Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Traditional risk factors and D-dimer predict incident cardiovascular disease events in chronic HIV infection

Objective:Cardiovascular disease (CVD) contributes significantly to HIV-related morbidity and mortality. Chronic immune activation and inflammation are thought to augment the progression of atherosclerotic disease. In this retrospective, case–control study of HIV-infected individuals, we investigated the association of traditional cardiac risk factors, HIV-related disease, and inflammation with CVD events. Methods:HIV-infected individuals who experienced an incident CVD event while enrolled in National Institutes of Health clinical protocols from 1995 to 2009 were matched 2: 1 to HIV-infected individuals without known CVD. Markers of inflammation and cell activation were measured in serum or plasma using ELISA-based assays and peripheral mononuclear cells by four-color flow cytometry. Results:Fifty-two patients experienced an incident CVD event. Events were related to smoking, dyslipidemia, hyperglycemia, and family history as well as elevated D-dimer, soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1, and soluble tissue factor, but not high-sensitivity C-reactive protein. No significant differences in antiviral therapy, CD4+ T-cell count, or CD38 and human leukocyte antigen-DR expression were identified between patients and controls. In multivariable analysis, smoking, family history, D-dimer, and glucose were independently related to CVD risk. Conclusion:In this cohort, CVD risk was related to traditional CVD risk factors and markers of thrombosis and endothelial damage, but not to high-sensitivity C-reactive protein or markers of T-cell activation such as CD38/human leukocyte antigen-DR coexpression. D-dimer may help identify HIV-infected patients at elevated CVD risk.
Das Dilemma der Frühgeburt - Neue molekulare Präventionsansätze

Die weltweite Rate an Fruhgeburten liegt bei ca. 5-10% und ist fur den Grosteil der perinatalen Mortalitat und Morbiditat verantwortlich. Etwa ein Drittel aller Fruhgeburten ist Folge vorzeitiger Wehentatigkeit ohne erkennbare mutterliche oder fetaler Pathologie. Die nachfolgende Arbeit untersucht den Einfluss verschiedener Zytokine sowie des Relaxins auf die Oxytozin Signalkaskade in humanen uterinen Muskel- sowie Deziduazellen.
Constraints to healthcare waste treatment in low-income countries – a case study from Somaliland

In low-income countries, healthcare waste is mixed with the municipal waste stream and rarely receives special attention. This paper presents the lessons learned from a pilot project targeted to improve healthcare waste management in Hargeisa (Somaliland). The interventions were carried out in three of the main hospitals in the city. Consideration was also given to improve the overall situation regarding the management of healthcare waste. Three De Montfort incinerators were built and training was provided to operators, waste workers and healthcare personnel. Although the incinerators were constructed in accordance with the required standards, major constraints were identified in the operational phase: irregular de-ashing procedures, misuse of safety equipment, and ineffective separation of healthcare waste were seen in this phase. The paper concludes that in other small hospitals in the developing world, such as those in Hargeisa, on-site incineration by use of low-cost, small-scale incinerators could be successfully applied as an interim solution, provided that an agreed and acceptable plan of operation and maintenance is in place and responsibilities for the management of the facility are clearly identified. Moreover, when replicating this experience in other settings even greater importance should be given to the technical capacity building of operators and pressure should be exercised on local administrations in order to control and supervise the whole management system.
Intranasal delivery of T-bet modulates the profile of helper T cell immune responses in experimental asthma.

BACKGROUND Allergic asthma is caused by aberrant helper T (T(H)) type 2 immune responses in susceptible individuals, characterized by airway hyperresponsiveness, chronic airway inflammation, and mucus hypersecretion. Its prevalence continues to increase, but optimal treatment remains a challenge. The transcription factor T-bet is a master regulator of T(H)1 lineage commitment and strongly promotes interferon gamma expression during T(H)1 cell differentiation. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to explore the role of intranasal delivery of T-bet on the differentiation of T(H) cell subsets and airway inflammation in the ovalbumin (OVA)-induced mouse model of allergic airway inflammation. METHODS BALB/c mice were sensitized by intraperitoneal injection of OVA and challenged with nebulized OVA. Four days before the inhalation challenge, the sensitized mice were subjected to intranasal delivery of a recombinant adeno-associated virus vector carrying murine T-bet gene (AAV-T-bet). Expression of the transcription factors T-bet, GATA3, and Foxp3 was then assayed in the lungs, and airway histology was analyzed along with other inflammatory parameters, such as eosinophils and cytokines in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid, and total and OVA-specific immunoglobulin (Ig) E in serum. RESULTS Intranasal administration of AAV-T-bet efficiently balanced the T(H)1/T(H)2 transcription factor and cytokine profile and significantly decreased the number of eosinophils in BAL fluid. It also resulted in a reduction of peribronchial inflammation scores and serum IgE levels in OVA-sensitized and challenged mice during the effector phase. CONCLUSIONS Our data show that intranasal delivery of T-bet can promote a T(H)1 immune response, restore a balanced Th immune response, and inhibit airway inflammation during the challenge phase in a mouse model of allergic airway inflammation.
Oxygen Affinity of Haemoglobin Modulates Cerebral Blood Flow in Premature Infants A Study with the Non‐invasive Xenon‐133 Method

Iipp‐Zwahlen, A. E. , Müller, A. , Tuchschmid, P. and Duc, G. (Division of Neonatology, University Children's Hospital, Zürich, Switzerland). Oxygen affinity of haemoglobin modulates cerebral blood flow in premature infants: a study with the non‐invasive Xe‐133 method. Acta Paediatr Scand Suppl 360: 26, 1989.
Treatment of postoperative gastrointestinal atony

One hundred and eighteen patients in whom postoperative gastrointestinal atony had lasted for 48–72 hours, were given one or two intravenous injections of different doses of cisapride (2, 4 or 8mg), or vehicle. The first occurrence of flatus was taken to mark the cessation of ileus. There was no significant difference in remission of ileus between the groups in the first hour following injection. All patients not responding to treatment in the first hour were given a repeat dosage and observed for the following 3 hours. Among this group, there was a significant remission of ileus in patients who had received 2 × 8 mg, which was particularly marked in those who had undergone intraperitoneal surgery. This study suggests that cisapride in repeated dosage may be of value in inducing remission in prolonged surgical ileus, particularly in patients who have undergone intraperitoneal operations.
Sterile cerebrospinal fluid pleocytosis in young infants with urinary tract infection

Background. During the first 3 months of life febrile infants are subjected to sepsis workup, which includes evaluation for urinary tract infection (UTI) and meningitis. We investigated the existence of concomitant meningeal inflammation in infants younger than 90 days old affected with UTI. Methods. We reviewed the medical records of all infants younger than 90 days old, who were hospitalized for UTI from January, 1990, to January, 2001. For the diagnosis of sterile cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pleocytosis, the child’s age, the CSF total white blood cell (WBC) count and the CSF absolute neutrophil count were taken into consideration. CSF pleocytosis was defined as the presence of ≥35, ≥21 and ≥15 WBC/mm3 of CSF during the first, second and third month of life, respectively. The CSF Gram-stained smear, latex agglutination test and bacterial culture were negative. Results. Sterile CSF pleocytosis was found in 15 (12.8%) of 117 infants with UTI who had had a lumbar puncture included in their initial laboratory evaluation. The 15 infants had a median age ± semiinterquartile range of 40 ± 25 days (range, 4 to 75 days). In these infants the median CSF WBC count ± semiinterquartile range was 55 ± 125/mm3 (range, 21 to 1270/mm3). Conclusions. Sterile CSF pleocytosis was found in 12.8% of infants younger than 90 days old with UTI. The pathogenesis of this meningeal inflammation is not fully understood. Although bacterial infection of the subarachnoid space, with low bacterial seeding, cannot be excluded, at least in some cases, it is possible that CSF pleocytosis in some of the infants with UTI is mainly caused by the endotoxin of Gram-negative or other inflammation-inducing molecules of Gram-positive urine pathogens.
“Parapharyngeal space” tumors: A cytopathological study of 24 cases on fine‐needle aspiration

The parapharyngeal space (PPS) is a well‐defined anatomic zone of loose connective tissue lying deep to the tonsil and lateral to the pharynx. Neoplasms arising within the PPS are rare. We retrospectively reviewed 24 PPS fine‐needle aspirations (FNAs) performed at The Johns Hopkins Hospital over the past 16 years (1987–2002). Patients presented with neck pain, dysphagia, and/or intraoral swelling of varying duration. Radiographic imaging disclosed PPS masses, varying in size from 2.5 to 8 cm. The most common clinicoradiographic suspicion was a nerve sheath tumor. Six cases had FNA performed using a 23‐gauge needle via a transoral approach in the outpatient suite whereas the remainder were aspirated via a 22‐gauge Franseen needle under CT guidance. Six of 24 cases (25%) were nondiagnostic due to lack of adequate cellular material. Of the18 cases considered diagnostic, there were nine (50%) pleomorphic adenomas (PAs); three (17%) squamous‐cell carcinomas (SCC); and one each of oncocytoma, adenocarcinoma, not otherwise specified (NOS), adenoid cystic carcinoma, lipoma, neurofibroma, and non‐Hodgkin lymphoma, together comprising the remaining 33%. Four of the six cases deemed nondiagnostic (consisting predominantly of blood) on subsequent tissue follow‐up revealed paraganglioma (two cases), SCC (one case), and schwannoma (one case). PPS is an uncommon target of an FNA procedure. PPS masses represent a heterogeneous group of neoplasms of which PA appears most common, representing 50% of our diagnostic cases. The rate of nondiagnostic FNA samples is moderately high due to excessive bleeding encountered in this location and other technical problems relating to adequately targeting the lesion in close vicinity of major neck vessels. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2005;32:11–15. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effects of oral potassium on blood pressure. Meta-analysis of randomized controlled clinical trials.

OBJECTIVE To assess the effects of supplementation with oral potassium on blood pressure in humans. DESIGN Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. DATA SOURCES English-language articles published before July 1995. STUDY SELECTION Thirty-three randomized controlled trials (2609 participants) in which potassium supplementation was the only difference between the intervention and control conditions. DATA EXTRACTION Using a standardized protocol, 2 of us independently abstracted information on sample size, duration, study design, potassium dose, participant characteristics, and treatment results. RESULTS By means of a random-effects model, findings from individual trials were pooled, after results for each trial were weighted by the inverse of its variance. An extreme effect of potassium in lowering blood pressure was noted in 1 trial. After exclusion of this trial, potassium supplementation was associated with a significant reduction in mean (95% confidence interval) systolic and diastolic blood pressure of -3.11 mm Hg (-1.91 to -4.31 mm Hg) and -1.97 mm Hg (-0.52 to -3.42 mm Hg), respectively. Effects of treatment appeared to be enhanced in studies in which participants were concurrently exposed to a high intake of sodium. CONCLUSIONS Our results support the premise that low potassium intake may play an important role in the genesis of high blood pressure. Increased potassium intake should be considered as a recommendation for prevention and treatment of hypertension, especially in those who are unable to reduce their intake of sodium.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Distribution in HIV Encephalitis: Study of 19 Cases with Combined Use of In Situ Hybridization and Immunocytochemistry

Abstract Brains of 19 AIDS patients with HIV encephalitis were examined by immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization using antisense HIV DNA and RNA probes. Double immunohistochemical labeling, using antibodies against viral and cell-type specific antigens, was utilized to study lesions in some brains. Other combined studies included use of in situ hybridization and immunohistochemical labeling of the same section, using antibodies against either viral or cell-type specific antigens. Hybridization signals were abundant and were concentrated mainly in the white matter. Heavy labeling was found in the subcortical white matter, the corpus callosum, the internal capsule, and white matter regions of the brainstem and cerebellum. Deeper cortical layers often contained cells with hybridized probe when the subcortical white matter was intensely labeled. HIV nucleic acid sequences were found almost exclusively in macrophages. Counts showed that 16-25% of macrophages contained viral antigens and exhibited hybridized HIV probe. Almost all of these macrophages contained proviral DNA, viral RNA and viral proteins; i.e. they were actively replicating HIV. We also examined brains from three AIDS cases without clinical or pathological evidence of HIV encephalitis; no HIV sequences or immunoreactive proteins were detected.
Effects of Effort Attributional Feedback on Children's Perceived Self-Efficacy and Achievement

This experiment tested the hypothesis that effort attributional feedback concerning past accomplishments promotes percepts of self-efficacy and mathematical achievement. Children who lacked subtraction skills received didactic training in subtraction operations with effort attributional feedback concerning past achievement, with feedback concerning future achievement, or with no feedback. Results showed that attributional feedback for past achievement led to more rapid progress in mastering subtraction operations, greater skill development, and higher percepts of self-efficacy. Results of a multiple regression analysis showed that percepts of efficacy and training progress each accounted for a significant increment in the explained portion of variability in posttest skill. This study helps to clarify the role of effort attributional feedback in achievement contexts.
Characterization of Phosphatidylserine Transport to the Locus of Phosphatidylserine Decarboxylase 2 in Permeabilized Yeast*

In yeast, nascent phosphatidylserine (PtdSer) can be transported to the mitochondria and Golgi/vacuole for decarboxylation to synthesize phosphatidylethanolamine (PtdEtn). In strains with a psd1Δ allele for the mitochondrial PtdSer decarboxylase, the conversion of nascent PtdSer to PtdEtn can serve as an indicator of lipid transport to the locus of PtdSer decarboxylase 2 (Psd2p) in the Golgi/vacuole. We have followed the metabolism of [3H]serine into PtdSer and PtdEtn to study lipid transport in permeabilized psd1Δ yeast. The permeabilized cells synthesize 3H-PtdSer and, after a 20-min lag, decarboxylate it to form [3H]PtdEtn. Formation of [3H]PtdEtn is linear between 20 and 100 min of incubation and does not require ongoing PtdSer synthesis. PtdSer transport can be resolved into a two-component system using washed, permeabilizedpsd1Δ cells as donors and membranes isolated by ultracentrifugation as acceptors. With this system, the transport-dependent decarboxylation of nascent PtdSer is dependent upon the concentration of acceptor membranes, requires Mn2+ but not nucleotides, and is inhibited by EDTA. High speed membranes isolated from a previously identified PtdSer transport mutant, pstB2, contain normal Psd2p activity but fail to reconstitute PtdSer transport and decarboxylation. Reconstitution with permutations of wild type and pstB2Δ donors and acceptors identifies the site of the mutant defect as the acceptor side of the transport reaction.
The effect of tumor size on lymph node metastasis in patients with early distal gastric cancer.

BACKGROUND/AIMS This article discusses the results of study of the impact of tumor size on the lymph node metastasis of early distal gastric cancer (EDGC). The understanding of such impact will provide the basis for the selection of optimal lymph node dissection and scope. METHODOLOGY Between April 1995 and August 2006, 146 patients of EDGC underwent primary surgery and were included in the study. We selected the optimal cut-off point of tumor size via ROC curve. We then investigated the relationship between the tumor size and the lymph node metastasis for each group. RESULTS The optimal cut-off point of the tumor size was 23 mm. Metastasis only occurred in No.1, 3-7 lymph nodes for patients in small-diameter group (SDG) or those in large-diameter group (LDG) with intramucosal carcinoma. For patients in the LDG with submucosal carcinoma, metastasis occurred in No.1, 3-7, 8a, 9 and 12a lymph nodes. CONCLUSIONS For EDGC patients, when tumor was <23 mm or intramucosal cancer was ≥23 mm, metastasis tended to occur only in No.1, 3-7 lymph nodes. But if submucosal cancer was ≥23 mm, metastasis occurred in all of No. 1, 3-7 and No. 8a, 9 and 12a lymph nodes.
Quartz exposure, retention, and early silicosis in sheep.

The purposes of this study were (1) to investigate the chronology of events in cellular and biochemical changes thought to be important in the development of silicosis, (2) to relate these to changes in lung function and radiograph, and (3) to evaluate the relation of quartz exposure and retention to individual response leading to early silicosis. Thirty-six sheep were exposed by repeated intratracheal infusion at 10-day intervals to 100 mg Minusil-5 in 100 ml saline (Si group), and 10 sheep were exposed at the same intervals to 100 ml saline (control). All sheep were investigated at 3-month intervals by chest radiograph, lung function, and lung lavage. At month 9, chest radiograph score of parenchymal opacities was significantly increased at 2.8 +/- 0.6 versus 0.4 +/- 0.4 in the Si group (p less than .05), establishing early radiologic silicosis. Lung function was significantly altered with reduction in lung compliance, vital capacity, and diffusion capacity (p less than .05). Lung lavage cellularity revealed significant increase in total cells (X 2.5), macrophages (X3), and neutrophils (X3). Albumin in BAL remained at the control level. Fibronectin production was significantly increased, as was the fibroblast growth activity, without significant change in procollagen 3 at this early stage of disease. Total phospholipids were significantly elevated in the Si-exposed sheep, and the profile demonstrated an increase in all the phospholipid components. Spontaneous release of hydrogen peroxide by alveolar cells was not increased, but in the presence of phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) higher levels of peroxide were found in the quartz-exposed sheep (p less than .05). The cellular and biochemical alterations of lung lavage preceded other changes. At month 12, there were good correlations (r greater than .49, p less than .001) between parameters evaluating related phenomena but poor correlations between measurements evaluating different aspects of the disorder. To investigate the heterogeneity in the individual response of sheep to the same exposure (susceptibility), individual quartz retention levels at month 12 were measured and found to correlate well with individual parameters of disease activity. We concluded that in early silicosis of sheep, cellular and biochemical changes in lung lavage preceded derangements of pulmonary function and radiographic abnormalities. Thereafter, parameters of lung lavage, lung function, and radiograph were significantly interrelated, but for a given exposure the degree of quartz retention appeared to determine the intensity of the silicotic process.
Forecasting with the Madden-Julian Oscillation and the applications for risk management

The Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO) is a tropical atmospheric phenomenon first recognised in the early 1970s. The MJO, also commonly known as the 40-day wave, develops over the Indian Ocean and then travels east across the tropics at 5-10 m/s. With a timescale ranging from 30 to 60 days, the MJO has a frequency of 6-12 events per year. In its active stage, the MJO is associated with increased convective activity. Trailing the active centre is region of suppressed convective activity and mean surface level westerly winds. Statistical analysis shows that the MJO can influence rainfall in Australia and elsewhere in the world, beyond the tropics. As MJO forecasting tends to bridge the gap between synoptic and seasonal forecasting, the potential for on-farm risk management is significant.
Increased release of ferritin and iron by iron-loaded alveolar macrophages in cigarette smokers.

The lower respiratory tract of cigarette smokers contains an increased amount of iron that is predominantly sequestered within alveolar macrophages (AM), but is also present in alveolar epithelial fluid. Extracellular ferritin-bound iron could potentially be released by reductants present in cigarette smoke and catalyze generation of highly reactive hydroxyl radicals capable of causing oxidant injury. To determine whether AM are a source of alveolar extracellular ferritin and iron, we assessed in vitro release of iron, ferritin, and transferrin by AM recovered by bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) of 27 healthy subjects including nine nonsmokers (NS), nine light smokers (LS), and nine heavy smokers (HS). Release of iron in vitro over 20 h was increased in AM recovered from LS (2.24 +/- 0.21 nmol/10(6) AM/20 h, p < 0.001) and HS (3.11 +/- 0.32 nmol/10(6) AM, p < 0.001) compared with NS (1.28 +/- 0.08 nmol/10(6) AM). Release of ferritin in vitro over 20 h was also increased in AM recovered from LS (71 +/- 24 ng/10(6) AM, p < 0.05) and HS (176 +/- 35 ng/10(6), p < 0.001) compared with NS (18 +/- 3 ng/10(6) AM). AM recovered from 12 smokers (8 HS, 4 LS) contained greater than 10 nmol of iron per 10(6) cells. These iron-loaded AM released a greater percentage of cell ferritin stores in vitro over 4 h (8.4% +/- 1.1, p < 0.01) than did AM from NS (3.2% +/- 0.6). Release of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) over 4 h was substantially less (2.9% +/- 0.3, p < 0.001) than ferritin release. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Anthropometric parameters in relation to glycaemic status and lipid profile in a multi-ethnic sample in Italy

Abstract Objective To examine the health status of ethnic minorities in Italy. Furthermore, we aimed to assess the association between anthropometric and blood parameters connected with health status. Design A cross-sectional study. Anthropometric data were collected by direct measurements and blood glucose, total cholesterol and TAG were analysed. Setting Bologna, northern Italy. Subjects A multi-ethnic sample of adult immigrants and Roma. Results Significant correlations between anthropometric and blood parameters were found. Among the ethnic groups, Roma males had the highest values of glucose, total cholesterol and TAG. In the females the situation was more balanced among ethnic groups. Conclusions The data from this survey indicate that poor health status is a very common problem among ethnic groups living in Italy, especially the Roma. The use of anthropometric parameters as rapid indicators of health status in screenings of a large number of subjects could be an effective and cheap method to provide preliminary indications on individuals or ethnic groups at greater risk of poor health.