Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Correlation between vacuolating cytotoxin production by Helicobacter pylori isolates in vitro and in vivo

Approximately 50 to 60% of Helicobacter pylori isolates produce a vacuolating cytotoxin in vitro. To assess cytotoxin production in vivo, we sought to determine whether infection with a Tox+ H. pylori strain is associated with the presence of serum antitoxin antibodies. H. pylori isolates and serum samples were obtained from 30 patients, and serum samples were obtained from 20 uninfected patients as controls. Sera were tested by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for reactivity with the purified 87-kDa vacuolating cytotoxin, and the 30 H. pylori isolates were tested for vacuolating cytotoxin production. Supernatants from 14 (47%) of the 30 H. pylori isolates induced vacuolation of HeLa cells. Sera from the 30 H. pylori-infected patients reacted with the purified 87-kDa cytotoxin to a greater extent than sera from the uninfected controls for both immunoglobulin G (IgG) and IgA classes (P = 0.0004 and P < 0.0001, respectively). Serum IgG and IgA responses to the purified 87-kDa cytotoxin were higher among the 14 patients infected with Tox+ strains than among the 16 patients infected with Tox- strains (mean optical densities +/- standard errors of the means of 0.603 +/- 0.11 versus 0.234 +/- 0.07 [P = 0.005] and 0.644 +/- 0.12 versus 0.341 +/- 0.08 [P = 0.04] for IgG and IgA, respectively). Infection with a Tox+ strain compared with a Tox- strain was associated with increased antral polymorphonuclear leukocyte inflammation scores (P = 0.04). These data indicate that cytotoxin production by H. pylori isolates in vitro correlates with cytotoxin production in vivo and that infection with Tox+ H. pylori isolates may be associated with increased antral mucosal polymorphonuclear leukocyte infiltration.
Tumour-infiltrating regulatory T cell density before neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy for rectal cancer does not predict treatment response

Neoadjuvant (preoperative) chemoradiotherapy (CRT) decreases the risk of rectal cancer recurrence and reduces tumour volume prior to surgery. However, response to CRT varies considerably between individuals and factors associated with response are poorly understood. Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) inhibit anti-tumour immunity and may limit any response to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. We have previously reported that a low density of Tregs in the tumour stroma following neoadjuvant CRT for rectal cancer is associated with improved tumour regression. Here we have examined the association between Treg density in pre-treatment diagnostic biopsy specimens and treatment response, in this same patient cohort. We aimed to determine whether pre-treatment tumour-infiltrating Treg density predicts subsequent response to neoadjuvant CRT. Foxp3+, CD8+ and CD3+ cell densities in biopsy samples from 106 patients were assessed by standard immunohistochemistry (IHC) and evaluated for their association with tumour regression grade and survival. We found no association between the density of any T cell subset pre-treatment and clinical outcome, indicating that tumour-infiltrating Treg density does not predict response to neoadjuvant CRT in rectal cancer. Taken together with the findings of the previous study, these data suggest that in the context of neoadjuvant CRT for rectal cancer, the impact of chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy on anti-tumour immunity may be more important than the state of the pre-existing local immune response.
Highly prevalent and poorly controlled cardiovascular risk factors among Chinese elderly people living in the rural community

Background The epidemiological scenario of cardiovascular risk factors (CRFs) among elderly people in rural China is unclear. We seek to describe the distribution, burden and management of major CRFs among older Chinese people living in the rural community. Methods This cross-sectional study included 1538 participants in the Confucius Hometown Aging Project (2010–2011) of people ≥60 years of age (mean age 68.6 years; 59.1% women) who lived in a rural community nearby Qufu, Shandong, China. Data were collected through a face-to-face interview, a clinical examination and laboratory tests. We carried out descriptive analysis on the prevalence and management of major CRFs. Results The overall prevalence of current smoking, physical inactivity, hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol and obesity were 13.8%, 83.7%, 76.0%, 26.6%, 42.4% and 13.1%, respectively: 82.8% and 50.4% of participants had ≥2 and ≥3, respectively, of the six CRFs. Prevalence of alcohol consumption was 18.7%. Men were more likely to smoke and consume alcohol than women, whereas women were more likely to be obese and physically inactive than men (p < 0.001). Prevalence of physical inactivity and hypertension increased with age, prevalence of alcohol intake and obesity decreased with age, and prevalence of smoking and diabetes was stable. Hypertension, diabetes and high cholesterol were treated in 60.6%, 68.1% and 41.1% of those with the disease, respectively, but only 11.3%, 13.7% and 31.7% achieved good control. Conclusions CRFs are highly prevalent and poorly controlled among elderly people in rural China, where men and women have different CRF profiles. Intervention programs targeting major CRFs may improve the health of older people in China.
Intraventricular Hemorrhage in Extremely Small Premature Infants

The incidence, timing, severity, and outcome of intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) were studied in extremely small premature infants with birth weights (BWs) between 500 and 700 g; 366 infants with BWs between 701 and 1500 g, admitted during the same period, served as a comparison group. Intraventricular hemorrhage occurred in 34 (62%) of 55 infants with BWs less than 700 g vs 91 (25%) of the 366 comparison infants. In the group with BWs less than 700 g, IVH occurred in the first 18 hours, from 19 to 72 hours, and after 72 hours of life in 62%, 20%, and 18% of the infants, respectively. In the comparison group, the occurrence for these periods was 13%, 82%, and 5%, respectively. The severity of IVH in infants with BWs less than 700 g was grade III (with or without intraparenchymal hemorrhage) in 97% of the lesions, but in the comparison group such severe IVH accounted for only 32% of the lesions. Intraventricular hemorrhage was a common contributor to death in the infants with BWs less than 700 g. Thus, in 24 infants who died before 72 hours of life, 21 infants (88%) had severe IVH. In addition, intracranial hemorrhage (four infants with IVH and two infants with intracerebellar hemorrhage) occurred late (days 8 to 25) and contributed to death in six of the infants with BWs less than 700 g. These data indicate that in comparison with larger premature infants, infants with BWs less than 700 g exhibit a higher incidence of IVH, which is more severe, occurs earlier, and is associated more often with a fatal outcome. In addition, late and lethal intracranial hemorrhage is also more likely to occur in these smaller infants.
Coxa Recta, Coxa Profunda and Abductor Ratio: Hip Morphology Variants Compared in An Arthroplasty and Control Population

Morphology variants of the hip such as coxa recta (aspherical femoral head and/or reduced head-neck concavity) or coxa profunda (overcoverage, or “deep” socket) are associated with cam and pincer impingement respectively, and may ultimately lead to coxarthrosis. Several population studies have documented the prevalence of hip morphotypes, but few studies have examined this prevalence in total hip arthroplasty (THA) patients, or persons without hip symptoms or signs. We reviewed whether coxa recta and profunda morphotypes were more prevalent in THA patients compared to normal controls. Further, we explored differences in hip abductor mechanism related to hip morphology. We examined 113 THA patients and 83 normal controls with anteroposterior pelvic and lateral hip radiographs. Coxa recta and profunda were classified with alpha and lateral CE-angle, respectively. The abductor ratio (AR) was measured on AP pelvic radiographs. Both coxa recta and profunda were more prevalent in THA patients than normal controls (coxa recta: male 42% vs 8%, female 15% vs 5%, respectively and coxa profunda: male 20% vs 1%, female 19% vs 6% respectively). AR was higher in females than males, both in THA patients (1.66 vs 1.47) and normal controls (1.68 vs 1.57). Coxa profunda was associated with a lower AR (1.54 vs 1.61). The higher prevalence of coxa recta and profunda in arthroplasty patients supports the theory of a role of these morphotypes in the development of coxarthrosis. The higher AR in females signifies the need for increased abductor work. Coxa profunda may be an adaptation to lower the AR.
Discovery and validation of the tumor-suppressive function of long noncoding RNA PANDA in human diffuse large B-cell lymphoma through the inactivation of MAPK/ERK signaling pathway

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related mortality, and responds badly to existing treatment. Thus, it is of urgent need to identify novel prognostic markers and therapeutic targets of DLBCL. Recent studies have shown that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play an important role in the development of cancer. By using the next generation HiSeq sequencing assay, we determined lncRNAs exhibiting differential expression between DLBCL patients and healthy controls. Then, RT-qPCR was performed for identification in clinical samples and cell materials, and lncRNA PANDA was verified to be down-regulated in DLBCL patients and have considerable diagnostic potential. In addition, decreased serum PANDA level was correlated to poorer clinical outcome and lower overall survival in DLBCL patients. Subsequently, we determined the experimental role of lncRNA PANDA in DLBCL progression. Luciferase reporter assay and chromatin immunoprecipitation assay suggested that lncRNA PANDA was induced by p53 and p53 interacts with the promoter region of PANDA. Cell functional assay further indicated that PANDA functioned as a tumor suppressor gene through the suppression of cell growth by a G0/G1 cell cycle arrest in DLBCL. More importantly, Cignal Signal Transduction Reporter Array and western blot assay showed that lncRNA PANDA inactivated the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway. In conclusion, our integrated approach demonstrates that PANDA in DLBCL confers a tumor suppressive function through inhibiting cell proliferation and silencing MAPK/ERK signaling pathway. Thus, PANDA may be a promising therapeutic target for patients with DLBCL.
The prevalence and type of glaucoma in geriatric patients

Abstract. A group of 100 institutionalized geriatric patients aged 69–94 years (mean 81.2 years) was studied at Koskela Helsinki Municipal Hospital. The selection of the patients was randomized by taking 100 patients having a birthdate divisible by five. Glaucoma occurred in 15% of the patients (14 women and one man). Six patients had bilateral primary open‐angle glaucoma. One patient had capsular glaucoma in one eye and secondary glaucoma in the other eye. Eight patients had glaucoma only in one eye; three narrow‐angle glaucoma, three primary open‐angle glaucoma and two secondary glaucoma. Exfoliation occurred in 21 patients (26%, 21/80). Ten patients had bilateral exfoliation and 11 exfoliation only in one eye. IOP was measured in 75 patients, 150 eyes, with applanation tonometry, averaging 12.5 mmHg (SD 5.0), and in 22 patients, 44 eyes, with Schiötz tonometry, averaging 16.3 mmHg (SD 5.6). Visual acuity for long distance and also the reading acuity were >0.3 in 66% (54/82).
Comparisons of health-related quality of life among surgery and radiotherapy for localized prostate cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis

The objective of this study is to compare health-related quality of life (QOL) outcomes between radical prostatectomy (RP) and external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) for localized prostate cancer. PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library and Web of Science (to July 2017) were searched. Pooled analysis of each domain-specific score was calculated in relevant studies, and its change with follow-up time was explored by sub-group analysis. A total of six studies containing 4423 patients were included. Men underwent RP was associated with worse urinary and sexual domain score than EBRT (standardized mean difference (SMD) = –0.59, –0.58; 95% confidence interval (CI) = –0.73 to –0.45, –0.72 to –0.44). In contrast, EBRT group had lower bowel domain score than RP group (SMD = 0.42, 95% CI = 0.33 to 0.52). The sub-group analysis revealed the most severe urinary and sexual QOL in RP as well as bowel QOL in EBRT group all happened in the first month post operation. The different performance of two treatments in three QOL domains diminished afterwards. Health-related QOL should be considered comprehensively when planning follow-up for men after RP or EBRT for localized prostate cancer.
Influence of Catch-up Growth on Glucose Tolerance and β-Cell Function in 7-Year-Old Children: Results From the Birth to Twenty Study

OBJECTIVE. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of catch-up growth occurring at different stages of childhood on glucose levels and β-cell function at 7 years of age. METHODS. Oral glucose tolerance tests were performed on 152 7-year-old children. Anthropometric data were available from birth to 7 years of age. Children were split into catch-up, catch-down, and normal-growth groups on the basis of growth rates between birth and 1 year, birth and 5 years, and birth and 7 years. Fasting and 30- and 120-minute blood samples collected during the oral glucose tolerance tests were assayed for glucose, insulin, proinsulin, and des-31,32-proinsulin levels, and area-under-the-curve values were calculated. RESULTS. Children with catch-up growth between birth and 5 years or birth and 7 years had greater area-under-the-curve insulin levels than the children with catch-down growth. Children with catch-up growth only between birth and 7 years exhibited higher proinsulin levels and a greater insulin secretory response to glucose than those who experienced catch-up growth between both birth and 1 year and birth and 7 years of age. Low birth weight children with no catch-up growth between birth and 7 years had the highest glucose and lowest insulinogenic index levels, whereas children with high birth weight and catch-up growth had the highest insulin levels. CONCLUSIONS. Extremes of birth weight in conjunction with extremes of postnatal growth are all detrimental to childhood metabolism. The negative metabolic effects of catch-up growth between birth and 7 years may be attenuated if catch-up growth also occurs between birth and 1 year of age.
Transfusion‐Related Risks of Intradermal Allogeneic Lymphocyte Immunotherapy: Single Cases in a Large Cohort and Review of the Literature

Problem Lymphocyte immunotherapy (LIT) is applied in infertility treatment. Moreover, it has been suggested for prevention of rhesus D‐hemolytic disease and as a vaccine for reduction of human immunodeficiency virus‐1 susceptibility. Although transfusion‐related problems have been rarely reported they were a matter of debate. Here we discuss extensive single‐center experience with intradermal LIT for implantation failure and recurrent miscarriages.
Bypassing Iron Storage in Endodermal Vacuoles Rescues the Iron Mobilization Defect in the natural resistance associated-macrophage protein3natural resistance associated-macrophage protein4 Double Mutant1[OPEN]

Mutations in vacuolar iron transporters modify both tissue specific and subcellular localization of seed iron stores. To improve seed iron (Fe) content and bioavailability, it is crucial to decipher the mechanisms that control Fe storage during seed development. In Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) seeds, most Fe is concentrated in insoluble precipitates, with phytate in the vacuoles of cells surrounding the vasculature of the embryo. NATURAL RESISTANCE ASSOCIATED-MACROPHAGE PROTEIN3 (AtNRAMP3) and AtNRAMP4 function redundantly in Fe retrieval from vacuoles during germination. When germinated under Fe-deficient conditions, development of the nramp3nramp4 double mutant is arrested as a consequence of impaired Fe mobilization. To identify novel genes involved in seed Fe homeostasis, we screened an ethyl methanesulfonate-mutagenized population of nramp3nramp4 seedlings for mutations suppressing their phenotypes on low Fe. Here, we report that, among the suppressors, two independent mutations in the VACUOLAR IRON TRANSPORTER1 (AtVIT1) gene caused the suppressor phenotype. The AtVIT1 transporter is involved in Fe influx into vacuoles of endodermal and bundle sheath cells. This result establishes a functional link between Fe loading in vacuoles by AtVIT1 and its remobilization by AtNRAMP3 and AtNRAMP4. Moreover, analysis of subcellular Fe localization indicates that simultaneous disruption of AtVIT1, AtNRAMP3, and AtNRAMP4 limits Fe accumulation in vacuolar globoids.
Climatic modifiers of the response to nitrogen deposition in peat-forming Sphagnum mosses: a meta-analysis.

Peatlands in the northern hemisphere have accumulated more atmospheric carbon (C) during the Holocene than any other terrestrial ecosystem, making peatlands long-term C sinks of global importance. Projected increases in nitrogen (N) deposition and temperature make future accumulation rates uncertain. Here, we assessed the impact of N deposition on peatland C sequestration potential by investigating the effects of experimental N addition on Sphagnum moss. We employed meta-regressions to the results of 107 field experiments, accounting for sampling dependence in the data. We found that high N loading (comprising N application rate, experiment duration, background N deposition) depressed Sphagnum production relative to untreated controls. The interactive effects of presence of competitive vascular plants and high tissue N concentrations indicated intensified biotic interactions and altered nutrient stochiometry as mechanisms underlying the detrimental N effects. Importantly, a higher summer temperature (mean for July) and increased annual precipitation intensified the negative effects of N. The temperature effect was comparable to an experimental application of almost 4 g N m(-2) yr(-1) for each 1°C increase. Our results indicate that current rates of N deposition in a warmer environment will strongly inhibit C sequestration by Sphagnum-dominated vegetation.
Infiltration of colorectal carcinoma by S100+ dendritic cells and CD57+ lymphocytes as independent prognostic factors after radical surgical treatment.

BACKGROUND S100(+) dendritic cells and CD57(+) lymphocytes are factors reflecting the immune system's ability to suppress the progress of tumor growth. CD57(+) cells include natural killer cells and late stages of T-effector lymphocytes. We evaluated the relationship between the known clinical and histological factors and tumor markers as well as the presence of S100(+) and CD57(+) cells in the tissue of colorectal carcinoma with the aim of detecting patients at high risk of short overall survival (OS) or short disease-free interval (DFI) after radical surgical treatment and we further analyzed whether S100(+) and CD57(+) positivity could bring on new information regarding the treatment regimen. MATERIALS AND METHODS Data of 150 patients (97 males and 53 females) that underwent an elective radical surgical procedure for colorectal cancer were studied. The influence on DFI and on OS of the following parameters was evaluated: grading, staging and positivity for S100 and CD57 by immunohistochemical staining. We also analyzed the relation of preoperative serum levels of the tumor markers Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA), Cancer Antigen 19-9 (CA19-9), Cancer Antigen 72-4 (CA72-4), Thymidine kinase (TK), Tissue-Specific Polypeptide Antigen (TPS) and Tissue Polypeptide Antigen (TPA) in relation to S100 and CD57 positivity/negativity for the same patients. RESULTS OS at 1, 3 and 5 years was 92.2%, 76.5% and 70.2%; the DFI at 1, 3 and 5 years was 85.3%, 64.3% and 49.4%. CD57 positivity in the tumor mass was proven as a positive prognostic factor for OS. Risk of short OS was 2.5-fold higher in patients with low tumor infiltration by CD57(+) lymphocytes. The combination of N2 stage for lymph nodes and the absence of CD57(+) cells was proven to be the strongest negative prognostic factor for OS. No significant influence of CD57 positivity on DFI appeared. There was no significant influence of S100 positivity on OS or DFI; nor was there any statistical dependence of CD57 and S100 positivity or negativity on preoperative serum levels of CEA, CA19-9, CA72-4, TK, TPS or TPA. Both studied factors were shown to be statistically independent factors. CONCLUSION The present study showed infiltration of colorectal cancer tissue by CD57(+) cells as being an important independent positive prognostic factor for OS.
Ciprofloxacin Resistance Among Nosocomial Pseudomonas aeruginosa and staphylococcus aureus in the United States

Abstract Objective: We attempted to determine if an increase in resistance to ciprofloxacin occurred among nosocomial pathogens, especially Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. Methods: We examined 1989-1992 ciprofloxacin susceptibility results from 8,517 P aeruginosa and 9,021 S aureus isolates associated with nosocomial infections reported to the National Nosocomial Infections Surveillance System. Results: For S aureus, 27.1% of isolates were resistant to ciprofloxacin; of methicillin-resistant S aureus isolates, 80% also were resistant to ciprofloxacin. A logistic regression model found that ciprofloxacin resistance was more common among S aureus isolated from the urinary and respiratory tracts than from other sites of isolation, and among isolates that were methicillin resistant. After controlling for these factors, the model showed a 123% increase in the odds of ciprofloxacin resistance from 1989-1990 to 1991-1992. For P aeruginosa, 4.7% of the isolates were resistant to ciprofloxacin. Resistance varied by site of infection and rose most dramatically for respiratory tract isolates from 2.0% in 1989-1990 to 5.3% in 1991-1992. Conclusion: Resistance to ciprofloxacin is more frequent among nosocomial S aureus than among P aeruginosa and is increasing rapidly among S aureus isolates and from selected sites among P aeruginosa isolates.
Flightless-I (Fli-I) Regulates the Actin Assembly Activity of Diaphanous-related Formins (DRFs) Daam1 and mDia1 in Cooperation with Active Rho GTPase*

Eukaryotic cells dynamically reorganize the actin cytoskeleton to regulate various cellular activities, such as cell shape change, cell motility, cytokinesis, and vesicular transport. Diaphanous-related formins (DRFs), such as Daam1 and mDia1, play central roles in actin dynamics through assembling linear actin filaments. It has been reported that the GTP-bound active Rho binds directly to DRFs and partially unleashes the intramolecular autoinhibition of DRFs. However, whether proteins other than Rho involve the regulation of the actin assembly activity of DRFs has been unclear. Here, we show that Flightless-I (Fli-I), a gelsolin family protein essential for early development, binds directly to Daam1 and mDia1. Fli-I enhances the intrinsic actin assembly activity of Daam1 and mDia1 in vitro and is required for Daam1-induced actin assembly in living cells. Furthermore, Fli-I promotes the GTP-bound active Rho-mediated relief of the autoinhibition of Daam1 and mDia1. Thus, Fli-I is a novel positive regulator of Rho-induced linear actin assembly mediated by DRFs.