Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cell proliferation is associated with intensity of tumor budding in oral squamous cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND Tumor budding is a morphological marker of cancer invasion, defined as the presence of isolated or small clusters of neoplastic cells at the tumor invasive front. This study aimed to evaluate the association between intensity of tumor budding and cell proliferation in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). METHODS Immunohistochemistry was employed in 163 OSCC samples to detect the cell proliferation marker Ki-67 and multicytokeratin (to identify OSCC cells in tumor budding evaluation). The Mann-Whitney test was used to evaluate differences in the cell proliferation index between samples with high-intensity tumor budding and samples with low-intensity or no tumor budding. In samples with high-intensity tumor budding, the Wilcoxon test was used to evaluate differences in the cell proliferation index between the budding area and the area outside the budding. The chi-square test assessed the association between cell proliferation index and intensity of tumor budding. RESULTS The cell proliferation index was higher in samples with high-intensity tumor budding than in samples with low-intensity or no tumor budding (P < .05). Tumors with high-intensity tumor budding showed a higher cell proliferation index in the budding area than in the area outside the budding (P < .05). Finally, samples showing high-intensity tumor budding were associated with high cell proliferation index (P < .05). CONCLUSION Cell proliferation is positively associated with intensity of tumor budding in OSCC. Moreover, in tumors showing high-intensity tumor budding, the budding area is the location of higher cell proliferation. These findings reinforce the hypothesis that tumor budding is associated with the biological behavior of OSCC.
Examining the Role of Anxiety Sensitivity in Sleep Dysfunction Across Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety Sensitivity (AS) has been associated with sleep difficulties in certain anxiety disorder populations, but no studies have examined cross-diagnostically the role of anxiety sensitivity in sleep dysfunction. Three hundred one participants with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder (SAD), and panic disorder (PD) completed an ancillary questionnaire-based study. Linear regression was used to examine AS and sleep dysfunction, and mediation analyses were used to examine whether AS was a mediator of the effect of primary diagnosis on sleep. AS was associated with increased sleep dysfunction across anxiety disorders, and primary anxiety disorder diagnosis was significantly associated with sleep dysfunction. However, after controlling for AS, primary diagnosis was no longer significant. AS significantly mediated the effects of PD versus SAD and of PD versus GAD on sleep dysfunction, but did not significantly mediate the effect of GAD versus SAD on sleep dysfunction. Taken together, AS appears to be a more important predictor of sleep dysfunction overall, emphasizing the cross-diagnostic nature of AS and bolstering the RDoC initiative approach for treating psychological dysfunction.
Circulating miR-375 as a novel prognostic marker for metastatic medullary thyroid cancer patients.

This study aimed to identify circulating miRNAs as novel non-invasive biomarkers for prognosis and vandetanib response in advanced medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) patients. We prospectively recruited two independent cohorts of locally advanced/metastatic MTC patients including a subgroup of vandetanib-treated subjects: a discovery cohort (n = 20), including matched plasma/tissue samples (n = 17/20), and a validation cohort, yielding only plasma samples (n = 17). Plasma samples from healthy subjects (n = 36) and MTC patients in remission (n = 9) were used as controls. MTC (n = 17 from 8 patients included in discovery cohort) and non-neoplastic thyroid specimens (n = 3) were assessed by microarray profiling to identify candidate circulating miRNAs. qRT-PCR and in situ hybridization were carried out to validate the expression and localization of a selected miRNA within tissues, and qRT-PCR was also performed to measure miRNA levels in plasma samples. By microarray analysis, we identified 51 miRNAs differentially expressed in MTC. The most overexpressed miR, miR-375, was highly expressed by C cells compared to other thyroid cells, and more expressed in MTC than in reactive C-cell hyperplasia. MTC patients had significantly higher miR-375 plasma levels than healthy controls (P < 0.0001) and subjects in remission (P = 0.0004) as demonstrated by qRT-PCR analysis. miR-375 plasma levels were not predictive of vandetanib response, but, notably, high levels were associated with significantly reduced overall survival (HR 10.61, P < 0.0001) and were a strong prognostic factor of poor prognosis (HR 6.24, P = 0.00025) in MTC patients. Overall, our results unveil plasma miR-375 as a promising prognostic marker for advanced MTC patients, to be validated in larger cohorts.
Prevalence of halitosis in elderly living in nursing homes.

OBJECTIVES Halitosis is a concern for many people, but has sparsely been studied in elderly living in nursing homes. The aim of this investigation was to study the prevalence of halitosis in this particular group and factors that could be associated with this condition. METHOD AND MATERIALS One hundred and twenty-four residents at three different nursing homes were included in the study. The level of halitosis was assessed using an organoleptic method based on a 6-graded scale. Oral status, including registrations of plaque, gingivitis and assessment of hyposalivation, was performed by two investigators who both examined all patients. Medical history, that is medication, neurological conditions, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)/asthma, dementia and mental illness, was obtained from the patient files. Registrations of the use of oral hygiene aids, ADL (Activity of Daily Life) and the frequency of contact with dental services were included in the clinical examination. RESULTS Halitosis occurred in over 50% of residents living in nursing homes and was found to be associated with the presence of hyposalivation, periodontal disease, calculus, fixed prosthodontics and dementia. CONCLUSION Halitosis was a common finding in the elderly living in Swedish nursing homes.
Disharmonious Patterns of Heterotaxy and Isomerism: How Often Are the Classic Patterns Breached?

Background— It is advocated that heterotaxy should be segregated into right or left isomerism according to atrial appendage morphology. However, atrial situs determination is often based on the pattern of associated findings rather than on atrial morphology itself, which can be difficult to define. The objective was to assess how often concordant patterns of isomerism classified by atrial appendage morphology, bronchopulmonary pattern, and splenic status are breached using cardiac magnetic resonance or computed tomography. The secondary objective was to determine the feasibility of defining atrial appendage morphology using cardiac magnetic resonance or computed tomography. Methods and Results— Retrospective review of 114 pediatric patients (median, 2.4 years; range, 1 day–17.9 years) with heterotaxy who underwent cardiac magnetic resonance or computed tomography was performed to evaluate atrial appendage, bronchopulmonary, and visceral organ arrangements. Atrial appendage and splenic anatomy were not definable in 17 of 114 (15%) and 4 of 114 (3.5%) patients, respectively. In the remaining 93 patients, 39% had classic right isomerism (bilateral right atrial appendages, right bronchopulmonary pattern, and asplenia) and 40% had classic left isomerism (bilateral left atrial appendages, left bronchopulmonary pattern, and polysplenia). Classic pattern of isomerism was breached in 20 of 93 (21.5%) patients: 13 (65%) displayed incongruent abdominal situs, 5 (25%) incongruent bronchial situs, 1 (5%) had discrepant appendage morphology, and 1 (5%) incongruent situs at all levels. Conclusions— Atrial appendage morphology is difficult to assess and not always indicative of bronchopulmonary or abdominal situs. Discordance between bronchopulmonary branching, atrial appendage arrangement, and splenic status was identified in >20% patients with heterotaxy. Independent description of each organ system is required when arrangements are disharmonious among different organ systems.
Passive and active antibody studies in primates to inform HIV vaccines

ABSTRACT Introduction: Prevention of infection remains the ultimate goal for HIV vaccination, and there is compelling evidence that antibodies directed to Envelope are necessary to block infection. Generating antibodies that are sufficiently broad, potent, and sustained to block infection by the diverse HIV-1 strains circulating worldwide remains an area of intense study. Areas covered: In this review, we have summarized progress from publications listed as PubMed citations in 2016–17 in the areas of passive antibody studies using human neutralizing monoclonal antibodies in nonhuman primates, HIV Envelope vaccine development and active vaccination studies to generate potent neutralizing antibodies. Expert commentary: Passive transfer studies in nonhuman primates using human neutralizing monoclonal antibodies have informed the potency, specificity, and cooperativity of antibodies needed to prevent infection, leading to clinical studies now testing potent antibodies for prevention of HIV. Progress in understanding the structure of Envelope has led to novel vaccine constructs, including mimetics, scaffolds and native-like proteins. As yet, no single approach ensures protection against the circulating global HIV-1 strains, but there is progress in understanding why, and intense research continues in these and other areas for a solution. We offer perspectives on how this knowledge may shape the design of future HIV vaccines.
Prevalence of substance misuse among US veterans in the general population

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Epidemiologic data on substance misuse prevalence among US Veterans are crucial to plan for Veterans' future healthcare needs. We estimated US Veterans' age-specific, overall, and age-adjusted prevalence of substance misuse, assessed whether prevalence differed between Veterans and civilians, and examined temporal trends in prevalence. METHODS Substance-related measures were obtained from the National Surveys on Drug Use and Health, 2002-2012 (N = 24,210 Veterans; 338,556 civilians). RESULTS Among women and men Veterans overall, past-month heavy episodic drinking and daily cigarette smoking were the most prevalent types of substance misuse. For Veteran women and men ages 18-25, the prevalence of past-year illicit drug use was 29% and 38%, which was comparable to the prevalence of past-month daily cigarette smoking, and the prevalence of past-year prescription drug misuse was 14% and 18%. For men ages 18-25, heavy episodic drinking, daily cigarette smoking, alcohol use disorder (AUD), and substance use disorder were more prevalent among Veterans than civilians. For women, the age-specific, overall, and age-adjusted prevalence of daily cigarette smoking was generally greater among Veterans than civilians. There was a decreasing temporal trend in overall AUD prevalence among Veteran men, reflecting a decreasing trend in age-specific prevalence among Veteran men ages 35-49. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS Young Veterans' high prevalence of substance misuse, and the generally high prevalence of daily smoking among Veterans, underscore the need for evidence-based assessments and treatment options that are accessible and effective for Veterans. SCIENTIFIC SIGNIFICANCE This study provides foundational information on the epidemiology of substance misuse among Veterans. (Am J Addict 2017;26:357-365).
Community Transmission in the United States of a CTX-M-15-Producing Sequence Type ST131 Escherichia coli Strain Resulting in Death

ABSTRACT A middle-aged woman developed fatal urosepsis due to a multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli strain representing sequence type ST131, a recently emerged, disseminated, multidrug-resistant extraintestinal pathogen, after presumably having acquired it from her extensively antibiotic-exposed sister with chronic recurrent cystitis. Susceptibility results (reported on day 4) showed resistance to the initially selected regimen.
Effect of pulmonary exacerbations treated with oral antibiotics on clinical outcomes in cystic fibrosis

Background Despite extensive knowledge regarding the effect of pulmonary exacerbations treated with intravenous antibiotics on clinical outcomes in cystic fibrosis (CF), there is little known about the role of milder pulmonary exacerbations treated with oral antibiotics (oPEx). Methods This was a retrospective cohort study of patients with CF followed at the Hospital for Sick Children and St. Michael's Hospital from 2009 to 2014. We evaluated the effect of oPEx on short-term clinical outcomes as the proportion of oPEx events in which 100% or 90% of baseline FEV1% predicted was recovered at the end of treatment. We then examined the association of the number of oPEx events in the past 12 months on lung function (FEV1% predicted) and nutritional status (body mass index (BMI) z-score) using a mixed-effects model. Results There were a total of 2608 oPEx events in 570 subjects during the study period. In over half (53.4%) of oPEx events, lung function was already at 90% or higher of baseline FEV1 at the initiation of oral antibiotic therapy and 82% were at 90% or higher of baseline FEV1 at follow-up. In individuals with CF, one or more oPex events in the previous 12 months were associated with decreased FEV1 compared with 12 months periods without oPex events. When the cumulative effect of oPExs on lung function was examined over the entire study period, patients with six or more oPEx events had the steepest rate of FEV1 decline. oPEx events were not associated with changes in BMI. Conclusions oPEx events are associated with short-term loss of FEV1 and have a negative effect on lung function over time.
Dexamethasone suppression test in patients with primary obsessive-compulsive disorder and in healthy controls.

The dexamethasone suppression test (DST) was performed in 18 patients (11 women and 7 men) who met the DSM III-R criteria for obsessive-compulsive disorders (OCD), and in 20 healthy volunteers (12 women and 8 men). At 4.00 p.m. , following dexamethasone administration, 5 patients (27.7%) and 1 healthy subject (5%) displayed plasma cortisol values well above the cut-off value of 50 ng/dl. A significantly different sex ratio was observed between suppressor and nonsuppressor patients with OCD (chi 2 = 4.40, p less than 0.03), because all nonsuppressor patients were male. Compared to the suppressors, nonsuppressor patients with OCD did not differ in any of the clinical and demographic variables investigated. Moreover, in our patient sample, the mean +/- SD total Hamilton Depression Rating Score (HDRS) was 14.8 +/- 2.5, and none of the nonsuppressors with OCD had a total HDRS greater than 17. These data suggest that a subgroup of OCD patients, particularly males, may escape the DST independently from the coexistence of depressive features.
Regulation of lipolysis in human neonatal adipose tissue. Effects of alteration in carbohydrate metabolism.

Lipolytic response to conditions producing alterations in carbohydrate metabolism was tested on human newborn subcutaneous adipose tissue in vitro. Glycerol release from intact adipose tissue fragments or n isolated adipose tissue cells was used to indicate the rate of lipolysis. The addition of glucose increased glycerol release in isolated cells (p
Psychological factors influencing choice of prenatal diagnosis in Chinese multiparous women with advanced maternal age

Abstract Objectives: To investigate the psychological predictors in Chinese multiparous pregnant women of advanced maternal age (AMA) for choosing aneuploidy screening or diagnostic testing. Methods: A total of 84 pregnant women of AMA were consecutively enrolled from Renming Hospital, Wuhan University. All participants completed three questionnaires: Zung Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS), and Pregnancy Stress Rating Scale (PSRS). Demographic information and the choice of noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT) versus invasive prenatal diagnosis (PND) were also collected. Results: Thirty-seven chose to have invasive PND, and 47 chose NIPT. Choosing invasive PND, as opposed to NIPT, was associated with lower educational background (χ2 = −2.269, p = .023), higher SAS scores (47.62 ± 7.96 versus 44.21 ± 6.10, p = .029), and higher SDS scores (50.41 ± 9.80 versus 45.96 ± 11.05, p = .058). Logistic regression analysis further showed that the decisive predictors for invasive PND are SAS (OR =1.106, p = .008) scores, scores of factor 3 in PSRS and the stress from changes of shape and motility (OR =0.471, p = .038). Subgroup analysis showed that women with previous negative pregnancy experience had higher scores in factor 2-stress (guarantee of maternal-fetal safety: 1.96 ± 0.63 versus 2.49 ± 0.65, p = .004) and total PSRS scores (1.60 ± 0.4 versus 1.83 ± 0.31, p = .044) than those without. Additionally, unemployment post pregnancy was associated with marginally significant higher PSRS scores (p = .083). Conclusions: The decision for invasive PND might be swayed by anxiety and attenuated by pregnancy stress originating from worry about changes in fetal shape and motility (measured by SAS and factor 3 score of PSRS, respectively).
Notch Signaling Inhibits PC12 Cell Neurite Outgrowth via RBP-J-Dependent and -Independent Mechanisms

The Notch signaling pathway has been implicated in the control of neurite extension, although the mechanisms are unknown. In this report, we studied the role of RBP-J/CBF-1 activation, the primary mediator of Notch signaling, in Notch-mediated regulation of neurite outgrowth in PC12 cells. Expression of constitutively active Notch proteins decreased neurite length and number after NGF treatment. In contrast, an inactive Notch protein had no effect on neurite extension. A dominant negative RBP-J construct prevented the reduction of neurite outgrowth by Notch. Conversely, an activated form of RBP-J decreased neurite length but failed to reduce neurite number. In summary, Notch activation inhibited PC12 cell neurite outgrowth by both RBP-J-dependent and -independent pathways.
Urinary angiotensinogen level is correlated with blood pressure level and proteinuria in patients with masked hypertension

ABSTRACT Urinary angiotensinogen (UAGT) level is an index of the intrarenal-renin angiotensin system status and is significantly correlated with blood pressure (BP) and proteinuria in patients with hypertension (HT). We aimed to investigate the possible relationship between UAGT levels and albuminuria in masked hypertensives. A total of 96 nondiabetic treated hypertensive patients were included in this study. The patients were divided into two groups: masked hypertensives (office BP <140/90 mmHg and ambulatory BP ≥130/80 mmHg) and controlled hypertensives (office BP <140/90 mmHg and ambulatory BP <130/80). The mean UAGT/UCre level and urinary albumin–creatinine ratio (UACR) of masked hypertensives were higher than those of controlled hypertensives (7.76 μg/g vs 4.02 μg/g, p < 0.001 and 174.21 mg/g vs 77.74 mg/g, p < 0.001, respectively). A significant positive correlation was found between UAGT/UCre levels and ambulatory systolic BP and diastolic BP levels in patients with masked HT, but this was not found with office SBP or DBP levels. Importantly, UAGT/UCre levels showed a significant positive correlation with UACR in both groups, but correlation of the UAGT levels with UACR was more pronounced in masked hypertensives (r = 0.854, p < 0.001 vsr = 0.512, p < 0.01). As a result, UAGT level was increased in patients with masked HT, which was associated with an elevation in albuminuria. Overproduction of the UAGT may play a pivotal role in development of proteinuria.
The evidence of benefits of exercise training in interstitial lung disease: a randomised controlled trial

Background Uncertainty exists regarding the clinical relevance of exercise training across the range of interstitial lung diseases (ILDs). Objective To establish the impact of exercise training in patients with ILDs of differing aetiology and severity. Methods 142 participants with ILD (61 idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), 22 asbestosis, 23 connective tissue disease-related ILD (CTD-ILD) and 36 with other aetiologies) were randomised to either 8 weeks of supervised exercise training or usual care. Six-minute walk distance (6MWD), Chronic Respiratory Disease Questionnaire (CRDQ), St George Respiratory Questionnaire IPF-specific version (SGRQ-I) and modified Medical Research Council dyspnoea score were measured at baseline, 9 weeks and 6 months. Measurements and main results Exercise training significantly increased 6MWD (25 m, 95% CI 2 to 47 m) and health-related quality of life (CRDQ and SGRQ-I) in people with ILD. Larger improvements in 6MWD, CRDQ, SGRQ-I and dyspnoea occurred in asbestosis and IPF compared with CTD-ILD, but with few significant differences between subgroups. Benefits declined at 6 months except in CTD-ILD. Lower baseline 6MWD and worse baseline symptoms were associated with greater benefit in 6MWD and symptoms following training. Greater gains were seen in those whose exercise prescription was successfully progressed according to the protocol. At 6 months, sustained improvements in 6MWD and symptoms were associated with better baseline lung function and less pulmonary hypertension. Conclusions Exercise training is effective in patients across the range of ILDs, with clinically meaningful benefits in asbestosis and IPF. Successful exercise progression maximises improvements and sustained treatment effects favour those with milder disease. Trial registration number Results, ACTRN12611000416998.
Investigating Resilience to Depression in Adults With ADHD

Objective: ADHD is associated with elevated rates of comorbid depressive disorders, yet the nature and development of this comorbidity remain understudied. We hypothesized that a longer period of prior ADHD treatment, being less likely to engage in maladaptive cognitive/behavioral coping strategies, and less severe ADHD symptoms would predict greater likelihood of lifetime resilience to depression. Method: Seventy-seven adults with ADHD completed diagnostic interviews, clinician-administered symptom rating scales, a stressful life events measure, and self-report questionnaires. We used logistic regression analyses to identify factors associated with resilience to depression. Results: Adults with more extensive ADHD treatment histories were more likely to be resilient to depression. Those who were less likely to report ruminative thinking patterns and cognitive-behavioral avoidance were also more resilient. Severity of current or childhood ADHD symptoms and recent negative life events did not predict resilience. Conclusion: Results identify protective factors that may promote the resiliency to ADHD-depression comorbidity.