Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
HIV infection of macrophages is enhanced in the presence of increased expression of CD163 induced by substance P

Activation of NK1R by SP contributes to increased HIV‐1 infection in macrophages. The scavenger receptor CD163 is expressed on cells of monocyte‐macrophage origin. Our main goal was to determine if there is interplay among SP, CD163 expression, and HIV infection in macrophages. We showed that SP triggers intracellular calcium elevation and increased CD163 expression in human monocytes in a time‐ and concentration‐dependent manner. The role of CD163 on HIV infection was examined by RT‐PCR in sorted monocytes (CD163low and CD163high) and in macrophages having CD163 knocked down using siRNA. We found that the productivity of HIV infection was higher in CD163high cells. Additionally, in macrophages with CD163 expression knocked down, we found a significant decrease of HIV infection. Furthermore, Hb‐Hp complexes, which function as an endogenous ligand for CD163, decreased HIV infection in macrophages in a dose‐dependent manner. Thus, we demonstrate that SP induces higher levels of CD163 in monocytes and that high expression of CD163 is associated with increases HIV infection in macrophages. Thus, in addition to being a prognostic marker of HIV infection, the expression of CD163 on macrophages may be critical in HIV immunopathogenesis.
DC water plasma at atmospheric pressure for the treatment of aqueous phenol.

This study investigated the decomposition of aqueous phenol by direct current (DC) water plasma. The operation of DC water plasma was carried out in the absence of inert gases or air injected and cooling-controlled and pressure-controlled devices. The results indicated that 1 mol. % (52.8 g L(-1)) phenol was drastically decomposed by DC water plasma touch with energy efficiencies of 1.9 x 10(-8)-2.2 x 10(-8) mol J(-1). Also, the value of chemical oxygen demand (COD) was reduced from 100 000 mg L(-1) down to 320 mg L(-1) over a short retention time. The maximum decomposition rate of the COD was 258 mg COD min(-1) for the arc power of 0.91 kW. In the effluent analysis, H(2) (63-68%), CO (3.6-6.3%), CO(2) (25.3-28.1%) were major products in the exhaust gas and CH(4), C(2)H(2), HCOOH and C(6)H(6) in trace level. Further, HCOOH and HCHO were observed in the liquid effluents. Within the current paper, the results indicated that the DC water plasma torch is capable of an alternative green technology for phenol wastewater containing high COD.
Intra-arterial or intravenous thrombolysis for acute ischemic stroke? The SYNTHESIS pilot trial

Objective To assess the feasibility, safety and preliminary efficacy of intra-arterial thrombolysis (IAT) compared with standard intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) for acute ischemic stroke. Methods Eligible patients with ischemic stroke, who were devoid of contraindications, started IVT within 3 h or IAT as soon as possible within 6 h. Patients were randomized within 3 h of onset to receive either intravenous alteplase, in accordance with the current European labeling, or up to 0.9 mg/kg intra-arterial alteplase (maximum 90 mg), over 60 min into the thrombus, if necessary with mechanical clot disruption and/or retrieval. The purpose of the study was to determine the proportion of favorable outcome at 90 days. Safety endpoints included symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (SICH), death and other serious adverse events. Results 54 patients (25 IAT) were enrolled. Median time from stroke onset to start to treatment was 3 h 15 min for IAT and 2 h 35 min for IVT (p<0.001). Almost twice as many patients on IAT as those on IVT survived without residual disability (12/25 vs 8/29; OR 3.2; 95% CI 0.9 to 11.4; p=0.067). SICH occurred in 2/25 patients on IAT and in 4/29 on IVT (OR 0.5; CI 0.1 to 3.3; p=0.675). Mortality at day 7 was 5/25 (IAT) compared with 4/29 (IVT) (OR 1.6; CI 0.4 to 6.7; p=0.718). There was no significant difference in the rate of other serious adverse events. Conclusions Rapid initiation of IAT is a safe and feasible alternative to IVT in acute ischemic stroke. Trial registration number NCT00540527.
História de adversidade, saúde e psicopatologia em reclusos: comparação entre homens e mulheres

Adversity in childhood, risk behaviors and psychopathology are highly prevalent phenomena in inmate populations and have a strong impact on health. Knowing the differences in these variables between the sexes is most important in order to develop appropriate intervention strategies in a prison context. By administering the Socio-demographic and Life History Questionnaire and the Brief Symptoms Inventory, we sought to characterize adverse childhood experiences and relate them to risk behaviors and to psychopathological symptoms, and study the differences between the 65 male and 42 female detainees in Portuguese prison establishments. Men and women report a complex web of adversity in childhood. In a range of ten possible categories, a medium value of 5.05 (DP = 2.63) in total adversity for women and 2.63 (DP = 2.18) for men was encountered, with the prevalence being significantly higher within the female population (Z = -4.33; p = .000). A high prevalence of risk behaviors and psychopathological symptoms was found in both groups, the latter being higher among females. We concluded that the differences between men and women calls for in depth studies in order to provide guidelines for intervention projects in specific populations.
Factors Affecting Periodic Screening Behaviors for Breast Cancer among Hospital Nurses.

PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to analyze periodic screening behaviors for breast cancer and factors affecting the screening behaviors among hospital nurses. METHODS A total of 461 nurses were recruited from 15 hospitals located in two southern areas of Korea. The Champion's Health Beliefs Model Scale-Korean version and a structured study questionnaire were used for data collection. Data were collected during July and August 2008. RESULTS Nurses who performed periodic mammography accounted for 15.6% of the total, while 22.8% performed periodic breast self-examination (BSE). Among married nurses, the rates of periodic mammography and BSE were significantly different by age, menopausal status, delivery experience, family history of breast cancer, and experiences of cervical cancer screening. Significant factors affecting periodic mammography were family history of breast cancer, experiences of cervical cancer screening, age above 40, and performance of periodic BSE. For health beliefs, levels of severity, confidentiality and barrier were significant factors for periodic BSE. CONCLUSION Nurses, who are role models for health promoting behaviors, did not adequately performing periodic BSE and mammography. A health promotion program for breast cancer designed for hospital nurses is needed to improve performance rates for periodic screening behaviors for breast cancer.
Horizontal deployment of an intracranial stent via an antegrade approach for coil embolization of a basilar apex aneurysm: technical note

The treatment of basilar apex aneurysms has progressively become more minimalistic in nature. Although initial coil embolizations were geared towards those aneurysms with a favorable neck to dome ratio, wide necked aneurysms have also been increasingly treated by the endovascular route. Several techniques have been described in the stent assisted coiling of basilar apex aneurysms, including the Y stent formation, waffle cone technique and horizontal stenting. Thus far, horizontal stenting has required access from a retrograde approach—namely, the posterior communicating artery. The authors describe a novel antegrade technique, through the basilar artery, for the deployment of a Neuroform-EZ stent (Boston Scientific, Natick, Massachusetts, USA) in a horizontal configuration across the neck of a basilar apex aneurysm. This approach allowed for the complete coil embolization of a wide necked basilar apex aneurysm.
Microfluidic assay for precise measurements of mouse, rat, and human neutrophil chemotaxis in whole‐blood droplets

Animal models of human disease differ in innate immune responses to stress, pathogens, or injury. Precise neutrophil phenotype measurements could facilitate interspecies comparisons. However, such phenotype comparisons could not be performed accurately with the use of current assays, as they require the separation of neutrophils from blood using species‐specific protocols, and they introduce distinct artifacts. Here, we report a microfluidic technology that enables robust characterization of neutrophil migratory phenotypes in a manner independent of the donor species and performed directly in a droplet of whole blood. The assay relies on the particular ability of neutrophils to deform actively during chemotaxis through microscale channels that block the advance of other blood cells. Neutrophil migration is measured directly in blood, in the presence of other blood cells and serum factors. Our measurements reveal important differences among migration counts, velocity, and directionality among neutrophils from 2 common mouse strains, rats, and humans.
Predisposing Factors in Individuals with Late-Onset Auditory Dys-Synchrony

The aim of the study was to find possible predisposing factors that would result in the condition of late-onset auditory dys-synchrony. A detailed case history of the possible risk factors and the symptoms were recorded from two groups. The two groups consisted of 30 participants each diagnosed as late-onset auditory dys-synchrony and late onset cochlear hearing loss respectively. The results showed that factors such as low socioeconomic status, exposure to toxic chemicals, family history of the condition, and onset at the pubertal age could be the possible predisposing factors of late-onset auditory dys-synchrony. Most of the participants of the study with auditory dys-synchrony reported difficulty in understanding speech, and tinnitus was found to be one of the major complaints. The study shows that the predisposing factors for late-onset auditory dys-synchrony were not similar to those reported in the literature for congenital auditory dys-synchrony. Future studies should focus on understanding
Chronic spontaneous urticaria and internal parasites – a systematic review

Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) is defined as persistent wheals, angioedema, or both lasting for >6 weeks due to known or unknown causes. Some epidemiological studies and case reports suggest that internal parasite infections (PI) can cause CSU. Here, we provide a systematic overview of published findings on the prevalence and relevance of PI in CSU and we discuss possible pathomechanisms. The prevalence of PI in CSU was investigated by 39 independent studies and comorbidity reportedly ranged from 0 to 75.4% (two‐thirds of these studies reported infection rates of 10% or less). The prevalence of PI in adult and pediatric CSU patients ranged from 0% to 75.4% and from 0% to 37.8%, respectively. CSU patients were more often diagnosed with protozoa and had a significantly higher risk of toxocariasis seropositivity and Anisakis simplex sensitization when compared to healthy controls. Patients with chronic urticaria more frequently had seropositivity of fasciolosis, Anisakis simplex sensitization, and the presence of Blastocystis hominis allele 34 (ST3) as compared with control subjects. In 21 studies, efficacy of treatment with antiparasitic drugs ranged from 0 to 100% (35.7% of 269 CSU patients benefitted). In 9 (42.8%) of 21 studies, more than 50% of efficacy was observed. The reported rate of urticaria comorbidity in PI patients in 18 independent studies is 1–66.7%. Urticaria including CSU might be a quite common symptom of strongyloidiasis and blastocystosis. Pathogenic mechanisms in CSU due to PI may include specific IgE, Th2 cytokine skewing, eosinophils, activation of the complement, and the coagulation systems.
Correlates of wife abuse in the Maseno and Nairobi areas of Kenya

This study measured the prevalence of wife abuse among a group of women in the Maseno and Nairobi areas of Kenya. Of the 208 women participants, 49.5% reported having experienced abuse.The best predictors of abuse were a history of violence in the husband’s family of origin and substance abuse by the husband.
Job satisfaction in Serbian health care workers who work with disabled patients

The study was undertaken to assess job satisfaction among health care workers (HCWs) who work with disabled patients and to identify the factors that contribute to their job satisfaction. This was a cross-sectional study conducted at nine rehabilitation centers in Serbia. The study sample consisted of doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, and other HCWs (social workers, work and speech therapists, and psychologists). A self-administrated questionnaire was distributed to 170 HCWs. Chi square testing and multivariate logistic regression analyses were applied. The response rate was 97.1% (165/170). Overall job satisfaction was reported by 22.4% of the respondents and was associated with hospital politics (odds ratio [OR], 4.16; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.13–15.30], personal relationships (OR, 13.96; 95% CI, 4.07–47.92) and the feeling of being able to provide a good quality of care (OR, 5.24; 95% CI, 1.62–16.99). Profession, age, and gender did not affect job satisfaction. In conclusion, the results show very low job satisfaction among HCWs. Improving contributing factors may lead to higher job satisfaction and a better quality of health care.
Cockroach allergen exposure and risk of asthma

Cockroach sensitization is an important risk factor for the development of asthma. However, its underlying immune mechanisms and the genetic etiology for differences in allergic responses remain unclear. Cockroach allergens identification and their expression as biologically active recombinant proteins have provided a basis for studying the mechanisms regarding cockroach allergen‐induced allergic sensitization and asthma. Glycans in allergens may play a crucial role in the immunogenicity of allergic diseases. Protease‐activated receptor (PAR)‐2, Toll‐like receptor (TLR), and C‐type lectin receptors have been suggested to be important for the penetration of cockroach allergens through epithelial cells to mediate allergen uptake, dendritic cell maturation, antigen‐presenting cell (APC) function in T‐cell polarization, and cytokine production. Environmental pollutants, which often coexist with the allergen, could synergistically elicit allergic inflammation, and aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) activation and signaling may serve as a link between these two elements. Genetic factors may also play an important role in conferring the susceptibility to cockroach sensitization. Several genes have been associated with cockroach sensitization and asthma‐related phenotypes. In this review, we will discuss the epidemiological evidence for cockroach allergen‐induced asthma, cockroach allergens, the mechanisms regarding cockroach allergen‐induced innate immune responses, and the genetic basis for cockroach sensitization.
Genes involved in the transforming growth factor beta signalling pathway and the risk of intracranial aneurysms

Background and purpose: The 19q13.3 locus for intracranial aneurysms (IA) partly overlaps with the 19q13 locus for abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA). A common genetic risk factor located in this locus for the two aneurysm types seems plausible. The transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) signalling pathway plays a role in aortic aneurysms but may also play a role in aneurysms in general. In the combined region of the 19q13 loci for IA and AAA we identified two candidate genes that are both involved in the TGF-β signalling pathway: hepsin (HPN) and the latent transforming growth factor beta-binding protein 4 (LTBP4). We hypothesised that single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in the HPN and LTBP4 genes are associated with IA. Methods: We analyzed all the common variations using tag SNP in the HPN and LTBP4 genes for association with IA in 390 patients and 642 controls in the Dutch population. Six tag SNP in the HPN gene and five tag SNP in the LTBP4 gene were genotyped. Results: No differences in SNP frequency were observed for both the HPN and LTBP4 gene between patients and controls. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that variations in or near the HPN and LTBP4 genes do not play a role in the susceptibility to IA in the Dutch population.
Oral Famciclovir for Suppression of Recurrent Genital Herpes Simplex Virus Infection in Women: A Multicenter, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of oral famciclovir in the suppression of genital herpes. Methods: In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial that was performed at 11 university and 9 private ambulatory care referral centers, 375 women who were 18 years of age or older and had a history of 6 or more episodes of genital herpes during 12 of the last 24 months in the absence of suppressive therapy were treated for 4 months with oral famciclovir, 125 mg once daily or twice daily, 250 mg once daily or twice daily, 500 mg once daily, or placebo. The primary outcome measures included the time to first clinically and virologically confirmed recurrences, and safety as measured by clinical laboratory tests and adverse experiences. Results: The median time to first recurrence was 82 days in the placebo group, 114 days in those receiving famciclovir, 125 mg once daily, and more than 120 days in the other treatment groups. When compared with placebo recipients, the time to the first clinical recurrence was significantly prolonged in subjects who received famciclovir, 125 mg twice daily (hazard ratio, 1.8; 95% confidence interval, 1.0-3.0;P=.03), and in those who received famciclovir, 250 mg twice daily (hazard ratio, 3.6; 95% confidence interval, 1.9-6.9;P Conclusions: Oral famciclovir, 250 mg, given twice daily for 4 months is an effective, well-tolerated treatment for the suppression of genital herpes in women with frequent recurrences, but single daily doses produced less complete suppression of genital herpes. Arch Intern Med. 1997;157:343-349
Suicidal behaviour and mortality in first-episode psychosis: the OPUS trial.

BACKGROUND Those with first-episode psychosis are at high-risk of suicide. AIMS To identify predictive factors for suicidal thoughts, plans and attempts, and to investigate the rate of suicides and other deaths during the 5 years after first diagnosis and initiation of treatment. METHOD A longitudinal, prospective, 5-year follow-up study of 547 individuals with first-episode schizophrenia spectrum psychosis. Individuals presenting for their first treatment in mental health services in two circumscribed urban areas in Denmark were included in a randomised controlled trial of integrated v. standard treatment. All participants were followed in the Danish Cause of Death Register for 5 years. Suicidal behaviour and clinical and social status were assessed using validated interviews and rating scales at entry, and at 1- and 2-year follow-ups. RESULTS Sixteen participants died during the follow-up. We found a strong association between suicidal thoughts, plans and previous attempts, depressive and psychotic symptoms and young age, and with suicidal plans and attempts at 1- and 2-year follow-up. CONCLUSIONS In this first-episode cohort depressive and psychotic symptoms, especially hallucinations, predicted suicidal plans and attempts, and persistent suicidal behaviour and ideation were associated with high risk of attempted suicide.
Human rhinoviruses enter and induce proliferation of B lymphocytes

Human rhinoviruses (HRVs) are one of the main causes of virus‐induced asthma exacerbations. Infiltration of B lymphocytes into the subepithelial tissue of the lungs has been demonstrated during rhinovirus infection in allergic individuals. However, the mechanisms through which HRVs modulate the immune responses of monocytes and lymphocytes are not yet well described.
Treatment of cervical artery dissection: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background and purpose: Cervical dissection is an important cause of stroke in the young. This paper presents a systematic review and a meta-analysis to assess the effectiveness of different treatment approaches: antithrombotic drugs, thrombolysis and stenting. Methods: Medline and PubMed were searched from 1966 to 8 April 2007. Reference lists were reviewed. Separate searches were performed for treatment with anticoagulation and antiplatelet therapy during the acute phase (within 1 month of symptoms), thrombolysis and stenting. Results: There were only sufficient data for meta-analysis for the comparison of antiplatelet versus anticoagulation therapy. No randomised trials were identified. 34 non-randomised studies included 762 patients. There was no significant difference in risk of death (antiplatelet 5/268 (1.8%), anticoagulation 9/494 (1.8%), p = 0.88); stroke (antiplatelet 5/268 (1.9%), anticoagulant 10/494 (2.0%), p = 0.66), or stroke and death. Four non-randomised studies of thrombolysis provided insufficient data for assessment of efficacy but complication rates were no greater than thrombolysis for other ischaemic stroke. Six studies included 96 patients undergoing stenting for both acute dissection and chronic complications, providing insufficient data for assessment of efficacy, although complication rates appeared similar to those published for carotid atherosclerosic stenosis. Conclusions: There are no data to support the therapeutic superiority of anticoagulants over antiplatelet agents. Thrombolysis in dissection appears safe but more data on efficacy are required. Stenting is technically possible but there are no data to demonstrate efficacy. There is little evidence to support current treatment approaches in cervical dissection. Randomised controlled prospective trials, particularly assessing anticoagulation versus antiplatelet agents, are required.
Cognitive decline following psychosis onset: data from the PACE clinic.

BACKGROUND The origin of cognitive impairments in psychotic disorders is still unclear. Although some deficits are apparent prior to the onset of frank illness, it is unknown if they progress. AIMS To investigate whether cognitive function declined over the transition to psychosis in a group of ultra-high risk individuals. METHOD Participants consisted of two groups: controls (n=17) and individuals at ultra-high risk for development of psychosis (n=16). Seven of the latter group later developed psychosis. Neuropsychological testing was conducted at baseline and again after at least a 12-month interval. RESULTS Both the Visual Reproduction sub-test of the Wechsler Memory Scale-Revised and Trail-Making Test B showed a decline over the follow-up period that was specific to the group who became psychotic. In addition, both high-risk groups showed a decline in digit span performance. No other task showed significant change over time. CONCLUSIONS These preliminary data suggest that as psychosis develops there may be a specific decline in visual memory and attentional set-shifting, reflecting impairments in efficient organisation of visual stimuli. This may be caused by either the illness itself or treatment with antipsychotic medication.