Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Prevalence and Predictors of Thyroid Dysfunction in Patients with HIV Infection and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome: An Indian Perspective

Background. Predictors of thyroid dysfunction in HIV are not well determined. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and predictors of thyroid dysfunction in HIV infected Indians. Methods. Consecutive HIV patients, 18–70 years of age, without any severe comorbid state, having at least 1-year follow-up at the antiretroviral therapy clinic, underwent clinical assessment and hormone assays. Results. From initially screened 527 patients, 359 patients (61.44 ± 39.42 months' disease duration), having good immune function [CD4 count >200 cell/mm3: 90.25%; highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART): 88.58%], were analyzed. Subclinical hypothyroidism (ScH) was the commonest thyroid dysfunction (14.76%) followed by sick euthyroid syndrome (SES) (5.29%) and isolated low TSH (3.1%). Anti-TPO antibody (TPOAb) was positive in 3.90%. Baseline CD4 count had inverse correlation with TPOAb after adjusting for age and body mass index. Stepwise linear regression revealed baseline CD4 count, TPOAb, and tuberculosis to be best predictors of ScH after adjusting for age, weight, duration of HIV, and history of opportunistic fungal and viral infections. Conclusion. Burden of thyroid dysfunction in chronic HIV infection with stable immune function is lower compared to pre-HAART era. Thyroid dysfunction is primarily of nonautoimmune origin, predominantly ScH. Severe immunodeficiency at disease onset, TPOAb positivity, and tuberculosis were best predictors of ScH.
Health-related quality of life in the elderly three years after percutaneous coronary intervention.

AIMS Long-term health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in the elderly after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is unknown. We 1) compared HRQOL of elderly (≥70 years) with younger patients (<70 years) at 6, 12, 36 months post-PCI, and 2) examined whether predictors of impaired HRQOL 36 months post-PCI differed between older and younger patients. METHODS AND RESULTS A prospective cohort of 651 PCI patients (26.3% ≥70 years) completed the SF-36 at 6, 12 and 36 months post-PCI. Older patients experienced a poorer physical HRQOL at all time points and worse mental HRQOL with respect to vitality and role emotional functioning (all p-values<0.05). By 36 months, the HRQOL for the older patients worsened in five of the eight subdomains (all p-values<0.05). Younger patients did not experience enduring changes in HRQOL, with the exception of role physical functioning. Predictors of impaired HRQOL were generally different for the elderly (diabetes, previous PCI) compared to younger cohorts (smoking, previous bypass surgery, ACE inhibitors), although poor six-month HRQOL, anxiety and depression were common predictors for both groups. CONCLUSIONS Elderly PCI patients experience a deteriorating and poorer HRQOL than younger patients across three years. Contrary to younger patients, three-year HRQOL of elderly patients is irrespective of adverse events during outcomes.
Array comparative genome hybridization analysis of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia and acute megakaryoblastic leukaemia in patients with Down syndrome

Twenty‐five cases of B‐cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) from Down syndrome (DS) patients were analyzed using array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) and compared with two other subgroups of non‐DS patients with ALL; five cases with high‐hyperdiploidy (HH) and nine cases with ETV6‐RUNX1 positive clones. Seven cases of DS‐acute megakaryoblastic leukaemia (AMKL) were also included, DS‐ALL cases showed relatively stable karyotypes with cryptic losses and gains that most frequently involved chromosomes X, 1, 2, 9, 11, 16, and 17. The most consistent change involved a deletion in 2p, spanning region Chr2:88273220‐91084234, which in some cases appeared to be homozygous. ALL from non‐DS patients showed a similar overall karyotypic stability, although gains of chromosome 21 were infrequent in the ETV6‐RUNX1 positive cases. The most consistent change in this group involved a 12p deletion, where Chr12:10383878‐16017619 defined the common region of overlap. All HH‐ALL karyotypes showed variable gains of chromosome 21. This overall analysis supports the suggestion that, although constitutional trisomy 21 predisposes to ALL/AMKL, the cytogenetic changes associated with DS‐ALL in particular, are most similar to those found in non‐DS ETV6‐RUNX1 positive ALL. The HH‐ALL group, however, undergoes distinct karyotypic evolution not dependent on chromosome translocation/deletion events.
Communication disorders and HIV disease.

Representatives of the American Speech-Language Association (ASHA) met jointly with the International Association of Physicians in AIDS Care (IAPAC) to discuss hearing loss and communication disorders in HIV. The National Institutes of Health estimates that as many as 75 percent of adults with AIDS experience some kind of auditory dysfunction as a result of opportunistic infections or treatments with combination therapies that are ototoxic. The article reviews a variety of topics, including the types and causes of hearing loss, pediatric AIDS and communication disorders, and the differences between adults and children. Several case studies are presented along with recommendations to track data and develop programs related to this issue. There appears to be little awareness among health care workers of the effects of hearing loss and related language disorders among this group of patients. Several tables and graphs review data on otitis media and associated HIV clinical information.
Role of Rck-Pat1b binding in assembly of processing-bodies

The DEAD box RNA helicase Rck and the scaffold protein Pat1b participate in controlling gene expression at the post-transcriptional level by suppressing mRNA translation and promoting mRNA decapping. In addition, both proteins are required for the assembly of processing (P)-bodies, cytoplasmic foci that contain stalled mRNAs and numerous components of the mRNA decay machinery. The C-terminal RecA-like domain of Rck interacts with the N-terminal acidic domain of Pat1b. Here, we identified point mutations in human Rck and Pat1b that prevent the two proteins from binding to each other. By analyzing interaction-deficient mutants in combination with knockdown and rescue strategies in human HeLa cells, we found that Pat1b assembles P-bodies and suppresses expression of tethered mRNAs in the absence of Rck binding. In contrast, Rck requires the Pat1b-binding site in order to promote P-body assembly and associate with the decapping enzyme Dcp2 as well as Ago2 and TNRC6A, two core components of the RNA-induced silencing complex. Our data indicate that P-body assembly occurs in a step-wise manner, where Rck participates in the initial suppression of mRNA translation, whereas Pat1b in a second step triggers P-body assembly and promotes mRNA decapping.
Assessment of Olfactory Memory in Olfactory Dysfunction

To assess all clinically relevant components of olfactory perception, examinations for olfactory sensitivity, discrimination, and identification are performed. Besides the standard perceptual test battery, episodic olfactory memory might offer additional information about olfactory abilities relative to these standard clinical tests. As both olfactory deficits and memory deficits are early symptoms in neurodegenerative disorders, olfactory memory may be of particular interest. However, to date little is known about episodic olfactory memory performance in patients with decreased olfactory function. This study includes the investigation of olfactory memory performance in 14 hyposmic patients (8 female, mean age 52.6 years) completing two episodic odor memory tests (Sniffin’ Test of Odor Memory and Odor Memory Test). To control for a general impairment in memory function, a verbal and a figural memory test were carried out. A regression model with multiple predictors was calculated for both odor memory tests separately. Odor identification was identified as the only significant predictor for both odor memory tasks. From our results, we conclude that currently available olfactory memory tests are highly influenced by odor identification abilities, implying the need for the development and validation of additional tests in this field which could serve as additional olfactory perception variables for clinical assessment.
House dust mite‐specific T cells in healthy non‐atopic children

Background T‐helper type 2 (Th2) cells play an important role in the pathogenesis of allergic diseases. Recent studies have demonstrated that allergen‐specific T cells can also be found in the blood of healthy individuals. Both IL‐10 and IFN‐γ might modulate the induction and maintenance of allergen‐specific tolerance.
Frequency Domain Analysis of ECG Signals using Auto-Associative Neural Networks

In this paper, we utilize the frequency domain representation of electrocardiogram (ECG) signals for the training of auto-associative neural networks. Since ECG signals, when taken over shorter duration, are almost periodic; so they can be considered to be short term stationary. We use the harmonics of individual ECG beats, as input to train the auto-associative neural network (AANN). For the purpose of analysis, a five-layer AANN model is used to capture the feature vector distribution. We provide the training results of AANNs for ECG beats from two different ECG databases. Similar experiments are performed using discrete fourier transform (DFT) coefficients of ECG beats, instead of harmonics. The results and relevant observations are reported and discussed.
Methionine-mediated gene expression and characterization of the CmhR regulon in Streptococcus pneumoniae

This study investigated the transcriptomic response of Streptococcus pneumoniae D39 to methionine. Transcriptome comparison of the S. pneumoniae D39 wild-type grown in chemically defined medium with 0–10 mM methionine revealed the elevated expression of various genes/operons involved in methionine synthesis and transport (fhs, folD, gshT, metA, metB-csd, metEF, metQ, tcyB, spd-0150, spd-0431 and spd-0618). Furthermore, β-galactosidase assays and quantitative RT-PCR studies demonstrated that the transcriptional regulator, CmhR (SPD-0588), acts as a transcriptional activator of the fhs, folD, metB-csd, metEF, metQ and spd-0431 genes. A putative regulatory site of CmhR was identified in the promoter region of CmhR-regulated genes and this CmhR site was further confirmed by promoter mutational experiments.
Human brucellosis.

Despite advances in the control of the disease in animals, brucellosis is a zoonosis with important economic impact in the United States. It is estimated that cases of brucellosis in humans are underdiagnosed and underreported and that the disease continues to be a major human health hazard. Nine active cases of brucellosis in humans were documented in Houston, Texas between June 1981 and June 1982. These cases, plus an additional case of chronic brucellosis, served as the impetus for this review of the protean manifestations of the disease in humans.
Inhibition of Cyclin-dependent Kinase-2 Induces Apoptosis in Human Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphomas

Cyclin-dependent kinase (cdk) inhibitors have the potential to induce growth arrest and apoptosis in cancer cells. The genes encoding cdks involved in G1-S progression are often amplified in B-cell malignancies, including diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Here, we evaluated the in vitro cytotoxic activity of the cdk2 inhibitor CVT-313 against several human DLBCL cells. Treatment of DLBCL cells with CVT-313 resulted in apoptosis. CVT-313 treatment reduced cdk2-mediated phosphorylation of the retinoblastoma gene product (Rb) on T821, but did not affect cyclin D-cdk4/6-mediated Rb phosphorylation on S807/811. Depletion of endogenous cdk2 by short interfering (si)RNA also resulted in apoptosis in human LY3, LY8 and LY18 DLBCL cells. Importantly, inhibition of cdk2 with CVT-313 or knockdown of endogenous cdk2 with siRNA resulted in down-regulation of the anti-apoptotic factor Myeloid cell leukemia-1 (Mcl-1), suggesting that decreased levels of cellular Mcl-1 contribute to apoptosis. In support of this, siRNA-mediated knockdown of Mcl-1 was sufficient to induce apoptosis in LY3 and LY18 DLBCL. Further, cdk2 inhibition led to decreased Mcl-1 mRNA levels, which was proceeded by reduced phosphorylation of serine 2 on the carboxyl terminal domain (CTD) of RNA polymerase II. Taken together, these data suggest that cdk2 activity is necessary for the survival of human DLBCL.
High performance HRM: NHS employee perspectives.

PURPOSE The purpose of this paper is to examine National Health Service (NHS) employee perspectives of how high performance human resource (HR) practices contribute to their performance. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH The paper draws on an extensive qualitative study of the NHS. A novel two-part method was used; the first part used focus group data from managers to identify high-performance HR practices specific to the NHS. Employees then conducted a card-sort exercise where they were asked how or whether the practices related to each other and how each practice affected their work. FINDINGS In total, 11 high performance HR practices relevant to the NHS were identified. Also identified were four reactions to a range of HR practices, which the authors developed into a typology according to anticipated beneficiaries (personal gain, organisation gain, both gain and no-one gains). Employees were able to form their own patterns (mental models) of performance contribution for a range of HR practices (60 interviewees produced 91 groupings). These groupings indicated three bundles particular to the NHS (professional development, employee contribution and NHS deal). PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS These mental models indicate employee perceptions about how health services are organised and delivered in the NHS and illustrate the extant mental models of health care workers. As health services are rearranged and financial pressures begin to bite, these mental models will affect employee reactions to changes both positively and negatively. ORIGINALITY/VALUE The novel method allows for identification of mental models that explain how NHS workers understand service delivery. It also delineates the complex and varied relationships between HR practices and individual performance.
Presence and mechanism of knee articular cartilage degeneration after meniscal reconstruction in dogs.

OBJECTIVE Partial meniscectomy is the golden standard for treating a bucket-handle tear in the meniscus of the knee, but it inevitably leads to articular cartilage degeneration. Surgical creation of an access channel between the lesion and the vascularized synovial lining is intended to induce ingrowth of repair tissue and thus avoid degeneration of articular cartilage. DESIGN The presence and mechanism of cartilage degeneration were evaluated in 24 canine menisci after a longitudinal lesion and access channel had been created in the avascular part of the meniscus. In 12 menisci the channel was implanted with a porous polymer scaffold, while the remaining 12 were left empty. Evaluation was performed using routine histology and antibodies directed against denatured type II collagen (Col2-3/4M). RESULTS Articular degeneration was apparent in the polymer implant group and the empty channel group. This consisted of fibrillation, loss of chondrocytes and decreased proteoglycan content. Areas of fibrillated cartilage always showed positive labeling with the collagen degradation antibody Col2-3/4M. Collagen degradation was also visible in non-fibrillated areas. The upper zone of the cartilage showed swelling especially in the implant group, with empty cell lacunae and moderate levels of Col2-3/4M antibody labeling. DISCUSSION This reconstruction technique cannot be considered superior to partial meniscectomy. We propose that degradation of the collagen type II network is a result of cartilage fibrillation and vice versa.
Acceleration forces and cardiac and aortic indexes in jet fighter pilots.

BACKGROUND Military jet fighter pilots are exposed to acceleration (+G(z)) forces which possibly influence various cardiac parameters. Several previous studies have evaluated the impact of exposure to acceleration forces on cardiac morphology and function, but these studies were not prospective and were either based on small samples or compared jet fighter pilots with pilots of low-performance aircraft. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of acceleration forces on cardiac morphologic changes in jet fighter pilots. METHODS Routine echocardiography has been performed for jet fighter pilots since 2003. Medical records of all military jet fighter pilots who underwent echocardiography following 2003 were retrospectively evaluated. Of those, all jet fighter pilots who underwent an additional echocardiography prior to 2003 were identified. Echocardiographic parameters were recorded using M-mode and included left ventricular diameter at end systole and end diastole, interventricular septum thickness, thickness of the posterior wall, aortic root diameter and aortic valve opening, diameter of the left atrium, and left ventricular mass. Medical records of the subjects were evaluated for development of adverse events. RESULTS There were 72 subjects who underwent 2 echocardiographic examinations with a mean follow-up period of 8.92 yr. Subjects were 18-50 yr old at the time of the initial echocardiographic examination. All parameters evaluated by M-mode were not significantly changed from the baseline examination. No adverse events occurred during the follow-up period. DISCUSSION Findings of this study suggest that exposure to acceleration forces is not associated with cardiac and aortic morphologic changes.
Brain functional abnormality in schizo-affective disorder: an fMRI study

Background Schizo-affective disorder has not been studied to any significant extent using functional imaging. The aim of this study was to examine patterns of brain activation and deactivation in patients meeting strict diagnostic criteria for the disorder. Method Thirty-two patients meeting Research Diagnostic Criteria (RDC) for schizo-affective disorder (16 schizomanic and 16 schizodepressive) and 32 matched healthy controls underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) during performance of the n-back task. Linear models were used to obtain maps of activations and deactivations in the groups. Results Controls showed activation in a network of frontal and other areas and also deactivation in the medial frontal cortex, the precuneus and the parietal cortex. Schizo-affective patients activated significantly less in prefrontal, parietal and temporal regions than the controls, and also showed failure of deactivation in the medial frontal cortex. When task performance was controlled for, the reduced activation in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and the failure of deactivation of the medial frontal cortex remained significant. Conclusions Schizo-affective disorder shows a similar pattern of reduced frontal activation to schizophrenia. The disorder is also characterized by failure of deactivation suggestive of default mode network dysfunction.
Internet sexuality research with rural men who have sex with men: Can we recruit and retain them?

This study examines the utility of internet banner ads for recruiting rural MSM and identifies correlates of internet HIV risk survey initiation and completion. Banner ads were shown on a popular internet dating site for one month and resulted in 1,045 rural MSM, from 49 States, Canada, Australia/New Zealand, and 5 from other countries initiating the questionnaire. Logistic regression indicated that progression beyond screening questions was negatively related to “expecting pay, but not being paid” and positively related to “using chat rooms to find friends” and identifying as gay. Linear regression indicated that the absolute number of responses by consenting participants was positively correlated with reimbursement, number of sexual partners, motivated by money, and having been HIV tested. Overall, this sample represents one of the largest rural MSM samples; survey completion was high and strengthened by reimbursement and possibly by awareness of HIV risk. Generalizability was limited by low participation of minority and non‐gay identified MSM.
Purification and growth of endothelial progenitor cells from murine bone marrow mononuclear cells

This study reports the culture and purification of murine bone marrow endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) using endothelial cell‐conditioned medium (EC‐CM). Endothelial‐like cells appeared at day 5 in culture of bone marrow mononuclear cells in the presence of EC‐CM in the culture system, and these cells incorporated acetylated low‐density lipoproteins (Ac‐LDL) and reacted with endothelial‐specific Ulex Europaeus Lectin. Continued incubation of these cells at low density with EC‐CM for longer than 10 days resulted in the formation of endothelial cell colonies which gave rise to colonies of endothelial progeny and can be passed for many generations in the EC‐CM culture system. Cells derived from these colonies expressed endothelial cell markers such as vWF and CD31, incorporated Dil‐Ac‐LDL, stained positive for Ulex Europaeus Lectin, formed capillary‐like structures on Matrigel, and demonstrated a high proliferative capacity in culture. These bone marrow‐derived adherent cells were identified as EPCs. The purification and the formation of EPC colonies by using EC‐CM were associated with the cytokines secreted in the EC‐CM. VEGF, bFGF, and GM‐CSF in the EC‐CM stimulated the proliferation and growth of EPCs, whereas AcSDKP (tetrapeptide NAc‐Ser‐Asp‐Lys‐Pro) in EC‐CM suppressed the growth of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) and fibroblasts. This approach is efficient for isolation/purification and outgrowth of bone marrow EPCs in vitro, a very important cell source in angiogenic therapies and regenerative medicine. J. Cell. Biochem. 103: 21–29, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A cognitive and affective pattern in posterior fossa strokes in children: a case series

Aim Posterior fossa strokes account for about 10% of ischaemic strokes in children. Although motor and dysautonomic symptoms are common, to our knowledge cognitive and affective deficits have not been described in the paediatric literature. Our aim, therefore, was to describe these symptoms and deficits.
Molecular background of D‐negative phenotype in the Tunisian population

Background: Most studies of the molecular basis of Rhesus D‐negative phenotype have been conducted in Caucasian and African populations. A comprehensive survey of RHD alleles was lacking in people from North Africa (Tunisians, Moroccans and Algerians) which could be very efficient for managing donors and patients carrying an RHD molecular variant. We analyse the molecular background of D‐negative population in Tunisia in the present study.