Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Association of Apolipoproteins with Symptoms of Asthma and Atopy among Schoolchildren

Background: There is evidence for an association between serum cholesterol concentrations and asthma, but little is known about the underlying mechanisms. We explored the associations between serum apolipoprotein concentrations and symptoms of asthma and atopy. Methods: In a population-based cross-sectional study among 10-year-old schoolchildren (n = 462), plasma concentrations of apolipoprotein AI (apoAI) and apolipoprotein B (apoB) were measured. Information on disease symptoms and diagnoses was collected by parental questionnaire. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to analyse the data. Results: High plasma apoAI concentrations (≥1.74 g/l) were associated with high prevalence of wheeze (OR 3.65; 95% CI 1.43–9.33), and a trend was seen with asthma (OR 3.35; 95% CI 0.94–11.93). In linear analyses, plasma apoAI concentrations were positively related to wheeze (β-coefficient = 3.20; p = 0.045) and non-atopic wheeze (β-coefficient = 4.47; p = 0.036), and a trend was found for asthma (β-coefficient = 3.29; p = 0.099). Overall, plasma apoB concentrations were not associated with either symptoms of asthma or allergy. Conclusion: Our results support the hypothesis that high apoAI is associated with the manifestation of asthma and atopy. The underlying pathomechanism still remains to be fully elucidated, but suggests that immune mechanisms may play a central role. However, our results are based on a small study sample and larger studies are warranted to confirm these observations.
YAP Expression and Activity Are Suppressed by S 100 A 7 via p 65 / NF k B-mediated Repression of D Np 63

In several squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) cells, it has been previously observed that induction of the S100 calcium-binding protein A7 (S100A7) is repressed by YAP via the Hippo pathway. This report now demonstrates that S100A7 also represses YAP expression and activity by DNp63 in cancer cells. Stable overexpression of S100A7 activates the NFkB pathway and inhibits the expression of DNp63. Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), as a specific inhibitor of NFkB, counteracts the inhibitory effect of S100A7 on the expression of DNp63 and its target genes. Depletion of S100A7 significantly promotes DNp63 expression. These data indicate that S100A7 acts as a suppressor of DNp63. Mechanistic examination finds that DNp63 not only directly binds to the region of YAP promoter and induces its expression, but also inhibits the Hippo pathway and enhances YAP activity. Importantly, either the positive correlation between S100A7 and YAP phosphorylation at S127 or the negative correlation between S100A7 and DNp63 is also observed in skin SCC tissues. Chemosensitivity analysis reveals that S100A7 enhances cancer cells' resistance by inhibition of YAP expression and activity. These results demonstrate that S100A7 is an upstream modulator of the Hippo pathway and extend our understanding of S100A7 functions in cancer. Implications: S100A7 is a new upstream regulator of the Hippo signaling pathway and reduces chemosensitivity of SCC cells through inhibitions of YAP expression and activity. Mol Cancer Res; 1–12. 2017 AACR.
Inflammatory bowel disease patients are frequently nonadherent to scheduled induction and maintenance infliximab therapy: A Canadian cohort study.

BACKGROUND Adherence to maintenance medication regimens in inflammatory bowel disease patients has traditionally been poor. Although infliximab has demonstrated efficacy in inducing and maintaining disease remission, adherence to regularly scheduled infliximab infusions is required to maintain therapeutic trough drug levels and prevent the development of anti-infliximab antibodies. OBJECTIVES To characterize patient adherence to regularly scheduled induction and maintenance infliximab infusions. METHODS A retrospective cohort study was conducted evaluating adult outpatients with Crohn disease or ulcerative colitis on an induction or maintenance regimen of regularly scheduled infliximab from 2008 to 2010 at the University of Alberta (Edmonton, Alberta). Nonadherence was defined by a discrepancy of >72 h between the scheduled date of infusion and the actual date of administration. Patients were defined as nonadherent if they received <80% of their infliximab infusions per schedule. RESULTS A total of 215 patients (173 Crohn disease, 42 ulcerative colitis) met the inclusion criteria. Patients received a median of 12.0 infliximab infusions (interquartile range 7.0 to 13.0) during the study period; 412 induction and 1837 maintenance infliximab infusions were administered. Of 140 patients, 109 (77.9%) were adherent to their infliximab induction regimen, while 68 of 215 (31.6%) were adherent to their infliximab maintenance regimen. One hundred ninety-eight of 215 (92.1%) patients received at least one delayed maintenance infliximab infusion and 20 (10.1%) received maintenance infusions, on average, >1 week late. CONCLUSIONS While three-quarters of patients are adherent to infliximab induction therapy, fewer than one-third remained adherent to their scheduled maintenance infliximab regimen.
MOLECULAR CHARACTERIZATION OF TWO MYOGLOBINS OF PARAGONIMUS WESTERMANI

Myoglobins (Mbs), globin proteins, are present in high concentrations in trematodes. In Paragonimus westermani, 2 cDNAs were found to encode Mbs. The first clone, Pwmyo1, codes a total of 149 amino acids with a calculated mass of 16.6 kDa. The second, Pwmyo2, encodes a 146–amino acid protein with a calculated mass of 16.2 kDa. The predicted secondary structures showed the presence of 8 helices, which is the basic characteristic of Mbs. Sequence alignment revealed a high homology with the other trematode Mbs. The 2 clones contained the characteristic tyrosyl residues at helical positions B10 and distal E7, which are substitutions that have been previously shown to contribute to the high oxygen affinity of Mbs. Polyclonal antibodies against the recombinant Mbs were raised with no cross-reactivity observed. Immunolocalization revealed the proteins to be distributed generally throughout the parenchymal tissues, but absent from the tegument and reproductive organs. The cell mass of the eggs of the worm stained positive to Pwmyo2 but not Pwmyo1, suggesting the stage-specific expression of these Mbs.
Definition of major bleeding in clinical investigations of antihemostatic medicinal products in surgical patients

Summary. The definition of major bleeding varies between studies on surgical patients, particularly regarding the criteria for surgical wound‐related bleeding. This diversity contributes to the difficulties in comparing data between trials. The Scientific and Standardization Committee (SSC), through its subcommittee on Control of Anticoagulation, of the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis has previously published a recommendation for a harmonized definition of major bleeding in non‐surgical studies. That definition has been adopted by the European Medicines Agency and is currently used in several non‐surgical trials. A preliminary proposal for a parallel definition for surgical studies was presented at the 54th Annual Meeting of the SSC in Vienna, July 2008. Based on those discussions and further consultations with European and North American surgeons with experience from clinical trials a definition has been developed that should be applicable to all agents that interfere with hemostasis. The definition and the text that follows have been reviewed and approved by relevant co‐chairs of the subcommittee and by the Executive Committee of the SSC. The intention is to seek approval of this definition from the regulatory authorities to enhance its incorporation into future clinical trial protocols.
Embryonic and larval development of Gobius paganellus (Pisces: Gobiidae)

The full developmental sequence from egg to juvenile of Gobius paganellus under controlled conditions is described. Embryonic development lasted 9–10 days at 18.5–20.0°C and 10–11 days at 15.0–16.5°C. Newly hatched larvae measured 3.90 mm, had the mouth and anus opened, pigmented eyes and almost no yolk. They first settled 25 days after hatching (10.0–10.5 mm total length [TL]) and showed juvenile behaviour and body form 36 days after hatching (14.0 mm TL). However, they only showed full juvenile pigmentation patterns 15 days later (17.0 mm TL) (16.0–16.5°C). In addition, a preliminary differentiation between the newly hatched larvae of the most common Gobius species of south-western European shores is presented.
Angiotensin II down-regulates the SR-BI HDL receptor in proximal tubular cells.

BACKGROUND The kidney plays an important role in the metabolism of lipoproteins, but renal cells are also a target of lipids under pathophysiological conditions contributing to organ damage and progression of disease. The majority of studies has focused on the interaction of renal cells with low-density lipoproteins. Relatively little is known of potential metabolism of high-density lipoproteins (HDL) on renal cells However, diverse pathophysiological situations, such as the nephrotic syndrome and acute renal injury, may be associated with an activated renin-angiotensin system as well as altered renal handling of HDL. Therefore, the present study sought to gain insight into the expression of the HDL receptor scavenger receptor class B type I (SR-BI) in cultured renal cells and a potential regulation by angiotensin II (ANG II). METHODS Different renal cells lines and primary cultures (proximal tubular and mesangial cells) were screened by western blot for the expression of SR-BI. MCT cells, a mouse proximal tubular cell line, were selected for further studies. SR-BI protein and mRNA expression were determined after treatment with various doses of ANG II in the presence or absence of AT(1)- or AT(2)-receptor blocker. Uptake of HDL-associated cholesteryl ester into MCT cells was determined. Finally, rats were infused intraperitoneally with ANG II for 3-7 days, proximal tubules were isolated by differential centrifugation and SR-BI protein expression was assessed. Results. SR-BI protein was expressed in various primary cultures and permanent renal cell lines. ANG II (10(-10)-10(-6) M) treatment for 24 h induced a significant down-regulation of SR-BI protein and mRNA expression in MCT cells. This suppression was attenuated by an AT(1)-receptor antagonist whereas an AT(2)-blocker was without effect. MCT cells revealed a high selective uptake of HDL cholesteryl ester that was significantly higher than that in syngeneic mesangial cells. ANG II for 24 h significantly reduced this selective HDL cholesteryl ester uptake into MCT, but not mesangial cells. Finally, ANG II- infusion into rats for 3 and 7 days induced a significant decrease of SR-BI protein expression in isolated tubules. CONCLUSIONS Our data show that ANG II mediates down-regulation of SR-BI expression on proximal tubular cells in vivo and in vitro. However, the effects were small and additional experiments are necessary to confirm these first observations. The attenuated SR-BI expression is functionally relevant and associated with a decrease in cholesteryl ester uptake. ANG II-mediated suppression may contribute to various pathophysiological situations, such as acute tubular injury, the nephrotic syndrome and atherosclerosis.
The Microbiome, Intestinal Function, and Arginine Metabolism of Healthy Indian Women Are Different from Those of American and Jamaican Women.

BACKGROUND Indian women have slower arginine flux during pregnancy compared with American and Jamaican women. Arginine is a semi-essential amino acid that becomes essential during periods of rapid lean tissue deposition. It is synthesized only from citrulline, a nondietary amino acid produced mainly in the gut. The gut is therefore a key site of arginine and citrulline metabolism, and gut microbiota may affect their metabolism. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to identify differences in the gut microbiota of nonpregnant American, Indian, and Jamaican women and characterize the relations between the gut microbiota, gut function, and citrulline and arginine metabolism. METHODS Thirty healthy American, Indian, and Jamaican women (n = 10/group), aged 28.3 ± 0.8 y, were infused intravenously with [guanidino-15N2]arginine, [5,5-2H2]citrulline, and [15N2]ornithine and given oral [U-13C6]arginine in the fasting and postprandial states. Fecal bacterial communities were characterized by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. RESULTS In the fasting state, Indian women had lower citrulline flux than did American and Jamaican women [7.0 ± 0.4 compared with 9.1 ± 0.4 and 8.9 ± 0.2 μmol ⋅ kg fat-free mass (FFM)-1 ⋅ h-1, P = 0.01] and greater enteral arginine conversion to ornithine than did American women (1.4 ± 0.11 compared with 1.0 ± 0.08 μmol ⋅ kg FFM-1 ⋅ h-1, P = 0.04). They also had lower mannitol excretion than American and Jamaican women (154 ± 37.1 compared with 372 ± 51.8 and 410 ± 39.6 mg/6 h, P < 0.01). Three dominant stool community types characterized by increased abundances of the genera Prevotella, Bacteroides, and Bacteroides with Clostridium were identified. Indian women had increased mean relative abundances of Prevotella (42%) compared to American and Jamaican women (7% and < 1%, P = 0.03) which were associated with diet, impaired intestinal absorptive capacity, and arginine flux. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that dysregulated intestinal function and a unique gut microbiome may contribute to altered arginine metabolism in Indian women.
Public Attitudes Toward Urban Arthropods

To better understand the public's attitude toward arthropods, a telephone survey was conducted of 1,117 households in Arizona. Only a small percentage (6.0%) took pleasure from arthropods encountered outside the home, whereas fewer still (<1.0%) enjoyed those found inside the home. Conversely, over half of those interviewed said they either disliked or were afraid of outdoor arthropods, and 88% were either afraid of or disliked indoor arthropods. Attitudes toward indoor and outdoor arthropods were separately dependent ( P < 0.05) upon sex, level of education, residence in a metropolitan area, and whether or not the respondents owned or rented the home in which they lived. Attitudes toward outdoor arthropods were separately dependent upon age and family income. A multivariate analysis indicated these variables were independent of one another in respondent relations toward arthropods. When asked to rate certain animals relative to one another, we found that respondents readily discriminate between desirable and undesirable arthropods. The gathering of precise information concerning public attitudes is thought to be a critical step in the implementation of any urban pest management program. The information can be used to identify societal groups that are most receptive to educational programs concerning urban pest biology and most willing to participate in urban pest management programs.
Helicobacter pylori Seroprevalence in Asymptomatic Pregnant Women in France

ABSTRACT The purpose of our study was to evaluate the incidence of Helicobacter pylori seropositivity in two different populations of asymptomatic pregnant women from different geographic origins during two separate time periods. A retrospective study of consecutive sera obtained from 169 and 302 asymptomatic pregnant women in 1990 and 1999, respectively, was carried out. The global H. pylori seroprevalences for 1990 and 1999 were 21.3 and 21.5% (where P is nonsignificant), respectively. For both periods the H. pylori seroprevalences were significantly higher in non-French pregnant women (66.6 and 50.6%) than in French pregnant women (18.7 and 11.2%) (P = 0.01 and 0.001, respectively). H. pylori seroprevalence in French pregnant women decreased significantly from the first period (18.7%) to the second one (11.2%) (P = 0.03).
Spiral ganglion cell counts in an age‐graded series of rat cochleas

Spiral ganglion cells in the cochleas of Sprague‐Dawley rats in various age groups were counted in order to assess the extent and location of cell degeneration with age. Cells in every tenth section of serially sectioned plastic embedded cochleas were counted in the light microscope. The median cell number for the 1‐ to 2‐month‐old animals was 15,800 cells. This number was first seen to be significantly reduced ( −14%) in the 23‐ month‐old animals. At 27 to 29 months the ganglion cell number was reduced' by 20%, while at 33 to 34 months there was a 17% loss. Losses were found throughout the length of the ganglion with the greatest losses at the lower basal and apical ends. In the oldest group, these losses amounted to 28% and 33%, respectively.
Human leukocyte antigen-DQB1 and -DRB1 associations in patients with idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss from a defined population of Northwest Spain

Conclusion. The results of this study support the assertion that Southern European individuals have a genetically mediated predisposition to develop idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). Objective. To assess the influence of human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DQB1 and -DRB1 alleles on the susceptibility to and the severity of idiopathic sudden SNHL. Material and methods. A prospective study of patients diagnosed with idiopathic sudden SNHL between October 2000 and September 2002 was conducted. Patients were included in the study if they were diagnosed with idiopathic sudden SNHL within 1 week after the onset of deafness symptoms and had been followed for at least 12 months. HLA-DQB1 and -DRB1 typing was performed from DNA using molecular-based methods on patients and ethnically matched healthy controls. Results. Thirty-three patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria. No significant differences in HLA-DQB1 phenotype frequencies were found between patients and controls (n=145). Carriage of HLA-DRB1*0403 was significantly increased in the whole group of patients compared with controls (OR = 11.97; 95% CI 1.99–91.60; p=0.002; pcorr=0.04). In patients without auditory improvement the frequency of the HLA-DRB1*04 phenotype was significantly increased compared with healthy controls (OR = 6.57; 95% CI 1.62–26.70; p=0.003; pcorr=0.04).
Growth Pattern and Yield of a Chemoautotrophic Beggiatoa sp. in Oxygen-Sulfide Microgradients

Recently developed techniques involving opposed, gel-stabilized gradients of O2 and H2S permit cultivation of a marine Beggiatoa strain as a chemolithoautotroph which uses gliding motility to precisely track the interface between H2S and O2. In the current study with microelectrodes, vertical profiles of H2, O2, and pH were measured in replicate cultures grown for various intervals. After an initial period of exponential biomass increase (doubling time, 11 h), linear growth prevailed throughout much of the time course. This H2S-limited growth was followed by a transition to stationary phase when the declining H2S flux was sufficient only to supply maintenance energy. During late-exponential and linear growth phases, the Beggiatoa sp. consumed a constant 0.6 mol of H2S for each 1.0 mol of O2, the ratio anticipated for balanced lithoautotrophic growth at the expense of complete oxidation of H2S to SO42−. Over the entire range of conditions studied, this consumption ratio varied by approximately twofold. By measuring the extent to which the presence of the bacterial plate diminished the overlap of O2 and H2S, we demonstrated that oxidation of H2S by Beggiatoa sp. is approximately 3 orders of magnitude faster than spontaneous chemical oxidation. By integrating sulfide profiles and comparing sulfide consumed with biomass produced, a growth yield of 8.4 g (dry weight) mol−1 of H2S was computed. This is higher than that found for sulfide-grown thiobacilli, indicating very efficient growth of Beggiatoa sp. as a chemoautotroph. The methods used here offer a unique opportunity to determine the yield of H2S-oxidizing chemolithoautotrophs while avoiding several problems inherent in the use of homogeneous liquid culture. Finally, by monitoring time-dependent formation of H2S profiles under anoxic conditions, we demonstrate a method for calculating the molecular diffusion coefficient of soluble substrates in gel-stabilized media.
Cyclin B1 expression and p53 status in squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck.

BACKGROUND The cyclin B1/CDC2 complex governs entry into mitosis by regulating the G(2)/M checkpoint, and it can be repressed by the tumor suppressor p53. We aimed to determine cyclin B1 expression in squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck (SCCHN) and correlate it with p53 status and clinicopathological parameters. PATIENTS AND METHODS Cyclin B1 and p53 protein expression was analyzed by immunohistochemistry, and p53 mutation analyses were performed. RESULTS Cytoplasmic expression of cyclin B1 was found in all 26 SCCHN studied. In contrast, nuclear staining was seen in the basal layers of normal mucosa. A total of 46% of tumors showed high cyclin B1 expression. p53 was overexpressed in 53.8% of cases, and of these 79% carried a p53 gene mutation. High cyclin B1 expression significantly correlated with the high tumor grade, but not with gender, tumor size, nodal status, local tumor recurrence or p53 expression. CONCLUSION Cyclin B1 is frequently overexpressed in SCCHN, and its high expression is significantly associated with a high tumor grade. These data suggest that cyclin B1 may serve as a potential prognostic biomarker in SCCHN.
Anti‐DNA idiotype‐ and anti‐idiotype‐specific T cell responses in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and their first‐degree relatives

We examined the proliferative responses of T cells of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). their first‐degree relatives, and healthy donors, to a human monoclonal antibody that bears a common anti‐DNA idiotype, 16/6 Id, and to a nurine, 16/6 Id‐specific, monoclonal antibody. Both 16/6 Id+ and 16/6 Id‐specific antibodies were previously shown to be involved in the induction of experimental SLE in mice. Here we show that T cells of fewer SLE patients, as compared with healthy donors, could proliferate to both antibodies. The difference between T cell responses of patients and controls to the 16/6 was found to be significant. The proliferative responses of T cells of first degree relatives of SLE patients to the anti‐16/6 Id were found to be significantly lower compared with the responses detected in healthy donors and in SLE patients. The responses of T cells of SLE relatives to the 16/6 Id were also found to be lower than those of healthy donors, but this difference was not significant. The present study suggests a possible involvement of T cells, and specifically of idiotype and anti‐idiotype specific T cells, in SLE.
Graphic medicine: comics as medical narrative

Among the growing number of works of graphic fiction, a number of titles dealing directly with the patient experience of illness or caring for others with an illness are to be found. Thanks in part to the Medical Humanities movement, many medical schools now encourage the reading of classic literature to gain insight into the human condition. Until recently, the medium of comics (the term is used in the plural to refer to both the physical objects and the attendant philosophy and practice surrounding them) has received little attention from healthcare scholars, even though some authors argue that graphic fiction is, in fact, a form of literature. This paper suggests that it is time that the medium was examined by healthcare professionals and studies some acclaimed comic works. Drawing on the principles of narrative medicine, this paper will ask whether comics and graphic novels could be used as a resource for health professionals, patients and carers.