Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
FasL on decidual macrophages mediates trophoblast apoptosis: A potential cause of recurrent miscarriage

Macrophages can induce Fas ligand (FasL)-mediated apoptosis, and the deregulation of apoptosis is known to be associated with recurrent miscarriage (RM). The aim of the present study was to investigate the possible involvement of FasL in macrophage-mediated trophoblast apoptosis and its potential role in RM. Human decidual and placental villous tissues were collected from 81 women (21 for the RM group, 26 for the spontaneous abortion group and 34 for the control group) at 7-9 weeks of gestation. The distribution changes of macrophages and the expression of FasL on macrophages were evaluated by immunohistochemical, immunofluorescence and western blot analyses. A macrophage and trophoblast co-culture model was used to determine the effects of FasL on the apoptosis of trophoblasts. The results indicated that CD86+ macrophage populations in decidual tissues were significantly increased, accompanied by reduced CD163+ macrophages in the abortion and RM groups. Furthermore, the distribution of CD68+ macrophages was also significantly altered in specimens from the abortion and RM groups, and they were observed to have infiltrated into the trophoblast cells. In addition, elevated expression of FasL on CD68+ and CD86+ macrophages in the decidua was observed in the spontaneous abortion and RM groups of patients, and FasL was demonstrated to mediate the induction of trophoblast apoptosis by macrophages in co-culture. These results indicate that the aberration of macrophage-induced FasL-mediated apoptosis may represent one of the causes of RM.
Can a nurse-led community-based model of hypertension care improve hypertension control in Ghana? Results from the ComHIP cohort study

Objectives To evaluate the effectiveness of the Community-based Hypertension Improvement Project (ComHIP) in increasing hypertension control. Setting Lower Manya Krobo, Eastern Region, Ghana. Participants All adult hypertensive community members, except pregnant women, were eligible for inclusion in the study. We enrolled 1339 participants, 69% of whom were female. A total of 552 had a 6-month visit, and 338 had a 12-month visit. Interventions We report on a package of interventions where community-based cardiovascular disease (CVD) nurses were trained by FHI 360. CVD nurses confirmed diagnoses of known hypertensives and newly screened individuals. Participants were treated according to the clinical guidelines established through the project’s Technical Steering Committee. Patients received three types of reminder and adherence messages. We used CommCare, a cloud-based system, as a case management and referral tool. Primary outcome Hypertension control defined as blood pressure (BP) under 140/90 mm Hg. Secondary outcomes: changes in BP and knowledge of risk factors for hypertension. Results After 1 year of intervention, 72% (95% CI: 67% to 77%) of participants had their hypertension under control. Systolic BP was reduced by 12.2 mm Hg (95% CI: 14.4 to 10.1) and diastolic BP by 7.5 mm Hg (95% CI: 9.9 to 6.1). Due to low retention, we were unable to look at knowledge of risk factors. Factors associated with remaining in the programme for 12 months included education, older age, hypertension under control at enrolment and enrolment date. The majority of patients who remained in the programme were on treatment, with two-thirds taking at least two medications. Conclusions Patients retained in ComHIP had increased BP control. However, high loss to follow-up limits potential public health impact of these types of programmes. To minimise the impact of externalities, programmes should include standard procedures and backup systems to maximise the possibility that patients stay in the programme.
Cryptochrome‐mediated hypocotyl phototropism was regulated antagonistically by gibberellic acid and sucrose in Arabidopsis

Abstract Both phototropins (phot1 and phot2) and cryptochromes (cry1 and cry2) were proven as the Arabidopsis thaliana blue light receptors. Phototropins predominately function in photomovement, and cryptochromes play a role in photomorphogenesis. Although cryptochromes have been proposed to serve as positive modulators of phototropic responses, the underlying mechanism remains unknown. Here, we report that depleting sucrose from the medium or adding gibberellic acids (GAs) can partially restore the defects in phototropic curvature of the phot1 phot2 double mutants under high‐intensity blue light; this restoration does not occur in phot1 phot2 cry1 cry2 quadruple mutants and nph3 (nonphototropic hypocotyl 3) mutants which were impaired phototropic response in sucrose‐containing medium. These results indicate that GAs and sucrose antagonistically regulate hypocotyl phototropism in a cryptochromes dependent manner, but it showed a crosstalk with phototropin signaling on NPH3. Furthermore, cryptochromes activation by blue light inhibit GAs synthesis, thus stabilizing DELLAs to block hypocotyl growth, which result in the higher GAs content in the shade side than the lit side of hypocotyl to support the asymmetric growth of hypocotyl. Through modulation of the abundance of DELLAs by sucrose depletion or added GAs, it revealed that cryptochromes have a function in mediating phototropic curvature.
The contradictory inefficacy of methotrexate in hidradenitis suppurativa: a need to revise pathogenesis or acknowledge disease heterogeneity?

Abstract The pathogenesis of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) centers around Th17/Treg dysfunction illustrated by lesional elevation of IL-17A, IL-6, and other inflammatory mediators resulting in a chronic feed-forward inflammatory cascade. Similar inflammatory mechanisms have been identified in psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in which traditional immunosuppressants (including methotrexate) are routinely used with reasonable levels of disease control. Methotrexate’s mechanism of action in these instances includes downregulation of the Th17 axis via alterations in dendritic cell and T-cell activity and maturation. Published data suggest methotrexate in an ineffective therapy in HS, which does not pair with our current understanding of the mechanisms of disease. The reasons behind this, including are discussed. Some HS patients may benefit from drugs such as methotrexate, and acknowledgment of the potential of disease heterogeneity will allow exploration of which factors may enable identification of such individuals.
Markers for oxidative stress in the synovial fluid of Thoroughbred horses with carpal bone fracture

ABSTRACT Arthritis is thought to cause oxidative stress in synovial fluid in humans, but there have been few reports in horses. To evaluate oxidative stress in synovial fluid in horses, this study used 19 horses with unilateral fracture of the carpal joint bone. Synovial fluid was collected from the carpal joint on the fracture (arthritis group) and contralateral (control group) sides. Diacron-reactive oxygen metabolites (d-ROMs) and biological antioxidant potential (BAP) were then measured, and the oxidative stress index (OSI) was calculated. d-ROMs and OSI of the arthritis group were significantly higher than the control group. BAP of the arthritis group was significantly lower than the control group. Thus, this study revealed that oxidative stress develops in the synovial fluid of horses during arthritis.
Factors associated with favorable survival outcomes for Asians with hepatocellular carcinoma: A sequential matching cohort study

Background Overall 5-year survival rates for patients diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are poor, but vary by race/ethnicity. We undertook a comprehensive assessment of underlying contributing factors to the favorable survival outcomes of HCC among Asians compared with non-Hispanic whites (NHW). Methods We identified 1,284 Asian and 7,072 NHW patients newly diagnosed with HCC between 1994 and 2011 in the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER)-Medicare linked database. We used a novel three-step sequential matching approach to identify demographic, presentation and treatment factors that may explain survival differences between Asians and NHWs. Hazard ratios (HRs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the association between Asian race and risk of HCC-related mortality were estimated using Cox proportional hazards models. Results The absolute difference in 5-year survival rates between Asians and NHWs was 8.4% (95% CI: 4.6%-12.0%) in the demographics match analysis. The disparity remained unchanged after additionally matching on stage, grade and comorbidities in the presentation match analysis. However, in the treatment match analysis, which accounts for differences in demographic, presentation and treatment factors, the absolute difference in 5-year survival rates was reduced to 5.8% (95% CI: 2.6%-9.3%). Treatment differences explained more of survival disparity in Asian and NHW patients with localized disease than for those with regional or distant stage HCC. Conclusions Asian patients with HCC continue to have more favorable survival outcomes than NHWs with HCC. This persistent disparity seems to be more related to treatment differences than to differences in presentation characteristics including stage.
Neuromuscular Jumping Performance and Upper-Body Horizontal Power of Volleyball Players

Abstract Gonçalves, CA, Lopes, TJD, Nunes, C, Marinho, DA, and Neiva, HP. Neuromuscular jumping performance and upper-body horizontal power of volleyball players. J Strength Cond Res 35(8): 2236–2241, 2021—The aim of the current study was to characterize the neuromuscular jumping performance and upper-body horizontal power of elite and subelite volleyball players. In addition, those neuromuscular performances were compared between field positions. One hundred twenty-two male volleyball players participated in the study: 83 elite players (mean ± SD: 24.11 ± 5.57 years) and 39 subelite players (25.38 ± 6.19 years). They were divided according to their playing position: setters (n = 22), opposite hitters (n = 16), middle hitters (n = 30), right-side hitters (n = 38), and liberos (n = 16). Each subject randomly performed 3 repetitions of medicine ball throwing (MBT), countermovement jump (CMJ), CMJ with free arms (CMJFA), and spike jump (SPJ). The results showed no significant differences between positions in the analyzed variables. However, there were differences between elite and subelite in the CMJ (p = 0.000, ηp2 = 0.12), the CMJFA (p = 0.000, ηp2 = 0.15), the SPJ (p = 0.000, ηp2 = 0.21), and MBT (p = 0.001, ηp2 = 0.09), showing a tendency for increased jumping performance and upper-body horizontal power for elite players. The elite opposite hitters and right-side hitters recorded greater CMJ performances (d = 1.20 and d = 1.62, respectively). The right-side hitters were the only group that showed greater horizontal upper-body muscular power (p = 0.000, d = 1.50). It is suggested that jumping performance is a determining factor for higher-level players, which was more relevant for the opposite hitters and right-side hitters. Nevertheless, the movement pattern of MBT seems to be relevant for the right-side hitters. Coaches should seek to develop jumping ability for the improvement of volleyball performances, without disregarding upper-body performances, depending on the position-specific demands.
Comparison of the Effects of Eccentric, Concentric, and Eccentric-Concentric Isotonic Resistance Training at Two Velocities on Strength and Muscle Hypertrophy.

Ünlü, G, Çevikol, C, and Melekoğlu, T. Comparison of the effects of eccentric, concentric, and eccentric-concentric isotonic resistance training at two velocities on strength and muscle hypertrophy. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2019-The aim of this study was to compare the effects of concentric, eccentric, and eccentric-concentric isotonic resistance training at both fast and slow velocities to determine whether contraction modality affects muscle strength and hypertrophy. Forty-one young, healthy males (mean age 21.1 ± 1.8 years; height 178.9 ± 6.1 cm; body mass 70.5 ± 9.8 kg; and body mass index 22.0 ± 2.6 kg·m) were randomly assigned for 12 weeks to 1 of 5 resistance training groups to perform leg extension exercises 3 days a week (fast-eccentric; fast-concentric [FC]; slow-eccentric [SE]; slow-concentric; and concentric-eccentric [CE], 30°·s for slow and 180°·s for fast contractions), or to a nontraining control group (CG). Isotonic strength (1 repetition maximum [1RM]), isokinetic strength (peak torque), and quadriceps femoris muscle volume were measured before and after the 12 weeks of training program. In the early phase of the training period (first 3 weeks), the 1RM values of SE, FC, and CE increased remarkably (19.70, 13.73, and 19.35%, respectively; p < 0.05). Significant increases compared with the CG were found for muscle isotonic strength (∼25-41%, p < 0.001) and isokinetic peak torque at 60°·s (∼13-32%, p < 0.05) in all training groups after the 12 weeks of the training period. No statistically significant interactions between the group and time were found on isokinetic peak torques at 180°·s and muscle volume. Our results, therefore, suggest that all the training modalities in our study have the potential to induce isotonic strength gain in knee extensors, and there is insufficient evidence for the superiority of any specific mode of muscle contraction or velocity.
Comamonas sp. 3ah48 is a dibenz[a,h]anthracene‐degrading bacterium that is tolerant to heavy metals

Industrialization often causes polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) and heavy metal contamination of soil and water. In this study, we isolated a bacterium from bottom mud water around a park of Kawasaki Port, Japan, that degrades the 5‐ring PAH dibenz[a,h]anthracene (DBA). The strain, Comamonas sp. 3ah48, degraded 29% of DBA (30 μg ml−1) in 7 days, and the degradation level increased drastically, to 59%, by the addition of glutamate to the medium. The strain also degraded 40, 14, 15 and 19% of pyrene (Pyr), benzo[b]fluoranthene (BbF), benzo[k]fluoranthene (BkF) and benzo[g,h,i]perylene (BghiP) respectively. Benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) was degraded only when glutamate was added to the medium. Strain 3ah48 retained its degradation levels in the presence of 2 mmol l−1 Co2+, Zn2+ or Cr2+, at almost the same level as that without metal, and increased the DBA degradation level to 57% in the presence of 2 mmol l−1 Cu2+, suggesting the possibility of the presence of laccase.
VES-13 and WHOQOL-bref cutoff points to detect quality of life in older adults in primary health care

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE: To determine Vulnerable Elders Survey (VES-13) and WHOQOL-bref cutoff points to detect poor quality of life (QoL) in older individuals. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study, performed in all primary health care units in Samambaia, DF, Brazil. The data were collected from August 2016 to May 2017. The sample size of 466 older individuals treated in primary health care was obtained considering a 5% margin of error, 95% confidence level, 50% prevalence, and 20% possible losses, in a population of 13,259 older individuals. The subjects answered the VES-13 and WHOQOL-bref questionnaires. They were divided into 3 subgroups: poorQoL (older individuals with self-reported very poor or poor QoL AND very dissatisfied or dissatisfied with their health), goodQoL (very good or good QoL AND very satisfied or satisfied with Health) and indeterminateQoL (NOT belonging to poorQoL or goodQoL subgroups). A receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve was performed with poorQoL (case) versus goodQoL (control) to determine the cutoff score in VES-13 and WHOQOL-bref. A diagnostic test using these cutoffs was carried out in all older individuals (n = 466). RESULTS: The VES-13 and WHOQOL-bref cutoff points to detect poorQoL were ≥ 2 and < 60, respectively. The area under ROC curve of VES-13 and WHOQOL-bref was 0.741 (CI95% 0.659-0.823; p < 0.001) and 0.934 (CI95% 0.881-0.987; p < 0.001), respectively. In diagnostic tests, VES-13 showed 84% sensitivity and 98.2% negative predictive value, and WHOQOL-bref, 88% sensitivity and 99% negative predictive value. CONCLUSIONS: VES-13 score ≥ 2 and WHOQOL-bref score < 60 adequately detected poorQoL in patients treated in primary health care. Our data suggest that older individuals with these scores require special treatment such as geriatrics collaborative care to improve this scenario, considering QoL impact on mortality.
Development and Validation of a Deep-Learning Model to Screen for Hyperkalemia From the Electrocardiogram.

Importance For patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), hyperkalemia is common, associated with fatal arrhythmias, and often asymptomatic, while guideline-directed monitoring of serum potassium is underused. A deep-learning model that enables noninvasive hyperkalemia screening from the electrocardiogram (ECG) may improve detection of this life-threatening condition. Objective To evaluate the performance of a deep-learning model in detection of hyperkalemia from the ECG in patients with CKD. Design, Setting, and Participants A deep convolutional neural network (DNN) was trained using 1 576 581 ECGs from 449 380 patients seen at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, from 1994 to 2017. The DNN was trained using 2 (leads I and II) or 4 (leads I, II, V3, and V5) ECG leads to detect serum potassium levels of 5.5 mEq/L or less (to convert to millimoles per liter, multiply by 1) and was validated using retrospective data from the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota, Florida, and Arizona. The validation included 61 965 patients with stage 3 or greater CKD. Each patient had a serum potassium count drawn within 4 hours after their ECG was recorded. Data were analyzed between April 12, 2018, and June 25, 2018. Exposures Use of a deep-learning model. Main Outcomes and Measures Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) and sensitivity and specificity, with serum potassium level as the reference standard. The model was evaluated at 2 operating points, 1 for equal specificity and sensitivity and another for high (90%) sensitivity. Results Of the total 1 638 546 ECGs, 908 000 (55%) were from men. The prevalence of hyperkalemia in the 3 validation data sets ranged from 2.6% (n = 1282 of 50 099; Minnesota) to 4.8% (n = 287 of 6011; Florida). Using ECG leads I and II, the AUC of the deep-learning model was 0.883 (95% CI, 0.873-0.893) for Minnesota, 0.860 (95% CI, 0.837-0.883) for Florida, and 0.853 (95% CI, 0.830-0.877) for Arizona. Using a 90% sensitivity operating point, the sensitivity was 90.2% (95% CI, 88.4%-91.7%) and specificity was 63.2% (95% CI, 62.7%-63.6%) for Minnesota; the sensitivity was 91.3% (95% CI, 87.4%-94.3%) and specificity was 54.7% (95% CI, 53.4%-56.0%) for Florida; and the sensitivity was 88.9% (95% CI, 84.5%-92.4%) and specificity was 55.0% (95% CI, 53.7%-56.3%) for Arizona. Conclusions and Relevance In this study, using only 2 ECG leads, a deep-learning model detected hyperkalemia in patients with renal disease with an AUC of 0.853 to 0.883. The application of artificial intelligence to the ECG may enable screening for hyperkalemia. Prospective studies are warranted.
Identification and Characterization of Functional Human Monoclonal Antibodies to Plasmodium vivax Duffy-Binding Protein

Key Points P. vivax DPB:DARC interaction is essential for RBC invasion. P. vivax–exposed individuals acquire Abs that block this interaction. Human-derived monoclonal Abs recognize a globally conserved blocking epitope. Plasmodium vivax invasion of reticulocytes relies on distinct receptor-ligand interactions between the parasite and host erythrocytes. Engagement of the highly polymorphic domain II of the P. vivax Duffy-binding protein (DBPII) with the erythrocyte’s Duffy Ag receptor for chemokines (DARC) is essential. Some P. vivax–exposed individuals acquired Abs to DBPII that block DBPII-DARC interaction and inhibit P. vivax reticulocyte invasion, and Ab levels correlate with protection against P. vivax malaria. To better understand the functional characteristics and fine specificity of protective human Abs to DBPII, we sorted single DBPII-specific IgG+ memory B cells from three individuals with high blocking activity to DBPII. We identified 12 DBPII-specific human mAbs from distinct lineages that blocked DBPII-DARC binding. All mAbs were P. vivax strain transcending and targeted known binding motifs of DBPII with DARC. Eleven mAbs competed with each other for binding, indicating recognition of the same or overlapping epitopes. Naturally acquired blocking Abs to DBPII from individuals with high levels residing in different P. vivax–endemic areas worldwide competed with mAbs, suggesting broadly shared recognition sites. We also found that mAbs inhibited P. vivax entry into reticulocytes in vitro. These findings suggest that IgG+ memory B cell activity in individuals with P. vivax strain–transcending Abs to DBPII display a limited clonal response with inhibitory blocking directed against a distinct region of the molecule. Visual Abstract
Classification, bacteriological findings, and analysis of sex hormone receptors and cytokine expression in mammary lesions of abattoir sows

Mammary lesions in sows can prevent suckling piglets from consuming colostrum that provides fundamental nutrients and protective immunity. Although mammary gross lesions are frequently found in sows at farms or slaughterhouses, with the exception of mastitis, they have received little research attention. In this study, we investigated mammary lesions observed in South Korean sows between 2015 and 2016. Mammary tissue samples of 82 sows showing gross lesions during meat inspection were histologically classified and immunohistochemical analysis was conducted to assess the expression of estrogen receptor (ER)-α, ER-β, and progesterone receptor (PR) for mammary hyperplastic lesions as well as that of cluster of differentiation (CD) 3, CD79a, interleukin (IL)-1α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-8 for mastitis. Furthermore, 20 swab samples were cultured, and the isolated bacteria were identified using polymerase chain reactions for 16S ribosomal RNA genes. The lesions were classified as hyperplasia, mastitis, or hyperplasia with mastitis. Immunohistochemistry results revealed that there was neither expression of ER-α nor of ER-β, but all examined hyperplastic samples expressed PR. In addition, there was a significant correlation between CD3 and IL-1β expressions, as well as between IL-1β and IL-6 expressions. Regarding the identity of the isolated bacteria, Pseudomonas spp. were most frequently detected. The results of this study have revealed the incidence and characteristics of porcine mammary lesions.