Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Reduced Recovery Capacity After Major Trauma in the Elderly: Results of a Prospective Multicenter Registry-Based Cohort Study

Aims: Considering the worldwide trend of an increased lifetime, geriatric trauma is moving into focus. Trauma is a leading cause of hospitalization, leading to disability and mortality. The purpose of this study was to compare the global health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of geriatric patients with adult patients after major trauma. Methods: This multicenter prospective registry-based observational study compares HRQoL of patients aged ≥65 years who sustained major trauma (Injury Severity Score (ISS) ≥ 16) with patients <65 years of age within the trauma registry of the German Trauma Society (DGU). The global HRQoL was measured at 6, 12, and 24 months post trauma using the EQ-5D-3L score. Results: We identified 405 patients meeting the inclusion criteria with a mean ISS of 25.6. Even though the geriatric patients group (≥65 years, n = 77) had a lower ISS (m = 24, SD = 8) than patients aged <65 years (n = 328), they reported more difficulties in each EQ dimension compared to patients <65 years. Contrary to patients < 65, the EQ-5D Index of the geriatric patients did not improve at 12 and 24 months after trauma. Conclusions: We found a limited HRQoL in both groups after major trauma. The group of patients ≥65 showed no improvement in HRQoL from 6 to 24 months after trauma.
Prevalence and predictors of postoperative peritoneal dialysis in infants

Background Data regarding predictors of the eventual need for postoperative peritoneal dialysis in infants undergoing open heart surgery is still limited. We aimed to determine whether prolonged cardiopulmonary bypass time, surgical complexity classified according to Risk Adjustment for Congenital Heart Surgery category, younger age, and lower body weight increase the probability of requiring postoperative peritoneal dialysis. Methods We retrospectively analyzed data of 181 infants who underwent open heart surgery at our institution from January 1 to December 31, 2018. Cardiopulmonary bypass time, Risk Adjustment for Congenital Heart Surgery category, age, body weight, and the need for postoperative peritoneal dialysis were recorded and analyzed. Results Thirteen (7.2%) of the 181 patients required postoperative peritoneal dialysis. This group was found to have a longer cardiopulmonary bypass time, younger age, and lower body weight. Longer cardiopulmonary bypass time (p = 0.001), higher Risk Adjustment for Congenital Heart Surgery category (p = 0.018), younger age (p < 0.001), and lower body weight (p < 0.001) significantly increased the risk of postoperative peritoneal dialysis. Conclusion Longer cardiopulmonary bypass time, more complex surgery, younger age, and lower body weight increase the probability of requiring postoperative peritoneal dialysis in infants undergoing open heart surgery.
Predictive biomarkers of response for PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors: a cumbersome gold rush

Programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) and its ligand programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) are overexpressed in a number of human malignancies. More interestingly, their expression has been associated with patient survival in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), melanoma, renal cell carcinoma, esophageal, pancreatic and colorectal carcinoma, with the data commonly suggesting a negative prognostic role. In this review, we summarize the pros and cons regarding the predictive role of PD-L1 expression in candidate patients for checkpoint inhibitors. Furthermore, we discuss the potential predictive role of other biomarkers, such as tumor mutational burden, microsatellite instability, mismatch repair deficiency and tumor infiltrating lymphocytes. We conclude that PD-L1 testing probably represents simply a “snapshot” of an intricate, fluctuating and dynamic process, that in turn represents the interplay between the immune system and cancer. The PD-L1 assay can be considered more useful for response stratification than in patient selection.
Laparoscopic versus open wedge resection for gastrointestinal stromal tumors of the stomach: a meta-analysis

Introduction With the rapid development of minimally invasive surgery, laparoscopic (LAP) wedge resection has become the first-choice treatment for primary gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) of the stomach. Aim To investigate the safety and feasibility of LAP wedge resection and the choice of surgical treatment for GISTs of the stomach through a meta-analysis and systematic review. Material and methods The literature was widely searched for comparative studies on open (OPEN) and LAP wedge resection for GISTs published before April 2017. The articles were selected after quality assessment. Results Ten reports met the inclusion criteria, with a total sample size of 485 cases. The operation time was similar between the 2 groups (weighted mean difference (WMD): 8.67 min, 95% confidence interval (CI): –8.60 to 25.94, p = 0.33). However, LAP resulted in less blood loss (WMD –32.20 ml, 95% CI: –56.15 to –8.26, p < 0.01), earlier time to flatus (WMD –1.48 days, 95% CI: –1.90 to –1.06, p < 0.01) and to an oral diet (WMD –1.50 days, 95% CI: –2.25 to –0.47, p < 0.01), shorter hospital stay (WMD –2.03 days, 95% CI: –2.68 to –1.38, p < 0.01), and a decreased overall complication rate (relative risk: 0.48, 95% CI: 0.25–0.89, p = 0.01) compared with OPEN. Moreover, long-term follow-up findings indicated no obvious difference between the 2 groups. Conclusions The use of LAP wedge resection for suitable cases is safe and feasible because it causes less blood loss and fewer overall complications and enables faster recovery.
An overview of the immune mechanisms of viral myocarditis

Viral myocarditis has been identified as a major cause of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) that can lead to heart failure. Historically, Coxsackieviruses and adenoviruses have been commonly suspected in myocarditis/DCM patients in North America and Europe. However, this notion is changing as other viruses such as Parvovirus B19 and human herpesvirus‐6 are increasingly reported as causes of myocarditis in the United States, with the most recent example being the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, causing the Coronavirus Disease‐19. The mouse model of Coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3)‐induced myocarditis, which may involve mediation of autoimmunity, is routinely used in the study of immune pathogenesis of viral infections as triggers of DCM. In this review, we discuss the immune mechanisms underlying the development of viral myocarditis with an emphasis on autoimmunity in the development of post‐infectious myocarditis induced with CVB3.
Rtpca: an R package for differential thermal proximity coaggregation analysis

Abstract Summary Rtpca is an R package implementing methods for inferring protein–protein interactions (PPIs) based on thermal proteome profiling experiments of a single condition or in a differential setting via an approach called thermal proximity coaggregation. It offers user-friendly tools to explore datasets for their PPI predictive performance and easily integrates with available R packages. Availability and implementation Rtpca is available from Bioconductor (https://bioconductor.org/packages/Rtpca). Supplementary information Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Emulsion PCR (ePCR) as a Tool to Improve the Power of DGGE Analysis for Microbial Population Studies

To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report of the use of emulsion-Polymerase chain reaction (e-PCR) coupled with denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) analysis. In the present work the effectiveness of ePCR in improving the power of the DGGE technique for microbial population studies was tested. Our results indicated that ePCR results in uniform amplification of several DNA molecules, overcoming the major limitations of conventional PCR, such as preferential amplification and DNA concentration dependence. Moreover, ePCR-DGGE resulted in higher sensitivity when compared to conventional PCR-DGGE methods used for studying microbial populations in a complex matrix. In fact, compared to conventional PCR, the DGGE profiles of ePCR products permitted the detection of a higher number of the species that were present in the tested sample.
Screening and identification of secondary metabolites in the bark of Bauhinia variegata to treat Alzheimer’s disease by using molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations

Abstract Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and Butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) acts as a promising protein targets for which drug as an inhibitor can be designed to treat Alzheimer’s Disease. Different flavonoids and alkaloids of Bauhinia variegata were used as an inhibitor to target the protein. The current in silico study was carried out to explore the binding patterns of flavanoids and alkaloids against Acetylcholinesterase (PDB ID: 4PQE) and Butyrylcholinesterase (PDB ID: 1P0I) using molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations approach. Molecular docking result shows that Dihydroquercetin (CID:439533) binds with the active region of AChE and BChE. Using molsoft, molinspiration, and pkCSM all the properties of the candidate were analyzed. The best compound Dihydroquercetin was compared with Donepezil drug through molecular dynamic simulation studies. The analysis of Molecular Dynamics Simulations showed that AChE and AChE-Dihydroquercetin complex became stable at 3000 ps and there was little conformational change in BChE and BChE-Dihydroquercetin complex. The in silico study finally predicts that Dihydroquercetin may act as a good inhibitor for treating Alzheimer’s disease and further in vitro and in vivo studies may prove its therapeutic potential. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma
Comparison of clinical characteristics and outcomes of infective endocarditis between haemodialysis and non-haemodialysis patients in China

Objective To clarify differences in clinical characteristics and outcomes between patients with infective endocarditis (IE) receiving long-term haemodialysis (HD group) and those not receiving haemodialysis (non-HD group). Methods Medical records of patients with IE, admitted to hospital between January 2010 and December 2017, were retrospectively studied. Clinical characteristics and outcomes were compared between HD and non-HD groups. Risk factors for IE were assessed by COX regression. Results Twenty-one HD and 143 non-HD patients were included. Predisposing heart conditions were more frequently observed in the non-HD versus HD group (90.9% versus 19.0%). Inappropriate antibiotic therapy rate before admission and proportion of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus-associated IE was higher in the HD versus non-HD group. In the HD group, fewer patients underwent heart surgery (9.5% versus 51.7%), all-cause in-hospital mortality was higher (52.4% versus 21%), and survival rate was lower versus the non-HD group. COX regression analysis revealed that haemodialysis, use of central venous catheter (CVC) and inappropriate antibiotic therapy before admission increased IE mortality, while surgery improved long-term prognosis. Conclusions Haemodialysis patients with IE may have higher mortality and lower survival rates than patients with IE not receiving haemodialysis. Haemodialysis, use of CVC and inappropriate antibiotic therapy before admission may increase IE mortality. Surgery may improve long-term prognosis.
Conformational selection of allergen-antibody complexes—surface plasticity of paratopes and epitopes

Abstract Antibodies have the ability to bind various types of antigens and to recognize different antibody-binding sites (epitopes) of the same antigen with different binding affinities. Due to the conserved structural framework of antibodies, their specificity to antigens is mainly determined by their antigen-binding site (paratope). Therefore, characterization of epitopes in combination with describing the involved conformational changes of the paratope upon binding is crucial in understanding and predicting antibody-antigen binding. Using molecular dynamics simulations complemented with strong experimental structural information, we investigated the underlying binding mechanism and the resulting local and global surface plasticity in the binding interfaces of distinct antibody-antigen complexes. In all studied allergen-antibody complexes, we clearly observe that experimentally suggested epitopes reveal less plasticity, while non-epitope regions show high surface plasticity. Surprisingly, the paratope shows higher conformational diversity reflected in substantially higher surface plasticity, compared to the epitope. This work allows a visualization and characterization of antibody-antigen interfaces and might have strong implications for antibody-antigen docking and in the area of epitope prediction.
Chloroplast development in Rye coleoptiles

In the parenchyma cells of 1-d-old dark-grown rye coleoptiles (Secale cereale) proplastids occurred which sometimes contained starch grains. During coleoptile growth in darkness starch-filled amyloplasts are formed from the preexisting proplastids. No prolamellar bodies were observed in the stroma of the plastids of the etiolated coleoptile. After irradiation of 3-d-old etiolated coleoptiles with continuous white light three different types of plastids occurred. In the epidermal cells proplastids were observed. The parenchyma cells below the stomata of the outer epidermis (above the two vascular bundles) contained mature, spindle-shaped chloroplasts with a well-developed thylakoid system. In the parenchyma cells that surround the vascular bundles amyloplasts with some thylakoid membranes (chloroamyloplasts) occurred. The mesophyll cells of the primary leaves of dark-grown seedlings contained etioplasts with large prolamellar bodies. In the primary leaves of irradiated plants chloroplasts similar to those of the parenchyma cells of the coleoptile were observed. Our results show that the rye coleoptile, which grows underground as a heterotrophic organ, is capable of developing mature chloroplasts upon reaching the light above the soil surface. The significance of this expression of photosynthetic capacity for the carbon economy of the developing seedling is discussed.
The relationship between the heart-type fatty acid binding protein levels, carotid intima media thickness and epicardial fat thickness in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.

Introduction In this study, we aimed to evaluate the relationship between carotid artery intima-media thickness, epicardial fat thickness measurement and the levels of heart-type fatty acid binding protein (hFABP) in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). Materials and Methods Ninety-nine newly diagnosed OSAS patients and fifty non-OSAS control subjects were enrolled in this study. In both groups, demographic data such as age, sex, body mass index (BMI) were recorded and carotid intima-media thickness (CMIT) and epicardial fat thickness (EFT) were measured. hFABP levels were determined using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method according to the manufacturer's protocols. Result Patients with OSAS 67% male, 33% female gender is determined. The mean age of control group was 43.28 ± 12.12 years and group of OSAS was 47.85 ± 11.55 years (p= 0.026). In OSAS group; 38 mild OSAS (38.38%), 23 moderate OSAS (23.23%) and 38 severe OSAS (38.38%) patients were identified. In OSAS patients, average of apnea hypopnea index (AHI) was 29.83/hours. A positive correlation was observed between BMI with EFT and CMIT (p< 0.05). hFABP levels in OSAS group average was 2.65 ± 2.1 ng/mL and in control group average was 1.62 ± 0.90 ng/mL and this was statistically significant (p= 0.002). EFT, in the control group average was 5.3 ± 2.04 mm, while the average was 4.3 ± 1.79 mm in the OSAS group (p= 0.019). The correlation was observed between the CMIT and EFT (p< 0.001). There was no significant difference in BMI and gender between OSAS and control groups. No accompanying cardiovascular disease was detected in patients with OSAS. Conclusions This study suggests EFT and hFABP can be used as a predictive value in determining cardiovascular risk in OSAS patients.
Gene design, optimization of protein expression and preliminary evaluation of a new chimeric protein for the serological diagnosis of both human and canine visceral leishmaniasis

Background Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a major neglected disease, potentially fatal, whose control is still impaired by inefficient and/or expensive treatment and diagnostic methods. The most promising approach for VL diagnosis uses serological assays with recombinant proteins, since they are more efficient and easier to perform. Tests developed for the human form of the disease, however, have not been shown to be efficient for its diagnosis in the canine host, the major reservoir for the American VL. Methodology/Principal findings Here, we describe a systematic approach aimed at the production of a new chimeric protein potentially able to be used for both human and canine VL diagnosis and based both on in silico gene design and experimental data. Starting from the previous identification of Leishmania infantum recombinant antigens efficient for the diagnosis of either human or canine VL, three of the best performing antigens were selected (Lci2, Lci3 and Lci12). After a preliminary evaluation validating the chimeric approach, DNA fragments encoding predicted antigenic regions from each protein, enriched with repeats, were joined in various combinations to generate a total of seventeen chimeric genes optimized for prokaryotic expression. These were assessed for optimal expression and purification yield, with four chimeric proteins being efficiently produced. Their diagnostic potential was then evaluated through ELISA assays with sera from VL afflicted humans and dogs. After two rounds of gene design, the results showed high levels of sensitivity for the best chimeric protein, named Q5, in humans (82%) and dogs (100%) with 100% specificity in comparison with healthy controls. A single non-specific reaction was seen with serum from individuals with tegumentary leishmaniasis. Conclusion The newly described chimeric protein is potentially useful for the detection of both humans and dogs afflicted with VL, with its use in rapid tests necessary for validation as a new diagnostic tool.
Infective Endocarditis After Transcatheter Versus Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement: A Meta-Analysis

We determined the incidence, clinical characteristics, and risk factors of post-transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR)–associated infective endocarditis (IE). We compared the incidence of IE after TAVR versus after surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR). The incidence rate of IE 1-year post-TAVR was 0.9% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.8-1.0). Transcatheter aortic valve replacement was associated with significantly reduced IE incidence (incidence rate ratio: 0.69, 95% CI: 0.52-0.92, P = .011) compared with SAVR. In patients with TAVR IE, the pooled in-hospital mortality was 37.8% (95% CI: 32.4-43.3, I 2 = 54.9%). Pooled adjusted hazard ratio (HR) revealed that peri-procedural peripheral artery disease (HR: 4.02, 95% CI: 2.28-7.10, P < .0001), moderate or severe residual aortic regurgitation (HR: 2.34, 95% CI: 1.53-3.59, P < .0001), orotracheal intubation (HR: 2.13, 95% CI: 1.19-3.82, P = .011), and male gender (HR: 1.70, 95% CI: 1.47-1.97, P < .0001) were risk factors for post-TAVR IE. Post-TAVR IE is a life-threatening complication often resulting in in-hospital mortality. The current evidence-based meta-analysis to identify risk factors may lead to the development of effective preventive and therapeutic strategies for post-TAVR IE to ultimately improve patient outcomes.
Identification of the novel COL5A1 c.3369_3431dup, p.(Glu1124_Gly1144dup) variant in a patient with incomplete classical Ehlers–Danlos syndrome: The importance of phenotype‐guided genetic testing

Classical Ehlers–Danlos syndrome (cEDS) is a connective tissue disorder mainly caused by heterozygous COL5A1 or COL5A2 variants encoding type V collagen and rarely by the p.(Arg312Cys) missense substitution in COL1A1 encoding type I collagen. The current EDS nosology specifies that minimal suggestive criteria are marked skin hyperextensibility plus atrophic scarring together with either generalized joint hypermobility or at least three minor criteria comprising additional cutaneous and articular signs. To reach a final diagnosis, molecular testing is required. Herein, we report on a 3‐year‐old female who came to our attention with an inconclusive next generation sequencing (NGS) panel comprising all cEDS‐associated genes.
Indirect pathological indicators for cardiac sarcoidosis on endomyocardial biopsy

Background The definitive pathologic diagnosis of cardiac sarcoidosis requires observation of a granuloma in the myocardial tissue. It is common, however, to receive a “negative” report for a clinically probable case. We would like to advise pathologists and clinicians on how to interpret “negative” biopsies. Methods Our study samples were 27 endomyocardial biopsies from 25 patients, three cardiac transplantation and an autopsied heart with suspected cardiac sarcoidosis. Pathologic, radiologic, and clinical features were compared. Results The presence of micro-granulomas or increased histiocytic infiltration was always (6/6 or 100%) associated with fatty infiltration and confluent fibrosis, and they showed radiological features of sarcoidosis. Three of five cases (60%) with fatty change and confluent fibrosis were probable for cardiac sarcoidosis on radiology. When either confluent fibrosis or fatty change was present, one-third (3/9) were radiologically probable for cardiac sarcoidosis. We interpreted cases with micro-granuloma as positive for cardiac sarcoidosis (five of 25, 20%). Cases with both confluent fibrosis and fatty change were interpreted as probable for cardiac sarcoidosis (seven of 25, 28%). Another 13 cases, including eight cases with either confluent fibrosis or fatty change, were interpreted as low probability based on endomyocardial biopsy. Conclusions The presence of micro-granuloma could be an evidence for positive diagnosis of cardiac sarcoidosis. Presence of both confluent fibrosis and fatty change is necessary for probable cardiac sarcoidosis in the absence of granuloma. Either of confluent fibrosis or fatty change may be an indirect pathological evidence but they are interpreted as nonspecific findings.
Epibiotic Bacteria on Several Ciliates from Marine Sediments

ABSTRACT Bacterial epibionts were observed on the surface of the marine sediment ciliate Geleia fossata. Rod‐shaped bacteria, from 2‐10 X103 per ciliate, were universally positioned in ciliated grooves, in apparent spatial association with dikinetids. SEM and TEM examination of the ciliates confirmed that a tight affiliation exists between the epibiotic bacteria and ciliate cortex infrastructures. These observations, as well as the distinct bacterial distribution pattern over ciliate surface, suggest that there is a close epibiont/host physiological integration. Epibiotic bacteria were also observed on the surfaces of other sediment ciliates from the genera Loxophyllum, Tracheloraphis, Geleia, Paraspathidium, and Cyclidium. These findings indicate that the bacterial/protozoa associations are widespread in the marine benthic environment. The potential benefits for both epibionts and their hosts are discussed.