Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of Chlamydia Trachomatis Infection in Pregnant Women with Preterm Labor, PROM and Abortion

Objective: In the study we aimed to determine the prevalence of chlamydia trachomatis infection and to find out whether there is a correlation between the presence of chlamydia trachomatis and the development of preterm delivery, PROM and abortion. MaterialandMethod: In this prospective study, 55 pregnant women with a preterm labor and/or premature rupture of membranes, 51 women with spontaneous abortion and 51 patients with uncomplicated pregnancies were analyzed. Presence of cervicitis on physical examination was noted. The prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis was analyzed with PCR in regard to the following parameters: age, gravidity, parity, abortion, livebirths, BMI (kg/m2), level of education, number of marriages, pelvic examination findings, smoking status, obstetric history of previous pregnancies and other comorbidities. Results: The prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis in pregnant women and in pregnant women with preterm labor was found to be 1.2% and 3.6%, respectively. Following the pelvic examination 19 patients were diagnosed with cervicitis and their PCR analysis revealed 2 cases of chlamydia trachomatis infection; the comparison of these results with the rest of the pregnant women without cervicitis demonstrated a statistically significant difference (P <0.05). Conclusion: Both of the PCR (+) cases in our study experienced pretermlabor; this finding, although statistically insignificant, is clinically a striking result. More research is needed to find out the definite relationship between chlamydia trachomatis and the complications of pregnancy.
Regulatory consequences of neuronal ELAV-like protein binding to coding and non-coding RNAs in human brain

Neuronal ELAV-like (nELAVL) RNA binding proteins have been linked to numerous neurological disorders. We performed crosslinking-immunoprecipitation and RNAseq on human brain, and identified nELAVL binding sites on 8681 transcripts. Using knockout mice and RNAi in human neuroblastoma cells, we showed that nELAVL intronic and 3' UTR binding regulates human RNA splicing and abundance. We validated hundreds of nELAVL targets among which were important neuronal and disease-associated transcripts, including Alzheimer's disease (AD) transcripts. We therefore investigated RNA regulation in AD brain, and observed differential splicing of 150 transcripts, which in some cases correlated with differential nELAVL binding. Unexpectedly, the most significant change of nELAVL binding was evident on non-coding Y RNAs. nELAVL/Y RNA complexes were specifically remodeled in AD and after acute UV stress in neuroblastoma cells. We propose that the increased nELAVL/Y RNA association during stress may lead to nELAVL sequestration, redistribution of nELAVL target binding, and altered neuronal RNA splicing. DOI: http://dx.doi. org/10.7554/eLife.10421. 001
Detection and characterization of plasma cells in peripheral blood: correlation of IgE+ plasma cell frequency with IgE serum titre

In atopic patients and patients with hyper‐IgE syndrome (HIE) highly elevated IgE serum levels can be detected. Due to their very low frequency little is known about IgE‐producing plasma cells (PC) in peripheral blood. We used CD138 MACS microbeads to enrich plasma cells from peripheral blood of normal donors, atopic patients and one HIE patient. CD138+ cells were mainly CD45+, CD44++, CD19dim, CD38++, CD27++, CD86+, HLA‐DR+/++, CD71dim, VLA‐4+, VLA‐5–, CD28–, CD25–, CD69–, CLA–, CD20–, CD21– and CD22–. They show weak expression of surface Ig but high levels of intracellular Ig and they secrete Ig in culture. Thus CD138+ cells from peripheral blood show characteristics of early plasma cells. IgE+ CD138+ plasma cells could be detected in 19 of 24 normal donors with an average frequency of 0·06% IgE+ cells among CD138+ cells. Higher frequencies were detected in atopic patients, atopic patients with markedly elevated serum IgE levels and the hyper‐IgE patient with an average of 0·32%, 7·21% and 6·54%, respectively. Additionally, using the recently developed cellular affinity matrix technology, we were able to detect IgE secreting plasma cells and thereby could demonstrate that most of the IgE secreting cells express CD138. The frequency of IgE+ CD138+ cells among PBMC correlated highly significantly with serum IgE titres (r = 0·8532***), indicating that IgE secreting CD138+ cells in peripheral blood are directly related to the plasma cell pool contributing to the IgE titre.
Clinical/pathologic correlations in 553 patients with primary centrilobular findings on high-resolution CT scan of the thorax.

BACKGROUND Clinical/pathologic correlations in patients with high-resolution CT (HRCT) scan findings presenting with two patterns of centrilobular opacity remain unclear. METHODS Chest HRCT scans in 553 patients with predominant centrilobular opacities or preferential centrilobular disease were retrospectively evaluated. In 141 patients who underwent biopsy, CT scan images were compared with actual specimens. RESULTS Centrilobular nodules with a tree-in-bud appearance and bronchial wall thickening were observed in most patients who were carriers of human T-lymphotropic virus type 1 (88 patients and 57 of 99 patients, respectively), Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (44 patients and 45 of 52 patients, respectively), Mycobacterium tuberculosis (38 patients and 37 of 52 patients, respectively), Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare complex (22 patients and 27 of 37 patients, respectively), Mycobacterium kansasii (27 patients and 19 of 33 patients, respectively), allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (6 patients and 7 of 9 patients, respectively), diffuse panbronchiolitis (12 patients and 10 of 12 patients, respectively), and diffuse aspiration bronchiolitis (12 patients and 12 of 13 patients, respectively). On the other hand, ill-defined centrilobular nodules of ground-glass attenuation were frequently seen in patients with subacute hypersensitivity pneumonitis (all 15 patients), metastatic calcification (all 4 patients), Churg-Strauss syndrome (4 of 12 patients), microscopic polyangiitis (27 of 48 patients), systemic lupus erythematosus (7 of 8 patients), and respiratory bronchiolitis-associated interstitial lung disease (all 8 patients). Pathologically, the tree-in-bud appearance correlated well with the plugging of small airways with mucous, pus, or fluid; dilated bronchioles; and bronchiolar wall thickening. Ill-defined centrilobular nodules represented peribronchiolar inflammation or the deposition of hemorrhagic materials. CONCLUSIONS Knowledge of the two centrilobular patterns is of proven worth for generating differential diagnoses and is of particular value in suggesting a likely infectious etiology in cases with tree-in-bud appearance.
Trabecular mapping: Leveraging geometric morphometrics for analyses of trabecular structure.

OBJECTIVES Trabecular microstructure of limb bone epiphyses has been used to elucidate the relationship between skeletal form and behavior among mammals. Such studies have often relied on the analysis of a single volume of interest (VOI). Here we present a method for evaluating variation in bone microstructure across articular surfaces by leveraging sliding semilandmarks. METHODS Two samples were used to demonstrate the proposed methodology and test the hypothesis that microstructural variables are homogeneously distributed: tali from two ape genera (Pan and Pongo, n = 9) and modern human distal femora (n = 10). Sliding semilandmarks were distributed across articular surfaces and used to locate the position of multiple VOIs immediately deep to the cortical shell. Trabecular bone properties were quantified using the BoneJ plugin for ImageJ. Nonparametric MANOVA tests were used to make group comparisons and differences were explored using principal components analysis and visualized using color maps. RESULTS Tests reveal that trabecular parameters are not distributed homogeneously and identify differences between chimpanzee and orangutan tali with regards to trabecular spacing and degree of anisotropy, with chimpanzee tali being more anisotropic and having more uniformly spaced trabeculae. Human males and females differed in the pattern of trabecular spacing with males having more uniform trabecular spacing across the joint surface. CONCLUSIONS The proposed procedure quantifies variation in trabecular bone parameters across joint surfaces and allows for meaningful statistical comparisons between groups of interest. Consequently it holds promise to help elucidate links between trabecular bone structure and animal behavior.
Retrieval of vegetation parameters with SAR interferometry

The potential of SAR interferometric techniques for the retrieval of vegetation parameters was investigated using ERS-1 data over agricultural and forested test sites. In a first experiment an interferometrically derived forest map was generated. The classification was based on the interferometric correlation and the backscatter intensities. The result was geocoded, using the interferometrically derived height map generated from the same ERS SAR data pair, and validated with a conventional digital forest map. Forest mapping accuracies of around 90% and better were achieved. In a second experiment, multitemporal data over an agricultural site were used to investigate the potential of repeat-pass interferometry to monitor farming activity, crop development, and soil moisture variations. The interferometric correlation was used as an indicator of dense vegetation and geometric change. It was possible, for example, to identify harvesting by the high correlation of the post-harvest bare or stubble field. Decreasing interferometric correlation was observed as a consequence of crop growth.
Impact on the family of children who are technology dependent and cared for in the home.

PURPOSE To compare the impact on family of four categories of technology-dependent children. METHOD A purposive sample of families receiving both public and private services in 13 cities representing census regions included 848 primary caregivers of technology-dependent children ages 3 months to 19 years being cared for at home. A structured telephone interview was used. FINDINGS A significant difference among the four types of technology dependency for impact on the family was found (MANOVA F test = 9.43; p = 0.0001). One-way ANOVA F tests showed that the means among the four groups varied on the subscale: financial burden, family social impact, and personal strains. CONCLUSION The findings have implications for nurses who provide support and assistance to families with technology-dependent children.
TERT promoter mutations in melanoma survival

In melanoma, the telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) promoter mutations, that have emerged as the prominent somatic alterations, associate with the markers of poor patient outcome [1]. In combination with BRAF/NRAS mutations, the noncoding TERT promoter mutations in primary tumors were shown to result in poor disease-free and melanoma-specific survival [2]. The extension of the study to measure the effect of individual TERT promoter mutations, unexpectedly, resulted in the discovery that the less frequent -138/-139CC > TT tandem mutation associated with the worst disease-free and melanoma-specific survival in stage I and stage II patients. Of the three main TERT promoter alterations, the presence of the -146C > T mutation in tumors had the least effect on patient survival. The effect of the -138/-139CC > TT tandem mutation was particularly enhanced in combination with the BRAF/NRAS mutations, which can have a potential clinical implication for patients treated with MAP kinase inhibitors [3]. The promoter mutations were discovered through sequencing of a disease segregating locus in a multigenerational melanoma pedigree resulting in identification of the causal germline A > C (T > G) mutation at -57 bp from ATG start site of the TERT gene [4]. Subsequent screening of tumors from unrelated melanoma patients led to the discovery of the frequent somatic -124C > T and -146C > T TERT promoter mutations that create CCGGA/T binding sites for E-twenty-six (ETS) transcription factors similar to the germline mutation in the melanoma family (Figure 1) [4]. The -57A > C mutation has also been occasionally reported as a somatic alteration. Binding of ETS transcription factors to the de novo sites created by the promoter mutations leads to enhanced TERT transcription and consequent telomerase rejuvenation that imparts tumor cells with infinite proliferative capability [1]. Further studies showed that the somatic TERT promoter mutations, besides melanoma, were frequent in many cancers, particularly those that Editorial
A daily analysis of physical activity and satisfaction with life in emerging adults.

OBJECTIVE Subjective well-being has well-established positive health consequences. During emerging adulthood, from ages 18 to 25 years, people's global evaluations of their well-being (i.e., satisfaction with life [SWL]) appear to worsen more than any other time in the adult life span, indicating that this population would benefit from strategies to enhance SWL. In these studies, we investigated top-down (i.e., time-invariant, trait-like) and bottom-up (i.e., time-varying, state-like) influences of physical activity (PA) on daily SWL. METHODS Two daily diary studies lasting 8 days (N = 190) and 14 days (N = 63) were conducted with samples of emerging adults enrolled in college to evaluate relations between daily PA and SWL while controlling for established and plausible top-down and bottom-up influences on SWL. RESULTS In both studies, multilevel models indicated that people reported greater SWL on days when they were more active (a within-person, bottom-up effect). Top-down effects of PA were not significant in either study. These findings were robust when we controlled for competing top-down influences (e.g., sex, personality traits, self-esteem, body mass index, mental health symptoms, fatigue) and bottom-up influences (e.g., daily self-esteem, daily mental health symptoms, daily fatigue). CONCLUSIONS We concluded that SWL was impacted by people's daily PA rather than their trait level of PA over time. These findings extend evidence that PA is a health behavior with important consequences for daily well-being and should be considered when developing national policies to enhance SWL.
Mutations Affecting the Rossman Fold of Isoleucyl-tRNA Synthetase Are Correlated with Low-Level Mupirocin Resistance in Staphylococcus aureus

ABSTRACT The isoleucyl-tRNA synthetase (ileS) gene was sequenced in toto from 9 and in part from 31 Staphylococcus aureus strains with various degrees of susceptibility to mupirocin. All strains for which the mupirocin MIC was greater than 8 μg/ml contained point mutations affecting the Rossman fold via Val-to-Phe changes at either residue 588 (V588F) or residue 631 (V631F). The importance of the V588F mutation was confirmed by an allele-specific PCR survey of 32 additional strains. Additional mutations of uncertain significance were found in residues clustered on the surface of the IleS protein.
Ataxia Telangiectasia Mutated Deficiency Affects Astrocyte Growth but not Radiosensitivity 1

The cancer-prone neurodegenerative disorder, ataxia telangiectasia (A-T), results from mutations of ATM (ataxia telangiectasia mutated). Individuals with A-T are also hypersensitive to ionizing radiation (IR). Cultured cells from A-T individuals or Atm2/2 mice have cell cycle and growth defects and are generally considered radiosensitive. However, it has been shown recently that cell populations in theAtm2/2 central nervous system are radioresistant. To define specific IR sensitivities of neural populations, we analyzedAtm2/2 astrocytes. Here we show that Atm2/2 astrocytes exhibit premature senescence, express constitutively high levels of p21, and have impaired p53 stabilization. However, in contrast to radiosensitiveAtm2/2 fibroblasts and radioresistant Atm2/2 neurons, survival of Atm2/2 astrocytes after IR was similar to wild-type astrocytes. Additionally, p53-null astrocytes, but not fibroblasts, were moderately more radioresistant than their wild-type counterparts, suggesting that the deficit in p53 stabilization observed in Atm-null cells is not a measure of radiation susceptibility. Thus, in astrocytes, the function of Atm in cellular growth and radiosensitivity is distinct. These data may have implications for ATM disruption strategies as a radiosensitizing treatment for brain tumors.
Skin cancer in renal allograft recipients – experience in different ethnic groups residing in the same geographical region

Abstract: Cancer is a recognized long‐term complication of kidney transplantation. Skin cancer is the most common post‐transplant malignancy in developed countries but information is limited on the nature of skin cancer in allograft recipients from developing countries followed up over an extended period. The records of all patients (n = 542) who had received kidney transplants (n = 623) at our institution over a 23‐yr period were reviewed and those with skin cancer were identified. Demographic, clinical, and pathologic details were collected. After a mean follow up of 6.3 yr 11 (5.9%) white patients had skin cancer of whom nine (82%) were male. No non‐whites had skin cancer. In white patients skin cancer accounted for 68% of all post‐transplant malignancies. Squamous cell carcinoma was the most common malignant skin lesion and 84% of all lesions occurred in sun‐exposed areas. Specific immunosuppression did not appear to influence the number of lesions or the interval from transplantation to cancer development. Patients responded well to treatment with no mortality related to the skin cancer. Skin cancer is relatively unique to patients of European origin.
Keeping Found Things Found: The Study and Practice of Personal Information Management

As the quantity of information people are required to deal with in their daily life continues to grow, the associated task of managing this information becomes increasingly relevant and important. Personal Information Management (PIM) as a research field is concerned with understanding the behaviours and problems associated with managing personal information of various kinds. Whereas in his previous book co-edited with Jaime Teevan [1] Jones focused on PIM as a research topic for the research community, in this work, he attempts to open up the research that has been performed, making it accessible to people who struggle with managing their information. As Jones notes early on the book this means just about everyone! The aim here is to inform the reader about scientific results in order to encourage him to think differently about the PIM strategies he employs and to use the gained knowledge to make informed changes to his habits with respect to his own individual needs and circumstances.
Diagnosis and monitoring for light chain only and oligosecretory myeloma using serum free light chain tests

This study aims to guide the integration of serum free light chain (sFLC) tests into clinical practice, including a new rapid test (Seralite®). Blood and urine analysis from 5573 newly diagnosed myeloma patients identified 576 light chain only (LCO) and 60 non‐secretory (NS) cases. Serum was tested by Freelite® and Seralite® at diagnosis, maximum response and relapse. 20% of LCO patients had urine FLC levels below that recommended for measuring response but >97% of these had adequate sFLC levels (oligosecretory). The recommended Freelite® sFLC ≥100 mg/l for measuring response was confirmed and the equivalent Seralite® FLC difference (dFLC) >20 mg/l identified. By both methods, ≥38% of NS patients had measurable disease (oligosecretory). Higher sFLC levels were observed on Freelite® at all time points. However, good clinical concordance was observed at diagnosis and in response to therapy. Achieving at least a very good partial response according to either sFLC method was associated with better patient survival. Relapse was identified using a Freelite® sFLC increase >200 mg/l and found 100% concordance with a corresponding Seralite® dFLC increase >30 mg/l. Both Freelite® and Seralite® sensitively diagnose and monitor LCO/oligosecretory myeloma. Rapid testing by Seralite® could fast‐track FLC screening and monitoring. Response by sFLC assessment was prognostic for survival and demonstrates the clinical value of routine sFLC testing.
Electrical Storm in Patients with an Implanted Defibrillator: A Matter of Definition

The term “electrical storm” (ES) indicates a state of cardiac electrical instability manifested by several episodes of ventricular tachyarrhythmias (VTs) within a short time. In patients with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD), ES is best defined as 3 appropriate VT detections in 24 h, treated by antitachycardia pacing, shock or eventually untreated but sustained in a VT monitoring zone. The number of shocks and inappropriate detections are irrelevant for the definition. ES occurs in approximately 25% of ICD patients within 3 years, with typically 5–55 individual VTs within one storm. Potential triggers can be found in approximately 66% of patients and include new/worsened heart failure, changes in antiarrhythmic medication, context with other illness, psychological stress, diarrhea, and hypokalemia. In most patients, ES consists of monomorphic VT indicating the presence of reentry while ventricular fibrillation indicating acute ischemia is rare. ES seems to have a low immediate mortality (1%) but frequently (50–80%) leads to hospitalization. Long‐term prognostic implications of ES are unclear. The key intervention in ES is reduction of the elevated sympathetic tone by beta blockers and frequently benzodiazepines. Amiodarone i.v. has also been successful and azimilide seems promising while class I antiarrhythmic drugs are usually unsuccessful. Substrate mapping and VT ablation may be useful in treatment and prevention of ES. Prevention of ES requires ICD programming systematically avoiding unnecessary shocks (long VT detection, antitachycardia pacing where ever possible) which otherwise can fuel the sympathetic tone and prolong ES.
Weissella oryzae DC6-facilitated green synthesis of silver nanoparticles and their antimicrobial potential

Nanoparticles and nanomaterials are at the prominent edge of the rapidly developing field of nanotechnology. Recently, nanoparticle synthesis using biological resources has been found to be a new area with considerable prospects for development. Biological systems are the masters of ambient condition chemistry and are able to synthesize nanoparticles by utilizing metal salts. In the perspective of the current initiative to develop green technologies for the synthesis of nanoparticles, microorganisms are of considerable interest. Thus, the present study describes a bacterial strain—Weissella oryzae DC6—isolated from mountain ginseng, for the green and facile synthesis of silver nanoparticles. The particles were synthesized effectively without the need for any supplementary modification to maintain stability. The synthesized nanoparticles were evaluated by several instrumental techniques, comprising ultraviolet–visible spectrophotometry, field emission transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, elemental mapping, X-ray diffraction, and dynamic light scattering. In addition, the biosynthesized silver nanoparticles were explored for their antimicrobial activity against clinical pathogens including Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Bacillus cereus, Bacillus anthracis, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Candida albicans. Furthermore, the potential of nanoparticles has been observed for biofilm inhibition against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Thus, the synthesis of silver nanoparticles by the strain W. oryzae DC6 may serve as a simple, green, cost-effective, consistent, and harmless method to produce antimicrobial silver nanoparticles.