Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Febrile seizures prior to sudden cardiac death: a Danish nationwide study

Aims Febrile seizure (FS) is a common disorder affecting 2-5% of children up to 5 years of age. The aim of this study was to determine whether FS in early childhood are over-represented in young adults dying from sudden cardiac death (SCD). Methods and results We included all deaths (n = 4595) nationwide and through review of all death certificates, we identified 245 SCD in Danes aged 1-30 years in 2000-09. Through the usage of nationwide registries, we identified all persons admitted with first FS among SCD cases (14/245; 5.7%) and in the corresponding living Danish population (71 027/2 369 785; 3.0%) and also in victims of transport accidents (26/917; 2.8%). The frequency of FS among SCD cases was significantly increased by an odds ratio of 1.96 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.14-3.36; P = 0.021] compared with the living Danish population and with an odds ratio of 2.08 (95% CI 1.07-4.04; P = 0.046) compared with transport accident victims. SCD cases did not differ statistically in birth year (P = 0.272), age at SCD (P = 0.667) or prior medical conditions, except for epilepsy (P < 0.001), when comparing SCD with and without prior FS. The most common cause of death in autopsied SCD cases with FS was sudden arrhythmic death syndrome (5/8; 62.5%). Conclusion In conclusion, this study demonstrates a significantly two-fold increase in the frequency of FS prior to death in young SCD cases compared with the two control groups, suggesting that FS could potentially contribute in a risk stratification model for SCD and warrant further studies.
Ultrafine Particulate Matter Combined With Ozone Exacerbates Lung Injury in Mature Adult Rats With Cardiovascular Disease

Particulate matter (PM) and ozone (O3) are dominant air pollutants that contribute to development and exacerbation of multiple cardiopulmonary diseases. Mature adults with cardiovascular disease (CVD) are particularly susceptible to air pollution-related cardiopulmonary morbidities and mortalities. The aim was to investigate the biologic potency of ultrafine particulate matter (UFPM) combined with O3 in the lungs of mature adult normotensive and spontaneously hypertensive (SH) Wistar-Kyoto rats. Conscious, mature adult male normal Wistar-Kyoto (NW) and SH rats were exposed to one of the following atmospheres: filtered air (FA); UFPM (∼ 250 μg/m3); O3 (1.0 ppm); or UFPM + O3 (∼ 250 μg/m3 + 1.0 ppm) combined for 6 h, followed by an 8 h FA recovery period. Lung sections were evaluated for lesions in the large airways, terminal bronchiolar/alveolar duct regions, alveolar parenchyma, and vasculature. NW and SH rats were similarly affected by the combined-pollutant exposure, displaying severe injury in both large and small airways. SH rats were particularly susceptible to O3 exposure, exhibiting increased injury scores in terminal bronchioles and epithelial degeneration in large airways. UFPM-exposure groups had minimal histologic changes. The chemical composition of UFPM was altered by the addition of O3, indicating that ozonolysis promoted compound degradation. O3 increased the biologic potency of UFPM, resulting in greater lung injury following exposure. Pathologic manifestations of CVD may confer susceptibility to air pollution by impairing normal lung defenses and responses to exposure.
Effect of adding nanoalumina and marble dust powder on the physical, mechanical, and thermo‐mechanical characterization of dental composite

In this study, dental composites were fabricated by adding different weight percentages of nanoalumina (5–20 wt%) and marble dust powder (5–20 wt%) in the base monomer system comprised of Bisphenol-A glycidyl methacrylate, Tri-ethylene glycol dimethacrylate, Camphorquinone, and Dimethyl Amino Ethyl Methacrylate. Physical and mechanical characterizations such as void content test, Micro-hardness test, Compressive strength, Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), and thermo-gravimetric analysis were performed to evaluate/compare the contribution of each of the nanoalumina and marble dust powder to the performance of dental composite. The result of experiment was indicated that by the addition of 5 wt% of nanoalumina increased the hardness and compressive strength by 88.46% and 23.25% whereas addition of 5 wt% of marble powder increased the hardness and compressive strength by 51.27% and 21.2%, respectively. DMA results revealed that addition of nanoalumina up to 20 wt% increased the storage modulus by 112.2%, whereas, the addition of marble powder up to 20 wt% increased the storage modulus by 191.2%. The thermal stability of dental composite was decreased with the addition of nanoalumina from 0 to 20 wt% and increased with the addition of marble dust powder from 0 to 20 wt%. Finally, it can be concluded that apart from economical aspect, marble dust powder filled dental composite also exhibited better thermo-mechanical and thermal properties than that of nanoalumina filled dental composite. POLYM. COMPOS. , 2016. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers
Validation and application of an LC-MS/MS method for the determination of cyclic oligomers originating from polyamide 6 and polyamide 66 in food simulant

ABSTRACT Polyamides (PAs) are used in the production of various food contact materials (FCMs) and articles such as kitchen utensils and packaging material. Cyclic oligomers have been identified as potential migrants from PA. This study describes the development, validation and application of a multi-oligomer analytical method based on LC-ESI-MS/MS for the identification and quantification of eight cyclic oligomers of PA 6 and four PA 66 migrating from FCMs into food simulant B (3% acetic acid) and beverages. It was proved that doubly charged precursor ions of the cyclic PA 6 and PA 66 oligomers above a mass of 500 Da are formed during the ionisation process of the electrospray technique used. Direct injection of a diluted food simulant into the LC-ESI-MS/MS system after migration makes the validated method a valuable tool for investigating migration of cyclic PA oligomers. The validation results demonstrate that the multi-oligomer method is applicable for the analysis of cyclic PA 6 and PA 66 oligomers in food simulant B. For all investigated cyclic PA oligomers, detection limits were in the range of 0.1–1.1 µg/l. Linearity (r2 ≥ 0.99), trueness values between 91% and 122%, and intra-day (RSDr < 10%) and inter-day precision (RSDR < 19%) were determined and satisfied validation criteria set out by the European Reference Laboratory for FCMs. The method was extended to tap water and tea. Finally, the multi-oligomer method was successfully applied to determine cyclic PA oligomers in migration solutions originating from different PA FCMs. In all migration solutions, concentrations of cyclic PA oligomers were determined above the LOQ. A preliminary risk assessment based on in silico tools was performed. The results demonstrate the urgent need for toxicological data that would facilitate the evaluation of the health risk of cyclic PA oligomers.
High Androgens in Postmenopausal Women and the Risk for Atherosclerosis and Cardiovascular Disease: The Rotterdam Study

Context Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is closely linked to hyperandrogenism (HA). In PCOS, HA has been associated with metabolic disturbances that increase the risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Objective To assess the association of high serum androgen levels, as a postmenopausal remnant of PCOS, with the prevalence of atherosclerosis and incidence of CVD in postmenopausal women. Design The Rotterdam Study, a prospective population-based cohort study. Median follow-up was 11.36 years. Setting General community. Participants A total of 2578 women aged >55 years. Exclusion criteria were missing informed consent or follow-up data, perimenopausal status, and menopause by surgical intervention or at an unnatural age (age <40 or >62). Intervention None. Main Outcomes and Measures Linear, logistic, and Cox regression models assessed the association of top quartiles (P75) of serum testosterone, free androgen index (FAI), dehydroepiandrosterone, and androstenedione and sex hormone-binding globulin with coronary artery calcium, carotid intima-media thickness (IMT), pulse wave velocity, peripheral artery disease, and incidence of coronary heart disease (CHD), stroke, and CVD. Results Mean age (standard deviation) was 70.19 (8.71) years, and average time since menopause was 19.85 (9.94) years. Highest quartile FAI was associated with higher pulse wave velocity (β [95% confidence interval (CI)], 0.009 [0.000 to 0.018]). Highest quartile dehydroepiandrosterone [β (95% CI), -0.008 (-0.015 to -0.001)] and androstenedione [β (95% CI), -0.010 (-0.017 to -0.003)] levels were associated with a lower IMT. We found no association between high androgen levels and incident stroke, CHD, or CVD. Conclusion Postmenopausal high androgen levels were not associated with an elevated risk for CVD. Cardiovascular health in women with PCOS might be better than was anticipated.
The microstructure and properties of the new bainitic rail steels

Purpose: The aim of this research was presentation of the Continuous Cooling Transformations (CCT) diagrams and mechanical properties of two new bainite rail steels with working names RB370 and RB390. Design/methodology/approach: The CCT duiagrams was prepared by dilatometric method. The mechanical properities (Rp0,2, Rm, A, Z, KV, KU2, KIc and KIc –20) was searched according to European Standards. Findings: It was found, that on the whole cross – section of rails (S49 or UIC60) made of this new steels only bainite (mainly low bainite) will be formed. Practical implications: Very high mechanical properties of new grades encouraged to implement the first one (nickel – free with hardness of 370 HBW) on commercial scale. Rails (S49) made of it are successfully operating as part of main exit track from ArcelorMittal Steel Plant of Poland in Dąbrowa Górnicza since 2004 year. Originality/value: Orginal value of the paper is to give an information, that it is possibility to procedure bainite rails S49 or UIC60 types of a very high mechanical properties, directly in rolling mill.
Proteins Involved in Endocytosis Are Upregulated by Ageing in the Normal Human Brain: Implications for the Development of Alzheimer’s Disease

The greatest risk factor for Alzheimer's disease (AD) is advanced age, but the reason for this association remains unclear. Amyloid-β (Aβ) is produced from amyloid precursor protein (APP) primarily after APP is internalized by clathrin-mediated or clathrin-independent endocytosis. Changes in endocytosis in AD have been identified. We hypothesized that endocytic protein expression is altered during ageing, thus influencing the likelihood of developing AD by increasing Aβ production. We explored how levels of endocytic proteins, APP, its metabolites, secretase enzymes, and tau varied with age in cortical brain samples from men of three age ranges (young [20-30], middle aged [45-55], and old [70-90]) with no symptoms of dementia. Aβ40 and Aβ42 were significantly increased in old brains, while APP and secretase expression was unaffected by age. Phosphorylated GSK3β increased significantly with age, a possible precursor for neurofibrillary tangle production, although phosphorylated tau was undetectable. Significant increases in clathrin, dynamin-1, AP180, Rab-5, caveolin-2, and flotillin-2 were seen in old brains. Rab-5 also increased in middle-aged brains prior to changes in Aβ levels. This age-related increase in endocytic protein expression, not described previously, suggests an age-related upregulation of endocytosis which could predispose older individuals to develop AD by increasing APP internalization and Aβ generation.
E‐Cadherin, CD44v6, and Insulin‐Like Growth Factor‐II mRNA‐Binding Protein 3 Expressions in Different Stages of Hydatidiform Moles

E‐cadherin, CD44v6, and IMP3 expression in partial, complete, and invasive hydatidiform moles (HMs) was evaluated. High E‐cadherin expression with low CD44v6 expression was observed in partial, complete, and invasive HMs, as well as in normal placental tissues; and there was no significant difference in E‐cadherin and CD44v6 expression among the four groups. However, IMP3 expression was gradually decreased in the order of normal placental tissues, partial HMs, complete HMs, and invasive HMs; wherein, invasive HMs had the lowest level. Low IMP3 expression may serve as a prognostic biomarker for HMs, and IMP3 may play a certain role in HMs progression.
Development and evaluation of a Nutrition Transition-FFQ for adolescents in South India

Abstract Objective To develop and evaluate a Nutrition Transition-FFQ (NT-FFQ) to measure nutrition transition among adolescents in South India. Design We developed an interviewer-administered NT-FFQ comprising a 125-item semi-quantitative FFQ and a twenty-seven-item eating behaviour survey. The reproducibility and validity of the NT-FFQ were assessed using Spearman correlations, intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC), and levels of agreement using Bland–Altman and cross-classification over 2 months (NT-FFQ1 and NT-FFQ2). Validity of foods was evaluated against three 24-h dietary recalls (24-HR). Face validity of eating behaviours was evaluated through semi-structured cognitive interviews. The reproducibility of eating behaviours was assessed using weighted kappa (κ w) and cross-classification analyses. Setting Vijayapura, India. Subjects A representative sample of 198 adolescents aged 14–18 years. Results Reproducibility of NT-FFQ: Spearman correlations ranged from 0·33 (pulses) to 0·80 (red meat) and ICC from 0·05 (fruits) to 1·00 (tea). On average, concordance (agreement) was 60 % and discordance was 7 % for food groups. For eating behaviours, κ w ranged from 0·24 (eating snacks while watching television) to 0·67 (eating lunch at home) with a mean of 0·40. Validity of NT-FFQ: Spearman correlations ranged from 0·11 (fried traditional foods) to 0·70 (tea) and ICC ranged from 0·02 (healthy global foods) to 1·00 (grains). The concordance and discordance were 48 % and 8 %, respectively. Bland–Altman plots showed acceptable agreement between NT-FFQ2 and 24-HR. The eating behaviours had acceptable face validity. Conclusions The NT-FFQ has good reproducibility and acceptable validity for food intake and eating behaviours. The NT-FFQ can quantify the nutrition transition among Indian adolescents.
Bidirectional modulation of glutamatergic synaptic transmission by metabotropic glutamate type 7 receptors at Schaffer collateral–CA1 hippocampal synapses

Neurotransmitter release is inhibited by metabotropic glutamate type 7 (mGlu7) receptors that reduce Ca2+ influx, yet synapses lacking this receptor also produce weaker release, suggesting that mGlu7 receptors may also prime synaptic vesicles for release. Prolonged activation of mGlu7 receptors with the agonist l‐AP4 first reduces and then enhances the amplitude of EPSCs through a presynaptic effect. The inhibitory response is blocked by pertussis toxin, while the potentiating response is prevented by a phospholipase C inhibitor (U73122) and an inhibitor of diacylglycerol (DAG) binding (calphostin C), suggesting that this receptor also couples to pathways that generate DAG. Release potentiation is associated with an increase in the number of synaptic vesicles close to the plasma membrane, which was dependent on the Munc13‐2 and RIM1α proteins. The Glu7 receptors activated by the glutamate released following high frequency stimulation provoke a bidirectional modulation of synaptic transmission.
Genome-Based Analysis of Enterococcus faecium Bacteremia Associated with Recurrent and Mixed-Strain Infection

ABSTRACT Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (VREfm) bloodstream infections are associated with high recurrence rates. This study used genome sequencing to accurately distinguish the frequency of relapse and reinfection in patients with recurrent E. faecium bacteremia and to investigate strain relatedness in patients with apparent VREfm and vancomycin-susceptible E. faecium (VSEfm) mixed infection. A retrospective study was performed at the Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (CUH) between November 2006 and December 2012. We analyzed the genomes of 44 E. faecium isolates from 21 patients (26 VREfm isolates from 12 patients with recurrent bacteremia and 18 isolates from 9 patients with putative VREfm/VSEfm mixed infection). Phenotypic antibiotic susceptibility was determined using a Vitek2 instrument. Genomes were compared with those of a further 263 E. faecium isolates associated with bacteremia in patients at CUH over the same time period. Pairwise comparison of core genomes indicated that 10 (71%) episodes of recurrent VREfm bacteremia were due to reinfection with a new strain, with reinfection being more likely with increasing time between the two positive cultures. The majority (78%) of patients with a mixed VREfm and VSEfm infection had unrelated strains. More than half (59%) of study isolates were closely related to another isolate associated with bacteremia from CUH. This included 60% of isolates associated with reinfection, indicating acquisition in the hospital. This study provides the first high-resolution insights into recurrence and mixed infection by E. faecium and demonstrates that reinfection with a new strain, often acquired from the hospital, is a driver of recurrence.
Plant latex as vegetable source for milk clotting enzymes and their use in cheese preparation

Evaluation is carried on milk clotting activity of the crude proteolytic enzymes present in the lattices of plants belonging to Euphorbiaceae family along with their use in cheese production. The results showed that milk clotting activity of crude enzyme of latex of four plants are in order of Euphorbia tirucalli followed by Euphorbia nerifolia, Euphorbia nivulia and Pedilanthus tithymaloides. Milk coagulation is the basic step in cheese making, therefore these crude enzymes were subjected to the production of cheese. Comparative account on percentage yield, total solid, moisture content and chemical composition of resultant cheese samples were also analyzed. The results revealed that, nutritional quality of cheese prepared from milk clotting enzymes of plant lattices of Euphorbiaceae family is not fully matched with Amul cheese; however it is comparable with cheese prepared using purified papain.
Randomized controlled trial of S-1 versus docetaxel in patients with non-small-cell lung cancer previously treated with platinum-based chemotherapy (East Asia S-1 Trial in Lung Cancer)

Abstract Background Chemotherapy remains a viable option for the management of advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) despite recent advances in molecular targeted therapy and immunotherapy. We evaluated the efficacy of oral 5-fluorouracil-based S-1 as second- or third-line therapy compared with standard docetaxel therapy in patients with advanced NSCLC. Patients and methods Patients with advanced NSCLC previously treated with ≥1 platinum-based therapy were randomized 1 : 1 to docetaxel (60 mg/m2 in Japan, 75 mg/m2 at all other study sites; day 1 in a 3-week cycle) or S-1 (80–120 mg/day, depending on body surface area; days 1–28 in a 6-week cycle). The primary endpoint was overall survival. The non-inferiority margin was a hazard ratio (HR) of 1.2. Results A total of 1154 patients (577 in each arm) were enrolled, with balanced patient characteristics between the two arms. Median overall survival was 12.75 and 12.52 months in the S-1 and docetaxel arms, respectively [HR 0.945; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.833–1.073; P = 0.3818]. The upper limit of 95% CI of HR fell below 1.2, confirming non-inferiority of S-1 to docetaxel. Difference in progression-free survival between treatments was not significant (HR 1.033; 95% CI 0.913–1.168; P = 0.6080). Response rate was 8.3% and 9.9% in the S-1 and docetaxel arms, respectively. Significant improvement was observed in the EORTC QLQ-C30 global health status over time points in the S-1 arm. The most common adverse drug reactions were decreased appetite (50.4%), nausea (36.4%), and diarrhea (35.9%) in the S-1 arm, and neutropenia (54.8%), leukocytopenia (43.9%), and alopecia (46.6%) in the docetaxel arm. Conclusion S-1 is equally as efficacious as docetaxel and offers a treatment option for patients with previously treated advanced NSCLC. Clinical trial number Japan Pharmaceutical Information Center, JapicCTI-101155.
Thyroid Nodule Size at Ultrasound as a Predictor of Malignancy and Final Pathologic Size.

BACKGROUND Thyroid-related mortality has remained constant despite the increasing incidence of thyroid carcinoma. Most thyroid nodules are benign; therefore, ultrasound and fine needle aspiration (FNA) are integral in cancer screening. We hypothesize that increased nodule size at ultrasound does not predict malignancy and correlation between nodule size at ultrasound and pathologic exam is good. METHODS Resected thyroids with preoperative ultrasounds were identified. Nodule size at ultrasound, FNA diagnosis by Bethesda category, size at pathologic examination, and final histologic diagnosis were recorded. Nodule characteristics at ultrasound and FNA diagnoses were correlated with gross characteristics and histologic diagnoses. Nodules for which correlation could not be established were excluded. RESULTS Of 1003 nodules from 659 patients, 26% were malignant. Nodules <2 cm had the highest malignancy rate (∼30%). Risk was similar (∼20%) for nodules ≥2 cm. Of the 548 subject to FNA, 38% were malignant. Decreasing malignancy rates were observed with increasing size (57% for nodules <1 cm to 20% for nodules >6 cm). At ultrasound size cutoffs of 2, 3, 4, and 5 cm, smaller nodules had higher malignancy rates than larger nodules. Of the 455 not subject to FNA, 11% were malignant. Ultrasound size alone is a poor predictor of malignancy, but a relatively good predictor of final pathologic size (R2 = 0.748), with less correlation at larger sizes. In nodules subject to FNA, false negative diagnoses were highest (6-8%) in nodules 3-6 cm, mostly due to encapsulated follicular variant of papillary carcinoma. CONCLUSIONS Thyroid nodule size is inversely related to malignancy risk, as larger nodules have lower malignancy rates. However, the relationship of size to malignancy varies by FNA status. All nodules (regardless of FNA status) demonstrate a risk trough at ≥2 cm. Nodules subject to FNA show step-wise decline in malignancy rates by size, demonstrating that size alone should not be considered as an independent risk factor. Size at ultrasound shows relatively good correlation with final pathologic size. False negative rates are low in this series. Lesions with the appropriate constellation of clinical and radiographic findings should undergo FNA regardless of size. Both size and FNA diagnosis should influence the clinical decision-making process.