Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Improved plasma glucose control, whole-body glucose utilization, and lipid profile on a low-glycemic index diet in type 2 diabetic men: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE To determine whether a chronic low-glycemic index (LGI) diet, compared with a high-glycemic index (HGI) diet, has beneficial effects on plasma glucose control, lipid metabolism, total fat mass, and insulin resistance in type 2 diabetic patients. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Twelve type 2 diabetic men were randomly allocated to two periods of 4 weeks of an LGI or HGI carbohydrate diet separated by a 4-week washout interval, in a crossover design. RESULTS The LGI diet induced lower postprandial plasma glucose and insulin profiles and areas under the curve than after the HGI diet. At the end of the two dietary periods, the 7-day dietary records demonstrated equal daily total energy and macronutrient intake. Body weight and total fat mass were comparable. Four-week LGI versus HGI diet induced improvement of fasting plasma glucose (P < 0.01, Delta changes during LGI vs. HGI), HbA(1c) (P < 0.01), and whole-body glucose utilization measured by the euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamp (P < 0.05). LGI diet induced a decrease in fasting plasma total and LDL cholesterol (Delta changes LGI vs. HGI, P < 0.01), free fatty acids (P < 0.01), apolipoprotein B, and plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 activity. CONCLUSIONS Only 4 weeks of an LGI diet was able to improve glycemic control, glucose utilization, some lipid profiles, and the capacity for fibrinolysis in type 2 diabetes. Even if changes in glycemic control were modest during the 4-week period, the use of an LGI diet in a longer-term manner might play an important role in the treatment and prevention of diabetes and related disorders.
A new chemiluminescent assay for the rapid detection of thyroid stimulating antibodies in Graves' disease

Thyroid stimulating antibodies (TSAb) are the cause of Graves' disease (GD). At present, these antibodies can only be measured using bioassays, which are generally time consuming and difficult to apply to whole serum. Here we describe a new chemiluminescent assay for the detection of TSAb in serum samples.
Relay cells, not interneurons, of cat's lateral geniculate nucleus contain N‐acetylaspartylglutamate

N‐Acetylaspartylglutamate (NAAG) is an endogenous brain dipeptide that satisfies many of the criteria for a neurotransmitter. We have previously identified NAAG immunoreactivity in neurons of the lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN) of the cat and monkey. To determine whether all LGN neurons contain NAAG, we treated sections of cat LGN with affinity‐purified antibodies to NAAG and counterstained them with thionin. The larger neurons contained NAAG, but the smaller neurons did not. We treated other sections with antiserum to glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD), the rate‐limiting enzyme in the synthesis of γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA), in order to label interneurons of the LGN. In these sections, the smaller cells were labeled; the larger neurons were not. We hypothesized that NAAG was present in relay cells, but not interneurons. We used two double‐labeling paradigms to test this hypothesis. We combined immunocytochemistry for NAAG using a fluorescent secondary antibody with either (1) fluorescent retrograde tracers (true blue, granular blue, rhodamine beads, or propidium iodide) injected into areas 17 and/or 18 or (2) immunocytochemistry for GAD using a second fluorescent secondary antibody. In the LGN, over 99% of retrogradely labeled cells contained NAAG, but few GAD‐positive neurons did. In contrast, neurons of the perigeniculate nucleus contained both NAAG and GAD, demonstrating that staining by one set of antisera did not inhibit staining by the other and that perigeniculate neurons are chemically distinct from the interneurons of the LGN. We conclude that in LGN, the relay cells, which project to visual cortex, contain NAAG, whereas most of the interneurons, which contain GABA, do not.
Association between kidney transplant center performance and the survival benefit of transplantation versus dialysis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Despite the benefits of kidney transplantation, the total number of transplants performed in the United States has stagnated since 2006. Transplant center quality metrics have been associated with a decline in transplant volume among low-performing centers. There are concerns that regulatory oversight may lead to risk aversion and lack of transplantation growth. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS A retrospective cohort study of adults (age≥18 years) wait-listed for kidney transplantation in the United States from 2003 to 2010 using the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients was conducted. The primary aim was to investigate whether measured center performance modifies the survival benefit of transplantation versus dialysis. Center performance was on the basis of the most recent Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients evaluation at the time that patients were placed on the waiting list. The primary outcome was the time-dependent adjusted hazard ratio of death compared with remaining on the transplant waiting list. RESULTS Among 223,808 waitlisted patients, 59,199 and 32,764 patients received a deceased or living donor transplant, respectively. Median follow-up from listing was 43 months (25th percentile=25 months, 75th percentile=67 months), and there were 43,951 total patient deaths. Deceased donor transplantation was independently associated with lower mortality at each center performance level compared with remaining on the waiting list; adjusted hazard ratio was 0.24 (95% confidence interval, 0.21 to 0.27) among 11,972 patients listed at high-performing centers, adjusted hazard ratio was 0.32 (95% confidence interval, 0.31 to 0.33) among 203,797 patients listed at centers performing as expected, and adjusted hazard ratio was 0.40 (95% confidence interval, 0.35 to 0.45) among 8039 patients listed at low-performing centers. The survival benefit was significantly different by center performance (P value for interaction <0.001). CONCLUSIONS Findings indicate that measured center performance modifies the survival benefit of kidney transplantation, but the benefit of transplantation remains highly significant even at centers with low measured quality. Policies that concurrently emphasize improved center performance with access to transplantation should be prioritized to improve ESRD population outcomes.
Hemolysis of Erythrocytes by Granulysin-Derived Peptides but Not by Granulysin

ABSTRACT Granulysin, a 9-kDa protein localized in human cytolytic T lymphoctyes and natural killer cell granules, is cytolytic against tumors and microbes but not against red blood cells. Synthetic peptides corresponding to the central region of granulysin recapitulate the lytic activity of the intact molecule, and some peptides cause hemolysis of red blood cells. Peptides in which cysteine residues were replaced by serine maintain their activity against microbes but lose activity against human cells, suggesting their potential as antibiotics. Studies were undertaken to determine the mechanism of resistance of red blood cells to granulysin and sensitivity to a subset of granulysin-derived peptides. Granulysin lyses immature reticulocytes, which have mitochondria, but not red blood cells. Granulysin lyses U937 cells but not U937 cells lacking mitochondrial DNA and a functional respiratory chain (U937ρ° cells), further demonstrating the requirement of intact mitochondria for granulysin-mediated death. Peptide G8, which corresponds to helix 2/loop 2/helix 3, lyses red blood cells, while peptide G9, which is identical except that the cysteine residues were replaced by serine, does not lyse red blood cells. Granulysin peptide-induced hemolysis is markedly inhibited by an anion transporter inhibitor and by Na+, K+, and Ca2+ channel blockers but not by Na+/K+ pump, cotransport, or Cl− channel blockers. Although recombinant granulysin and G9 peptide do not induce hemolysis, they both competitively inhibit G8-induced hemolysis. The finding that some derivatives of granulysin are hemolytic may have important implications for the design of granulysin-based antimicrobial therapeutics.
Ki‐67 staining for determination of rhesus macaque T cell proliferative responses ex vivo

The capacity for robust proliferation upon re‐infection is a hallmark of adaptive immunity and the basis of vaccination. A widely used animal model for the study of human disease is the rhesus macaque (RM), where capacity for proliferation can be assessed ex vivo using carboxyfluorescein succinimidyl ester (CFSE)‐based dilution assays. However, we show over the course of the standard ex vivo proliferation assay that CFSE‐labeling at commonly used dye concentrations induces significant cell death, but that this phenomenon is dose‐dependent. Here, we describe an alternative semiquantitative method for estimating T cell proliferative responses that avoids the putative biases associated with chemical modification. RM peripheral blood mononuclear cells were stimulated ex vivo with cognate peptides for 5 days, immunostained for intracellular Ki‐67, and then analyzed by flow cytometry. We describe a gating strategy using Ki‐67 and side light scatter, also a marker of blastogenesis, which correlates strongly with data from CFSE dilution. We show that this method is a valid tool for measuring RM antigen‐specific cellular proliferation ex vivo and can be used as an alternative to CFSE dilution assays. © 2010 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Latent tuberculosis infection treatment for prison inmates: a randomised controlled trial.

SETTING A prison in northern Taiwan. OBJECTIVE To compare safety and the completion rate of the 4-month daily rifampicin regimen (4R) vs. the standard 6-month daily isoniazid regimen (6H) for latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) in prison inmates. DESIGN This was an open-label randomised trial among human immunodeficiency virus negative male inmates. Inmates without active tuberculosis (TB) who tested positive for both the tuberculin skin test and QuantiFERON®-TB Gold In-Tube were eligible, but those with baseline glutamic pyruvic transaminase (GPT) levels ≥ 120 U/l, bilirubin levels ≥ 2.4 U/l or a platelet count < 150 k/mm(3) were excluded. The primary endpoint was any adverse event that resulted in discontinuation of LTBI treatment. RESULTS Participants (n = 373; 14% hepatitis B surface antigen positive, 21% anti-hepatitis C virus [HCV] positive) were randomised (stratified by hepatitis B virus, HCV status and 2-year prison term) to receive either 4R or 6H under directly observed treatment. The 4R group (n = 190) was less likely to experience an adverse event leading to discontinuation of treatment (2% vs. 12%, P < 0.001 for all adverse events; 0% vs. 8%, P < 0.001 for hepatotoxicity), and more likely to complete LTBI treatment (86% vs. 78%, P = 0.041), compared with the 6H group (n = 183). CONCLUSIONS 4R is safer and has a higher completion rate than 6H as treatment for LTBI among male prison inmates.
Alternative splicing of ADAM15 regulates its interactions with cellular SH3 proteins

A Disintegrin And Metalloprotease (ADAM15) is a member of the adamalysin protein family and has been associated with cancer, possibly via its role in ectodomain shedding of cadherins. Alternative mRNA splicing generates several ADAM15 isoforms containing different combinations of putative Src homology‐3 (SH3) domain binding sites in their cytosolic tails. Here we present a comprehensive characterization of SH3 binding potential of different ADAM15 isoforms. Alternative use of ADAM15 exons was found to profoundly influence selection of SH3‐containing cellular partner proteins, including the avid interactions with nephrocystin and sorting nexin‐33 (SNX33 a.k.a. SNX30). Specifically, strong co‐precipitation of nephrocystin from cell lysates was specific to ADAM15 isoforms i4, i5, and i6. These isoforms contain one or both of the two almost identical proline‐rich regions encoded by exons 20 and 21, wherein the residues RxLPxxP were found to be indispensable for nephrocystin SH3 binding. Similarly, robust cellular association with SNX33 was observed only for ADAM15 isoforms containing the most carboxyterminal proline cluster lacking in isoforms i1 and i3. Thus, alternative mRNA splicing provides a versatile mechanism for regulation of intracellular protein interactions and thereby likely the cellular functions of ADAM15, which could explain the association with cancer of some but not all ADAM15 isoforms. J. Cell. Biochem. 108: 877–885, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
[Single nucleotide polymorphisms in XRCC1 and clinical response to platin-based chemotherapy in advanced non-small cell lung cancer].

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE DNA repair capacity correlated with sensitivity of cancer cells towards platin-based chemotherapy. This study examined the association between genetic polymorphisms of DNA repair gene XRCC1 and response to cisplatin- or carboplatin-based chemotherapy of advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). METHODS Totally 105 patients with advanced NSCLC were routinely treated with cisplatin- or carboplatin-based chemotherapy, and clinical response was evaluated after 2 to 3 cycles. XRCC1 genotypes were determined by PCR-RFLP methods using DNA samples isolated from peripheral blood collected before treatment. The odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were computed by logistic regression. RESULTS The response rate to the chemotherapy in patients with the 194Arg/Trp or Trp/Trp genotype significantly higher than that in patients with the Arg/Arg genotype (43.1% vs. 20.3%;OR=2.97,95% CI=1.15-7.72;P< 0.05). The response rate to chemotherapy was also significantly higher in patients with the 399Arg/Arg genotype than that in patient with the Arg/Gln or Gln/Gln genotype (41.5% vs. 21.2%;OR=2.65,95% CI=1.03-6.87;P< 0.05). Furthermore, it appeared that 194Arg/Trp and 399Arg/Arg genotypes had synergic effect on the chemotherapy efficacy. Patients with both of these two polymorphisms had a response rate of 66.7% which was significantly greater than that in patients with other genotypes (response rate ranging from 20.0% to 23.1%, P< 0.001). CONCLUSION Polymorphisms in the XRCC1 gene may have significant impact on the response of NSCLC patients to platin-based chemotherapy.
Efficacy of a peer-guided exercise programme for adolescents with intellectual disability.

BACKGROUND Peer support is strongly associated with physical activity of adolescents. This study examined the efficacy of a YMCA-based, peer-guided exercise training programme for increasing health-related physical fitness among adolescents with intellectual disabilities. MATERIALS AND METHODS Adolescents with intellectual disabilities and typically developing peer partners provided reciprocal support during 1-h exercise sessions that included aerobic exercise, weight training and stretching activities. The programme was conducted 2 days/week for 15 weeks and pre- and post-test fitness testing was conducted. RESULTS Participants demonstrated significant improvements in curl-ups, 6-min walk and BMI. Exercise session attendance was high and participants typically completed all of the prescribed aerobic and stretching exercises, whereas weight training exercises were completed less consistently. CONCLUSIONS This peer-guided model integrates social and instructional support for adolescents with intellectual disabilities and may encourage exercise participation in community settings.
Antioxidative effects of melatonin administration in elderly primary essential hypertension patients

Abstract: The imbalance of the redox state of the aging organism may be involved in the development of primary essential hypertension. Melatonin, a potent antioxidant agent, was found to exert a hypotensive effect and improve the function of the cardiovascular system. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of melatonin supplementation on oxidative stress parameters in elderly primary essential hypertensive (EH) patients, controlled by a diuretic (indapamide) monotherapy. The levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and reduced glutathione (GSH), activities of Cu–Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD‐1), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐Px) in erythrocytes, the plasma level of nitrate/nitrite, the content of carbonyl groups of plasma proteins and morning melatonin levels in the serum of 17 elderly EH patients were determined at the baseline and after the 15th and 30th days of melatonin supplementation (5 mg daily). Melatonin administration resulted in a significant increase in the morning melatonin concentration, SOD‐1 and CAT activities, and a reduction in the MDA level. Statistically significant alterations in the levels of GSH, nitrate/nitrite and carbonyl groups and the activity of GSH‐Px were not observed. These results indicate an improvement in the antioxidative defense of the organism by melatonin supplementation in the examined group and may suggest melatonin supplementation as an additional treatment supporting hypotensive therapy in elderly EH patients.
Evidence-Based Guidelines for the Management of Acute Gastroenteritis in Children in Europe : Update 2014

Objectives: These guidelines update and extend evidence-based indications for the management of children with acute gastroenteritis in Europe. Methods: The guideline development group formulated questions, identified data, and formulated recommendations. The latter were graded the or bli Results: Gastroenteritis severity is linked to etiology, and rotavirus is the most severe infectious agent and is frequently associated with dehydration. Dehydration reflects severity and should be monitored by established score systems. Investigations are generally not needed. Oral rehydration with hypoosmolar solution is the major treatment and should start as soon as possible. Breast-feeding should not be interrupted. Regular feeding should continue with no dietary changes including milk. Data suggest that in the hospital setting, in non–breast-fed infants and young children, lactose-free feeds can be considered in the management of gastroenteritis. Active therapy may reduce the duration and severity of diarrhea. Effective interventions include administration of specific probiotics such as Lactobacillus GG or Saccharomyces boulardii, diosmectite or racecadotril. Anti-infectious drugs should be given in exceptional cases. Ondansetron is effective against vomiting, but its routine use requires safety clearance given the warning about severe cardiac effects. Hospitalization should generally be reserved for children requiring enteral/parenteral rehydration; most cases may be managed in an outpatients setting. Enteral rehydration is superior to intravenous rehydration. Ultrarapid schemes of intravenous rehydration are not superior to standard schemes and may be associated with higher readmission rates. Conclusions: Acute gastroenteritis is best managed using a few simple, well-defined medical interventions. ginal her
The course of hepatitis C viraemia in transfusion recipients prior to availability of antiviral therapy

Summary. Knowing the likely distribution of intervals from hepatitis C infection to first RNA‐negativity is important in deciding about therapeutic intervention. Prospectively collected sera and data from the Transfusion‐transmitted Viruses Study (1974–1980) provide specific dates of infection and pattern of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) elevations. We examined frequency, timing and correlates of spontaneous resolution for 94 acutely infected transfusion recipients followed for a median of 9.5 months. Later, follow‐up sera (>10 years) were available for 27 of the 94 cases from a Veterans Administration (VA) Study (1989–1990). Twenty‐five (27%) of the 94 cases were classified as probably resolved during the episode itself. First RNA negativity occurred at 6–50 weeks (median, 19.5 weeks) after infection, and 5–43 weeks (median, 11 weeks) after ALT elevation. Thirteen of the 25 cases remained RNA‐negative subsequently; 12 others had 1–6 RNA‐positive sera intercalated between first and last RNA‐negative results. RNA negativity, therefore, began variably and was interrupted in 12 cases of 25 (48%) by transient RNA‐positive sera. Five of these 25 patients who were RNA‐negative in the last study specimen had late, Veterans Administration Study follow‐up; none showed viraemia. Of the remaining 69 transfusion transmitted virus study recipients, whose last serum was RNA‐positive, two cleared viraemia after the last study serum but before late follow‐up. Eleven (16%) had 23 intercalated RNA‐negative sera before last positivity. RNA status, therefore, needs monitoring for many months before judging the spontaneous outcome as transient negativity may occur. Resolution was significantly more common in women and symptomatic cases; it was not associated with viral load in the infectious donation, HCV genotype, or the recipient’s age.
Undiagnosed HIV Infection and Couple HIV Discordance Among Household Members of HIV-Infected People Receiving Antiretroviral Therapy in Uganda

Introduction: Systematic efforts to identify HIV-infected members and HIV-discordant couples in households of individuals taking antiretroviral therapy (ART) could theoretically reduce HIV transmission and improve ART adherence. Methods: We enrolled HIV-infected clients of an AIDS support organization in a randomized evaluation of different ART monitoring regimens that offered home-based ART care to them and their clinically eligible household members. At baseline, counselors visited participants' homes and offered voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) to all household members. We assessed uptake, HIV prevalence, HIV discordance, and rate of ART eligibility. Results: Of the 2373 household members, 2348 (99%) accepted VCT. HIV prevalence among household members was 7.5% and varied by age with 9.5% among children aged 0 to 5 years, 2.9% among persons aged 6 to 24 years, and 37.1% among adults aged 25 to 44 years. Of the household members with HIV, 74% had never been previously tested, and 39% of these were clinically eligible for ART. Of the 120 spouses of ART patients that were tested for HIV, 52 (43%) were HIV negative, and of these, 99% had not been previously tested. Conclusions: Provision of home-based VCT to household members of people initiating ART was well accepted and resulted in the detection of a large number of previously undiagnosed HIV infections and HIV-discordant relationships.
Time course for antipsychotic treatment response in first-episode schizophrenia.

OBJECTIVE The authors examined early onset of antipsychotic action and early prediction of nonresponse to antipsychotics in patients with first-episode schizophrenia. METHOD Time to clinical response (>/=20% improvement in total score on the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale [PANSS]) was determined in 522 participants in a randomized, controlled trial comparing risperidone and haloperidol. Median treatment length was 206 days. RESULTS Clinical response was achieved in 77% (N=400) of subjects. Among these patients, clinical response was achieved in 23.3%, 23.3%, 18.5%, and 12.5% at weeks 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively, after treatment initiation. However, in 22.5% of patients, response was not achieved until after 4 weeks, and in 11.2%, it was not achieved until after 8 weeks. In 45% of patients, response was achieved with a dose of 1-2 mg/day, in 27% with 3 mg/day, in 17% with 4 mg/day, and in the remaining 11% with higher doses. Improvement in the PANSS total score of at least 30%, 40%, and 50%, respectively, were achieved by 63.0%, 44.8%, and 27.5% of patients. CONCLUSIONS Time to antipsychotic response varied widely, suggesting that, in first-episode schizophrenia, longer treatment trials may be necessary.