Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Contact-dependent cytopathogenic mechanisms of Trichomonas vaginalis

The cytopathogenic mechanisms of Trichomonas vaginalis have been debated since the 1940s. We examined the following three proposed pathogenic mechanisms: contact-dependent extracellular killing, cytophagocytosis, and extracellular cytotoxins. Serial observations of Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell monolayers exposed to trichomonads revealed that (i) trichomonads form clumps, (ii) the clumps adhere to cells in culture, and (iii) monolayer destruction occurs only in areas of contact with T. vaginalis. Kinetic analysis of target cell killing by trichomonads revealed that the probability of CHO cell death was related to the probability of contact with T. vaginalis, supporting the observation by microscopy that trichomonads kill cells only by direct contact. Simultaneous studies of 111indium oxine label release from CHO cells and trypan blue dye exclusion demonstrated that T. vaginalis kills target cells without phagocytosis. Filtrates of trichomonad cultures or from media in which trichomonads were killing CHO cells had no effect on CHO cell monolayers, indicating that trichomonads do not kill cells by a cell-free or secreted cytotoxin. The microfilament inhibitor cytochalasin D (10 micrograms/ml) inhibited trichomonad killing of CHO cell monolayers by 80% (P less than 0.0001). In contrast, the microtubule inhibitor vinblastine (10(-6) M) caused only 17% inhibition of trichomonad destruction of CHO cell monolayers (P less than 0.020), whereas colchicine (10(-6) M) had no effect. T. vaginalis kills target cells by direct contact without phagocytosis. This event requires intact trichomonad microfilament function; microtubule function appears not to be essential.
Fenofibric acid for hyperlipidemia

Introduction: 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors (i.e., statins) are the mainstay of therapy for hyperlipidemia, as per the current National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) recommendation. However, the role of other agents, such as the fibrates, is continually being debated in the context of incremental risk reduction, especially in the setting of mixed dyslipidemia. Results from the ACCORD Trial have further added to the confusion. Fibrates also have a role to play in familial hyperlipidemias and in hypertriglyceridemia. Fenofibric acid is one of the newly approved forms of fenofibrate with enhanced bioavailability and was recently approved by the Food and Drug Administation (FDA) for the treatment of various types of hyperlipidemia, in conjunction with statins. Areas covered: This article reviews the role of fenofibric acid in the context of results from recent randomized trials on fenofibrate, including the ACCORD Trial. It discusses the current status of fenofibric acid in the management of dyslipidemia, especially in combination with statins, and also addresses the comparative efficacy and safety profile of this new molecule against other agents in its class. Expert opinion: fenofibric acid in combination with low- to moderate-dose statins is an effective and safe option in the treatment of mixed dyslipidemia, although the long-term effects on cardiovascular risk reduction need to be explored further.
Optical Analysis of Glioma: Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy Reveals the IDH1 Mutation Status

Purpose: Somatic mutations in the human cytosolic isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1) gene cause profound changes in cell metabolism and are a common feature of gliomas with unprecedented predictive and prognostic impact. Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy addresses the molecular composition of cells and tissue and was investigated to deduct the IDH1 mutation status. Experimental Design: We tested the technique on human cell lines that were transduced with wild-type IDH1 or mutated IDH1 and on 34 human glioma samples. IR spectra were acquired at 256 positions from cell pellets or tissue cryosections. Moreover, IR spectra were obtained from fresh, unprocessed biopsies of 64 patients with glioma. Results: IDH1 mutation was linked to changes in spectral bands assigned to molecular groups of lipids and proteins in cell lines and human glioma. The spectra of cryosections of brain tumor samples showed high interpatient variability, for example, bands related to calcifications at 1113 cm−1. However, supervised classification recognized relevant spectral regions at 1103, 1362, 1441, 1485, and 1553 cm−1 and assigned 88% of the tumor samples to the correct group. Similar spectral positions allowed the classification of spectra of fresh biopsies with an accuracy of 86%. Conclusions: Here, we show that vibrational spectroscopy reveals the IDH1 genotype of glioma. Because it can provide information in seconds, an implementation into the intraoperative workflow might allow simple and rapid online diagnosis of the IDH1 genotype. The intraoperative confirmation of IDH1 mutation status might guide the decision to pursue definitive neurosurgical resection and guide future in situ therapies of infiltrative gliomas. Clin Cancer Res; 24(11); 2530–8. ©2017 AACR. See related commentary by Hollon and Orringer, p. 2467
Relationship between collagen synthesis and expression of the osteoblast phenotype in MC3T3‐E1 cells

The MC3T3‐E1 mouse calvaria‐derived cell line has been used to study the role of collagen synthesis in osteoblast differentiation. MC3T3‐E1 cells, like several previously characterized osteoblast culture systems, expressed osteoblast markers and formed a mineralized extracellular matrix only after exposure to ascorbic acid. Mineralization was stimulated further by β‐glycerol phosphate. Ultrastructural observations indicated that the extracellular matrix produced by ascorbic acid‐treated cells was highly organized and contained well‐banded collagen fibrils. Expression of osteoblast markers followed a clear temporal sequence. The earliest effects of ascorbic acid were to stimulate type I procollagen mRNA and collagen synthesis (24 h after ascorbate addition), followed by induction of alkaline phosphatase (48–72 h) and osteocalcin (96–144 h) mRNAs. Procollagen mRNA, which was expressed constitutively in the absence of ascorbate, increased only twofold after vitamin C addition. In contrast, alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin mRNAs were undetectable in untreated cultures. Actions of ascorbic acid on osteoblast marker gene expression are mediated by increases in collagen synthesis and/or accumulation because (1) parallel dose‐response relationships were obtained for ascorbic acid stimulation of collagen accumulation and alkaline phosphatase activity, and (2) the specific collagen synthesis inhibitors, 3,4‐dehydroproline and cis‐4‐hydroxyproline, reversibly blocked ascorbic acid‐dependent collagen synthesis and osteoblast marker gene expression.
SAT Based Model Checking

This Thesis is a study of automatic reasoning about finite state machines (FSMs). Two techniques used in hardware verification are presented. In both, the verification is carried out by a translation of the problem into propositional logic. Satisfiability and validity of propositional formulas are decided by the use of a SAT solver. For this reason, the fundamental techniques of a modern SAT solver are also presented. The material belongs in the research field of symbolic model checking (SMC). The field comprises different methods of verifying (temporal) properties of finite systems, such as hardware designs, with a high degree of automation. The scope of current methods, and the level of automation, is such that SMC is frequently applied in industry. One way to prove a property of a system is to explicitly enumerate all reachable states, and check the property for each one. This is known as explicit state model checking . SMC, on the other hand, works by reasoning symbolically about the system, using a compact representation of sets of states. There is no direct relation between the size of a set and its representation, which gives SMC the potential of handling systems with very large state spaces. Conventional SMC is carried out by using binary decision diagrams (BDDs), a canonical representation of boolean functions (i.e. subsets of Bool n ), to compute and represent subsets of the state space. Although algorithms based on BDDs have been successful in many applications, there are limitations that cannot easily be overcome. In this Thesis, alternative approaches based on SAT are explored, in the hope of removing some of those limitations. The first paper in the Thesis shows how reachability analysis (computing a representation of the reachable states) can be performed in much the same way as for BDDs, using a non-canonical representation of boolean functions. The method includes a translation from quantified boolean formulas (QBFs) to propositional formulas, and the use of a SAT solver for termination checks. The second paper shows how safety properties can be proven by means of temporal induction (also known as k-induction ). Several improvements are made to previous techniques, in particular by the introduction and novel use of an incremental SAT solver. The performance gain is documented by thorough testing. The third paper documents in detail how a modern SAT solver is constructed and suggests some extensions. It shows how arbitrary boolean constraints can be added to a SAT solver, and also implements an incremental SAT interface. The fourth and final paper proposes a solution to the important problem of generating good SAT encodings of domain specific problems. The approach is general in the sense that it is not limited to the typical translation from netlists, often used in hardware verification.
Racial and Ethnic Differences Associated With Feeding- and Activity-Related Behaviors in Infants

OBJECTIVE: To examine parental reports of feeding and activity behaviors in a cohort of parents of 2-month-olds and how they differ by race/ethnicity. METHODS: Parents participating in Greenlight, a cluster, randomized trial of obesity prevention at 4 health centers, were queried at enrollment about feeding and activity behaviors thought to increase obesity risk. Unadjusted associations between race/ethnicity and the outcomes of interest were performed by using Pearson χ2 and Kruskal-Wallis tests. Adjusted analyses were performed by using proportional odds logistic regressions. RESULTS: Eight hundred sixty-three parents (50% Hispanic, 27% black, 18% white; 86% Medicaid) were enrolled. Exclusive formula feeding was more than twice as common (45%) as exclusive breastfeeding (19%); 12% had already introduced solid food; 43% put infants to bed with bottles; 23% propped bottles; 20% always fed when the infant cried; 38% always tried to get children to finish milk; 90% were exposed to television (mean, 346 minutes/day); 50% reported active television watching (mean, 25 minutes/day); and 66% did not meet “tummy time” recommendations. Compared with white parents, black parents were more likely to put children to bed with a bottle (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.97, P < .004; bottle propping, aOR = 3.1, P < .001), and report more television watching (aOR = 1.6, P = .034). Hispanic parents were more likely than white parents to encourage children to finish feeding (aOR = 1.9, P = .007), bottle propping (aOR = 2.5, P = .009), and report less tummy time (aOR = 0.6, P = .037). CONCLUSIONS: Behaviors thought to relate to later obesity were highly prevalent in this large, diverse sample and varied by race/ethnicity, suggesting the importance of early and culturally-adapted interventions.
Reversal of medetomidine-induced cardiovascular and respiratory changes with atipamezole in dogs

The effects of atipamezole, an alpha 2-antagonist, on six medetomidine-sedated laboratory beagles were studied in a randomised complete block design. The dogs were sedated with medetomidine (20, 40 or 80 micrograms/kg intramuscularly) and five- and 10-fold larger doses of atipamezole were administered intramuscularly 30 minutes later. Atipamezole significantly increased the medetomidine-depressed heart rate, respiratory frequency and arterial Po2. The drug also transiently decreased the mean arterial blood pressure but subsequently the blood pressure of the treated group did not differ from that of a group of dogs treated with a placebo.
Conceptual Comparison of Infectious Diseases of TIBBE-AKBARI and Modern Medicine: Akhlat and Mezaj Theory

Background: Treating infectious diseases (ID) is the priority of health systems. Traditional Persian medicine (TPM) has diagnostic and preventive comments in most diseases. Readout TPM gives opportunity to know the viewpoints of ancient Iranian scholars for using these opinions in treating ID. In this regard returning to TPM options and modalities can be useful at least as complementary method in treating ID. For understanding the concepts of ID in TPM first of all it is needed to trace ID in TPM and translate them into western medicine language which is the goal of this report. Methodology: This research includes 80 ID mentioned in TIBBE-AKBARI (one of Persian Medicine textbook) for rewriting and comparing with conventional medicine findings. Findings: The majority of clinical signs, symptoms and physical examinations of ID are comparable with modern medicine except the viewpoint of TPM about aetiology which is based on Akhlat and Mezaj theory. By considering no option for antibiotic therapy in ancients time so there is a completely different opinion in treating ID with modern medicine. Conclusion: IDs have different names in TPM and conventional medicine. In contrast to modern medicine in which micro-organism are as etiologic agents, Akhlat and Mezaj theory of TPM has main role for description of ID, the subject which must to be decoded. Although they have completely different opinions in treatment, but with regard to the increasing of antibiotic resistance issue, TPM treatment comments may be useful in future in ID as complementary method beside antibiotics.
Fractional systolic and diastolic pressures act as predictors of coronary artery disease

Aims. This study was designed to determine if fractional systolic/diastolic pressures act as predictors of the extent of coronary artery disease. Patients and methods. A total of 545 consecutive patients (305 men, 240 women, with mean age 54.2 years) were involved in the study. The patients were diagnosed with coronary and non-coronary artery disease confirmed by angiography. Results. 353 patients were confirmed to have coronary artery disease, with 134 cases involving one vessel, 101 two vessels and 118 three vessels. There were significant differences between brachial and ascending aortic systolic blood pressures, fractional systolic blood pressures and fractional diastolic blood pressures in the patients with coronary artery disease compared with patients with non-coronary artery disease. Blood pressure measured in the brachial artery was higher than the pressure measured in the ascending artery. Ascending aortic fractional systolic/diastolic pressures were associated with coronary Gensini score, and were significantly related to the number of diseased vessels. Conclusions. Fractional systolic and diastolic pressures in the ascending aorta were strong predictive factors for the extent of coronary artery disease. Central pressures measured invasively in the ascending aorta were more predictive than peripheral pressures for the evaluation of coronary artery disease.
Polymorphisms of endotoxin pathway and endotoxin exposure: in vitro IgE synthesis and replication in a birth cohort

Genetic variants in endotoxin signaling pathway are important in modulating the effect of environmental endotoxin on asthma and atopic phenotypes. Our objective was to determine the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the endotoxin signaling pathway that may influence in vitro IgE synthesis and to investigate the relationship between these variants and endotoxin exposure in relation to the development of asthma and atopy in a birth cohort.
ICT-Enabled Universal Health Coverage Monitoring and Evaluation in Sub-Saharan Health Facilities: Study in 8 Reference Hospitals of Rwanda, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Mali

UHC (Universal Health Coverage) is at the center of the Sustainable Development Agenda. In this study, the authors made an evaluation of the indicators allowing quantification of the impact of health coverage schemes on patients, applied in 4 sub-Saharan Africa countries: Rwanda, Burundi, the DRC (Democratic Republic of Congo) and Mali. After an analysis of potential health coverage indicators, the most relevant ones were calculated on the basis of patient administrative and health insurance data, collected via OpenClinic GA, an HIMS (health information management system) used in 8 sub-Saharan hospitals during the period 2010-2016. The results show that the PHSC (patient health services coverage) rate is highest (81.5%-92.7%) in the 2 hospitals of Rwanda and in 2 hospitals of Burundi (37.7%-77.7%). The PHSP (patient health service payment) rate as the proportion of costs paid by the patient versus total health service costs is below the 25% threshold recommended by WHO only for the 2 hospitals in Rwanda. The POOP (patient out-of-pocket) payment is below the threshold of 180USD per patient per year for all hospitals. The HIEXs (health insurance expenditures) are funded by the university private insurance (86% of expenses covered) in 2 university teaching hospitals in DRC, by CBHI (community based health insurance) (69%) in 2 hospitals in Rwanda, by the free care policy (77%) in 2 hospitals in Burundi and by the SHI (social health insurance) (100%) in the 2 hospitals in Mali. PHSC in the 8 reference hospitals reflects the national trend towards UHC in each country. With this study, we demonstrate the possibility to assess the degree of UHC in developing countries, by a methodology based on indicators calculated via information extraction from routine data in electronic health records.
Locoregional chemoembolic delivery: prediction with transcatheter intraarterial perfusion MRI.

OBJECTIVE To our knowledge there is currently no quantitative preprocedural method for predicting the distribution and selectivity of delivery of chemoembolic material during trans-arterial chemoembolization. Transcatheter intraarterial perfusion MRI has been developed as a method of quantifying hepatic arterial perfusion. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether findings at transcatheter intraarterial perfusion MRI before chemoembolization can be used to predict uptake of the chemoembolic material delivered during chemoembolization. SUBJECTS AND METHODS We compared quantitative prechemoembolization transcatheter intraarterial perfusion MRI parameters with analogous postchemoembolization CT chemoembolic distribution parameters and analyzed correlation using the Pearson correlation coefficient. These MRI and CT parameters included volume of distribution (a metric for volumetric liver perfusion or therapeutic agent delivery) and chemoembolic delivery selectivity factor (a ratio of volume-normalized tumor to background signal intensity that indicates the selectivity of chemoembolic delivery). RESULTS Twenty-four hepatocellular carcinomas were targeted in 18 patients (14 men, four women; mean age, 66 years), and segmental or lobar chemoembolization with intraprocedural transcatheter intraarterial perfusion MRI was successful in all 18. Transcatheter intraarterial perfusion MRI and CT volume of distribution did not differ significantly (MRI, 233 cm(3); CT, 235 cm(3); p = 0.857). Transcatheter intraarterial perfusion MRI selectivity factor was an underestimate of CT selectivity factor (MRI, 0.20; CT, 0.25; p = 0.005). Prechemoembolization transcatheter intraarterial perfusion MRI and postchemoembolization CT volume of distribution (r = 0.93; p < 0.001) and selectivity factor (r = 0.95; p < 0.001) showed significant correlation. CONCLUSION Tumor perfusion measured with transcatheter intraarterial perfusion MRI is predictive of uptake of chemoembolic material before delivery. This MRI technique may have utility as a method of quantifying delivery of the therapeutic agent during chemoembolization and, potentially, other liver-directed locoregional therapies.
[Tuberculous meningitis: clinical, biological and x-ray computed tomographic comparison between patients with or without HIV infection].

OBJECTIVES Determine possible differences in clinical manifestations, laboratory findings and neuroimaging results in tuberculous meningitis patients with and without HIV infection. PATIENTS AND METHODS We retrospectively reviewed data of 38 patients with positive cerebrospinal fluid cultures for Mycobacterium tuberculosis who were hospitalized in 3 university hospitals in Paris over the last 11 years. RESULTS There were 24 HIV-infected patients and 14 without HIV infection. Mean CD4 lymphocyte count was 103 +/- 180/mm3 in the HIV group. Age (median age = 33 years for the HIV group vs. 53 for the non-HIV group), sex ratio (3 vs. 0.75), and prior history of tuberculosis (46% vs. 43%) were similar in both groups. Clinical presentation was similar for headache (83% in HIV group vs. 50% in non-HIV group; p = 0.02) and confusion (54% vs. 93% in non-HIV group p = 0.05). Serum natremia (mmol/l) (131 +/- 5 vs. 125 +/- 8; p = 0.024), white blood cell count (x 10(9)/l) (5.8 +/- 4.7 vs. 10.7 +/- 1.7; p = 0.37) and erythrocyte sedementation rate (mm/h) (68 +/- 34 vs. 31 +/- 35; p = 0.003) were significantly different in the 2 groups. Median cerebrospinal fluid findings were similar in the 2 groups: leukocytes (x 10(6)/l) (375 +/- 860 vs 218 +/- 250), glucose (mmol/l) (2.3 +/- 0.9 vs 2.7 +/- 1.9) and protein (g/l) (3.8 +/- 7.1 vs. 2.6 +/- 1.6). CT-scans of the brain were similar in the 2 groups. Mortality during hospitalization was similar (42% vs 36%; NS). CONCLUSION HIV infection appears to have little impact on the presentation of tuberculous meningitis.
Health risk assessment of chemical mixtures.

This overview has briefly reviews the complexity of chemical mixtures, their sources, the relevance of exposure, the various interactions of chemical components, and new approaches for measuring exposure. Current quantitative risk assessment by linear extrapolation is inadequate in estimating risks. The new emerging methodology offers a scientific and realistic alternative in assessment of risks from various exposures to both natural and man-made chemical mixtures.
Biochemical Basis of Organophosphate and Carbamate Resistance in Asian Citrus Psyllid

ABSTRACT The Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri Kuwayama, is a worldwide pest of citrus, which vectors the putative causal pathogen of huanglongbing. Current management practices warrant continuous monitoring of field populations for insecticide resistance. Baseline activities of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), general esterase, and glutathione S-transferase as well as sensitivity of AChE to selected organophosphate and carbamate insecticides were established for a susceptible laboratory strain (Lab) and compared with several field populations of D. citri from Florida. The specific activity of AChE in various D. citri populations ranged from 0.77 to 1.29 µM min-1 mg of protein-1; the Lab strain was characterized by the highest activity. Although reduced AChE sensitivity was observed in the Lab strain compared with field populations, overlap of 95% confidence intervals of I50 values (concentration required for 50% AChE activity inhibition) suggests no significant difference in AChE sensitivity among all populations tested for a given insecticide. There was no significant evidence of target site insensitivity in field populations that were exposed to the selected organophosphate and carbamate insecticides tested. The specific activity of general esterase and glutathione S-transferase was lowest in the Lab strain and was generally comparable to that of the field populations evaluated. The current data provide a mode-of-action specific baseline for future monitoring of resistance to organophosphate and carbamate insecticides in populations of D. citri.