Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
[Correlation of CD40 gene polymorphisms with acute coronary syndrome, hypertension and diabetes].

OBJECTIVE To investigate the correlation of CD40-E1SNP (-1C/T) and CD40-E4SNP with acute coronary syndrome (ACS), hypertension and diabetes in Chinese Han population. METHODS The allele frequencies of CD40-E1SNP (-1C/T) and CD40-E4SNP were assayed by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism and DNA sequence technology in 160 definite ACS patients and 92 controls with negatively coronary arteriography. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to analyzed the interaction between the CD40 gene polymorphisms and hypertension and diabetes. RESULTS CD40-1C allele frequency of the ACS group was 0.606, significantly higher than that of the control group (0.489, P < 0.01), while the T allele frequency of the ACS group was 0.394, significantly lower than that of the control group (0.511, P < 0.01). The frequency of CC genotype was much higher in the ACS group than in the control group (P < 0.01). C allele increased the risk of ACS (OR = 1.608, 95% CI: 1.12 - 2.32, P = 0.011). After adjustment of confounding variables, such as age, sex, and body mass index, the binary logistic analysis showed a significant gene-environment interaction (P < 0.05). The OR value were: 1.608 for C allele (95% CI: 1.12 - 2.32, P < 0.05), 5.71 for C allele-with hypertension (95% CI: 1.12 - 29.08, P < 0.05), 1.44 for C allele-without diabetes (95% CI: 1.12 - 5.13, P < 0.01), and 2.35 for C allele-with diabetes (95% CI: 1.47 - 4.82, P < 0.01). Expression of CD40-E4SNP was not found in these subjects. CONCLUSION CD40-1C/T polymorphism is associated with ACS in Chinese people. The -1C allele carriers have higher risk of ACS if they get hypertension or diabetes; CD40-E4SNP may not exist in Chinese people.
Eosinophil peroxidase in sputum represents a unique biomarker of airway eosinophilia

Sputum eosinophilia has been shown to be a predictor of response to anti‐eosinophil therapies in patients with airway diseases. However, quantitative cell counts and differentials of sputum are labor intensive. The objective of this study was to validate a novel ELISA‐based assay of eosinophil peroxidase (EPX) in sputum as a rapid and reliable marker of airway eosinophils.
Location, Location, Location: Mapping Potential Canadian Targets in Online Hacker Discussion Forums

The goal of this paper was to analyze hacker forums to better understand the threats they pose to Canadian critical systems specifically and cyber-security more generally. To facilitate the data collection, a customized web-crawler was developed to specifically capture the structured content posted to forums. Three hacker forums were selected for analysis that represented different facets of the hacker community: carding (data theft), coding (malware development and deployment), and security (distribution of vulnerabilities). We identified and geolocated user disclosed IP addresses to try to identify critical systems and determine the extent as well as context in which critical systems were openly discussed by forum users. In total, 311,501 analyzable IP addresses were extracted from the data with 3,168 (1%) geolocated to Canada. The prevalence of Canadian IP addresses does not indicate their potential for exploitation, although it does highlight a perceived heightened interest in Canadian critical systems by hacker forum users. Potential at-risk systems included government agencies, universities across Canada, and private industries within the transportation network, namely aviation and shipping firms.
Hill–Robertson interference maintained by Red Queen dynamics favours the evolution of sex

Although it is well established theoretically that selective interference among mutations (Hill–Robertson interference) favours meiotic recombination, genomewide mean rates of mutation and strengths of selection appear too low to support this as the mechanism favouring recombination in nature. A possible solution to this discrepancy between theory and observation is that selection is at least intermittently very strong due to the antagonistic coevolution between a host and its parasites. The Red Queen theory posits that such coevolution generates fitness epistasis among loci, which generates negative linkage disequilibrium among beneficial mutations, which in turn favours recombination. This theory has received only limited support. However, Red Queen dynamics without epistasis may provide the ecological conditions that maintain strong and frequent selective interference in finite populations that indirectly selects for recombination. This hypothesis is developed here through the simulation of Red Queen dynamics. This approach required the development of a method to calculate the exact frequencies of multilocus haplotypes after recombination. Simulations show that recombination is favoured by the moderately weak selection of many loci involved in the interaction between a host and its parasites, which results in substitution rates that are compatible with empirical estimates. The model also reproduces the previously reported rapid increase in the rate of outcrossing in Caenorhabditis elegans coevolving with a bacterial pathogen.
Safety and feasibility of dobutamine-atropine stress testing in hypertensive patients.

Dobutamine stress testing is increasingly used for the diagnosis and functional evaluation of coronary artery disease. The aim of this study was to assess the hemodynamic profile, safety, and feasibility of dobutamine stress testing in hypertensive patients. Dobutamine (up to 40 micrograms/kg per minute)-atropine (up to 1 mg) stress echocardiography was performed for the detection of myocardial ischemia in 1164 patients with limited exercise capacity (age, 60 +/- 12 years; 761 men); 446 patients were known to have hypertension. The test was considered feasible when 85% of the maximal heart rate and/or an ischemic end point (new or worsened wall motion abnormalities, ST segment depression, or angina) was achieved. No myocardial infarction or death occurred during the test. Dobutamine induced a significant increase of heart rate in patients with and without hypertension (59 +/- 25 and 63 +/- 23 beats per minute, respectively). Peak rate pressure product was similar in patients with and without hypertension (18,566 +/- 4584 and 18,230 +/- 4508). Hypotension (systolic pressure drop > 40 mm Hg) during the test was more frequent in hypertensive patients (7% versus 4% in normotensive, P < .05). Independent predictors of hypotension were baseline systolic pressure greater than 140 mm Hg (odds ratio, 6.9; 95% confidence interval, 3.4 to 14), older age (odds ratio, 1.04; 95% confidence interval, 1.01 to 1.07), and medication with calcium channel blockers (odds ratio, 1.8; 95% confidence interval, 1.1 to 3.5). The prevalence of ventricular tachycardia was similar (4.1%) in both groups. Episodes of 10 beats or more (0.06% of patients) were terminated promptly by intravenous metoprolol administration. Dobutamine stress testing was considered feasible in 91% of patients with and 92% of patients without hypertension. Dobutamine-atropine stress echocardiography is a safe and feasible method for the assessment of hypertensive patients referred for evaluation of myocardial ischemia. Despite the higher prevalence of dobutamine-induced hypotension in these patients, the feasibility of the test is comparable to that in individuals without hypertension.
Diversity of mucosa-associated microbiota in active and inactive ulcerative colitis

Objective. Recent findings indicate that bacteria play an important role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, the exact role of bacteria in ulcerative colitis (UC) has still to be elucidated. The objective of the study was to investigate the potential differences in the intestinal microbiota between patients with UC and control subjects, using terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism (T-RFLP) analysis of the mucosa-associated microbiota from UC patients and non-IBD controls. Material and methods. Nine active UC patients and 11 non-IBD controls were included in the study. Seven patients with active UC who entered into the inactive phase after antibiotic combination treatment were also classified as patients with inactive UC. Mucosa-associated microbiota was compared between non-IBD controls and UC patients using T-RFLP analysis. Microbiota in both the active and inactive phase was also analyzed in UC patients receiving antibiotic treatment. Results. T-RFLP patterns of mucosa-associated microbiota differed between active UC patients and non-IBD controls. Microbial compositions of active UC patients were significantly less diverse. The difference resulted from loss of commensals. From the viewpoint of disease activity before and after antibiotic combination treatment, T-RFLP patterns were also different between the active and inactive phases in the identical patients. Inactive UC patients possessed more diverse microbial compositions. No specific terminal restriction fragments were observed in UC patients. Conclusions. T-RFLP analysis showed that the mucosa-associated microbiota of patients with active UC differed from that of non-IBD controls. Active UC patients possessed significantly fewer diverse microbial compositions.
Impact of department volume on surgical site infections following arthroscopy, knee replacement or hip replacement

Objective To examine the association between surgical department volume and the risk of surgical site infections (SSI) after orthopaedic procedures. Background A minimum volume regulation of at least 50 knee replacements per year was implemented in 2006 in German surgical departments. Methods SSI rates were obtained from Krankenhaus-Infektions-Surveillance-System, the German national nosocomial infections surveillance system (January 2003–June 2008). The authors analysed the data by linear regression models. The adjusted ORs were estimated based on general estimating equation models to assess the independent effect of department volume (low, ie, ≤50, medium, ie, >50 and ≤100, and high, ie, >100 procedures annually). Results A total of 206 surgical departments performed 14 339 arthroscopies, 63 045 knee replacements and 43 180 hip replacements during the 5.5-year study period. SSI rates were significantly higher in departments with a procedure volume of ≤50 arthroscopies and knee replacements. A higher threshold of 100 procedures per year did lead to a significant decrease in SSI rates for all three procedures in the univariate analysis. The multivariate analysis showed that the risk of SSI in low volume departments was sevenfold higher for arthroscopies and twofold higher for knee replacement than in medium volume departments. SSI risk after hip replacement was significantly lower in high volume centres. Conclusion The authors' findings offer some support for recommendations to concentrate arthroscopy and knee replacement in surgical departments with more than 50 procedures and hip replacement in departments with more than 100 procedures per year in order to reduce SSI.
The study of anterior cruciate ligament footprint in Thai population: a human cadaveric study.

BACKGROUND Identification of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) footprint is critical for an anatomical ACL reconstruction. The osseous landmarks of the ACL footprint is one of the methods that can be used to determine the ACL insertion site. The size of ACL footprint on femur and tibia are also important for surgical decision. The purposes of the present study represent the existing of osseous landmarks and size of ACL footprint in Thai population. OBJECTIVE Study the presence of the osseous landmarks and the size of ACL footprint both at femur and Tibia in Thai population. MATERIAL AND METHOD 77 knees from 39 cadavers (38 paired and 1 unpaired) from Department of Anatomy, Phramongkutklao College of Medicine were dissected to identify bony landmarks of ACL at both tibia and femoral attachment. The resident's ridge and lateral bifurcate ridge were identified. The metallic markers were then inserted into the defined anatomic footprint points and size of ACL footprint on tibia and femur were measured and recorded in length and width. RESULTS The present study found resident's ridge in 75/77 knees (97.40%) and lateral bifurcate ridge (bony landmark between anteromedial and posterolateral bundle), 50/77 knees (64.94%). The average ACL length and width at the femoral attachment were 12.01 +/- 1.66 mm and 9.52 +/- 1.37 mm respectively. At the tibial attachment, the average length was 15.36 +/- 2.33 mm and the width was 11.03 +/- 1.77 mm. However, when performed an analysis between male and female footprint, there were significant difference in length and width of both Femoral and tibial attachment. In male, the size of ACL at femoral attachment, average length was 12.68 +/- 1.48 mm and average width was 9.99 +/- 1.38 mm. At tibial attachment, average length was 16.84 +/- 1.07 mm and width was 11.32 +/- 1.43 mm. In female, the size of ACL at right femur attachment, average length and width were 10.68 +/- 1.1 mm, 8.64 +/- 0.79 mm respectively. At tibial attachment, average length and width were 12.48 +/- 1.08 mm and 10.1 +/- 0.96 mm respectively. CONCLUSION Infemoral footprints of the ACL, the lateral bifurcate ridge can be found in 64.94% and resident's ridge can be found in 97.40% of the specimens. Then the authors can use the resident's ridge as a primary osseous landmark for anatomic ACL surgery in Thai patients, then locate the center of femoral tunnel at the lateral bifurcate ridge later in case of the authors could identify them. Gender has an effect on both femoral and tibial footprint size. The average size of ACL tibial footprint among Thai female are smaller than 14 mm, then the single anatomical ACL reconstruction may be preferred than double bundle technique. On the other hand, the average size of ACL femoral footprint in Thai male is greater than 14 mm. These findings alert the surgeon that double bundle technique could be performed in Thai male patients.
‘Hairy’ Cell Leukaemia (Leukaemic Reticuloendotheliosis): a Scanning Electron Microscopic Study of Eight Cases

Summary. Eight cases of ‘hairy’ cell leukaemia (leukaemic reticuloendotheliosis) were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy. The surface of critical‐point‐dried ‘hairy’ cells was characterized by prominent and exaggerated broad‐based, ruffled membranes and scattered small clusters of stub‐like microvilli. The surface morphology resembled that of normal and leukaemic monocytes, but differed from that of normal and leukaemic lymphocytes. Some cells with features of both lymphocytes and monocytes were difficult to categorize; the overall impression of the surface architecture of most ‘hairy’ cells suggests, however, that they are related to the monocytic series. From the examination of these cases it is evident that scanning electron microscopy may be used as a means of distinguishing chronic lymphocytic leukaemia from ‘hairy’ cell leukaemia on the basis of surface ultrastructure.
Simultaneous inhibition of B7 and LFA‐1 signaling prevents rejection of discordant neural xenografts in mice lacking CD40L

Abstract: Transplantation of embryonic human neural tissue can restore dopamine neurotransmission and improve neurological function in patients with Parkinson's disease. Logistical and ethical factors limit the availability of human embryonic allogeneic tissue. Embryonic xenogeneic neural tissue from porcine donors is an alternative form of donor tissue, but effective immunomodulatory techniques are warranted for neural xenotransplantation to become clinically feasible. We transplanted embryonic porcine ventral mesencephalic tissue into the brains of adult untreated C57BL/6 mice, untreated CD40L‐/–mice and CD40L‐/–mice that received injections of anti‐LFA‐1, CTLA4Ig or both compounds. Double‐treated CD40L‐/–mice had large grafts with high numbers of dopaminergic neurons 4 wk after transplantation. The grafts were completely devoid of lymphocytes, macrophages and activated microglia. Untreated C57BL/6 mice had rejected their grafts. Untreated CD40L‐/–mice and CD40L‐/–mice treated with monotherapy of anti‐LFA‐1 or CTLA4Ig had smaller grafts and more microglial and lymphocytic infiltration than double‐treated CD40L‐/–mice. We conclude that immunomodulation with concomitant inhibition of LFA‐1 and B7 signaling in the perioperative period in CD40L‐/–mice prevented the rejection of discordant neural xenografts. The treatment most likely reduced antigen presenting capacity and interfered with the costimulatory signaling needed for T cell activation to occur.
18 β-glycyrrhetinic acid exhibits potent antitumor effects against colorectal cancer via inhibition of cell proliferation and migration.

Accumulating evidence shows that 18 β-glycyr-rhetinic acid (GRA) has antitumor activities in breast, ovarian cancer and leukemia, while its role in colorectal cancer remains unknown. In the present study, we investigated the effect of GRA in colorectal cancer cells LoVo, SW480 and SW620 and studied the underlying molecular mechanisms. Results showed that GRA had potent inhibitory effects on colorectal cancer cell proliferation in a dose- and time-dependent manner in vitro and in vivo. Growth inhibition was mediated by pro-apoptosis, as evident from Annexin V-FITC staining, the reduced expression of survivin and the induced expression of cleaved PARP. Furthermore, GRA treatment resulted in marked reduction of cell migration, invasion and wound healing capability, accompanying by the downregulated MMP expression. Moreover, GRA decreased the protein levels of p-PI3K, p-AKT, p-STAT3, p-JNK, p-p38 and p-NF-κB p65, of which the phosphorylation of PI3K and STAT3 decreased as early as 2 h after the GRA treatment. These results suggest that regulation of the apoptosis, invasion and migration of colorectal cancer cells by GRA might be through suppressing PI3K and STAT3 signaling pathways. the present study indicated that GRA could be a potential effective therapy for patients with colorectal cancer.
A broad host range replicon with different requirements for replication initiation in three bacterial species

Plasmid RK2 is unusual in its ability to replicate stably in a wide range of Gram‐negative bacteria. The replication origin (oriV) and a plasmid‐encoded initiation protein (TrfA; expressed as 33 and 44 kDa forms) are essential for RK2 replication. To examine initiation events in bacteria unrelated to Escherichia coli, the genes encoding the replicative helicase, DnaB, of Pseudomonas putida and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were isolated and used to construct protein expression vectors. The purified proteins were tested for activity along with E.coli DnaB at RK2 oriV. Each helicase could be recruited and activated at the RK2 origin in the presence of the host‐specific DnaA protein and the TrfA protein. Escherichia coli or P.putida DnaB was active with either TrfA‐33 or TrfA‐44, while P.aeruginosa DnaB required TrfA‐44 for activation. Moreover, unlike the E.coli DnaB helicase, both Pseudomonas helicases could be delivered and activated at oriV in the absence of an ATPase accessory protein. Thus, a DnaC‐like accessory ATPase is not universally required for loading the essential replicative helicase at a replication origin.
Phage Therapy of Local and Systemic Disease Caused by Vibrio vulnificus in Iron-Dextran-Treated Mice

ABSTRACT Vibrio vulnificus is a gram-negative bacterium that contaminates filter-feeding shellfish such as oysters. After ingestion of contaminated oysters, predisposed people may experience highly lethal septicemia. Contamination of wounds with the bacteria can result in devastating necrotizing fasciitis, which can progress to septicemia. The extremely rapid progression of these diseases can render antibiotic treatment ineffective, and death is a frequent outcome. In this study, we examined the potential use of bacteriophages as therapeutic agents against V. vulnificus in an iron-dextran-treated mouse model of V. vulnificus infection. Mice were injected subcutaneously with 10 times the lethal dose of V. vulnificus and injected intravenously, either simultaneously or at various times after infection, with phages. Treatment of mice with phages could prevent death; systemic disease, as measured by CFU per gram of liver and body temperature; and local disease, as measured by CFU per gram of lesion material and histopathologic analysis. Two different phages were effective against three different V. vulnificus strains with various degrees of virulence, while a third phage that required the presence of seawater to lyse bacteria in vitro was ineffective at treating mice. Optimum protection required that the phages be administered within 3 h of bacterial inoculation at doses as high as 108 PFU. One of the protective phages had a half-life in blood of over 2 h. These results demonstrate that bacteriophages have therapeutic potential for both localized and systemic infections caused by V. vulnificus in animals. This model should be useful in answering basic questions regarding phage therapy.
Pathological and Immunohistochemical Features of Subdural Histiocytic Sarcomas in 15 Dogs

Subdural histiocytic sarcomas from 15 dogs (mean age: 7.8 years) were histopathologically examined. Among the 15 dogs, there was a marked breed predominance (toward Pembroke Welsh Corgi dogs, 47%), but no gender predilection. Focal solitary subdural masses were detected in the cerebrum (12 cases) and spinal cord (1 case), whereas diffuse infiltrative lesions were observed in the cerebral leptomeninges in 2 cases. All neoplastic lesions had common histological features characterized by the proliferation of pleomorphic histiocytic cells combined with various inflammatory reactions. Multinucleated giant cells, phagocytosis, and atypical mitotic figures in the neoplastic cells were commonly observed. Most of the pleomorphic neoplastic cells in the present cases were immunopositive for monocytic, histiocytic, or both markers, such as human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DR, ionized calcium-binding adaptor molecule 1 (Iba1), cluster of differentiation (CD)163, and CD204, except for the neoplastic cells in 2 focal and 2 diffuse histiocytic sarcomas. The findings suggest that differences in cell origin, molecular expression, or both patterns are responsible for the distribution patterns of canine subdural histiocytic sarcomas.