Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cigarette smoking impairs human pulmonary immunity to Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

RATIONALE Cigarette smoking is linked to important aspects of tuberculosis, such as susceptibility to infection, disease reactivation, mortality, transmission, and persistent infectiousness. The mechanistic basis for this remains poorly understood. OBJECTIVES To compare the functional impairment seen in human alveolar macrophages (AM) from nonsmokers, smokers, and ex-smokers after infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb). METHODS AM were acquired at bronchoscopy, and number and viability from smoking donors were compared with nonsmoking donors. AM were challenged in vitro with Mtb and intracellular bacterial viability was measured. Cytokine secretion was measured 24 hours postinfection by ELISA. Previously we determined the frequency of CD4(+)FoxP3(+) T cells in the presence or absence of allogeneic AM, and data were reanalyzed to separate the patient subjects according to smoking status. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS There were significantly more AM from smokers compared with nonsmokers or ex-smokers (P < 0.01). AM from smokers could not control intracellular Mtb growth. Nonsmokers' AM generated significantly more tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, IFN-γ, and IL-1β after Mtb infection compared with uninfected AM (P < 0.05). However, Mtb-infected AM from smokers did not secrete significantly more TNF-α, IFN-γ, and IL-1β compared with uninfected smokers' AM. AM taken from ex-smokers also failed to secrete significantly increased TNF-α, IFN-γ, and IL-1β after Mtb infection. Both smokers' and nonsmokers' AM induced FoxP3(+) T regulatory cell phenotype responses in allogeneic admixed T cells (>4.8 fold; P < 0.05). Even after Mtb infection, AM continued to drive this regulatory phenotype. CONCLUSIONS In smokers, the pulmonary compartment has a number of macrophage-specific immune impairments that provide some mechanistic explanations whereby cigarette smoking renders a patient susceptible to tuberculosis infection and disease.
Short-Term Supplementation with Alpha-Ketoglutaric Acid and 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural Does not Prevent the Hypoxia Induced Decrease of Exercise Performance Despite Attenuation of Oxidative Stress

Abstract Reactive oxygen species are thought to partly be responsible for the hypoxia induced performance decrease. The present study evaluated the effects of a broad based antioxidant supplementation or the combined intake of alpha-ketoglutaric acid (α-KG) and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF) on the performance decrease at altitude. 18 healthy, well-trained males (age: 25±3 years; height: 179±6 cm; weight: 76.4±6.8 kg) were randomly assigned in a double-blind fashion to a placebo group (PL), a α-KG and 5-HMF supplementation group (AO1) or a broad based antioxidant supplementation group (AO2). Participants performed 2 incremental exercise tests to exhaustion on a cycle ergometer; the first test under normoxia and the second under hypoxia conditions (simulated altitude, FiO2=13% ~ 4 300 m). Supplementation started 48 h before the hypoxia test. Maximal oxygen uptake, maximal power output, power output at the ventilatory and lactate threshold and the tissue oxygenation index (NIRS) were measured under both conditions. Oxidative stress markers were measured before the supplementation and after the hypoxia test. Under hypoxia conditions all performance parameters decreased in the range of 19–39% with no differences between groups. A significant change from normoxia to hypoxia (p<0.001) and between groups (p=0.038) were found for the tissue oxygenation index. Post hoc test revealed significant differences between the PL and both, the AO1 and the AO2 group. The oxidative stress parameter carbonyl protein changed from normoxia to hypoxia in all participants and 4-hydroxynonenal decreased in the AO1 group only. In conclusion the results suggest that short-term supplementation with an antioxidant does not prevent the performance decrease at altitude. However, positive effects on muscle oxygen extraction, as indicated by the tissue oxygenation index, might indicate that mitochondrial functioning was actually influenced by the supplementation.
Relationship of NDF digestibility to animal performance.

In order to optimize the utilization of forages, an accurate laboratory measure of fiber digestibility is essential. The measure should mimic in vivo digestion and should be consistent across forage types. A new in vitro lab assay has been developed that predicts total tract NDF digestion (TTNDFD) in ruminants. The test is based on a patented and licensed in vitro assay and model of fiber digestion. The in vitro TTNDFD assay is available through commercial labs and has been calibrated to NIR analysis. The TTNDFD model predicts fiber digestion of alfalfa, corn silage, and grass forages in cattle and has been validated against directly measured NDF digestibility in lactating dairy cattle.
TMEM230 stop codon mutation is rare in parkinson's disease and essential tremor in eastern China

residuals around Jet-PEG, duodenal ulcerations [Fig. 1E/F], stoma infections) complicated symptom allocation (P5). Countermeasures comprised: laparotomy (P1); Jet-PEG transection (P2); intermediate care treatment, temporary cessation of anticoagulation, and blood transfusions (P3); Jet-PEG-removal or exchanges (P4/P5); PEG-removal (P3/ 5); pyloric balloon dilatation (P4); high-dose proton pump inhibitor (P1/P2/P4/P5) and antibiotic treatment (P1/P2/ P4/P5/P6); endoscopies (P1-P5); intensive care and lysis treatment, high-dose vitamin B12 / folate therapy (P6). Outcomes were: full recovery after days (P2) or months (P1); recovery with re-emergence of fluctuations after restart of oral therapy (P3/P5); reduced general condition (P6); death after sepsis probably from purulent enterobacter-cloacae stoma infection from continued secretion (P4). Possible cofactors were: helicobacter pylori gastritis in P1 (eradicated before ulcer complaints, but after LCIG initiation); inflammatory bowel disease in P2 (diagnosed after intestinal invagination); anticoagulation in P3 for atrial fibrillation (aggravating bleeding); infection in P6 (pneumonia treated at the time of pulmonary thrombosis). SAEs affected about 10% of our LCIG patients during long-term therapy, which changed our indication and surveillance procedures. We tend to abstain from starting LCIG in patients with systemic intestinal dysfunction or anticoagulant medication and recommend testing for helicobacter pylori prior to Jet-PEG insertion, allowing timely eradication. Facing continued abdominal pain, we would pragmatically abandon LCIG and remove the tube system earlier. Finally, we try to keep homocysteine, elevated by levodopa and associated with vascular disease, in normal ranges. In P6, excessive homocysteine fell drastically after parenteral administration of 1000 mg cobalamin and 10 mg oral folate per day. Altogether, the cases demonstrate the necessity of close safety monitoring in any LCIG-treatment phase and of multidisciplinary collaboration. They also document the need to define standards for LCIG centers and treatment procedures.
Assessment of Swiss Needle Cast Disease: Temporal and Spatial Investigations of Fungal Colonization and Symptom Severity

Increasing severity of Swiss needle cast (SNC), a foliar disease of Douglas-fir caused by the fungus Phaeocryptopus gaeumannii, has become a matter of concern in forest plantations throughout coastal Oregon and Washington. This study monitored SNC disease in three Oregon Douglas-fir plantations bi-annually in 1998–1999, and compared differences in fungal colonization and symptom development in trees from northand south-facing plots at each plantation. Fungal colonization as quantified by ergosterol content, pseudothecia density and quantitative PCR was significantly correlated with symptom severity (needle retention and needle cholorosis). All three measures of fungal colonization were highly correlated with each other; and only the ergosterol–pseudothecia relationship differed between plots, presumably due to the non-species specific nature of ergosterol measurements. Differences in symptom severity and fungal colonization between north- and south-aspect plots were consistent with climate differences. At low to moderate levels of infection, trees growing on warmer (i.e. south slopes in the western, and north slopes in the eastern Coast Range) slopes had higher levels of colonization, particularly during the winter months. Plots with southern exposures, which received greater amounts of solar radiation, had greater amounts of needle abscission compared to north-aspect plots with similar amounts of fungal colonization. As a result, greater fungal abundance and symptom expression developed on south-aspect slopes within the Oregon Coast Range.
The anatomy of the intrarenal arteries and its application to segmental resection of the kidney

I. The surgical anatomy of the elbow-joint, and the mechanism of production of a fracture of the radial head are discussed. 2. A review of IOO cases of fracture of the head of the radius is presented. 3. The end-results are analysed in detail with special reference to the function and range of movement of the elbow-joint, and to the time taken before recovery and return to work. 4. An attempt is made to show that the case which falls on the borderline between conservative and operative treatment should not be regarded as an entity. 5. The axiom in the treatment of fractures of the head of the radius should be : “ If in doubtresect. ” 6. The cause of the loss of extension movement of the elbow-joint after this type of injury is discussed, and it is considered that the damage to the cartilage of the trochlea of the humerus and the trochlear notch of the ulna, shares a great deal of the responsibility for this loss of range. 7. The cause of pain in the elbow-joint after a fracture of the radial head is discussed.
The Social Affordances of the Internet for Networked Individualism

We review the evidence from a number of surveys in which our NetLab has been involved about the extent to which the Internet is transforming or enhancing community. The studies show that the Internet is used for connectivity locally as well as globally, although the nature of its use varies in different countries. Internet use is adding on to other forms of communication, rather than replacing them. Internet use is reinforcing the pre-existing turn to societies in the developed world that are organized around networked individualism rather than group or local solidarities. The result has important implications for civic involvement.
EGF61A>G polymorphism as predictive marker of clinical outcome to first-line capecitabine and oxaliplatin in metastatic colorectal cancer.

BACKGROUND The purpose of the present study was to investigate polymorphisms related to the metabolism of fluoropyrimidine and oxaliplatin, thymidylate synthase (TS) and excision repair cross-complementing gene 1 (ERCC1) 118, in metastatic colorectal cancer patients treated with capecitabine and oxaliplatin (XELOX). We also investigated the importance of the EGF61A>G polymorphism, which holds a functional influence on the tyrosine kinase receptor regulation. MATERIALS AND METHODS We included 68 patients treated with first-line XELOX. Polymorphism analyses were carried out on pretreatment blood samples. Response was evaluated according to the RECIST. Survival analysis was described by the Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank testing. RESULTS The overall response rate was 38% and the median overall survival 19.4 months. A favorable outcome was seen in patients with the EGF61A/G genotype compared with the combined group of A/A and G/G, with response rates of 57% and 18%, respectively (P = 0.001). There was a significantly different progression-free survival (P = 0.018) in favor of the A/G group. The TS and ERCC1 genotypes failed to provide any significant impact on the outcome. CONCLUSION Polymorphism analysis of a simple blood sample is a feasible approach to biomarker analysis and the EGF61A>G polymorphism may influence the effect of first-line XELOX. Consequently, this marker deserves further investigation.
Double-blind placebo-controlled study of mesalamine in post-infective irritable bowel syndrome – a pilot study

Abstract Objective. Post-infective irritable bowel syndrome (PI-IBS) is characterized by continuing symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, typically diarrhea-predominant, following an episode of acute gastroenteritis. There is often an increase in sub-epithelial inflammatory and neuroendocrine cells on colonic mucosal biopsy. Mesalamine is an anti-inflammatory agent, effective in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease. The goal of this study was to compare mesalamine to placebo on symptoms and quality-of-life (QOL) in PI-IBS. Material and methods. Twenty patients who developed diarrhea-predominant IBS after gastroenteritis were randomized to receive mesalamine (Asacol®) 1.6 gm b.i. d. or placebo for 12 weeks in a double-blind placebo-controlled study. QOL was assessed using the IBS-QOL questionnaire. Stool frequency, stool consistency, urgency, severity of abdominal pain, severity of bloating, and global-improvement scale were recorded in daily diaries for 7 days at baseline and every 4 weeks. Data were analyzed by comparing the change from baseline to last follow-up. Results. One patient withdrew after randomization; data were incomplete in two patients. Thus, data were analyzed from 17 patients (11 men and 6 women, median age: 27 years, range 22–45 years). Mesalamine was not associated with significant improvement in global symptoms, abdominal pain, bloating, stool urgency, frequency, or consistency (all p ≥ 0.11) or QOL (p ≥ 0.16). Conclusions. There was no significant improvement in global symptoms or overall QOL with mesalamine in patients with PI-IBS.
The FF4 and FF5 Domains of Transcription Elongation Regulator 1 (TCERG1) Target Proteins to the Periphery of Speckles*

Background: Coordinated transcription and splicing occurs at the periphery of speckles. Results: The FF4 and FF5 domains of transcription elongation regulator 1 (TCERG1) form a structural unit that directs proteins to the periphery of speckles. Conclusion: The FF4 and FF5 domains constitute a novel speckle periphery-targeting signal. Significance: This speckle periphery-targeting signal might participate in the coordination of transcription and splicing. Transcription elongation regulator 1 (TCERG1) is a human factor implicated in interactions with the spliceosome as a coupler of transcription and splicing. The protein is highly concentrated at the interface between speckles (the compartments enriched in splicing factors) and nearby transcription sites. Here, we identified the FF4 and FF5 domains of TCERG1 as the amino acid sequences required to direct this protein to the periphery of nuclear speckles, where coordinated transcription/RNA processing events occur. Consistent with our localization data, we observed that the FF4 and FF5 pair is required to fold in solution, thus suggesting that the pair forms a functional unit. When added to heterologous proteins, the FF4-FF5 pair is capable of targeting the resulting fusion protein to speckles. This represents, to our knowledge, the first description of a targeting signal for the localization of proteins to sites peripheral to speckled domains. Moreover, this “speckle periphery-targeting signal” contributes to the regulation of alternative splicing decisions of a reporter pre-mRNA in vivo.
Genetic Studies of Ankylosing Spondylitis in Koreans Confirm Associations with ERAP1 and 2p15 Reported in White Patients

Objective. Investigators from the Australo-Anglo-American Spondyloarthritis Consortium have reported additional genes associated with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) susceptibility including IL1R2, ANTXR2, and gene deserts at 2p15 and 21q22. We evaluated these new candidate genes in a large cohort of Korean patients with AS. Methods. A group of 1164 patients with AS and 752 healthy controls were enrolled for our study. Eight single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) were analyzed to define genetic association with AS by MassARRAY system. Results. Significant positive associations of AS with endoplasmic reticulum aminopeptidase 1 SNP, rs27037 (p = 1.31 × 10−4), and rs27434 (p = 4.59 × 10−6), were observed. The rs10865331 of gene desert at 2p15 also showed a significant association with AS (p = 4.63 × 10−5). Conclusion. This is the first confirmation in a nonwhite population that genetic polymorphisms of rs27037, rs27434, and rs10865331 are associated with AS, implicating common pathogenetic mechanisms in Korean and white patients with AS.
Denver II: evaluation of the development of children treated in the outpatient clinic of Project Einstein in the Community of Paraisópolis.

OBJECTIVES To evaluate the neuropsychomotor development of children treated in an outpatient clinic, using the Denver Developmental Screening Test II (DDST-R). METHODS This was an exploratory descriptive research using a quantitative approach, conducted in the outpatient clinic of the Project Einstein in the Community of Paraisopolis (PECP), São Paulo, Brazil. The sample consisted of 35 children, from birth to 6 years of age, most of them from 1 to 3 years old (19; 54.3%). They underwent the Denver II Test, which assesses four neuropsychomotor development areas: gross motor, fine motor adaptive, language and personal-social. RESULTS Most of the children (24, 68.6%) had test results compatible with normal development, while 10 (28.6%) had a "risk" test and 1 (2.9%) was "untestable" due to refusal to carry out the proposed activities. As to the items evaluated in each area, 7 children (20%) showed a developmental "delay" (when the child does not perform the activity passed by more than 90% of the children of his/her age) and 18 (51%) required "attention" (when the child does not perform the activity passed by 75 to 90% of the children of his/her age), predominantly in the language area. CONCLUSIONS Although most of the children (68.6%) presented normal development in the test, we point out that in the remaining children (31.4%), the number of items classified as "delay" or "attention", and tests classified as "risk" or "untestable" suggest impairment in neuropsychomotor development. We underscore the importance of the routine administration of the DDST-R for an early detection of developmental disabilities and thus establish primary prevention programs.
Association of dopamine agonist use with impulse control disorders in Parkinson disease.

OBJECTIVE To determine the frequency and correlates of impulse control disorders (ICDs) in Parkinson disease (PD). DESIGN An unstructured screening interview for ICDs (compulsive gambling, buying, and sexual behavior) followed by a telephone-administered structured interview for screen-positive patients. SETTING Two university-affiliated movement disorders centers. PARTICIPANTS A convenience sample of 272 patients with idiopathic PD who were screened for psychiatric complications. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Presence of compulsive gambling, buying, or sexual behavior as assessed by the Minnesota Impulsive Disorders Interview. RESULTS Eighteen patients (6.6%) with PD met criteria for an ICD at some point during the course of PD, including 11 (4.0%) with an active ICD. Compulsive gambling and compulsive sexual behavior were equally common. In a multivariate model, treatment with a dopamine agonist (P = .01) and a history of ICD symptoms prior to PD onset (P = .02) predicted current ICD. There were no differences between the dopamine agonists in their association with ICDs (P = .21), and daily doses of dopamine agonists were higher in patients with an ICD than in dopamine agonist-treated patients without an ICD (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS Patients with PD treated with a dopamine agonist should be made aware of the risk of developing an ICD and monitored clinically. Because dopamine agonists are increasingly being used for other indications, future research should assess the dopamine agonist-associated risk for ICDs in other populations.
Isolation of Listeria monocytogenes from raw milk

During a recent outbreak of listeriosis, we examined 121 raw milk samples and 14 milk socks (filters). Listeria monocytogenes was recovered from 15 (12%) of 121 milk specimens and 2 (14%) of 14 milk socks. The optimal processing method consisted of cold enriching diluted milk for 1 month with culture to selective broth, followed by plating.
17β-Estradiol Inhibits Oxidized Low-Density Lipoprotein-Induced Increase in Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 Expression in Human Macrophages

Beneficial effects of estrogen have been attributed to improved lipid profiles and to direct effects on the arterial wall. Macrophage-derived matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are expressed in atherosclerotic plaques, where they may contribute to plaque disruption. We have shown that oxidized low-density lipoprotein (Ox-LDL) increases matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) expression in macrophages (Mφ). In this study, we tested the hypothesis that 17β-estradiol regulates basal and Ox-LDL-induced expression of MMPs and their tissue inhibitor (TIMPs) in human Mφ. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells isolated from normal human subjects were cultured for 7 days to transform into Mφ. On day 7, Mφ were starved with serum-free medium for 16 hours and then treated with 17β-estradiol and/or progesterone (PROG) in the presence or absence Ox-LDL for 24 hours. Levels and activity of MMP-2 and MMP-9 and levels of TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 were determined. After exposure to Ox-LDL, MMP-9 expression increased by 60% and TIMP-1 expression decreased by 29% (P < 0.05 and P < 0.05, respectively, compared to control), whereas TIMP-2 expression was unchanged. 17β-estradiol reduced the levels of Ox-LDL-induced MMP-9 protein as measured by Western blot (P < 0.05; n = 5) and Ox-LDL-induced MMP-9 activity (P < 0.05; n = 5) as measured by gelatin zymography. Conclusively, estradiol abolished Ox-LDL-stimulated increase in the levels of macrophage-derived MMP-9 protein and activity in human Mφ. This effect was reversed by TAM but not by PROG. These data suggest that at least part of the protective effect of estrogen occurs by attenuation of Ox-LDL alterations in MMP-9 expression.
In Whose Home? Multigenerational Families in the United States, 1998–2000

This article examines multigenerational living arrangements of white, black, and Latino individuals using data from the Current Population Surveys. We describe people in multigenerational households as “hosts” or “guests. ” In terms of resources, guests have no home of their own, whereas hosts maintain an important source of independence. By age, the proportion of adults living as guests peaks in the late twenties, then declines until the late seventies. In contrast, hosting rates peak in the fifties. Men have higher guest rates and women have higher host rates at almost all ages. While blacks and Latinos are more likely than whites to live in multigenerational households, those with higher incomes are less likely to live in multigenerational households and if they are living in multigenerational households are less likely to be guests, regardless of race-ethnicity. We interpret this as consistent with the assumption that residential independence is generally preferred.