Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Extravillous trophoblast invasion accelerated by WNT3A, 5A, and 10B via CD44

Abstract Introduction Appropriate extravillous trophoblast (EVT) invasion is essential for successful pregnancy. Previously, we showed that EVTs express CD44, which accelerated EVT invasion. However, its regulation mechanism via CD44 remains unknown. Our hypothesis was that WNT signaling enhanced EVT invasion via CD44. To test this hypothesis, we investigated the effects of WNT ligands on CD44 expression and EVT invasion using EVT cell lines and isolated primary EVTs. Methods We used EVT cell lines (HTR8/SVneo and HChEpC1b) and isolated primary EVTs, extracted from first-trimester trophoblasts. The cells were supplemented with WNT3A, 5A, and 10B. We examined cell invasion and the expressions of CD44 and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 9. Next, to clarify the pathway of WNT10B in EVTs, we knock-downed WNT10B using siRNA and activated or inhibited the WNT canonical pathway using an activator (lithium chloride) or inhibitor (FH535, XAV939) with WNT10B addition. Results WNT3A, 5A, and 10B accelerated the invasion in the EVT lines and isolated primary EVTs. The expressions of CD44 and MMP9 were also upregulated by WNT ligands. WNT10B knockdown significantly inhibited EVT invasion concomitantly with CD44 expression. The WNT canonical pathway activator upregulated CD44 expression and its inhibitor downregulated it with WNT10B addition. Conclusions The present study is the first to show the possibility that WNT3A, WNT5A, and WNT10B exist upstream of CD44 in EVTs. Among them, WNT10B may be a novel accelerator of EVT invasion. WNT signaling mediated by multiple WNT ligands may contribute to EVT invasion.
ILLICIT OPIATES IN TORONTO: A PROFILE OF CURRENT USERS

Untreated opiate use remains a significant problem in most jurisdictions. As a precursor to developing appropriate treatments and to encouraging these individuals to seek treatment, it is essential that the characteristics of this population be understood. The present study was designed to serve a number of purposes, one of which was to describe the characteristics of a sample of opiate users in Toronto, Canada who were not currently in treatment. One hundred fourteen users using opiates regularly who were not in treatment and who were not actively seeking treatment were recruited through a variety of techniques and then interviewed. The study reports on the demographic characteristics of this sample (age, gender, housing, income and income sources), as well as their drug use patterns, health status, previous treatment history and other lifestyle issues. The results suggest that the sample is relatively healthy, that most of them are users of injectable and prescription opiates as well as other controlled.
The Evolution of Addiction Treatment and Harm Reduction Programs in Iran: A Chaotic Response or a Synergistic Diversity?

BACKGROUNDS AND AIMS Iran has 2.1 and 1.8 percent of its 15-64 years old population living with illicit substance and opioid use disorders, respectively. To address these problems, Iran has been developing a large and multi-modality addiction treatment system, spanning the time before and after the Islamic revolution. METHODS Iran's current drug treatment scene is a combination of services ranging from medical/harm reduction services to punitive/criminal justice programs. Included in this array of services are drop-in centers providing low-threshold harm reduction services, such as distribution of sterile needles and syringes; opioid maintenance treatment clinics providing methadone, buprenorphine and opium tincture; and abstinence-based residential centers. We will review the evolution of this system in four phases. RESULTS In 1980, Iran's revolutionary government shut down all voluntary treatment programs and replaced them with residential correctional programs. The first shift in the addiction treatment policies came 15 years later after facing the negative consequences. Addiction is viewed as a disease and new voluntary treatment centers offering non-agonist medications and psychosocial services were established. With an increased number of people who inject drugs and HIV/AIDS epidemics, in the second shift, an extensive move towards harm reduction strategies and opioid-maintenance programs have been implemented to reduce HIV-related high-risk behavior. The emergence of a methamphetamine use crisis creating an increased number of socially marginalized addicted people resulted in public and political demands for stricter policies and ended up in the third shift starting in 2010 with extended compulsory court-based residential programs. Currently, there is a new shift toward reducing the severity of criminal penalties for drug use/sales and promoting proposals for opium legalization. CONCLUSION Iran's evolutionary experience in developing a large addiction treatment program in a complex combination of medical/harm reduction and punitive/criminal justice addiction treatment can be examined in its political, clinical and pragmatic context.
Peri-Infarct Quantification by Cardiac Magnetic Resonance to Predict Outcomes in Ischemic Cardiomyopathy: Prognostic Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND In ischemic cardiomyopathy, cardiac magnetic resonance assessment of the peri-infarct zone, a potential substrate for arrhythmogenesis, may serve as a novel prognosticator and guide the optimal use of implantable cardioverter-defibrillators. We undertook a systematic review and meta-analysis assessing the prognostic value of the peri-infarct zone on late gadolinium enhancement cardiac magnetic resonance in ischemic cardiomyopathy. METHODS We searched MEDLINE (Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online), EMBASE (Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online), and CENTRAL (Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online) from inception to January 2019 for prognostic studies relating peri-infarct size with clinical outcomes in ischemic cardiomyopathy. Two authors independently performed study selection and data extraction. Pooled effect estimates were calculated with random effects models, risk of bias and strength of evidence were assessed by the Quality in Prognostic Studies tool and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Education, respectively. RESULTS Twenty studies were eligible, representing 14 cohort studies (n=1518) with mean follow-up of 3.6 years and 6 cross-sectional studies (n=189). The extent of the peri-infarct zone was significantly predictive of all-cause mortality (3 studies; n=539; hazard ratio, 1.34/10 g [95% CI, 1.13-1.59]; I2=0%; high-quality evidence), appropriate implantable cardioverter-defibrillator therapy (5 studies; n=361; hazard ratio, 1.31/10 g [95% CI, 1.17-1.47]; I2=0%; high-quality evidence), and inducibility of ventricular tachycardia on electrophysiological study (5 studies; n=167; OR, 2.63/g [95% CI, 1.39-4.96]; I2=14%; low-quality evidence). After adjusting for age and left ventricular ejection fraction, the peri-infarct zone, as a percentage of total infarct size, remained an independent predictor of all-cause mortality (2 studies; n=445; hazard ratio, 1.29/10% [95% CI, 1.15-1.44]; I2=0%; high-quality evidence). CONCLUSIONS There is limited but consistent evidence that quantification of the peri-infarct zone predicts long-term mortality and appropriate implantable cardioverter-defibrillator therapy in ischemic cardiomyopathy. Future studies should confirm whether late gadolinium enhancement-cardiac magnetic resonance assessment may improve implantable cardioverter-defibrillator treatment decisions. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION URL: https://www.crd. york.ac. uk/prospero/. Unique identifier: CRD42017077337.
The Danish National Centre for Social Research

This paper examines the relation between segregation and the gender wage gap in the public and the private sectors in Denmark from 2002 to 2012. The analysis shows that male-female differences in the share of females in occupations, industries, establishments and job cells (occupations within establishments) constitute 46 per cent of the raw gender wage gap in the private sector, while segregation in the public sector accounts for as much as 63 per cent. Segregation thus plays a substantially more important role in accounting for the gender wage gap in the public sector than in the private sector. While the importance of segregation for wage formation decreased substantially in the public sector over time, it only decreased slightly in the private sector. Although the remaining gender wage gap, after controlling for segregation, is close to zero in the public sector, a substantial within-job cell differential remains after controlling for segregation in the private sector.
Exploring People’s Candidacy for Mobile Health–Supported HIV Testing and Care Services in Rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa: Qualitative Study

Background The use of mobile communication technologies (mHealth: mobile health) in chronic disease management has grown significantly over the years. mHealth interventions have the potential to decentralize access to health care and make it convenient, particularly in resource-constrained settings. It is against this backdrop that we aimed to codevelop (with potential users) a new generation of mobile phone–connected HIV diagnostic tests and Web-based clinical care pathways needed for optimal delivery of decentralized HIV testing, prevention, and care in low- and middle-income countries. Objective The aim of this study was to understand ways in which an mHealth intervention could be developed to overcome barriers to existing HIV testing and care services and promote HIV self-testing and linkage to prevention and care in a poor, HIV hyperendemic community in rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Methods A total of 54 in-depth interviews and 9 focus group discussions were conducted with potential users (including health care providers) in 2 different communities. Theoretically informed by the candidacy framework, themes were identified from the interview transcripts, manually coded, and thematically analyzed. Results Participants reported barriers, such as fear of HIV identity, stigma, long waiting hours, clinic space, and health care workers’ attitudes, as major impediments to effective uptake of HIV testing and care services. People continued to reassess their candidacy for HIV testing and care services on the basis of their experiences and how they or others were treated within the health systems. Despite the few concerns raised about new technology, mobile phone–linked HIV testing was broadly acceptable to potential users (particularly men and young people) and providers because of its privacy (individual control of HIV testing over health provider–initiated testing), convenience (individual time and place of choice for HIV testing versus clinic-based testing), and time saving. Conclusions Mobile phone–connected HIV testing and Web-based clinical care and prevention pathways have the potential to support access to HIV prevention and care, particularly for young people and men. Although mHealth provides a way for individuals to test their candidacy for HIV services, the barriers that can make the service unattractive at the clinic level will also need to be addressed if potential demand is to turn into actual demand.
The role of home visits by a nurse to improve palliation in patients treated with self-expandable metallic stents due to incurable esophageal cancer.

Self-expandable metallic stent (SEMS) is a preferred option to relieve dysphagia and to palliate patients with incurable esophageal or gastro-esophageal junction (GEJ) cancer. Health Related Quality of Life (QoL) represents a clinically relevant outcome measure in research focused on palliation of patients with advanced GI cancer. In this context, home visits by a nurse carry the potential to offer important advantages. Eighty patients with incurable esophageal or GEJ cancer were randomized to either standard follow up or to an intervention containing regular home visits by a nurse. The primary outcome variable QoL was assessed by EORTC QLQ-C30 and OES-18 before insertion of SEMS, and at 2, 7 and 12 weeks thereafter. Secondary outcomes were; need for re-interventions, number of patients receiving palliative oncological therapy and overall survival. Sixty-six males and 13 females, with a median age of 71, were included. Self-reported overall QoL was significantly higher in the intervention group (P = 0.03). The organ specific module OES-18 revealed a significant reduction in dysphagia by the intervention (P = 0.03) as well as fewer eating disabilities (P = 0.04). No differences were observed in secondary outcomes except for overall survival, where the median survival was increased from 114 to 183 days by the active intervention (P = 0.02). Home visits by a nurse seem to play an important palliative role after placement of SEMS in patients with incurable esophageal or GEJ cancer by improving QoL and may carry the potential to increase overall survival.
Risk factors of severe hemoptysis in patients with fungus ball.

Background Hemoptysis is one of the most important complications associated with fungus ball. However, the association of the primary size of the fungus ball and its change with the incidence of hemoptysis was not fully established. This study aims to determine the clinical risk factors of severe hemoptysis and natural course of fungus ball. Methods A retrospective study on patients with fungus ball was performed. Patients with severe hemoptysis-related events were compared to those without events, and the predictors for severe hemoptysis were investigated by Cox regression analysis. Three subgroups (decreased, stable, and increased) were classified according to the long-term size change, and the severe hemoptysis-free survival duration was analyzed by the Kaplan-Meier survival curve. Results Among 173 patients, 50 (28.9%) experienced severe hemoptysis-related events. Risk-adjusted analysis revealed that age [hazard ratio (HR), 0.964; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.939-0.989], blood-tinged sputum [HR, 2.717; 95% CI, 1.513-4.879], and thick wall cavitary fungus balls [HR, 2.332; 95% CI, 1.290-4.215] were significant predictors of severe hemoptysis-related events in patients with fungus ball. However, the baseline size of the fungus ball and its change rate were not independent risk factors for severe hemoptysis-related events. Besides, the decreased group did not have a favorable outcome in severe hemoptysis related to fungus ball. Conclusions In a tertiary hospital, the incidence of severe hemoptysis-related events in patients with fungus ball was not low and reached 28.9%. Young patients, those with thick wall cavitary fungus ball, and those with complaints of blood-tinged sputum should be considered for early surgical treatment to prevent severe hemoptysis.
Grp78 Loss in Epithelial Progenitors Reveals an Age-Linked Role for ER Stress in Pulmonary Fibrosis.

RATIONALE Alveolar epithelial cell (AEC) injury and dysregulated repair are implicated in the pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis. Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in AEC has been observed in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a disease of aging. OBJECTIVES To investigate a causal role for ER stress in the pathogenesis of PF and therapeutic potential of ER stress inhibition in PF. METHODS The role of ER stress in AEC dysfunction and fibrosis was studied in mice with tamoxifen (Tmx)-inducible deletion of ER chaperone Grp78, a key regulator of ER homeostasis, in alveolar type II (AT2) cells, progenitors of distal lung epithelium, and in IPF lung slice cultures. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS Grp78 deletion caused weight loss, mortality, lung inflammation and spatially heterogeneous fibrosis characterized by fibroblastic foci, hyperplastic AT2 cells and increased susceptibility of aged and male mice, all features of IPF. Fibrosis was more persistent in more severely injured Grp78 knockout (KO) mice. Grp78 KO AT2 cells showed evidence of ER stress, apoptosis, senescence, impaired progenitor capacity and activation of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)/SMAD signaling. GRP78 is reduced in AT2 cells from aged mice and IPF patients, and ER stress inhibitor tauroursodeoxycholic acid ameliorates ER stress and fibrosis in Grp78 KO mouse and IPF lung slice cultures. CONCLUSIONS These results support a causal role for ER stress and resulting epithelial dysfunction in PF, and suggest ER stress as a potential mechanism linking aging to IPF. Modulation of ER stress and chaperone function may offer a promising therapeutic approach for pulmonary fibrosis.
A National Behavioral and Clinical Surveillance System of Adults With Diagnosed HIV (The Medical Monitoring Project): Protocol for an Annual Cross-Sectional Interview and Medical Record Abstraction Survey

Background The Medical Monitoring Project (MMP) is a national population-based behavioral and clinical surveillance system of adults with diagnosed HIV in the United States, and it is sponsored by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Its purpose is to provide locally and nationally representative estimates of factors affecting HIV transmission risk and clinical outcomes. Objective This study aimed to describe the rationale for and methodology of the MMP, in addition to its contribution to evaluating and monitoring HIV prevention, care, and treatment efforts in the United States. Methods MMP employs a stratified 2-stage sample design to select annual samples of persons living with diagnosed HIV from the National HIV Surveillance System and conducts interviews and medical record abstractions with participating persons. Results MMP data are published routinely via annual reports, conference presentations, and scientific publications. Data may be accessed upon request from the CDC, contingent on the guidelines established for the security and confidentiality of HIV surveillance data. Conclusions MMP is the only source of annual population-based data on the behaviors and clinical care of persons with diagnosed HIV in the United States. It provides essential information for monitoring progress toward national treatment and prevention goals and guiding efforts to improve the health of persons with diagnosed HIV and prevent HIV transmission. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) RR1-10.2196/15453
Translating intracarotid artery transplantation of bone marrow‐derived NCS‐01 cells for ischemic stroke: Behavioral and histological readouts and mechanistic insights into stem cell therapy

The present study used in vitro and in vivo stroke models to demonstrate the safety, efficacy, and mechanism of action of adult human bone marrow‐derived NCS‐01 cells. Coculture with NCS‐01 cells protected primary rat cortical cells or human neural progenitor cells from oxygen glucose deprivation. Adult rats that were subjected to middle cerebral artery occlusion, transiently or permanently, and subsequently received intracarotid artery or intravenous transplants of NCS‐01 cells displayed dose‐dependent improvements in motor and neurological behaviors, and reductions in infarct area and peri‐infarct cell loss, much better than intravenous administration. The optimal dose was 7.5 × 106 cells/mL when delivered via the intracarotid artery within 3 days poststroke, although therapeutic effects persisted even when administered at 1 week after stroke. Compared with other mesenchymal stem cells, NCS‐01 cells ameliorated both the structural and functional deficits after stroke through a broad therapeutic window. NCS‐01 cells secreted therapeutic molecules, such as basic fibroblast growth factor and interleukin‐6, but equally importantly we observed for the first time the formation of filopodia by NCS‐01 cells under stroke conditions, characterized by cadherin‐positive processes extending from the stem cells toward the ischemic cells. Collectively, the present efficacy readouts and the novel filopodia‐mediated mechanism of action provide solid lab‐to‐clinic evidence supporting the use of NCS‐01 cells for treatment of stroke in the clinical setting.
Pelagibacter metabolism of diatom-derived volatile organic compounds imposes an energetic tax on photosynthetic carbon fixation.

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) produced by phytoplankton are molecules with high vapor pressures that can diffuse across cell membranes into the environment, where they become public goods. VOCs likely comprise a significant component of the marine dissolved organic carbon (DOC) pool utilized by microorganisms, but are often overlooked as growth substrates because their diffusivity imposes analytical challenges. The roles of VOCs in the growth of the photoautotrophic diatom Thalassiosira pseudonana and heterotrophic bacterium Pelagibacter sp. HTCC1062 (SAR11) were examined using co-cultures and proton-transfer-reaction time-of-flight mass spectrometry (PTR-TOF/MS). VOCs at 82 m/z values were produced in the cultures, and the concentrations of 9 of these m/z values changed in co-culture relative to the diatom mono-culture. Several of the m/z values were putatively identified and their metabolism by HTCC1062 was confirmed by measuring ATP production. Diatom carbon fixation rates in co-culture with HTCC1062 were 20.3% higher than the diatom mono-culture. Removal of VOCs from the T. pseudonana mono-culture using a hydrocarbon trap caused a similar increase in carbon fixation (18.1%). These results show that a wide range of VOCs are cycled in the environment and the flux of VOCs from phytoplankton to bacterioplankton imposes a large and unexpected tax on phytoplankton photosynthesis. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Effect of Anti Diuretic Hormon (ADH) in Kidney Function on Post Hemodialysis End Stage Renal Failure Disease (ESRD) Iraqi Patients

Chronic renal disease (CRD) is a patho-physiologic process with multiple etiologies, resulting in the inexorable attrition of Nephron number and function and frequently leading to end-stage renal disease (ESRD). In turn, ESRD represents a clinical state or condition in which there has been an irreversible loss of endogenous renal function, of a degree sufficient to render the patient permanently dependent upon renal replacement therapy (dialysis of transplantation) in order to avoid life threatening uremia. The current study was applied on 80 patients, the age range within 25-70 years, selected sample of patients who attend Iraqi center of kidney dialysis, Baghdad Teaching Hospital and Al-Yarmok Teaching Hospital . All the patients body mass index [BMI] were measured. Serum anti diuretic hormone ADH was assessed using enzyme linked immunosorbent kit [Elisa], and urea, creatinine, albumin, hemoglobin were determined by spectrophotometer (PD-303), and sodium, potassium, chloride were determined by Electrolyte analyzer. The study patients were divided into two groups : GA include the healthy subjects as a control and GB include the post dialysis ESRD patients . The results showed a highly significant increase in ADH , Urea and Creatinine levels in GB when compared with the control and highly significant decrease in albumin and hemoglobin levels in GB when compared with the control. Non -significant decrease in sodium and potassium levels in GB when compared with the control, while highly significant increase in chloride level in GB when compared with the control.