Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Antibiotics Stimulate Formation of Vesicles in Staphylococcus aureus in both Phage-Dependent and -Independent Fashions and via Different Routes

Bacterial membrane vesicle research has so far focused mainly on Gram-negative bacteria. Only recently have Gram-positive bacteria been demonstrated to produce and release extracellular membrane vesicles (MVs) that contribute to bacterial virulence. ABSTRACT Bacterial membrane vesicle research has so far focused mainly on Gram-negative bacteria. Only recently have Gram-positive bacteria been demonstrated to produce and release extracellular membrane vesicles (MVs) that contribute to bacterial virulence. Although treatment of bacteria with antibiotics is a well-established trigger of bacterial MV formation, the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. In this study, we show that antibiotics can induce MVs through different routes in the important human pathogen Staphylococcus aureus. DNA-damaging agents and antibiotics inducing the SOS response triggered vesicle formation in lysogenic strains of S. aureus but not in their phage-devoid counterparts. The β-lactam antibiotics flucloxacillin and ceftaroline increased vesicle formation in a prophage-independent manner by weakening the peptidoglycan layer. We present evidence that the amount of DNA associated with MVs formed by phage lysis is greater than that for MVs formed by β-lactam antibiotic-induced blebbing. The purified MVs derived from S. aureus protected the bacteria from challenge with daptomycin, a membrane-targeting antibiotic, both in vitro and ex vivo in whole blood. In addition, the MVs protected S. aureus from killing in whole blood, indicating that antibiotic-induced MVs function as a decoy and thereby contribute to the survival of the bacterium.
HTLV-1 infection and disease in Spain.

: Human T-lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) infection is a neglected disease despite roughly 15 million people are chronically infected worldwide. Lifelong less than 10% of carriers develop life-threatening diseases, mostly a subacute myelopathy known as tropical spastic paraparesis (TSP) and a lymphoproliferative disorder named adult T-cell leukemia (ATL). HTLV-1 is efficiently transmitted perinatally (breastfeeding), sexually (more from male to female) and parenterally (transfusions, injection drug use and transplants). To date there is neither prophylactic vaccine nor effective antiviral therapy.A total of 327 cases of HTLV-1 infection had been reported at the HTLV-1 Spanish registry until December 2016, of whom 34 had been diagnosed with TSP and 25 with ATL. Overall 62% were Latin American immigrants and 13% were persons of African origin. The incidence of HTLV-1 in Spain has remained stable for nearly a decade with 20-25 new cases yearly. Of the 21 newly diagnosed HTLV-1 cases during year 2016, one was a native Spaniard pregnant woman, and four presented with symptomatic disease, including three with ATL and one with TSP.Underdiagnosis of HTLV-1 in Spain must be high (iceberg model), which may account for the disproportionate high rate of symptomatic cases (almost 20%) and the late recognition of preventable HTLV-1 transmissions in special populations, such as newborns and transplant recipients. Our current estimate is of 10,000 persons living with HTLV-1 infection in Spain. Given the large flux of immigrants and visitors from HTLV-1 endemic regions to Spain, the expansion of HTLV-1 screening policies is warranted. At this time, it seems worth recommending HTLV testing to all donor/recipient organ transplants and pregnant women regardless place of birth. Although current leukoreduction procedures largely prevent HTLV-1 transmission by blood transfusions, HTLV testing of all first-time donors should be cost-effective contributing to unveil asymptomatic unaware HTLV-1 carriers.
A Retrospective Observational Study of Uveitis in a Single Center in Poland with a Review of Findings in Europe

Background This study aimed to review the causes, presentation, and clinicopathological associations of uveitis in a single department of ophthalmology in Poland, and to compare the findings with previously published studies from other European countries. Material/Methods Review of local patient records between 2005–2015 identified patients diagnosed with uveitis. Data obtained included age, gender, imaging findings, and laboratory diagnostic findings. A literature review identified 24 publications from 1976–2017 that reported observational data from patients with uveitis in Europe. Statistical analysis compared the findings. Results Between 2005–2015, 279 patients were diagnosed with uveitis (mean age, 38.3±15.3 years) (61.6% women) including unilateral uveitis (60.5%), with posterior uveitis (48.4%), anterior uveitis (26.5%), and intermediate uveitis (12.9%). A general etiology was established in 76.3% and included ocular-specific syndromes (31.8%), infection (27.9%), and an association with systemic disease (16.8%), but 23.6% were unclassifiable. Specific causes of uveitis included toxoplasmosis (17.9%), Fuchs uveitis (12.2%), white dot syndromes (WDS) (10.4%), sarcoidosis (6.1%), toxocariasis (6.1%), HLA-B27-associated acute anterior uveitis (AAU) (5.7%), multiple sclerosis (4.7%), ankylosing spondylitis (3.6%) and herpesvirus infection (2.5%). Data from 26 published studies (24,126 patients with uveitis) from 12 European countries showed that idiopathic uveitis was most common (36.6%); the identified causes included toxoplasmosis (9.4%), WDS (7.2%), and Fuchs uveitis (6.1%). Conclusions In a single ophthalmic center in Poland, and throughout Europe, the causes of uveitis are varied. Genetic, geographic, social and environmental factors are likely to affect the cause of uveitis in different populations.
The development of the Adolescent/Young Adult Self-Management and Independence Scale II: Psychometric data.

PURPOSE Measuring self-management behaviors in adolescents and young adults with chronic health conditions has become a priority in health care, yet there is a paucity of instruments that capture these behaviors. The purpose of this psychometric study was to evaluate the reliability and validity of the 17-item generic Adolescent/Young Adult Self-Management and Independence Scale II (AMIS II). METHOD Data were collected from 201 adolescents/young adults (AYA) with spina bifida and 129 of their parents. Exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, Cronbach alpha, frequencies, Pearson correlations, and intraclass correlations were used to evaluate the data. RESULTS The exploratory factor analysis of parent data supported two related self-management factors (Condition Self-Management and Independent Living Self-Management). Confirmatory factor analysis of AYA data confirmed these two factors and an overall scale with good fit statistics (GFI and CFI = 0.86-0.95; RMSEA = 0.057). Internal reliabilities ranged from α= 0.72-0.89. Intraclass correlation analysis supported the stability of the instrument (ICC parent report = 0.82, AYA report = 0.84). Concurrent validity was supported with low to moderate correlations to six related but distinct variables. CONCLUSION Psychometric analysis supports this expanded measure of self-management for AYA with spina bifida. Evaluation of this instrument in AYA with other chronic health conditions is underway.
Most important needs of family members of critical patients in light of the critical care family needs inventory.

OBJECTIVE This work sought to identify the most important needs for family members of adult critical patients as described in the literature pursuant to the dimensions established in the "Critical Care Family Needs Inventory" (CCFNI) by Molter and Leske. METHODOLOGY A literature review was carried out by using the CCFNI instrument. The databases used were: Pubmed, CINAHL, Proquest Nursing & Allied Health Source, Proquest Psychology Journals, LILACS, Science Direct, Ovid SP, PsyicINFO, and SciELO. The following limitations for the search were identified: adult patients, articles in English and Spanish, with abstract and complete text available and which had been published from 2003 to June 2013; 15 articles were included. RESULTS The family's hope on desired results and sincere communication with the healthcare staff turned out to be the most relevant needs, while the least important were related to comfort and having support structures or systems. Most of the studies were conducted in Asia and North America revealing differences in the order of importance assigned to each necessity. Certain sociodemographic and cultural characteristics impact upon how family members rank their needs; this also occurs with the nature of the most important needs for the family and the factors determining their prioritization. CONCLUSION The articles included in this review mention the frequent interaction with the family and their holistic view of the person beyond the illness, determine that nurses are the most appropriate professionals to know and satisfy the family needs of critical patients.
Difference in Pathomechanism Between Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis Revealed by Colon Transcriptome.

BACKGROUND We aim to identify the differences in colonic mucosal transcriptome between Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) for a better understanding of the molecular pathology. METHODS Differentially expressed genes (DEG) in the colonic mucosa of CD and UC were identified with a global gene expression microarray dataset generated from the colon biopsies of CD and UC patients and normal controls. The DEGs were then processed to identify altered pathways and modularized DEGs and pathways. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) analysis with an independent cohort of samples was performed to validate the microarray data. RESULTS At the pathway level, virus infection and autoimmune pathways were upregulated in CD but not in UC when compared with controls. Some of the relevant DEGs (such as TAP1 and TAP2) were elevated in both CD and UC, with CD exhibiting more pronounced elevations. Gene expression levels in viral infection pathways were correlated with those of autoimmune pathways. In contrast, pattern recognition-mediated innate immune pathways (TLR4 and TLR2) were significantly elevated in UC but not in CD. Similar results were observed with an independent cohort by qRT-PCR. CONCLUSIONS Our data support the hypothesis that viral infection induced autoimmunity may represent a pathomechanism for IBD, especially CD. However, pattern recognition-mediated innate immunity targeting microbiome may play a more important role in UC compared with CD. Our findings identified different intervention targets for CD and UC, which may lead to more effective treatments for IBD patients.
Increased interleukin‐23 receptor (IL‐23R) expression is associated with disease severity in acute‐on‐chronic liver failure

Th17 cells mediated immune response is important in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) infection and inflammation associated diseases; however, little is known about their immunopathogenic role in acute‐on‐chronic liver failure (ACLF). Interleukin‐23 receptor (IL‐23R) is essential for the generation of pathogenic Th17 cells; therefore, we aimed to evaluate IL‐23R expression and its correlation with disease severity in ACLF.
iTRAQ-Based Comparative Proteomic Analysis Provides Insights into Molecular Mechanisms of Salt Tolerance in Sugar Beet (Beta vulgaris L.)

Salinity is one of the major abiotic stress factors that limit plant growth and crop yield worldwide. To understand the molecular mechanisms and screen the key proteins in response of sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) to salt, in the present study, the proteomics of roots and shoots in three-week-old sugar beet plants exposed to 50 mM NaCl for 72 h was investigated by isobaric Tags for Relative and Absolute Quantitation (iTRAQ) technology. The results showed that 105 and 30 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were identified in roots and shoots of salt-treated plants compared with untreated plants, respectively. There were 46 proteins up-regulated and 59 proteins down-regulated in roots; and 13 up-regulated proteins and 17 down-regulated proteins found in shoots, respectively. These DEPs were mainly involved in carbohydrate metabolism, energy metabolism, lipid metabolism, biosynthesis of secondary metabolites, transcription, translation, protein folding, sorting, and degradation as well as transport. It is worth emphasizing that some novel salt-responsive proteins were identified, such as PFK5, MDH, KAT2, ACAD10, CYP51, F3H, TAL, SRPR, ZOG, V-H+-ATPase, V-H+-PPase, PIPs, TIPs, and tubulin α-2/β-1 chain. qRT-PCR analysis showed that six of the selected proteins, including BvPIP1-4, BvVP and BvVAP in root and BvTAL, BvURO-D1, and BvZOG in shoot, displayed good correlation between the expression levels of protein and mRNA. These novel proteins provide a good starting point for further research into their functions using genetic or other approaches. These findings should significantly improve the understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in salt tolerance of sugar beet plants.
Autoencoders for learning template spectrograms in electrocorticographic signals

Objective. Electrocorticography (ECoG) based studies generally analyze features from specific frequency bands selected by manual evaluation of spectral power. However, the definition of these features can vary across subjects, cortical areas, tasks and across time for a given subject. We propose an autoencoder based approach for summarizing ECoG data with ‘template spectrograms’, i.e. informative time-frequency (t-f) patterns, and demonstrate their efficacy in two contexts: brain–computer interfaces (BCIs) and functional brain mapping. Approach. We use a publicly available dataset wherein subjects perform a finger flexion task in response to a visual cue. We train autoencoders to learn t-f patterns and use them in a deep neural network to decode finger flexions. Additionally, we propose and evaluate an unsupervised method for clustering electrode channels based on their aggregated activity. Main results. We show that the learnt t-f patterns can be used to classify individual finger movements with consisentently higher accuracy than with traditional spectral features. Furthermore, electrodes within automatically generated clusters tend to demonstrate functionally similar activity. Significance. With increasing interest in and active development towards higher spatial resolution ECoG, along with the availability of large scale datasets from epilepsy monitoring units, there is an opportunity to develop automated and scalable unsupervised methods to learn effective summaries of spatial, temporal and frequency patterns in these data. The proposed methods reduce the effort required by neural engineers to develop effective features for BCI decoders. The clustering approach has applications in functional mapping studies for identifying brain regions associated with behavioral changes.
Prevalence and Treatment Patterns of Autism Spectrum Disorder in the United States, 2016

Importance Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder. Previous surveys have reported a steady increase in ASD prevalence in US children over the past decades. Several behavioral therapies and medications have been developed to treat the symptoms of ASD; however, little is known about the current status of treatment usage for children diagnosed as having ASD. Objective To estimate the prevalence and treatment patterns of ASD among US children using nationally representative data. Design, Setting, and Participants This study used data from the 2016 National Survey of Children’s Health, a nationwide, population-based, cross-sectional survey. We included 43 032 children aged 3 to 17 years. Data were collected through questionnaires completed by a parent or guardian. Data were analyzed from February 2018 to March 2018. Main Outcomes and Measures Outcome variables included ASD diagnosed by a physician or health professional and the use of behavioral treatment or medication treatment among children with ASD. Results Of the 43 032 included participants, 22 072 (51.3%) were male, and the mean (SD) age was 10.7 (4.4) years. The weighted prevalence of ever-diagnosed ASD and current ASD were 2.79% (95% CI, 2.46-3.12) and 2.50% (95% CI, 2.21-2.79), respectively. The state-level prevalence of ever-diagnosed ASD varied from 1.54% (95% CI, 0.60-2.48) in Texas to 4.88% (95% CI, 2.72-7.05) in Florida. Nationally, about 70% of children with current ASD (70.5%; 95% CI, 65.1-75.8) were treated; 43.3% (95% CI, 37.4-49.2) received behavioral treatment only, 6.9% (95% CI, 3.7-10.1) received medication treatment only, and 20.3% (95% CI, 16.5-24.1) received both behavioral and medication treatments. The remaining 29.5% (95% CI, 24.2-34.9) of children with current ASD did not receive either behavioral or medication treatment. Conclusions and Relevance This study showed that the prevalence of ASD in the United States was relatively high, and it varied substantially across US states. Almost 30% of US children with ASD did not receive behavioral or medication treatment, which calls for a critical need to understand and address the barriers for those children to receive appropriate treatments.
Intra‐arterial transplantation of HLA‐matched donor mesoangioblasts in Duchenne muscular dystrophy

Intra‐arterial transplantation of mesoangioblasts proved safe and partially efficacious in preclinical models of muscular dystrophy. We now report the first‐in‐human, exploratory, non‐randomized open‐label phase I–IIa clinical trial of intra‐arterial HLA‐matched donor cell transplantation in 5 Duchenne patients. We administered escalating doses of donor‐derived mesoangioblasts in limb arteries under immunosuppressive therapy (tacrolimus). Four consecutive infusions were performed at 2‐month intervals, preceded and followed by clinical, laboratory, and muscular MRI analyses. Two months after the last infusion, a muscle biopsy was performed. Safety was the primary endpoint. The study was relatively safe: One patient developed a thalamic stroke with no clinical consequences and whose correlation with mesoangioblast infusion remained unclear. MRI documented the progression of the disease in 4/5 patients. Functional measures were transiently stabilized in 2/3 ambulant patients, but no functional improvements were observed. Low level of donor DNA was detected in muscle biopsies of 4/5 patients and donor‐derived dystrophin in 1. Intra‐arterial transplantation of donor mesoangioblasts in human proved to be feasible and relatively safe. Future implementation of the protocol, together with a younger age of patients, will be needed to approach efficacy.
Optimization of a depth of interaction encoding PET block detector for a PET/MRI insert

Preclinical positron emission tomography, combined with magnetic resonance imaging (PET/MRI), is increasingly used as a tool to simultaneously characterize functional processes in vivo. Many emerging preclinical applications, however, are limited by PET detection sensitivity, especially when generating short imaging frames for quantitative studies. One such application is dynamic multifunctional imaging, which probes multiple aspects of a biological process, using relationships between the datasets to quantify interactions. These studies have limited accuracy due to the relatively low sensitivity of modern preclinical PET/MRI systems. The goal of this project is to develop a preclinical PET/MRI insert with detection sensitivity above 15% (250–750 keV) to improve quantitation in dynamic PET imaging. To achieve this sensitivity, we have developed a detector module incorporating a 2 cm thick crystal block, which will be arranged into a system with 8 cm axial FOV, targeting mice and rats. To maintain homogenous spatial resolution, the detector will incorporate dual-ended depth-of-interaction (DOI) encoding with silicon photomultiplier (SiPM) based photodetector arrays. The specific aim of this work is to identify a detector configuration with adequate performance for the proposed system. We have optimized the SiPM array geometry and tested two crystal array materials with pitch ranging from 0.8 to 1.2 mm and various surface treatments and reflectors. From these configurations, we have identified the best balance between crystal separation, energy resolution, and DOI resolution. The final detector module uses two rectangular SiPM arrays with 5 × 6 and 5 × 4 elements. The photodetector arrays are coupled to a 19 × 19 array of 1 mm pitch LYSO crystals with polished surfaces and a diffuse reflector. The prototype design has 14.3% ± 2.9% energy resolution, 3.57 ± 0.88 mm DOI resolution, and resolves all elements in the crystal array, giving it sufficient performance to serve as the basis for the proposed high sensitivity PET/MRI insert.
Prominin‐1 controls stem cell activation by orchestrating ciliary dynamics

Proper temporal and spatial activation of stem cells relies on highly coordinated cell signaling. The primary cilium is the sensory organelle that is responsible for transmitting extracellular signals into a cell. Primary cilium size, architecture, and assembly–disassembly dynamics are under rigid cell cycle‐dependent control. Using mouse incisor tooth epithelia as a model, we show that ciliary dynamics in stem cells require the proper functions of a cholesterol‐binding membrane glycoprotein, Prominin‐1 (Prom1/CD133), which controls sequential recruitment of ciliary membrane components, histone deacetylase, and transcription factors. Nuclear translocation of Prom1 and these molecules is particularly evident in transit amplifying cells, the immediate derivatives of stem cells. The absence of Prom1 impairs ciliary dynamics and abolishes the growth stimulation effects of sonic hedgehog (SHH) treatment, resulting in the disruption of stem cell quiescence maintenance and activation. We propose that Prom1 is a key regulator ensuring appropriate response of stem cells to extracellular signals, with important implications for development, regeneration, and diseases.
2-Oxo-histidine–containing dipeptides are functional oxidation products

Imidazole-containing dipeptides (IDPs), such as carnosine and anserine, are found exclusively in various animal tissues, especially in the skeletal muscles and nerves. IDPs have antioxidant activity because of their metal-chelating and free radical-scavenging properties. However, the underlying mechanisms that would fully explain IDP antioxidant effects remain obscure. Here, using HPLC–electrospray ionization–tandem MS analyses, we comprehensively investigated carnosine and its related small peptides in the soluble fractions of mouse tissue homogenates and ubiquitously detected 2-oxo-histidine–containing dipeptides (2-oxo-IDPs) in all examined tissues. We noted enhanced production of the 2-oxo-IDPs in the brain of a mouse model of sepsis-associated encephalopathy. Moreover, in SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells stably expressing carnosine synthase, H2O2 exposure resulted in the intracellular production of 2-oxo-carnosine, which was associated with significant inhibition of the H2O2 cytotoxicity. Notably, 2-oxo-carnosine showed a better antioxidant activity than endogenous antioxidants such as GSH and ascorbate. Mechanistic studies indicated that carnosine monooxygenation is mediated through the formation of a histidyl-imidazole radical, followed by the addition of molecular oxygen. Our findings reveal that 2-oxo-IDPs are metal-catalyzed oxidation products present in vivo and provide a revised paradigm for understanding the antioxidant effects of the IDPs.
Recover your smile: Effects of a beauty care intervention on depressive symptoms, quality of life, and self‐esteem in patients with early breast cancer

Medical cancer treatment is often accompanied by appearance‐related side effects such as hair loss, skin irritation, and paleness, which can subsequently lead to psychosocial distress. Initial evidence suggests that beauty care interventions may reduce distress and improve quality of life (QoL), body image, and self‐esteem immediately.