Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
NOD2 Is Regulated By Mir-320 in Physiological Conditions but this Control Is Altered in Inflamed Tissues of Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Background:Large evidence supports the role of microRNAs as new important inflammatory mediators by regulating both the adaptive and innate immunity. In the present study, we speculated that miR-320 controls NOD2 (nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain) expression, because it contains multiple binding sites in the 3′-untranslated region of the gene. NOD2, the first gene associated to increased susceptibility to Crohn's disease, is a cytosolic receptor that senses wall peptides of bacteria and promotes their clearance through initiation of a proinflammatory transcriptional program. This study aims at demonstrating that NOD2 is a target of miR-320 as well as investigating the role of inflammation in modulating the miR-320 control on NOD2 expression and analyzing miR-320 expression in intestinal biopsies of children with inflammatory bowel disease. Methods:The colonic adenocarcinoma cell line HT29 was used to assess the miR-320-mediated regulation of NOD2 expression. MiR-320 and NOD2 expression were analyzed in mucosal samples of 40 children with inflammatory bowel disease. Results:During inflammation, NOD2 expression is inversely correlated with miR-320 expression in vitro and ex vivo. Exogenous miR-320 transfection in HT29 cells leads to a significant decrease of NOD2 expression, whereas the miR-320 inhibitor transfection leads to increase of NOD2 expression, nuclear translocation of nuclear factor &kgr;B, and activation of downstream cytokines. Conclusions:We show for the first time that NOD2 expression is under the control of miR-320. We also show in vitro and ex vivo that inflammation induces a decrease of miR-320 and the latter correlates negatively with NOD2 expression.
Evaluation of several fluoroquinolones and beta‐lactams in terms of their capability to restrict the selection of fluoroquinolone‐resistant Salmonella: in vitro models

With a view to understanding the interaction between Salmonella and the drugs used to treat it, our aim was to compare the different capacities of various antibiotics to generate mutants resistant to fluoroquinolones following repeated exposure of the microorganisms to subinhibitory concentrations of these drugs. Mutants were generated by repeated exposure to fluoroquinolones and beta‐lactams. In order to compare the different capacity to generate resistant mutants, we studied the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and mutant prevention concentration (MPC) of the wild‐type strains and of the mutants generated. These data were compared with pharmacokinetic parameters. Mutants generated following repeated exposure to fluoroquinolones exhibit an increased MPC as compared to the wild‐type strains, both in strains that are nalidixic acid susceptible and in those that are nalidixic acid resistant, with repeated exposure to ciprofloxacin leading to the smallest increases. This increase in MPC is gradual and depends on the number of exposures the bacteria are subjected to. It results in a decrease in the AUC/MPC ratio, although the absolute values vary. Ciprofloxacin is the most active drug, both against nalidixic acid‐susceptible and nalidixic acid‐resistant strains, although in late mutants of originally nalidixic acid‐resistant strains, the AUC/MPC values are low. Repeated exposure to amoxicillin and cefotaxime also produces an increase in the MPC of fluoroquinolones, with ciprofloxacin being the least affected. Exposure to amoxicillin leads to the greatest increase in the MPC of fluoroquinolones. When the AUC/MPC ratios of these mutants are compared, the values are still seen to be high (between 25 and 75). When we compare the MPC data with the antibiotic levels in humans following administration of the usual doses, it can be seen that ciprofloxacin exhibits the highest AUC/MPC and therefore the lowest risk of therapeutic failures. In addition, administration of subinhibitory concentrations of beta‐lactams produces a decrease in fluoroquinolone susceptibility, which may lead to an increase in the risk of therapeutic failure if these compounds are subsequently used.
Optimizing Treatment with TNF Inhibitors in Inflammatory Bowel Disease by Monitoring Drug Levels and Antidrug Antibodies

Background:Biological tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors have revolutionized the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease and redefined treatment goals to include mucosal healing. Clinicians are faced with challenges such as inadequate responses, treatment failures, side effects, and high drug costs. The objective is to review optimization of anti-TNF therapy by use of personalized treatment strategies based on circulating drug levels and antidrug antibodies (Abs), i.e. therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM). Furthermore, to outline TDM-related pitfalls and their prevention. Methods:Literature review. Results:Circulating anti-TNF drug trough level is a marker for the pharmacokinetics (PK) of TNF inhibitors. Because of a number of factors, including antidrug antibodies, PK varies between and within patients across time leading to variable clinical outcomes. Differences in intestinal inflammatory phenotype influencing the pharmacodynamic (PD) responses to TNF inhibitors also affect treatment outcomes. As an alternative to handling anti–TNF-treated patients by empiric strategies, TDM identifies underlying PK and PD-related reasons for treatment failure and aids decision making to secure optimal clinical and economic outcomes. Although promising, evidence does not the support use of TDM to counteract treatment failure in quiescent disease. Use of TDM is challenged by methodological biases, difficulties related to differentiation between PK and PD problems, and temporal biases due to lack of chronology between changes in PK versus symptomatic and objective disease activity manifestations. Biases can be accommodated by knowledgeable interpretation of results obtained by validated assays with clinically established thresholds, and by repeated assessments over time using complimentary techniques. Conclusions:TDM-guided anti-TNF therapy at treatment failure has been brought from bench to bedside.
Characteristics of Cocaine Dependent Patients Who Attempt Suicide

There have been few studies examining risk factors for attempting suicide among cocaine dependent patients. Therefore, a large group of 406 abstinent cocaine dependent patients had a psychiatric interview and completed the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire. Patients who had or had never attempted suicide were compared on putative suicide risk factors. The results showed that 43.5% of the patients had attempted suicide. Attempters were younger; more were female; more reported childhood trauma, a family history of suicidal behavior, a history of aggression, treatment with antidepressant medication, and comorbidity with alcohol and opiate dependence. Logistic regression revealed that childhood physical abuse, childhood emotional negelect, comorbidity with alcohol dependence, and treatment with antidepressant medication were significant predictors of attempting suicide. Thus these results suggest that attempting suicide is common among cocaine dependent patients and that both distal and proximal risk factors may play a role.
Epidemiology of low back pain in the United Arab Emirates

Aims: Low back pain (LBP), a common presenting problem in general practice in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), has received increasing attention in recent decades. We seek to investigate the prevalence of LBP and associated risk factors among people living in the typically hot, humid desert environment of the UAE. Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted. The setting was the Primary Health Care (PHC) Clinics in Al-Ain, UAE. The subjects were a multistage stratified sample of 1304 UAE nationals, 15–70 years of age, who attended PHC clinics for any reason. All subjects were invited to participate. The questionnaire used in the survey is a modified version of the Roland-Morris scale for evaluating low back pain. The questionnaires were administered during face-to-face interviews conducted in Arabic by qualified nurses. Results: Of the total 1304 subject, 1103 (84.5%) living in both urban and rural areas agreed to participate and responded to the study; 586 (53.1%) were men and 517 (46.9%) women. The mean ages and SD of the subjects were 34.9 ± 13.4 years for the men and 33.5 ± 11.8 years for the women. The prevalence of LBP in the present study was 64.6% (95% CI = 60.7–68.5). The results revealed that there were statistically significant differences between men and women with respect to LBP and body mass index (BMI) (P < 0.001), marital status (P < 0.001), occupational status (P < 0.001), housing condition (P < 0.001), and smoking habits (P < 0.001). Back pain had a greater influence on the lifestyle habits of the women than men. Stepwise multiple regression analysis showed that only BMI (OR = 2.54, 95% CI = 2.30–281; P < 0.001), prolonged standing (OR = 6.22, 95% CI = 4.01–9.67; P < 0.0001), weakness in leg (OR = 2.11, 95% CI = 1.16–3.85; P = 0.0142), lifting heavy weights (OR = 6.34, 95% CI = 4.09–9.84; P = 0.019) regular exercise (OR = 12.47, 95% CI = 7.50–20.71; P < 0.001) and smoking habits (OR = 1.61, 95% CI = 1.08–2.38; P < 0.05) had a significant effect on the presence of LBP in these patients. Conclusions: The study showed that the prevalence of back-related disability was higher among women than men in the UAE. Also, low socio-economic status and adverse lifestyle habits may constitute risk factors and predictors of LBP.
Cancer micrometastasis and tumour dormancy  

Many epithelial cancers carry a poor prognosis even after curative resection of early stage tumours. Tumour progression in these cancer patients has been attributed to the existence and persistence of disseminated tumour cells (DTC) in various body compartments as a sign of minimal residual disease. Bone marrow (BM) has been shown to be a common homing organ and reservoir for DTC. A significant correlation between the presence of DTC in BM and metastatic relapse has been reported in various tumour types. However, only a portion of patients with DTC in BM at primary surgery relapse. Thus far, little is known about the conditions required for the persistence of dormancy or the escape from the dormant phase into the active phase of metastasis formation. Thereby, this peculiar stage of conceivably balanced tumour cell division and death may last for decades in cancer patients. Most likely, the ability of a dormant DTC to “be activated” is a complex process involving (i) somatic aberrations in the tumour cells, (ii) the interaction of the DTC with the new microenvironment at the secondary site, and (iii) hereditary components of the host (i.e., cancer patient). In this review, we will summarize the key findings of research on micrometastatic cancer cells and discuss these findings in the context of the concept of tumour dormancy.
The Roles of Cathelicidin LL-37 in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Abstract:Human cathelicidin LL-37, the only member of the cathelicidin family of host defense peptides expressed in humans, plays a crucial role in host defense against pathogen invasion, as well as in regulating the functions of anti-inflammation, antitumorigenesis, and tissue repair. It is primarily produced by phagocytic leukocytes and epithelial cells, and mediates a wide range of biological responses. Emerging evidence from several studies indicates that LL-37 plays a prominent and complex role in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Although overexpression of LL-37 has been implicated in the inflamed and noninflamed colon mucosa in patients with ulcerative colitis, LL-37 expression was not changed in the inflamed or noninflamed colon or ileal mucosa in patients with Crohn's disease. Furthermore, studies in animal models and human patients further characterized the protective effect of cathelicidins both in ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. These data suggest the intricate functions of LL-37 in IBD. They will also create many strategies and opportunities for therapeutic intervention in IBD in the future. This review aims to elucidate the structure and bioactivity of LL-37 and also discuss the recent progress in understanding the relationship between LL-37 and IBD.
Involvement of membrane proteins and ion channels on the self‐rotation of human cells in a non‐rotating AC electric field

Dielectrophoresis is a force that has been exploited in microsystems for label‐free characterization and separation of cells, when their electrical signature is known. However, the polarization effect of cells at the transmembrane protein level is not well established. In this work, we have use the self‐rotation effect of cells in a non‐rotating field, known as the “Quincke effect,” in order to measure the maximum rotation frequency (frotmax) of different cell populations when modifying the composition of their membrane. We investigated the influence of active ionic transportation of membrane protein concentration on frotmax of HEK cells. Our results show that ionic transportation is responsible for the reduction of conductivity within the cytoplasm, which results in higher frotmax. However, the influence of the concentration of proteins in the membrane, achieved by silencing gene expression in cancer cells, changes significantly frotmax, which is not explained by the changes of ionic conductivity within the cell.
Pneumonia After Heart Transplantation: A Multiinstitutional Study

: A multiinstitutional study of 307 heart transplant recipients was carried out to determine the clinical, radiographic, and prognostic characteristics, the incidence, and the etiology of pneumonias in the first year after transplantation. There were 21.1 cases of pneumonia per 100 heart transplantations. Seventy-five percent of the cases occurred in the first trimester. Eighty-two causal agents were identified, of which 60% were opportunistic, 25% were nosocomial, and 15% were community-acquired. The most frequent isolates were cytomegalovirus (20), Aspergillus species (13), and Pneumocystis carinii (11). Hemoptysis occurred more frequently in aspergillus pneumonias than in other pneumonias (54% vs. 6%, respectively; P < .05); aspergillus pneumonia was the only type of pneumonia during which cavitated nodules were noted on thoracic radiographs. The overall mortality rate was 30.8%; the independent factors of a poor prognosis were aspergillus infection (relative risk [RR], 7.4; 95% confidence interval [CI], 5.8-9.1) and bilateral pulmonary infiltrates (RR, 10; 95% CI, 8.5-11.4).
One-Year Incidence of Suicide Attempts and Associated Risk and Protective Factors Among Adolescents

The goal of this study was to estimate incidence of adolescent suicide attempts and predictors of attempts. Data were collected using diagnostic interviews and questionnaires with a sample of 4,175 youths 11–17 and 3,134 followed-up a year later. Total incidence was 0.95% and first incidence 0.84% for attempts. We found few significant independent predictors of attempts. Multivariate analyses identified only 2 independent predictors of first incidence (marijuana use and caregiver attempts). We did find evidence for cumulative effects of risk factors, with increased odds of attempts with increasing number of risk factors. The difficulty in identifying a common set of modifiable risk factors continues to make development of effective interventions difficult. However, based on our results and those of other researchers, the impact of the cumulative risk conferred by multiple factors would seem to offer a viable strategy for reducing risk of suicide attempts as well as other mental health outcomes among adolescents.
Representations of Non-Suicidal Self-Injury in Motion Pictures

The aim of this study was to investigate representations of non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) in popular media. Forty-one motion pictures were viewed, coded, and analyzed. NSSI was correlated with mental illness, child maltreatment, and substance abuse. NSSI was generally portrayed as severe, habitual and covert. Further, depictions of NSSI were often sensationalized and featured prominently. NSSI was less likely to be associated with completed suicide than other psychological factors, but more closely associated with suicide than NSSI is in the community. Although NSSI was associated with psychiatric illness, few characters were receiving psychiatric care at the time of NSSI. However a significant proportion received support after engaging in NSSI. The portrayal of NSSI is generally accurate regarding correlates and function, but is inaccurately associated with suicide. Implications of the relatively accurate portrayal of NSSI are discussed in light of the potential for imitation, and the possibility of using cinematherapy to promote effective problem resolution.
Alterations in Enterohepatic Fgf15 Signaling and Changes in Bile Acid Composition Depend on Localization of Murine Intestinal Inflammation

Background:Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) 15/19 is part of the gut-liver crosstalk accounting for bile acid (BA) metabolism regulation. Dysregulation of fibroblast growth factor 15/19 signaling is observed in different pathological conditions, for example, in gastrointestinal diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). To understand the molecular bases, we analyzed the enterohepatic regulation of Fgf15-mediated pathway in 2 different inflammatory bowel disease mouse models. Methods:Target genes of the BA-farnesoid-X-receptor (Fxr)-Ffg15 axis were quantified by RT-PCR or western blotting in gut and liver of dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-treated and IL10(−/−) mice. Serum Fgf15 levels were analyzed by ELISA. Biliary and fecal BA composition was differentiated by HPLC-MS/MS. Results:Dextran sulfate sodium-treated mice with ileum-sparing colitis showed higher Fgf15 serum levels. In contrast, IL10(−/−) mice with ileitis had a trend toward decreased Fgf15 serum levels compared with controls and increased expression of Asbt as a negative Fxr-target gene. In hepatic tissue of both models, no histological changes, but higher interleukin 6 (IL-6) mRNA expression and down-regulation of Fxr and Cytochrom P450 7a1 mRNA expression were observed. Fibroblast growth factor receptor 4 up-regulation was in line with higher Fgf15 serum levels in dextran sulfate sodium-treated mice. A distinct fecal BA profile was observed in both models with significantly higher levels of taurine-conjugated BA in particular tauro-&bgr;-muricholic acid in IL10(−/−) mice. Conclusions:Ileum-sparing colitis is characterized by activation of Fxr-Fgf15 signaling with higher expression of Fxr-target gene Fgf15, whereas ileal inflammation showed no signs of Fxr-Fgf15 activation. Abundance of BA such as T-&bgr;-MCA may be important for intestinal Fxr activation in mice.
Training Mental Healthcare Providers to Reduce At-Risk Patients' Access to Lethal Means of Suicide: Evaluation of the CALM Project

The objective of this study was to evaluate the “CALM” (Counseling on Access to Lethal Means) training, in which community-based mental health care providers were trained to work with at-risk clients and their families to assess and reduce access to lethal means of suicide, including firearms. In 2006, CALM trainers conducted workshops in 7 community-based mental health care centers in New Hampshire towns. Participants completed a post-test immediately after the workshop and a follow-up questionnaire approximately 6 weeks later. At follow-up, 65% reported that they had counseled clients' parents about access to lethal means (n = 111). Findings also indicate that the workshop influenced participants' attitudes, beliefs, and skills regarding conducting lethal means counseling.
Effects of garlic on serum lipids and blood glucose of type 2 diabetic patients

AIM: To evaluate the effects of Garsin (garlic extract from Goldarou Company, Iran), on serum lipids and blood glucose in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. METHODOLOGY: A total of 45 hyperlipidemic type 2 diabetes cases were selected randomly from diabetics attending Yazd Diabetes Research Center. They underwent treatment with one Garsin tablet (300 mg of effective extract of garlic) three times a day for 4 weeks, and their serum lipids and blood glucose levels were measured both at the beginning and end of the study. RESULTS: Garsin significantly reduced total serum cholesterol by 18.6 mg/dl and serum LDL by 15.7 mg/dl (P = 0.004, P = 0.001 respectively). The effects of Garsin tablet in lowering LDL (P = 0.015) and increasing HDL (P = 0.056) was more obvious in women than in men.
Detection of invasive protein profile of Streptococcus pyogenes M1 isolates from pharyngitis patients

Hasegawa T, Okamoto A, Kamimura T, Tatsuno I, Hashikawa S‐N, Yabutani M, Matsumoto M, Yamada K, Isaka M, Minami M, Ohta M. Detection of invasive protein profile of Streptococcus pyogenes M1 isolates from pharyngitis patients. APMIS 2010; 118: 167–78.
Genetics of pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma

During the past 10 years susceptibility genes have been identified for inherited cancer syndromes involving pheochromocytomas including multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2, caused by germline mutations in the RET proto-oncogene and von Hippel-Lindau disease, caused by germline mutations of the tumor suppressor gene VHL. More recently, the role of the mitochondrial complex II peptides in the tumorigenesis of paragangliomas has unfolded. The challenge for the future is to further clarify the normal functions of the genes involved in the tumorigenesis of pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas and the mechanisms by which their activation or inactivation leads to the tumorigenic phenotype. This review focuses on recent developments in the genetics of pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas and the significance of these genetic changes to understanding the disease phenotype, not only in familial but also in sporadic disease. Curr Opin Endocrinol Diabetes 2002,
Scrotal Circumference and Testicular Morphometric Characteristics of the Camel (Camelus Dromedarius) in the Semi-Arid Environment of Northern Nigeria

El tracto reproductivo de 12 camellos (Camelus dromedarius) fue utilizado para evaluar la morfometria testicular. Las caracteristicas morfometricas testiculares medidas fueron la circunferencia escrotal (in situ), peso testicular pareado, peso epididimario y longitud media del epididimo, volumen y densidad testicular. No hubo diferencias significativas (p> 0,05) entre los organos del lado izquierdo y derecho, aunque se observaron diferencias numericas entre todos los parametros. Correlaciones positivas altamente significativas (p 0,05). Se concluyo que la morfometria testicular podria proporcionar informacion fiable para predecir la produccion espermatica de camellos en el ambiente semiarido.
Myoepithelial carcinoma of the orbit: a clinicopathological and histopathological study

Tran TL, Broholm H, Daugaard S, Fugleholm K, Poulsgaard L, Prause JU, Kennedy SM, Heegaard S. Myoepithelial carcinoma of the orbit: a clinicopathological and histopathological study. APMIS 2010; 118: 324–30.
ACUTE MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION NOT DUE TO CORONARY ARTERY OCCLUSION

It is well known that the clinical and electrocardiographic features of coronary thrombosis may be observed in patients in whom a coronary artery thrombus is subsequently not found at necropsy. In such patients the clinical picture may have been caused by a myocardial infarct in the absence of a coronary artery occlusion. The occurrence of recent myocardial infarction without acute coronary thrombosis has been noted by Libman, 1 Oberndorfer, 2 Buchner, 3 Hamburger and Saphir, 4 Dietrich, 5 Levy and Bruenn 6 and others. 7 We have therefore undertaken a detailed systematic study of the myocardium and of the coronary vessels in order to determine the relative frequency of myocardial infarction without coronary occlusion and to discover, if possible, what physiologic factors and what clinical conditions are responsible. It is theoretically conceivable that myocardial infarction may occur whenever there is severe myocardial ischemia, even in the absence of a mechanical