Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Are there educational differences in the association between self-rated health and mortality in Norway? The HUNT Study

Aims: The aim of this study was to test whether the association between self-rated health and mortality differs between educational groups in Norway, and to examine whether health problems and health-related behaviour can explain any of these differences within a previously unexplored contextual setting. Methods: The study used data from the Nord-Trøndelag Health Study 84-86 (HUNT) with a 20-year follow up. The analyses were performed for respondents between 25–101 years at baseline (n = 56,788). The association between self-rated health and mortality was tested using Cox regression. Results: The results indicate that although self-rated health is associated with mortality there is no difference in the association between self-rated health and mortality between educational groups. Introducing health-related variables did not have an impact on the result. Conclusions: Given the small educational differences in the association between self-rated health and mortality, this supports the reliability of self-reported health as a measurement for objective health.
Causes of Accidents

To the Editor:— The July 8th issue of The Journal's MEDICAL NEWS section carries the bold headline, " 'Breath Test' Reduces Auto Accidents. " The cause-effect implication is misleading. The test has been given after accidents. The visible action of law enforcement and the prospect of penalties for lawbreaking have reduced casualties during the "drinking hours" 8 PM to 4 AM between 36% and 41% in the past four months! H. E. Campbell, MD ( 201 :861, 1967), pointed out that suspension of fines and jail sentences, the curse of the American road, is not known in Norway, and he described good results attained in other countries through strict enforcement of relatively simple laws. Right now is a good time to review Dr. Campbell's report. Automobiles do not kill people, alcohol does not kill people— except the rare individual who consumes a poisonous dose—and guns don't kill people. People kill people. The problem
Survival of Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 and Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG in the Human Gastrointestinal Tract with Daily Consumption of a Low-Fat Probiotic Spread

ABSTRACT Probiotics are live microorganisms which, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host. Therefore, probiotic strains should be able to survive passage through the human gastrointestinal tract. Human gastrointestinal tract survival of probiotics in a low-fat spread matrix has, however, never been tested. The objective of this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled human intervention study was to test the human gastrointestinal tract survival of Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 and Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG after daily consumption of a low-fat probiotic spread by using traditional culturing, as well as molecular methods. Forty-two healthy human volunteers were randomly assigned to one of three treatment groups provided with 20 g of placebo spread (n = 13), 20 g of spread with a target dose of 1 × 109 CFU of L. reuteri DSM 17938 (n = 13), or 20 g of spread with a target dose of 5 × 109 CFU of L. rhamnosus GG (n = 16) daily for 3 weeks. Fecal samples were obtained before and after the intervention period. A significant increase, compared to the baseline, in the recovery of viable probiotic lactobacilli in fecal samples was demonstrated after 3 weeks of daily consumption of the spread containing either L. reuteri DSM 17938 or L. rhamnosus GG by selective enumeration. In the placebo group, no increase was detected. The results of selective enumeration were supported by quantitative PCR, detecting a significant increase in DNA resulting from the probiotics after intervention. Overall, our results indicate for the first time that low-fat spread is a suitable carrier for these probiotic strains.
Bacillomycin D Produced by Bacillus amyloliquefaciens Is Involved in the Antagonistic Interaction with the Plant-Pathogenic Fungus Fusarium graminearum

ABSTRACT Fusarium graminearum (teleomorph: Ascomycota, Hypocreales, Gibberella, Gibberella zeae) is a destructive fungal pathogen that threatens the production and quality of wheat and barley worldwide. Controlling this toxin-producing pathogen is a significant challenge. In the present study, the commercially available strain Bacillus amyloliquefaciens (Bacteria, Firmicutes, Bacillales, Bacillus) FZB42 showed strong activity against F. graminearum. The lipopeptide bacillomycin D, produced by FZB42, was shown to contribute to the antifungal activity. Purified bacillomycin D showed strong activity against F. graminearum, and its 50% effective concentration was determined to be approximately 30 μg/ml. Analyses using scanning and transmission electron microscopy revealed that bacillomycin D caused morphological changes in the plasma membranes and cell walls of F. graminearum hyphae and conidia. Fluorescence microscopy combined with different dyes showed that bacillomycin D induced the accumulation of reactive oxygen species and caused cell death in F. graminearum hyphae and conidia. F. graminearum secondary metabolism also responded to bacillomycin D challenge, by increasing the production of deoxynivalenol. Biological control experiments demonstrated that bacillomycin D exerted good control of F. graminearum on corn silks, wheat seedlings, and wheat heads. In response to bacillomycin D, F. graminearum genes involved in scavenging reactive oxygen species were downregulated, whereas genes involved in the synthesis of deoxynivalenol were upregulated. Phosphorylation of MGV1 and HOG1, the mitogen-activated protein kinases of F. graminearum, was increased in response to bacillomycin D. Taken together, these findings reveal the mechanism of the antifungal action of bacillomycin D. IMPORTANCE Biological control of plant disease caused by Fusarium graminearum is desirable. Bacillus amyloliquefaciens FZB42 is a representative of the biocontrol bacterial strains. In this work, the lipopeptide bacillomycin D, produced by FZB42, showed strong fungicidal activity against F. graminearum. Bacillomycin D caused morphological changes in the plasma membrane and cell wall of F. graminearum, induced accumulation of reactive oxygen species, and ultimately caused cell death in F. graminearum. Interestingly, when F. graminearum was challenged with bacillomycin D, the deoxynivalenol production, gene expression, mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphorylation, and pathogenicity of F. graminearum were significantly altered. These findings clarified the mechanisms of the activity of bacillomycin D against F. graminearum and highlighted the potential of B. amyloliquefaciens FZB42 as a biocontrol agent against F. graminearum.
Clinical and haematological findings in 70 naturally occurring cases of canine babesiosis

Natural cases of Babesia canis infection in Nigerian dogs were encountered over a two-year period. Over 70 per cent of the dogs were less than or equal to one year of age. The hyperacute and acute forms of the disease were encountered in dogs as young as four weeks. The acute form of the disease was most common. Consistent clinical signs of the acute form included abnormal appetite, lethargy, fever, anaemia, generalised lymphadenopathy, splenomegaly, emaciation and icterus. Anaemia was of the regenerative type in all cases while neutrophilic leucocytosis was mainly observed in hyperacute cases. Four dogs with hyperacute disease died despite treatment while all other dogs recovered following single dose (3–5 mg/kg) treatment with diminazene aceturate. The results of this study indicate that hyperacute babesiosis in dogs should be considered more frequently by veterinarians.
The Association between Marital Status and Metabolic Syndrome in Korean Men

Background: We aimed to investigate the association between marital status and metabolic syndrome, and observed how their lifestyle may influence within their relationship. Methods: We analyzed the data from 12,288 Korean men over 20 years old taking a health checkup in a university hospital in Ulsan from March 2008 to February 2009. The subjects were classified as married, unmarried, separated, widowed, and divorced. The odds ratios for metabolic syndrome in each marital status were calculated after adjusting for age, educational level, and family income. In only married men and divorced men, odds ratios were calculated again after adjusting for alcohol intake, smoking, or exercise added to age, educational level, and family income. Results: After adjustment for age, educational level, and family income, the odds ratio for metabolic syndrome in divorced men was 1.48 (95% confidence internal [CI], 1.03 to 2.12; P = 0.03) compared to married men. However, the odds ratios in divorced men decreased to 1.47 (95% CI, 0.97 to 2.24; P = 0.07) after adjusting for alcohol intake added to age, educational level, and family income, 1.42 (95% CI, 0.99 to 2.04; P = 0.06) after adjusting for smoking added, 1.35 (95% CI, 0.93 to 1.96; P = 0.12) after adjusting for exercise added, and 1.37 (95% CI, 0.89 to 2.12; P = 0.15) after adjusting for alcohol intake, smoking, and exercise added. Conclusion: Divorced men were likely to have metabolic syndrome compared to married men and this finding may be mediated by their bad lifestyle.
The Communicative and Critical Health Literacy Scale – Swedish Version

Background: Health literacy (HL) is an important determinant for health and a valuable health indicator within public health. As such, it is a significant outcome variable of health promotion efforts. Valid and reliable instruments are needed to evaluate health promotion interventions and to assess levels of HL in a population. One of the few measurements of communicative and critical HL is the Japanese Communicative and Critical Health Literacy scale (C & C HL scale). To make it possible to use this instrument in Sweden, the C & C HL scale was translated into Swedish and different aspects of validity, including test–retest reliability, of the translated version were tested. Methods: After translation and back-translation, The Swedish C & C HL scale was tested for content validity and test–retest reliability. Data were collected from a committee consisting of public health experts and bilingual people, and from a test group of 35 persons. Results: The Swedish C & C HL scale was understandable and showed evidence of content validity. The test–retest confirmed that it was stable over time, percentage agreements for the items ranging from 66% to 89% (M = 74%). Conclusions: The Swedish C & C HL scale is equivalent to the Japanese C & C HL scale in terms of language and content. The items cover the major aspects of communicative and critical HL and are understandable and stable over time, i.e., reliable.
Molecular Characterization of a Variant of Bacillus anthracis-Specific Phage AP50 with Improved Bacteriolytic Activity

ABSTRACT The genome sequence of a Bacillus anthracis-specific clear plaque mutant phage, AP50c, contains 31 open reading frames spanning 14,398 bp, has two mutations compared to wild-type AP50t, and has a colinear genome architecture highly similar to that of gram-positive Tectiviridae phages. Spontaneous AP50c-resistant B. anthracis mutants exhibit a mucoid colony phenotype.
High Temporal and Spatial Variability of Atmospheric-Methane Oxidation in Alpine Glacier Forefield Soils

ABSTRACT Glacier forefield soils can provide a substantial sink for atmospheric CH4, facilitated by aerobic methane-oxidizing bacteria (MOB). However, MOB activity, abundance, and community structure may be affected by soil age, MOB location in different forefield landforms, and temporal fluctuations in soil physical parameters. We assessed the spatial and temporal variability of atmospheric-CH4 oxidation in an Alpine glacier forefield during the snow-free season of 2013. We quantified CH4 flux in soils of increasing age and in different landforms (sandhill, terrace, and floodplain forms) by using soil gas profile and static flux chamber methods. To determine MOB abundance and community structure, we employed pmoA gene-based quantitative PCR and targeted amplicon sequencing. Uptake of CH4 increased in magnitude and decreased in variability with increasing soil age. Sandhill soils exhibited CH4 uptake rates ranging from −3.7 to −0.03 mg CH4 m−2 day−1. Floodplain and terrace soils exhibited lower uptake rates and even intermittent CH4 emissions. Linear mixed-effects models indicated that soil age and landform were the dominating factors shaping CH4 flux, followed by cumulative rainfall (weighted sum ≤4 days prior to sampling). Of 31 MOB operational taxonomic units retrieved, ∼30% were potentially novel, and ∼50% were affiliated with upland soil clusters gamma and alpha. The MOB community structures in floodplain and terrace soils were nearly identical but differed significantly from the highly variable sandhill soil communities. We concluded that soil age and landform modulate the soil CH4 sink strength in glacier forefields and that recent rainfall affects its short-term variability. This should be taken into account when including this environment in future CH4 inventories. IMPORTANCE Oxidation of methane (CH4) in well-drained, “upland” soils is an important mechanism for the removal of this potent greenhouse gas from the atmosphere. It is largely mediated by aerobic, methane-oxidizing bacteria (MOB). Whereas there is abundant information on atmospheric-CH4 oxidation in mature upland soils, little is known about this important function in young, developing soils, such as those found in glacier forefields, where new sediments are continuously exposed to the atmosphere as a result of glacial retreat. In this field-based study, we investigated the spatial and temporal variability of atmospheric-CH4 oxidation and associated MOB communities in Alpine glacier forefield soils, aiming at better understanding the factors that shape the sink for atmospheric CH4 in this young soil ecosystem. This study contributes to the knowledge on the dynamics of atmospheric-CH4 oxidation in developing upland soils and represents a further step toward the inclusion of Alpine glacier forefield soils in global CH4 inventories.
Repression of Salmonella Host Cell Invasion by Aromatic Small Molecules from the Human Fecal Metabolome

ABSTRACT The human microbiome is a collection of microorganisms that inhabit every surface of the body that is exposed to the environment, generally coexisting peacefully with their host. These microbes have important functions, such as producing vitamins, aiding in maturation of the immune system, and protecting against pathogens. We have previously shown that a small-molecule extract from the human fecal microbiome has a strong repressive effect on Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium host cell invasion by modulating the expression of genes involved in this process. Here, we describe the characterization of this biological activity. Using a series of purification methods, we obtained fractions with biological activity and characterized them by mass spectrometry. These experiments revealed an abundance of aromatic compounds in the bioactive fraction. Selected compounds were obtained from commercial sources and tested with respect to their ability to repress the expression of hilA, the gene encoding the master regulator of invasion genes in Salmonella. We found that the aromatic compound 3,4-dimethylbenzoic acid acts as a strong inhibitor of hilA expression and of invasion of cultured host cells by Salmonella. Future studies should reveal the molecular details of this phenomenon, such as the signaling cascades involved in sensing this bioactive molecule. IMPORTANCE Microbes constantly sense and adapt to their environment. Often, this is achieved through the production and sensing of small extracellular molecules. The human body is colonized by complex communities of microbes, and, given their biological and chemical diversity, these ecosystems represent a platform where the production and sensing of molecules occur. In previous work, we showed that small molecules produced by microbes from the human gut can significantly impair the virulence of the enteric pathogen Salmonella enterica. Here, we describe a specific compound from the human gut that produces this same effect. The results from this work not only shed light on an important biological phenomenon occurring in our bodies but also may represent an opportunity to develop drugs that can target these small-molecule interactions to protect us from enteric infections and other diseases.
Nebulized Colistin for the Treatment of Multidrug-Resistant Gram-Negative Pneumonia

Purpose To describe the use of nebulized colistin (colistimethate sodium) for the treatment of multidrug-resistant gram-negative infections. Specific aims were to identify dose and frequency of nebulized colistin therapy currently used, to assess clinical and microbiological efficacy, and to assess the prevalence of adverse events resulting from colistin therapy. Methods A retrospective chart review was performed at a tertiary care, level I trauma center and teaching hospital. The review included examination of 29 courses of colistin therapy administered to 24 adults receiving at least 24 hours of nebulized colistin for the treatment of gram-negative pneumonia. Results Demographic, medication, adverse event, and outcome data were collected for the duration of colistin therapy. Colistin was administered to patients with multidrug-resistant infections caused by gram-negative organisms. Many patients had a history of exposure to multiple antibiotics or drug allergies. Resistance to colistin was observed in 3 of 18 isolates with available susceptibility data. Determining the prevalence of adverse events was difficult because of the use of multiple medications. Many patients had missed antibiotic doses. A 25% mortality rate was observed. Conclusion The findings of this study serve to demonstrate the use of nebulized colistin for treatment of multidrug-resistant gram-negative pneumonia in patients without cystic fibrosis; to raise concern with regard to the large number of missed antibiotic doses; and to emphasize the need for further investigation by a larger, prospective, randomized trial.
Involvement of a Novel Enzyme, MdpA, in Methyl tert-Butyl Ether Degradation in Methylibium petroleiphilum PM1

ABSTRACT Methylibium petroleiphilum PM1 is a well-characterized environmental strain capable of complete metabolism of the fuel oxygenate methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE). Using a molecular genetic system which we established to study MTBE metabolism by PM1, we demonstrated that the enzyme MdpA is involved in MTBE removal, based on insertional inactivation and complementation studies. MdpA is constitutively expressed at low levels but is strongly induced by MTBE. MdpA is also involved in the regulation of tert-butyl alcohol (TBA) removal under certain conditions but is not directly responsible for TBA degradation. Phylogenetic comparison of MdpA to related enzymes indicates close homology to the short-chain hydrolyzing alkane hydroxylases (AH1), a group that appears to be a distinct subfamily of the AHs. The unique, substrate-size-determining residue Thr59 distinguishes MdpA from the AH1 subfamily as well as from AlkB enzymes linked to MTBE degradation in Mycobacterium austroafricanum.
Legibilidad de las páginas web sobre salud dirigidas a pacientes y lectores de la población general

Fundamentos: Internet se esta conformando como una de las fuentes de informacion sanitaria mas importante. Al lado de esta popularidad surgen nuevas cuestiones tales como la calidad de la informacion o su capacidad de transmitir conocimiento. El objetivo es medir el grado de legibilidad de la informacion para pacientes accesible en Internet en lengua espanola. Metodos: Se seleccionan 112 documentos acerca de 7 enfermedades cronicas. Recuperamos, de las estadisticas de legibilidad de Microsoft Word, los datos de numero de silabas y de oraciones en las 100 primeras palabras de cada documento. Para calcular la legibilidad aplicamos la adaptacion de la formula de grado de Flesch para el idioma espanol realizada por Fernandez Huerta. Resultados: La media de legibilidad de los documentos es de 65,16 (± 14,75), esto significa que se corresponde a un nivel estandar, es decir, un nivel de lectura de un nino de 13 anos. Conclusiones: Los indices de legibilidad que muestran los documentos analizados, aunque buenos, no son los optimos para los pacientes y usuarios que buscan informacion de salud en Internet. La elaboracion de documentos de informacion para los pacientes adaptados a su nivel de legibilidad es fundamental. Se necesitan de estudios que valoren las consecuencias que la baja alfabetizacion en salud como el uso incorrecto de los medicamentos, errores en la preparacion para las exploraciones diagnosticas e incremento de los costes de los servicios de salud.
Increase in Acid Tolerance of Campylobacter jejuni through Coincubation with Amoebae

ABSTRACT Campylobacter jejuni is a recognized and common gastrointestinal pathogen in most parts of the world. Human infections are often food borne, and the bacterium is frequent among poultry and other food animals. However, much less is known about the epidemiology of C. jejuni in the environment and what mechanisms the bacterium depends on to tolerate low pH. The sensitive nature of C. jejuni stands in contrast to the fact that it is difficult to eradicate from poultry production, and even more contradictory is the fact that the bacterium is able to survive the acidic passage through the human stomach. Here we expand the knowledge on C. jejuni acid tolerance by looking at protozoa as a potential epidemiological pathway of infection. Our results showed that when C. jejuni cells were coincubated with Acanthamoeba polyphaga in acidified phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) or tap water, the bacteria could tolerate pHs far below those in their normal range, even surviving at pH 4 for 20 h and at pH 2 for 5 h. Interestingly, moderately acidic conditions (pH 4 and 5) were shown to trigger C. jejuni motility as well as to increase adhesion/internalization of bacteria into A. polyphaga. Taken together, the results suggest that protozoa may act as protective hosts against harsh conditions and might be a potential risk factor for C. jejuni infections. These findings may be important for our understanding of C. jejuni passage through the gastrointestinal tract and for hygiene practices used in poultry settings.