Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Recurrent hypoglycaemia in HIV-positive narcotic addicts.

QUESTIONS UNDER STUDY We describe two narcotic addict women with recurrent hypoglycaemic episodes. In both patients, hyperinsulinaemic hypoglycaemia occurring in the fasting state was documented and computed tomography of the pancreas was normal. METHODS AND RESULTS In patient 1, selective arterial calcium stimulation with hepatic venous sampling (ASVS) revealed pronounced insulin hypersecretion predominantly in the tail and, to a lesser extent, in the corpus and the head of the pancreas. On laparoscopic exploration, tumours could not be detected be it grossly or by intraoperative ultrasound. Distal pancreatectomy was performed laparoscopically, and histological examination of the resected tissue revealed nesidioblastosis. ASVS was also performed in patient 2 revealing less marked increases in insulin secretion, ie up to 2.3-fold in response to calcium stimulation of the superior mesenteric artery, consistent with the presence of pathological beta-cells located predominantly in the head of the pancreas. Surgical exploration was not performed in this patient. CONCLUSION HIV infection had been known in both women for around ten years and both patients were not on antiretroviral therapy. Because symptomatic nesidioblastosis in adult patients is a very rare disorder, we speculate that nesidioblastosis may develop in the context of HIV infection and/or abuse of narcotic drugs. Our observations illustrate that neurocognitive impairment in HIV positive patients is not always due to toxic compounds or a cerebral disorder but may be caused by an apparently rare pancreatic disorder, nesidioblastosis. Thus, the patients should be checked for the presence of hyperinsulinaemic hypoglycaemia.
Defective interleukin-2-dependent STAT5 signalling in CD8 T lymphocytes from HIV-positive patients: restoration by antiretroviral therapy

Background: CD8 T lymphocytes are critical in the control of HIV replication and disease progression. Our previous studies demonstrated that CD8 T cells from chronically infected patients with high virus load proliferated poorly in response to interleukin-2 (IL-2), a cytokine critical in CD8 T cell growth and differentiation, even though relatively high levels of IL-2 receptor (IL-2R) were expressed. This suggested that signal transduction defects in response to IL-2 might be involved. The STAT5 transcription factor is important in IL-2-dependent biological responses and it is known that there are defects in unstimulated CD3 and CD4 cells in HIV-infected patients. Objective: To investigate whether the induction of STAT5 by IL-2 is altered in the CD8 T cells from HIV-positive individuals and the impact of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) on its status. Methods: CD8 T lymphocytes were purified from the peripheral blood mononuclear cells of HIV-positive patients before and after HAART. Ex vivo IL-2-induced STAT5 activation was evaluated by immunoblotting and electrophoretic mobility shift assays. Results: CD8 T cells from a subset of untreated HIV-positive patients were unable to activate STAT5a and STAT5b proteins functionally in response to IL-2. This defect was not a result of alterations in IL-2R expression but correlated with an impaired activation of the upstream kinase Jak-3, known to mediate STAT5 activation. Overall, HAART restored Jak/STAT signalling in such patients. Conclusions: These results further uncover a potential mechanism by which CD8 T cell function is impaired in HIV-infected patients.
Relation between tumor size, quality of life, and survival in patients with colorectal liver metastases.

PURPOSE AND METHODS This study assessed the relationship between survival, tumor size, and quality of life (QoL; Rotterdam Symptom Checklist [RSC], Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale [HAD], and Sickness Impact Profile [SIP]) in 50 patients with colorectal liver metastases (CLM). RESULTS Physical symptom score (RSC) was a stronger survival predictor than tumor size measured on computed tomographic (CT) scan. The best model for predicting survival included QoL questions about diarrhea, eating, restlessness, and ability to work and sleep. The only clinically measured variable included in this best survival prediction model was serum alkaline phosphatase level. This is the first study to show that QoL indices predict survival in CLM. The findings suggest that differences in tumor products and not just in tumor size could influence patient fitness and survival in CLM. Such differences are more accurately estimated by QoL assessment than measurement of tumor size. CONCLUSION QoL provides a better survival estimate than measurement of tumor size and could be used as a surrogate end point for survival in treatment trials.
Effect of respiration on venous return and stroke volume in cardiac tamponade

Measurements have been made of pressure and blood velocity in venae cavae and aorta in a patient with severe cardiac tamponade in whom there was pulsus paradoxus. The characteristic pressure changes of pulsus paradoxus were associated with variations in peak blood velocity in the ascending aorta and stroke output. Maximum filling of the right side of the heart occurred during inspiration, and was associated in time with minimum left ventricular stroke volume. These findings point to competition for space by the ventricles in the distended pericardial sac as being the major factor in the production of pulsus paradoxus.
Halothane, Isoflurane, and Sevoflurane Reduce Postischemic Adhesion of Neutrophils in the Coronary System

Background Polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) contribute to postischemic reperfusion damage in many organs and tissues, a prerequisite being adhesion of PMNs to vascular endothelial cells. Because adhesion processes involve orderly interactions of membrane proteins, it appeared possible that “membrane effects” of volatile anesthetics could interfere. We investigated the effects of halothane, isoflurane, and sevoflurane on postischemic adhesion of human PMNs in the intact coronary system of isolated perfused guinea pig hearts. Methods The hearts (n = 7–10 per group) were perfused in the “Langendorff” mode under conditions of constant flow (5 ml/min) using modified Krebs‐Henseleit buffer equilibrated with 94.4% oxygen and 5.6% carbon dioxide. Global myocardial ischemia was induced by interrupting perfusion for 15 min. In the second minute of reperfusion (5 ml/min), a bolus dose of 6 x 105 PMNs was injected into the coronary system. The number of cells reemerging in the coronary effluent was expressed as a percentage of the total number of applied PMNs. Halothane, isoflurane, and sevoflurane, each at 1 and 2 minimal alveolar concentration (MAC), were vaporized in the gas mixture and applied from 14 min before ischemia until the end of the experiment. Results Under nonischemic conditions, 24.7 +/‐ 1.3% of the injected neutrophils did not reemerge from the perfused coronary system. Subjecting the hearts to global ischemia augmented retention (36.4 +/‐ 2.8%, P <.05). Application of halothane reduced adhesion of neutrophils to 22.6 +/‐ 2.1% and 24.2 +/‐ 1.8% at 1 and 2 MAC, respectively (P <.05). Exposure to 1 and 2 MAC isoflurane was similarly effective, whereas basal adhesion was not significantly influenced. Sevoflurane‐treated hearts (1 and 2 MAC) also showed decreased adhesion of PMNs (23 +/‐ 2.3% and 24.8 +/‐ 1.8%, respectively; P <.05) and an identical reduction resulted when sevoflurane (1 MAC) was applied only with the onset of reperfusion. Conclusions Although the mechanism of action of volatile anesthetics remains unclear in these preliminary studies, their inhibitory effect on ischemia‐induced adhesion of PMNs may be beneficial for the heart during general anesthesia.
Monozygotic Transplantation: Concerns and Opportunities

We describe the case of a 24‐year‐old female with end‐stage renal disease from focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) diagnosed at age 16, who underwent monozygotic triplet transplantation at age 21 from her sister. Monozygosity was established by buccal smear DNA PCR amplification using short tandem repeat ( 1 ) profiling for 16 genetic alleles. All immunosuppression was discontinued by 1 month posttransplant. To evaluate the use of immunosuppression in HLA identical monozygotic transplantation, we interrogated the OPTN (Organ Procurement Transplant Network) database for all transplants conducted from 1987 to 2006. We identified 194 probable identical twin transplantations based on age, gender, race, ethnic category, blood type and HLA match. We evaluated the use of various immunosuppressive agents at discharge, 6 months and 1, 2 and 3 years after transplantation. Seventy‐one percent of these patients at discharge and 34% at the end of 1 year were on immunosuppression. At discharge 61% received steroids and 30% received calcineurin inhibitors and 66% of these remained on calcineurin inhibitors at 1 year. Renal function was superior among those not maintained on immunosuppression. Thus, monozygotic transplantation confers an immunologic advantage that allows immunosuppression elimination despite a risk of recurrent glomerular disease such as FSGS with appropriate evaluation and management.
Quantification of biofilm production on polystyrene by Listeria, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus isolated from a poultry slaughterhouse

This study assessed biofilm formation on polystyrene by Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes, L. welshimeri and Escherichia coli, isolated from a slaughtering plant, grown on tryptic soy broth (TSB) using different glucose concentrations. The tested bacteria produced biofilm in at least one of the concentrations used, and some of them were strong biofilm producers.
DeepKey: An EEG and Gait Based Dual-Authentication System

Biometric authentication involves various technologies to identify individuals by exploiting their unique, measurable physiological and behavioral characteristics. However, traditional biometric authentication systems (e.g., face recognition, iris, retina, voice, and fingerprint) are facing an increasing risk of being tricked by biometric tools such as anti-surveillance masks, contact lenses, vocoder, or fingerprint films. In this paper, we design a multimodal biometric authentication system named Deepkey, which uses both Electroencephalography (EEG) and gait signals to better protect against such risk. Deepkey consists of two key components: an Invalid ID Filter Model to block unauthorized subjects and an identification model based on attention-based Recurrent Neural Network (RNN) to identify a subject`s EEG IDs and gait IDs in parallel. The subject can only be granted access while all the components produce consistent evidence to match the user`s proclaimed identity. We implement Deepkey with a live deployment in our university and conduct extensive empirical experiments to study its technical feasibility in practice. DeepKey achieves the False Acceptance Rate (FAR) and the False Rejection Rate (FRR) of 0 and 1.0%, respectively. The preliminary results demonstrate that Deepkey is feasible, show consistent superior performance compared to a set of methods, and has the potential to be applied to the authentication deployment in real world settings.
Effects of the Histamine 1 Receptor Antagonist Cetirizine on the Osteoporotic Phenotype in H+/K+ATPase Beta Subunit KO Mice

Epidemiological studies suggest increased fracture risk in patients using proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). We have previously shown that the H+/K+ATPase beta subunit knockout (KO) mouse, which is a model of PPI‐use, have lower bone mineral density (BMD) and impaired bone quality compared to wild type (WT) mice. Like PPI users, these KO mice display elevated gastric pH and hypergastrinemia, which in turn stimulates gastric histamine release. Previous studies have suggested a negative effect of histamine on bone, thus, we wanted to study whether a histamine 1 receptor (H1R) antagonist could improve bone quality in KO mice. Female KO and WT mice aged 8 weeks received either an H1R antagonist (cetirizine) or polyethylene glycol (PEG) for 6 months. At the end of the study, KO mice displayed elevated plasma histamine levels compared to WT. As demonstrated previously, the KO mice also exhibited lower whole body BMD, reduced mechanical bone strength, and impaired bone quality assessed by μCT. No significant differences, however, were found between the KO groups receiving cetirizine or PEG for any of the measured bone parameters. In vitro gene expression analyses of histamine receptors revealed the presence of H1R and H2R both in osteoblasts and osteoclasts, and H3R in late stage osteoblasts. In conclusion, administration of the H1R antagonist cetirizine in a concentration of 3 mg/kg did not rescue the osteoporotic phenotype in H+/K+ATPase beta subunit KO mice. It can, however, not be ruled out that histamine may influence bone via other receptors. J. Cell. Biochem. 117: 2089–2096, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The importance of marital and socioeconomic status in incidence and survival of prostate cancer. An analysis of complete Norwegian birth cohorts.

BACKGROUND Previous studies of the association between social and family status and prostate cancer (PCa) have given somewhat divergent results. Little attention has been paid to the possible importance of these factors for survival. METHODS In this study, hazard regression models for PCa incidence and mortality were estimated on the basis of register- and census-based histories for complete Norwegian birth cohorts, giving a follow-up time of 16 million person years and 30,000 cases of PCa. RESULTS A significant excess incidence of about 20% was found for ever-married men and for those with higher education. Marriage and socioeconomic resources appeared, however, to have a favorable effect on survival. Five-year relative survival from metastasized cancer among men with a high educational level was found to be 15 percentage points higher than among men with lower education. CONCLUSIONS The observed differences in incidence are not easily explained. They apparently run counter to the hypothesis that multiple partners give a higher PCa risk, but may be consistent with the view that fat and meat consumption is risky. Better survival from PCa in higher socioeconomic groups and among married men may reflect differences in the search for, access to, or quality of treatment or a better constitution to fight the disease.
The Transcriptional Response of Saccharomyces cerevisiae to Osmotic Shock

We have analyzed the transcriptional response to osmotic shock in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The mRNA level of 186 genes increased at least 3-fold after a shift to NaCl or sorbitol, whereas that of more than 100 genes was at least 1.5-fold diminished. Many induced genes encode proteins that presumably contribute to protection against different types of damage or encode enzymes in glycerol, trehalose, and glycogen metabolism. Several genes, which encode poorly expressed isoforms of enzymes in carbohydrate metabolism, were induced. The high osmolarity glycerol (HOG) pathway is required for full induction of many but not all genes. The recently characterized Hot1p transcription factor is required for normal expression of a subset of the HOG pathway-dependent responses. Stimulated expression of the genes that required the general stress-response transcription factors Msn2p and Msn4p was also reduced in a hog1 mutant, suggesting that Msn2p/Msn4p might be regulated by the HOG pathway. The expression of genes that are known to be controlled by the mating pheromone response pathway was stimulated by osmotic shock specifically in a hog1 mutant. Inappropriate activation of the mating response may contribute to the growth defect of a hog1 mutant in high osmolarity medium.
PD-1 expression on tumor-specific T cells: Friend or foe for immunotherapy?

ABSTRACT Inhibitory properties of PD-1 receptor engagement on activated T cells are well established in physiologic and pathological contexts. In cancer, the use of checkpoint blockade, such as anti-PD-1 antibodies, becomes progressively a reference treatment of a growing number of tumors. Nonetheless, it is also established that PD-1 expression on antigen-specific T cells reflects the functional avidity and anti-tumor reactivity of these T cells. We will discuss this dual significance of PD-1 expression on tumor-specific T cells, due to a complex regulation and the opportunity to exploit this expression to define, monitor and exploit tumor-reactive T cells for immunotherapy purposes.
A Comparison of the Kennedy Axis V and the Global Assessment of Functioning

&NA; In this article, the authors evaluate two brief clinician‐scored global assessment instruments used to measure the functioning of adult clients who have a serious mental illness: the Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) Scale and the relatively new Kennedy Axis V (K Axis). Although both instruments are brief and easy to score, the K Axis provides a multi‐dimensional evaluation, while the GAF provides a single, unidimensional picture of a client's functioning. Statistical analyses indicated that both instruments have adequate validity and reliability if the clinicians using them are sufficiently trained. Correlations between the two instruments were high where expected. Statistically significant differential functioning was found for various subgroups. The K Axis was better able to pinpoint this specific differential functioning. (Journal of Psychiatric Practice 2000;6:84‐90)
Characterization of Inhalable, Thoracic, and Respirable Fractions and Ultrafine Particle Exposure During Grinding, Brazing, and Welding Activities in a Mechanical Engineering Factory

Objective: To investigate the emission sources of fine and ultrafine particles (UFPs) during brazing, welding, and grinding in a mechanical engineering factory and to characterize UFP exposure by measuring size distributions, number, and surface area concentrations. Methods: Samplings lasted 4 hours and were conducted during 5 days using the Grimm 1.109 portable aerosol spectrometer, the Grimm portable NanoCheck™ 1.320, the electrical low pressure impactor, and the nanoparticle aerosol monitor AeroTrak™ 9000. Results: Higher concentrations of fine particles were observed in welding and grinding activities. The highest values of UFP number and alveolar surface area concentrations were detected in the welding booth. Conclusions: Potential emission sources of fine particles and UFPs can be identified by the multifaceted approach outlined in this study. This sampling strategy provides important data on key UFP metrics.
Changes in Vertebral Wedging Rate Between Supine and Standing Position and its Association With Back Pain: A Prospective Study in Patients With Osteoporotic Vertebral Compression Fractures

Study Design. Prospective consecutive series. Objective. To analyze supine and standing radiographs and the association of back pain using subjective pain criteria. Summary of Background Data. It has been considered that there is little correlation between the degree of collapse of the vertebral body and the level of pain. In previous studies, however, measurements have only been based on supine radiographs. Although there were 2 authors who reported the results of supine lateral and standing lateral radiographs in patients with thoracolumbar vertebral fractures, as far as we know, there has not been any detailed report concerning the correlation between radiologic findings using supine and standing lateral radiographs and back pain. Methods. We examined 100 consecutively treated patients, prospectively. Back pain and the supine and standing radiographs were assessed 1 month after injury. Changes in vertebral wedging rate (WR) from supine to standing position (&Dgr; WR) was reported by the following equation: &Dgr; WR = WR(standing) − WR(supine). Results. The median age of the cohort was 75 years (range, 60–89 years). The median VAS of back pain at supine position, at standing position, and when standing erect was 13, 33, and 41, respectively. The median wedging rate on the supine and standing radiographs were 28% and 37%, respectively (P < 0.001). There was a significant correlation between &Dgr; WR and back pain when standing erect (r = 0.79, P < 0.001). Conclusion. Changes in vertebral wedging rate between supine and standing position and its association with back pain may give a clue to the pathogenesis of pain from osteoporotic thoracolumbar vertebral compression fractures.
Effects of Enhanced External Counterpulsation on Health-Related Quality of Life Continue 12 Months After Treatment: A Substudy of the Multicenter Study of Enhanced External Counterpulsation

Background The Multicenter Study of Enhanced External Counterpulsation (MUST-EECP) was the first prospective, randomized, blinded, sham-controlled study of enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP) in the treatment of chronic stable angina. We previously reported that EECP therapy lengthens the time to exercise-induced myocardial ischemia and reduces angina. We now describe the effects of EECP therapy versus a sham-treated control group in terms of patients' functioning, their senses of well-being and other Health-Related Quality Of Life (HQOL) parameters from baseline to end of treatment and from baseline to 12 months after treatment. Objective To determine whether a 35-hour course of EECP affects the HQOL of patients with symptomatic coronary artery disease, 12 months following treatment. Methods Seventy-one of the 139 patients enrolled in MUST-EECP provided evaluable patient-completed questionnaires at baseline, at the end of treatment, and 12 months post-treatment. The Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey and the Quality of Life Index-Cardiac Version III were used to assess effects on HQOL. Results Both groups had similar HQOL scores at baseline. At end of treatment and at 12-month follow up, patients who had active-CP reported greater improvement than those who had inactive-CP in all nine quality of life scales, including ability to perform activities of daily living, ability to work, bodily pain, confidence in health, energy, ability to engage in social activities with family and friends, anxiety and depression, and quality of life issues from the effects of angina on health and functioning. Despite small sample sizes, active-CP patients demonstrated significantly greater improvement at 12 months following treatment in bodily pain, social functioning, and quality of life specific to cardiac patients compared with inactive-CP patients. Conclusion Significant health-related quality of life improvements were measurable up to 12 months after the completion of treatment with EECP. Improvements in this controlled study are consistent with HQOL changes reported in case series and patient registries. Larger studies are warranted.