Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Kidney transplantation in the Hispanic population

Hispanic race and low socioeconomic status are established predictors of disparity in access to kidney transplantation. This single‐center retrospective review was undertaken to determine whether Hispanic race predicted kidney transplant outcomes. A total of 720 patients underwent kidney transplantation from January 1, 2004 to December 31, 2013, including 398 Hispanic patients and 322 non‐Hispanic patients. Hispanic patients were significantly younger (p < 0.0001), on hemodialysis for longer (p = 0.0018), had a greater percentage with public insurance (p < 0.0001), more commonly had diabetes as the cause of end‐stage renal disease (p = 0.0167), and had a lower percentage of living donors (p = 0.0013) compared to non‐Hispanic patients. There was no difference in one‐, five‐, and 10‐yr graft (97%, 81%, and 61% vs. 95%, 76%, and 42% p = 0.18) or patient survival (98%, 90%, and 84% vs. 97%, 87%, and 69% p = 0.11) between the Hispanic and non‐Hispanic recipients. Multivariate analysis identified increased recipient age and kidney donor profile index to be predictive of lower graft survival and increasing recipient age to be predictive of lower patient survival. In the largest single‐center study on kidney transplantation outcomes in Hispanic patients, there is no difference in graft and recipient survival between Hispanic and non‐Hispanic kidney transplant patients, and in multivariate analysis, Hispanic race is not a risk factor for graft or patient survival.
Total Parenteral Nutrition and Bowel Rest Modify the Metabolic Response to Endotoxin in Humans

Intestinal mucosal atrophy, as induced by total parenteral nutrition (TPN) and/or prolonged bowel rest, is hypothesized to enhance bowel endotoxin (LPS) translocation and may alter host responses to infection. To examine the effect of TPN-induced bowel atrophy on the response to LPS, 12 healthy volunteers were randomized to receive either enteral feedings (ENT, n = 6) or seven days of TPN without oral intake (TPN, n = 6). Enteral or TPN feedings were terminated 12 hours before the study period when a constant dextrose infusion (50 mg/kg/hour) was initiated and continued throughout the subsequent study period. After placement of arterial, hepatic vein, and femoral vein catheters, metabolic parameters were determined before and for six hours after an intravenous E. coli LPS challenge (20 U/kg). Subsequent peak levels of arterial glucagon (ENT, 189 +/- 39 pg/mL; TPN, 428 +/- 48; p less than 0.01), arterial epinephrine (ENT, 236 +/- 52 pg/mL; TPN, 379 +/- 49; p less than 0.05) and hepatic venous cachectin/tumor necrosis factor (cachectin/TNF) (ENT, 250 +/- 56 pg/mL; TPN, 479 +/- 136; p less than 0.05) were significantly higher in the TPN group than in the ENT group. The extremity efflux of lactate (ENT, -16 +/- 4 micrograms/min-100cc tissue; TPN, -52 +/- 13; t = 2 hours; p less than 0.05) and of amino acids (ENT, -334 +/- 77 nmol/min-100cc tissue; TPN, -884 +/- 58; t = 4 hours; p less than 0.05) were higher in the TPN subjects after the endotoxin challenge. Circulating C-reactive Protein (CRP) levels measured 24 hours postendotoxin were also significantly higher in the TPN subjects (ENT, 1.7 +/- 0.2 mg/dL; TPN, 3.2 +/- 0.3; p less than 0.01). Hence the counter-regulatory hormone and splanchnic cytokine responses to LPS were enhanced after TPN and bowel rest. This is associated with a magnified acute-phase response, peripheral amino acid mobilization, and peripheral lactate production. Thus antecedent TPN may influence the metabolic alterations seen in infection and sepsis via both an exaggerated counter-regulatory hormone response as well as an enhanced systemic and splanchnic production of cytokines.
Effects of size distribution on hysteresis losses of magnetic nanoparticles for hyperthermia

For understanding hysteresis losses of magnetic nanoparticles to be used for magnetic particle hyperthermia the effect of size distribution on the dependence of hysteresis losses on magnetic field amplitude is studied on the basis of a phenomenological model in the size range from superparamagnetism to magnetic multi-domains—roughly 10 up to 100 nm. Relying on experimental data for the size dependence of coercivity, an empirical expression for the dependence of hysteresis loss on field amplitude and particle size is derived for hypothetical monodisperse particle ensembles. Considering experimentally observable size distributions, the dependence of loss on distribution parameters—mean particle size and variance—is studied. There, field amplitude is taken into account as an important parameter, which for technical and biomedical reasons in hyperthermia equipment is restricted. Experimental results for different particle types with mean diameter of 30 nm may be well reproduced theoretically if a small loss contribution of Rayleigh type is taken into account. Results show that the Stoner–Wohlfarth model for single domain magnetization reversal via homogeneous rotation cannot explain experimental observations. In particular, in magnetosomes which are distinguished by nearly ideal crystallographic shapes and narrow size distribution large friction-like losses occur even for small field amplitude. Parameters of the high frequency field for hyperthermia (amplitude and frequency) as well as of the size distribution of applied particles are discussed with respect to attaining maximum specific heating power.
Feasibility and mortality of airway balloon dilation in a live rabbit model.

IMPORTANCE Endoscopic balloon dilation is commonly performed in children with airway stenosis, but guidelines are needed for selecting safe and effective balloon inflation parameters. OBJECTIVE To determine the feasibility and safety of airway balloon dilation in live rabbits using a range of balloon diameters and pressures. DESIGN AND SETTING Prospective animal study using 32 adult New Zealand white rabbits with 1-week follow-up performed at an academic animal research facility. INTERVENTIONS Rabbits underwent endoscopic laryngeal balloon dilation with diameters ranging from 6 to 10 mm and pressures of 5 to 15 atm. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Rabbits were observed for intraoperative complications and postoperative morbidity. RESULTS All rabbit airways were sized to a 4-0 endotracheal tube (5.4-mm outer diameter). Balloon dilation was performed safely with no intraoperative complications in 25 of 30 cases. One rabbit developed transient cyanosis during balloon inflation. Three rabbits died while undergoing dilation with 10-mm balloons, and another rabbit developed respiratory failure shortly after the procedure. All rabbits that died perioperatively lacked endoscopic evidence of airway obstruction or gross trauma. Four rabbits developed postoperative feeding difficulties that did not correlate with balloon diameter or inflation pressure. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Endoscopic balloon dilation is generally well tolerated in New Zealand white rabbits. Intraoperative mortality from cardiopulmonary arrest reaches 50% when the balloon diameter exceeds the airway diameter by 4.6 mm. Postoperative feeding difficulties may occur with any balloon diameter or inflation pressure. Additional animal studies are necessary to determine the short- and long-term histologic effects of balloon dilation on the airway.
Characterization of the yrbA Gene ofBacillus subtilis, Involved in Resistance and Germination of Spores

ABSTRACT Insertional inactivation of the yrbA gene ofBacillus subtilis reduced the resistance of the mutant spores to lysozyme. The yrbA mutant spores lost their optical density at the same rate as the wild-type spores upon incubation with l-alanine but became only phase gray and did not swell. The response of the mutant spores to a combination of asparagine, glucose, fructose, and KCl was also extremely poor; in this medium yrbA spores exhibited only a small loss in optical density and gave a mixture of phase-bright, -gray, and -dark spores. Northern blot analysis of yrbA transcripts in varioussig mutants indicated that yrbA was transcribed by RNA polymerase with ςE beginning at 2 h after the start of sporulation. The yrbA promoter was localized by primer extension analysis, and the sequences of the −35 (TCATAAC) and −10 (CATATGT) regions were similar to the consensus sequences of genes recognized by ςE. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analysis of proteins solubilized from intact yrbA mutant spores showed an alteration in the protein profile, as 31- and 36-kDa proteins, identified as YrbA and CotG, respectively, were absent, along with some other minor changes. Electron microscopic examination ofyrbA spores revealed changes in the spore coat, including a reduction in the density and thickness of the outer layer and the appearance of an inner coat layer-like structure around the outside of the coat. This abnormal coat structure was also observed on the outside of the developing forespores of the yrbA mutant. These results suggest that YrbA is involved in assembly of some coat proteins which have roles in both spore lysozyme resistance and germination.
Immune Evasion of Enterococcus faecalis by an Extracellular Gelatinase That Cleaves C3 and iC3b1

Enterococcus faecalis (Ef) accounts for most cases of enterococcal bacteremia, which is one of the principal causes of nosocomial bloodstream infections (BSI). Among several virulence factors associated with the pathogenesis of Ef, an extracellular gelatinase (GelE) has been known to be the most common factor, although its virulence mechanisms, especially in association with human BSI, have yet to be demonstrated. In this study, we describe the complement resistance mechanism of Ef mediated by GelE. Using purified GelE, we determined that it cleaved the C3 occurring in human serum into a C3b-like molecule, which was inactivated rapidly via reaction with water. This C3 convertase-like activity of GelE was shown to result in a consumption of C3 and thus inhibited the activation of the complement system. Also, GelE was confirmed to degrade an iC3b that was deposited on the Ag surfaces without affecting the bound C3b. This proteolytic effect of GelE against the major complement opsonin resulted in a substantial reduction in Ef phagocytosis by human polymorphonuclear leukocytes. In addition, we verified that the action of GelE against C3, which is a central component of the complement cascade, was human specific. Taken together, it was suggested that GelE may represent a promising molecule for targeting human BSI associated with Ef.
Autoimmune thyroid disease in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus in Northwest Iran.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the prevalence of autoimmune thyroid disease in diabetic children in Northwest Iran. METHODS In a cross-sectional study from February 2006 to November 2007, serum levels of anti-thyroid peroxidase, and anti-thyroglobulin antibodies, and thyrotropin hormone were measured with ELISA method in 176 diabetic children (78 Male and 98 Female) at a mean age of 8.3 +/- 3.7 and mean diabetes duration of 1.6 +/- 2.5 years, who were referred to the Pediatric-Endocrinology Clinic of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran. RESULTS Autoimmune thyroid disease was found in 12% of patients (8.6% female, and 3.4% male). Significant levels were found for anti-thyroid peroxidase (10.2%), anti-thyroglobulin (8%), and both antibodies (6.3%) in all patients. CONCLUSION We concluded that autoimmune thyroid disease in Iranian children, and adolescents with type 1 diabetes has a medium prevalence rate compared with those of other countries. The disease is more common in female, and older diabetic patients.
Economic evaluation strategies in telehealth: Obtaining a more holistic valuation of telehealth interventions

Telehealth is an emerging area of medical research. Its translation from conception, to research and into practice requires tailored research and economic evaluation methods. Due to their nature telehealth interventions exhibit a number of extra-clinical benefits that are relevant when valuing their costs and outcomes. By incorporating methods to measure societal values such as patient preference and willingness-to-pay, a more holistic value can be placed on the extra-clinical outcomes associated with telehealth and evaluations can represent new interventions more effectively. Cost-benefit analysis is a method by which relevant costs and outcomes in telehealth can be succinctly valued and compared. When health economic methods are conducted using holistic approaches such as cost-benefit analysis they can facilitate the translation of telehealth research into policy and practice.
Inhibition of endothelial cell tube formation by the low molecular weight heparin, tinzaparin, is mediated by tissue factor pathway inhibitor

Summary Heparin and low molecular weight heparins (LMWHs) have both antithrombotic and anti-angiogenic activities. The antiangiogenic activity of LMWH may be associated with the release of endothelial tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI), an important endogenous inhibitor of tissue factor/Factor VIIa (TF/fVIIa). To evaluate the effects of LMWH, tinzaparin, and TFPI in a model of angiogenesis-mediated processes, we compared the effects of tinzaparin, and recombinant TFPI in inhibiting either basic fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF2) or TF/fVIIainduced endothelial cell tube formation in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). Our results show that tinzaparin and recombinant TFPI both blocked endothelial tube formation induced by either FGF2 or TF/fVIIa, in a concentration-dependent manner. Endothelial tube formation was only marginally inhibited by a potent and specific anti-Factor Xa, recombinant tick anticoagulant protein (rTAP). A monoclonal anti-TFPI antibody reversed the inhibitory effects of either tinzaparin or recombinant-TFPI on HUVEC tube formation. Tinzaparin fractions in the range of 8,000 to 12,600 Da were most effective in stimulating the release of TFPI from HUVEC. These results suggest that the inhibitory effect of the LMWH tinzaparin on endothelial tube formation is associated with stimulation of the release of TFPI, but not to anti-Factor Xa activity.
Pulmonary hypertension: ECG-gated 64-section CT angiographic evaluation of new functional parameters as diagnostic criteria.

PURPOSE To evaluate, by using electrocardiographically (ECG)-gated multidetector computed tomography (CT), parameters such as right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) systolic shortening and myocardial thickness and right pulmonary artery (RPA) distensibility, reported to be abnormal at echocardiography and/or magnetic resonance (MR) imaging in patients with pulmonary hypertension (PHT). MATERIALS AND METHODS The institutional review board approved the study and waived informed consent. Forty-five patients, 21 with PHT (group 1; mean pulmonary arterial pressure [PAP], 42 mm Hg) and 24 without (group 2; mean PAP, 16.5 mm Hg), who had undergone thoracic ECG-gated 64-section CT and right heart catheterization as part of their diagnostic work-up were included in this study. Two independent observers measured RPA distensibility and RVOT myocardial thickness, diameter, and cross-sectional area during systole and diastole. Their values were compared in both groups (Mann-Whitney U test). The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and Spearman correlation with mean PAP were also obtained. RESULTS Interobserver agreement was good for all measurements (R > 0.8) except for systolic RVOT wall thickness. Median values of RPA distensibility, diastolic RVOT wall thickness, and systolic RVOT diameter and cross-sectional area were significantly different between groups 1 and 2. The largest area under the ROC curve was obtained with RPA distensibility (0.951; 95% confidence interval: 0.89, 1) also showing the closest correlation with mean PAP (r = -0.79; P < .0001). CONCLUSION Among all parameters evaluated, RPA distensibility shows the best diagnostic value for PHT and could be useful for risk stratification.
Western Gray Squirrel (Rodentia: Sciuridae): A Primary Reservoir Host of Borrelia burgdorferi in Californian Oak Woodlands?

Abstract In California, dense woodlands have been recognized as important biotopes where humans are exposed to the nymphal stage of the western blacklegged tick, Ixodes pacificus Cooley & Kohls, the primary vector of the Lyme disease spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto (s.s.), in the far-western United States. To identify the principal reservoir host(s) of this spirochete, and of closely related spirochetes in the B. burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l.) complex, in dense woodlands in Mendocino County, California, ≈50 species of birds and mammals, including wood rats and kangaroo rats, were evaluated as potential hosts for vector ticks and borreliae in 2002 and 2003. Although polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing analyses revealed that many vertebrate species had been exposed to one or more members of the B. burgdorferi s.l. spirochetal complex, only the western gray squirrel, Sciurus griseus, fulfilled the major criteria for a reservoir host of B. burgdorferi s.s. Ear-punch biopsies from eight of 10 squirrels collected from five separate woodlands were PCR-positive for B. burgdorferi s.s. , 47% of I. pacificus larvae (n = 64) and 31% of nymphs (n = 49) removed from squirrels contained B. burgdorferi s.l. , and the engorgement status of I. pacificus larvae was associated positively with acquisition of spirochetes. Overall, 83 and 100% of the amplicons sequenced from PCR-positive I. pacificus larvae and nymphs, respectively, were identified as B. burgdorferi s.s. Among the five remaining positive I. pacificus larvae, three contained B. bissettii and two had uncharacterized B. burgdorferi s.l. Borrelia burgdorferi s.s. was detected in one of five larvae and zero of two nymphs of the Pacific Coast tick, Dermacentor occidentalis Marx, that likewise had been removed from squirrels. The rickettsial agent of human anaplasmosis, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, was detected in the blood or ear biopsies of two squirrels and in one (1.6%) of 64 I. pacificus larvae and two (4.1%) of 49 nymphs obtained from squirrels. The one rickettsial-positive larva was coinfected with B. burgdorferi s.s. The apparently high reservoir potential of S. griseus for B. burgdorferi s.s. , plus the fact that the geographic distribution of this squirrel coincides well with that of most reported human cases of Lyme disease in this region, indicated that it may be essential for maintaining foci of B. burgdorferi s.s. in certain types of woodlands. The findings with respect to A. phagocytophilum, although of less certain significance, suggest that S. griseus could serve as a secondary host of this rickettsia.
The 1D4 antibody labels outer segments of long double cone but not rod photoreceptors in zebrafish.

PURPOSE In experimental eye research, zebrafish has become a powerful model for human retina disorders. The purpose of the present study is the characterization of antibodies commonly employed in zebrafish models for rod photoreceptor degeneration. METHODS The 1D4 monoclonal antibody, developed against bovine rhodopsin, has been widely used in studies addressing structural and functional features of rhodopsin and was reported as an informative marker to stain rod outer segments in both mice and zebrafish. We have used transgenic reporter lines and histologic analysis to determine the photoreceptor types identified by 1D4 and other antibodies in zebrafish. RESULTS We demonstrate that 1D4, in contrast to what has been reported previously, does not recognize rod outer segments in zebrafish, but instead labels long double cone outer segments consistent with sequence conservation of the respective epitope. As an alternative marker for zebrafish rods, we characterized the monoclonal antibody zpr-3, which was found to stain outer segments of both rods, as well as double cones. CONCLUSIONS Our findings highlight the importance to confirm specificity of antibodies in cross-species experiments for correct interpretation of experimental data. Our findings clarify conflicting published information arising from studies using 1D4 and zpr-3 antibodies in zebrafish.
Ultrasonographic examination in juvenile idiopathic arthritis is better than clinical examination for identification of intraarticular disease.

INTRODUCTION The diagnosis of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is formally based on clinical examination, but ultrasound (US) examination is used increasingly. Our purpose was to compare US and clinical examination in the assessment of synovitis in JIA. MATERIAL AND METHODS This study was retrospective and included 62 consecutive patients with newly diagnosed JIA admitted to the Department of Paediatrics at Gentofte Hospital, Denmark from 2003 to 2010. The included patients were examined clinically and by US at their first visit. All peripheral joints were examined clinically, 24% of these joints were examined by US. The development of new, clinically arthritic joints was followed during the next six months. RESULTS The mean sensitivity of clinical examination was 48% with a clear hierarchy among joints, knees having the highest sensitivity, small joints of hands and feet the lowest. On average, 0.4 joints per child, which were arthritic by clinical examination, were negative by US. Inversely, US detected 1.3 more arthritic joints than clinical examination did per child. The latter is a minimum estimate since only 24% of the joints were examined by US. Subclinically arthritic joints had a 29% probability of developing clinical arthritis within the first six months following the initial examination. CONCLUSION Although there is no formal validation of US examination in children suspected for JIA, we recommend that it is used routinely and performed by a highly experienced US operator. FUNDING not relevant. TRIAL REGISTRATION not relevant.
Heat‐mediated immune complex dissociation and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay signal amplification render p24 antigen detection in plasma as sensitive as HIV‐1 RNA detection by polymerase chain reaction

Objective: To compare heat denaturation and acidification as immune complex dissociation (ICD) methods in adult HIV‐1 infection and to increase the sensitivity by a signal‐amplification‐boosted HIV‐1 p24 antigen enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Design: Prospective and retrospective blinded study of paired serum and plasma samples from 245 patients (112 of class A, 66 of B, 67 of C of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 1993 classification). Methods: Plasma and sera were prospectively tested for antigen by ELISA using native, acidified, or heat‐denatured material. Retrospective tests included batch analysis of heat‐denatured samples for antigen by the signal‐amplification‐boosted ELISA and for viral RNA. Results: With serum, native antigen was reactive in 26.5%. Acidification increased the rate to 53.1% (P ≤ 0.0001), but was inefficient at a CD4 + count ≥ 500 × 106/l. Heat denaturation further elevated the rate to 67.8% (P ≤ 0.0007) and the use of plasma to 78.0% (P ≤ 0.008). The boosted ELISA, performed with plasma samples diluted 1:6, which eliminated the problem of heat‐induced sample coagulation, was confirmed positive in 89.5% of serum and 97.8% of plasma samples. RNA was detected in 95.7%. Conclusion: Heat‐mediated ICD combined with a signal‐amplification‐boosted ELISA detects HIV‐1 expression as sensitively as a polymerase chain reaction kit for viral RNA, but at only a fraction of the cost. The procedure uses a 50 &mgr;l plasma sample and should be fully automatable.