isolating alginate and polymembrane covers that allows for survival and function of islets without immunosuppression. A patient with type-1 diabetes received a transplanted chamber and was followed for 10 mo. Persistent graft function in this chamber system was demonstrated, with regulated insulin secretion and preservation of islet morphology and function without any immunosuppressive therapy. This approach may allow for future widespread application of cell-based therapies.
Cerebral herniation in pyogenic meningitis: prevalence and related dilemmas in emergency room populations in developing countries

This study aimed to determine the frequency and outcome of possible cerebral herniation in relation to lumbar puncture (LP) in postneonatal infants and children with pyogenic meningitis in the tropics. Children with meningitis aged between 6 weeks and 15 years (mean age 4.07 years; n=123) were recruited consecutively over 31/2 years at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Nigeria. The frequency of possible herniation was determined by clinical evaluation in relation to the severity of illness (high versus low risk) on presentation and performance of LP. Previously described scoring schemes were used. Eighteen (15%) patients had evidence of herniation on presentation. The relative risk (RR) of herniation in high‐ versus low‐risk patients was 66.6 (9.3 to 477.1, 95% CI), p<0.0001 while the RR of death or neurological sequelae in high‐ versus low‐risk patients was 2.6 (1.8 to 3.7, 95% CI), p<0.0001. In 99 patients with known outcomes who had LP on presentation, 21 of 81 without herniation pre‐ or post‐LP, four of four with herniation pre‐and post‐LP, seven of eight with herniation post‐LP only, and five of six with herniation pre‐LP only died or recovered with sequelae (χ2= 25.24, df= 3, p<0.0001). It is concluded that outcome depends on the severity of illness and the presence and timing of herniation. A policy of selective rather routine LPs may improve the outcome in meningitis in developing countries.
Ongoing challenges for pharmacotherapy for dyslipidemia

Introduction: While increasing evidence has led to lipid-modifying therapy achieving an important role in the treatment guidelines for the prevention of cardiovascular disease, these agents are suboptimally used and there remains a considerable risk of clinical events. Accordingly, there is a need to develop more effective lipid-modifying approaches in many patients. Areas covered: A literature search was performed of topical manuscripts focusing on factors influencing use of established therapies and new agents in development that target a range of lipid factors. Expert opinion: More intensive efforts are required to ensure that statin use is maximized in higher risk patients. A range of novel therapies, including proprotein convertase subtilisin kexin-type 9 and cholesteryl ester transfer protein inhibitors, may provide additional protection, although this remains to be established by clinical trials.
Purification and characterisation of a glutamic acid-containing peptide with calcium-binding capacity from whey protein hydrolysate

The bioavailability of dietary ionised calcium is affected by intestinal basic environment. Calcium-binding peptides can form complexes with calcium to improve its absorption and bioavailability. The aim of this study was focused on isolation and characterisation of a calcium-binding peptide from whey protein hydrolysates. Whey protein was hydrolysed using Flavourzyme and Protamex with substrate to enzyme ratio of 25 : 1 (w/w) at 49 °C for 7 h. The calcium-binding peptide was isolated by DEAE anion-exchange chromatography, Sephadex G-25 gel filtration and reversed phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC). A purified peptide of molecular mass 204 Da with strong calcium binding ability was identified on chromatography/electrospray ionisation (LC/ESI) tandem mass spectrum to be Glu-Gly (EG) after analysis and alignment in database. The calcium binding capacity of EG reached 67·81 μg/mg, and the amount increased by 95% compared with whey protein hydrolysate complex. The UV and infrared spectrometer analysis demonstrated that the principal sites of calcium-binding corresponded to the carboxyl groups and carbonyl groups of glutamic acid. In addition, the amino group and peptide amino are also the related groups in the interaction between EG and calcium ion. Meanwhile, the sequestered calcium percentage experiment has proved that EG-Ca is significantly more stable than CaCl2 in human gastrointestinal tract in vitro. The findings suggest that the purified dipeptide has the potential to be used as ion-binding ingredient in dietary supplements.
Neuromorphic Silicon Neuron Circuits

Hardware implementations of spiking neurons can be extremely useful for a large variety of applications, ranging from high-speed modeling of large-scale neural systems to real-time behaving systems, to bidirectional brain–machine interfaces. The specific circuit solutions used to implement silicon neurons depend on the application requirements. In this paper we describe the most common building blocks and techniques used to implement these circuits, and present an overview of a wide range of neuromorphic silicon neurons, which implement different computational models, ranging from biophysically realistic and conductance-based Hodgkin–Huxley models to bi-dimensional generalized adaptive integrate and fire models. We compare the different design methodologies used for each silicon neuron design described, and demonstrate their features with experimental results, measured from a wide range of fabricated VLSI chips.
Detection of Antibodies to Neospora caninum in Cattle by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay with Truncated NcSRS2 Expressed in Escherichia coli

The surface antigen 1–related sequence 2 of Neospora caninum (NcSRS2) is considered as an immunodominant antigen. In this study, the gene encoding truncated NcSRS2 (NcSRS2t) lacking an N-terminal signal peptide and C-terminal hydrophobic regions was expressed in Escherichia coli, and its diagnostic potential in an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was evaluated. ELISA could discriminate clearly between known N. caninum–positive and –negative sera from cattle. Field serum samples collected from cattle in Brazil were examined for the diagnosis of N. caninum infection using ELISA. Of the 197 samples analyzed, 64 (32.5%) samples were positive for antibodies to N. caninum. Of the 64 ELISA-positive samples, 58 (90.6%) were confirmed as positive by Western blot analysis with whole-parasite antigens. These results suggest that ELISA with recombinant NcSRS2t is an effective method for diagnosis of N. caninum infection in cattle.
H-TIME: Haptic-enabled Tele-Immersive Musculoskeletal Examination

The current state-of-the-art tele-medicine applications only allow audiovisual communication between a doctor and the patient, necessitating a clinician to physically examine the patient. The doctor relies on the physical examination performed by the clinician, along with the audiovisual dialogue with the patient. In this paper, a Haptic-enabled Tele-Immersive Musculoskeletal Examination (H-TIME) system is introduced, that allows doctors to physically examine musculoskeletal conditions of the patients remotely, by looking at the 3D reconstructed model of the patient in the virtual world, and physically feeling the patient's range of mobility using a haptic device. The proposed bidirectional haptic rendering in H-TIME can allow the doctor to evaluate a patient who suffers from problems in their upper extremities, such as the shoulder, elbow, wrist, etc., and evaluate them remotely. Real world user study was performed, between the doctors and the patients, and it highlighted the potential of the proposed system. The study indicated a high degree of correlation between the in-person and H-TIME evaluations of the patient. Both the doctors and patients involved in the study, felt that the system could potentially replace in-person consultations, someday.
Vascular endothelial growth factor can signal through platelet-derived growth factor receptors

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF-A) is a crucial stimulator of vascular cell migration and proliferation. Using bone marrow–derived human adult mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) that did not express VEGF receptors, we provide evidence that VEGF-A can stimulate platelet-derived growth factor receptors (PDGFRs), thereby regulating MSC migration and proliferation. VEGF-A binds to both PDGFRα and PDGFRβ and induces tyrosine phosphorylation that, when inhibited, results in attenuation of VEGF-A–induced MSC migration and proliferation. This mechanism was also shown to mediate human dermal fibroblast (HDF) migration. VEGF-A/PDGFR signaling has the potential to regulate vascular cell recruitment and proliferation during tissue regeneration and disease.
Structural changes in amorphous GexSiOy on the way to nanocrystal formation

Temperature induced changes of the local chemical structure of bulk amorphous GexSiOy are studied by Ge K-edge x-ray absorption near-edge spectroscopy and Si L2/3-edge x-ray Raman scattering spectroscopy. Different processes are revealed which lead to formation of Ge regions embedded in a Si oxide matrix due to different initial structures of as-prepared samples, depending on their Ge/Si/O ratio and temperature treatment, eventually resulting in the occurrence of nanocrystals. Here, disproportionation of GeOx and SiOx regions and/or reduction of Ge oxides by pure Si or by a surrounding Si sub-oxide matrix can be employed to tune the size of Ge nanocrystals along with the chemical composition of the embedding matrix. This is important for the optimization of the electronic and luminescent properties of the material.
MicroRNA miR-155 Affects Antiviral Effector and Effector Memory CD8 T Cell Differentiation

ABSTRACT MicroRNAs are key regulators of the immune response, but their role in CD8 T cell differentiation in vivo is not known. We show that miR-155 is important in both effector and memory antiviral CD8 T cell responses. Without miR-155, there was a weaker effector response and a skewing toward memory precursor cells. At the memory stage, miR-155-deficient CD8 T cells preferentially differentiated into central memory cells and were capable of mounting a potent secondary response.
Intraoperative Ventilatory Strategies for Prevention of Pulmonary Atelectasis in Obese Patients Undergoing Laparoscopic Bariatric Surgery

BACKGROUND: Atelectasis occurs regularly after induction of general anesthesia, persists postoperatively, and may contribute to significant postoperative morbidity and additional health care costs. Laparoscopic surgery has been reported to be associated with an increased incidence of postoperative atelectasis. It has been shown that during general anesthesia, obese patients have a greater risk of atelectasis than nonobese patients. Preventing atelectasis is important for all patients but is especially important when caring for obese patients. METHODS: We randomly allocated 66 adult obese patients with a body mass index between 30 and 50 kg/m2 scheduled to undergo laparoscopic bariatric surgery into 3 groups. According to the recruitment maneuver used, the zero end-expiratory pressure (ZEEP) group (n = 22) received the vital capacity maneuver (VCM) maintained for 7–8 s applied immediately after intubation plus ZEEP; the positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) 5 group (n = 22) received the VCM maintained for 7–8 s applied immediately after intubation plus 5 cm H2O of PEEP; and the PEEP 10 group (n = 22) received the VCM maintained for 7–8 s applied immediately after intubation plus 10 cm H2O of PEEP. All other variables (e.g., anesthetic and surgical techniques) were the same for all patients. Heart rate, noninvasive mean arterial blood pressure, arterial oxygen saturation, and alveolar-arterial Pao2 gradient (A-a Pao2) were measured intraoperatively and postoperatively in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU). Length of stay in the PACU and the use of a nonrebreathing O2 mask (100% Fio2) or reintubation were also recorded. A computed tomographic scan of the chest was performed preoperatively and postoperatively after discharge from the PACU to evaluate lung atelectasis. RESULTS: Patients in the PEEP 10 group had better oxygenation both intraoperatively and postoperatively in the PACU, lower atelectasis score on chest computed tomographic scan, and less postoperative pulmonary complications than the ZEEP and PEEP 5 groups. There was no evidence of barotrauma in any patient in the 3 study groups. CONCLUSIONS: Intraoperative alveolar recruitment with a VCM followed by PEEP 10 cm H2O is effective at preventing lung atelectasis and is associated with better oxygenation, shorter PACU stay, and fewer pulmonary complications in the postoperative period in obese patients undergoing laparoscopic bariatric surgery.