Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Pulmonary involvement in human visceral leishmaniasis: Clinical and tomographic evaluation

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a severe, systemic and potentially lethal parasitosis. The lung, like any other organ, can be affected in VL, and interstitial pneumonitis has been described in past decades. This research aimed to bring more recent knowledge about respiratory impairment in VL, characterizing pulmonary involvement through clinical, radiographic and tomographic evaluation. This is an observational, cross-sectional study that underwent clinical evaluation, radiography and high-resolution computed tomography of the chest in patients admitted with the diagnosis of VL in a university service in Northeast Brazil, from January 2015 to July 2018. The sample consisted of 42 patients. Computed tomography was considered abnormal in 59% of patients. Images compatible with pulmonary interstitial involvement were predominant (50%). The most observed respiratory symptom was cough (33.3%), followed by tachypnea (14.1%). Chest radiography was altered in only four patients. VL is a disease characterized by systemic involvement and broad spectrum of clinical manifestations. The respiratory symptoms and tomographic alterations found show that the involvement of respiratory system in VL deserves attention because it is more common than previously thought. Chest X-ray may not reveal this impairment.
NaOH-etched/boron-doped nanohydroxyapatite-coated PEEK implants enhance the proliferation and differentiation of osteogenic cells

The aim of the present study is to eliminate the bioinertness of polyetheretherketone (PEEK) material and to increase its osteogenic activity by applying a number of surface modifications in order to discover the most effective method. First, the surface of the bare PEEK (B-PEEK) was mechanically modified by sandblasting (S-PEEK). As a second method, physical modification was provided by etching of B-PEEK in 10 M sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution at 60 °C for 48 h (N-PEEK). Following the sandblasting, S-PEEK samples were also etched with NaOH to obtain SN-PEEK samples. In order to increase osteogenic activity of the mechanically and/or physically modified PEEK samples, they were coated with boron-doped nanohydroxyapatite (B-nHAp) in the presence of microwave energy. Thus, B-PEEK/B-nHAp, S-PEEK/B-nHAp, N-PEEK/B-nHAp and SN-PEEK/B-nHAp samples were obtained. While water contact angles and surface roughness of the B-PEEK samples increased after modification, hydrophilicity increased with B-nHAp coating. Cell culture results demonstrated that high proliferation and differentiation capacities of MC3T3-E1 cells were obtained on the B-nHAP-coated surfaces compared to uncoated specimens. However, channeled texture of both the N-PEEK and N-PEEK/B-nHAp samples enhanced Col1a1 mRNA expression and collagen secretion in addition to increased alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity when compared to other groups. As a result, it was determined that the bioactivity increased on the modified PEEK surfaces, but the most effective osteogenic activity was provided with B-nHAp coatings. The synergetic effect of NaOH etching and B-nHAp coatings might be used as a promising surface modification method to use PEEK material in orthopedic and dental applications with increased osteogenic activity.
Nesfatin-1 suppresses interleukin-1β-induced inflammation, apoptosis, and cartilage matrix destruction in chondrocytes and ameliorates osteoarthritis in rats

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic degenerative joint disease, related to the overexpression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs (ADAMTS), inflammation, and chondrocyte apoptosis. Nesfatin-1 is an adipokine, which plays an important role in the development of OA, especially in obese people. In the present study, cartilage degradation and apoptosis observed in OA patients was evaluated. Furthermore, the anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects of nesfatin-1, and its underlying in vitro and in vivo mechanisms were investigated. The results showed that nesfatin-1 increased significantly the expression of collagen type II alpha 1 chain (Col2a1), and reduced the expression of MMPs, ADAMTS5, cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, caspase-3, nitric oxide (NO), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), interleukin (IL)-6, and chondrocyte apoptosis rate, which may be induced by IL-1β in rat chondrocytes. Furthermore, nesfatin-1 treatment prevented cartilage degeneration in the rat OA model. It was found that nesfatin-1 suppressed the IL-1β-induced activation of NF-κB, the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and the Bax/Bcl-2 signal pathway in chondrocytes. These results suggest that in vivo nesfatin-1 could play a protective role in the development of OA and can be potentially used for its treatment.
Recurrent SRSF2 mutations in MDS affect both splicing and NMD

Here, Rahman et al. looked for a specific role of mutant SRSF2 in nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD). They show that SRSF2 Pro95 hot spot mutations elicit enhanced mRNA decay, which is dependent on sequence-specific RNA binding and splicing, and thus provide new insight into the critical effects of SRSF2 mutants in hematologic malignancies.
Impact of Aortic Arch Anatomy on Technical Performance and Clinical Outcomes in Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Arterial access is a technical consideration of mechanical thrombectomy that may affect procedural time, but few studies exist detailing the relationship of anatomy to procedural times and patient outcomes. We sought to investigate the respective impact of aortic arch and carotid artery anatomy on endovascular procedural times in patients with large-vessel occlusion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed imaging and medical records of 207 patients from 2 academic institutions who underwent mechanical thrombectomy for anterior circulation large-vessel occlusion from January 2015 to July 2018. Preintervention CTAs were assessed to measure features of the aortic arch and ipsilateral great vessel anatomy. These included the cranial-to-caudal distance from the origin of the innominate artery to the top of the aortic arch and the takeoff angle of the respective great vessel from the arch. mRS scores were calculated from rehabilitation and other outpatient documentation. We performed bootstrap, stepwise regressions to model groin puncture to reperfusion time and binary mRS outcomes (good outcome, mRS ≤ 2). RESULTS: From our linear regression for groin puncture to reperfusion time, we found a significant association of the great vessel takeoff angle (P = .002) and caudal distance from the origin of the innominate artery to the top of the aortic arch (P = .05). Regression analysis for the binary mRS revealed a significant association with groin puncture to reperfusion time (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate that patients with larger takeoff angles and extreme aortic arches have an association with longer procedural times as approached from transfemoral access routes.
The enrichment of maternal environment prevents pre-term birth in a mice model.

Maternal lifestyle affects both mother health and pregnancy outcome in humans. Several studies have demonstrated that interventions oriented towards reducing stress and anxiety have positive effects on pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia, excessive gestational weight, gestational diabetes and preterm birth. In this work, we showed that the environmental enrichment (EE), defined as a noninvasive and biological significant stimulus of the sensory pathway combined with voluntary physical activity, prevented preterm birth (PTB) rate in a 41% in an inflammatory mouse model induced by the systemic administration of bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Furthermore, we found that EE modulates maternal metabolism and produces an anti-inflammatory environment that contributes to pregnancy maintenance. In pregnant mice uterus, EE reduces the expression of TLR4 and CD14 (the LPS receptor and its coactivator protein), preventing the LPS-induced increase in PGE2 and PGF2α release and nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity. In cervical tissue, EE inhibits cervical ripening events, such as PGE2 release, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 increased activity and neutrophil recruitment, therefore conserving cervical function. It seems that EE exposure could mimic the stress and anxiety-reducing techniques mentioned above, explaining, at least partially, the beneficial effects of having a healthy lifestyle before and during gestation. Furthermore, we propose that designing an EE protocol for humans could be a noninvasive and preventive therapy for pregnancy complications, averting pre-term birth occurrence and dreaded sequelae that are present in the offspring born to soon.
Community assembly of the native C. elegans microbiome is influenced by time, substrate, and individual bacterial taxa.

Microbiome communities are complex assemblages of bacteria. The dissection of their assembly dynamics is challenging, because it requires repeated sampling of both host and source communities. We used the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans as a model to study these dynamics. We characterized microbiome variation from natural worm populations and their substrates for two consecutive years using 16S rDNA amplicon sequencing. We found conservation in microbiome composition across time at the genus, but not amplicon sequencing variant (ASV) level. Only three ASVs were consistently present across worm samples (Comamonas ASV10859, Pseudomonas ASV7162, and Cellvibrio ASV9073). ASVs were more diverse in worms from different rather than the same substrates, indicating an influence of the source community on microbiome assembly. Surprisingly, almost 50% of worm-associated ASVs were absent in corresponding substrates, potentially due to environmental filtering. Ecological network analysis revealed strong effects of bacteria-bacteria interactions on community composition: While a dominant Erwinia strain correlated with decreased alpha-diversity, predatory bacteria of the Bdellovibrio and like organisms (BALOs) associated with increased alpha-diversity. High alpha-diversity was further linked to high worm population growth, especially on species-poor substrates. Our results highlight that microbiomes are individually shaped and sensitive to dramatic community shifts in response to particular competitive species. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Surgical Approach Options for Pilon Fractures

Pilon fractures are often caused by high-energy axial loads that create complex articular fracture patterns and significant soft tissue damage. This constellation of injuries in an anatomic region with limited soft tissue coverage and tenuous perfusion creates a surgical challenge with the potential for high rates of complications. The goals in surgically treating pilon fractures include achieving an anatomic articular reduction with stable fixation while minimizing disruption to the soft tissue envelope. Even after achieving anatomic reductions, clinical outcomes after surgical treatment of high-energy pilon fractures are often determined by the integrity of the surrounding soft tissue. This demands an intimate knowledge of the surgical anatomy of the lower leg and the approaches available to address these fractures. Here we review various surgical approaches that can be used for reduction and fixation of pilon fractures, including indications and limitations of each approach. Although no surgical approach is suitable for all patients with pilon fractures, an understanding of indications and limitations of several approaches will aid in selection of the most beneficial approach for each injury.
A qualitative evaluation of participants' experiences of using co‐design to develop a collective leadership educational intervention for health‐care teams

Co‐design involves stakeholders as design partners to ensure a better fit to user needs. Many benefits of involving stakeholders in design processes have been proposed; however, few studies have evaluated participants’ experience of co‐design in the development of educational interventions. As part of a larger study, health‐care professionals, researchers and patients co‐designed a collective leadership intervention for health‐care teams. This study evaluated their experiences of the co‐design process.
Structures related to pheromone storage in alar androconia and the female abdominal scent gland of Heliconius erato phyllis, Heliconius ethilla narcaea, and Heliconius besckei (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae: Heliconiinae)

We describe the morphology of alar androconia and the female abdominal scent gland of Heliconius erato phyllis, Heliconius ethilla narcaea, and Heliconius besckei. Androconial scales of Heliconius, which are arranged in overlapping wing bands, release pheromones during courtship, probably through vibratory movements of male wings over the female to induce her to mate. An antiaphrodisiac is produced by glands located in the valves of the male and is transferred during copulation to the yellow dorsal abdominal sac present in the virgin female, causing this sac to emit a scent that reduces the attractiveness of the female for courtship with other males. Stereomicroscopy, SEM, and TEM analyses were conducted to describe the morphology of the internal and external scales and the external abdominal scent sac. The findings revealed different sizes of external androconial scales and an internal group of porous structural vesicles that are probably related to the preservation of internal space, reception and storage of secretions, and elimination of volatiles when the male is actively involved in courtship. Translucent projections on the female abdominal scent sac create open reservoirs for the reception, storage, and emission of antiaphrodisiac volatiles along with stink clubs. Male valve denticles vary in form and probably attach securely to the female sac during mating, thus ensuring secretion transfer. These features are discussed in the context of a comparative analysis.
Cyp26b1 is an essential regulator of distal airway epithelial differentiation during lung development

ABSTRACT Proper organ development depends on coordinated communication between multiple cell types. Retinoic acid (RA) is an autocrine and paracrine signaling molecule essential for the development of most organs, including the lung. Despite extensive work detailing effects of RA deficiency in early lung morphogenesis, little is known about how RA regulates late gestational lung maturation. Here, we investigate the role of the RA catabolizing protein Cyp26b1 in the lung. Cyp26b1 is highly enriched in lung endothelial cells (ECs) throughout development. We find that loss of Cyp26b1 leads to reduction of alveolar type 1 cells, failure of alveolar inflation and early postnatal lethality in mouse. Furthermore, we observe expansion of distal epithelial progenitors, but no appreciable changes in proximal airways, ECs or stromal populations. Exogenous administration of RA during late gestation partially mimics these defects; however, transcriptional analyses comparing Cyp26b1−/− with RA-treated lungs reveal overlapping, but distinct, responses. These data suggest that defects observed in Cyp26b1−/− lungs are caused by both RA-dependent and RA-independent mechanisms. This work reports crucial cellular crosstalk during lung development involving Cyp26b1-expressing endothelium and identifies a novel RA modulator in lung development. Highlighted Article: Loss of Cyp26b1 results in neonatal lethality due to failure of distal lung epithelial differentiation, with increased AT2 and decreased AT1 cell types.
Natural variation on whole-plant form in the wild is influenced by multivariate soil nutrient characteristics: natural selection acts on root traits.

PREMISE In the complex soil nutrient environments of wild populations of annual plants, in general, low nutrient availability restricts growth and alters root-shoot relationships. However, our knowledge of natural selection on roots in field settings is limited. We sought to determine whether selection acts directly on root traits and to identify which components of the soil environment were potential agents of selection. METHODS We studied wild native populations of Arabidopsis thaliana across 4 years, measuring aboveground and belowground traits and analyzing soil nutrients. Using multivariate methods, we examined patterns of natural selection and identified soil attributes that contributed to whole-plant form. In a common garden experiment at two field sites with contrasting soil texture, we examined patterns of selection on root and shoot traits. RESULTS In wild populations, we uncovered selection for above- and belowground size and architectural traits. We detected variation through time and identified soil components that influenced fruit production. In the garden experiment, we detected a distinct positive selection for total root length at the site with greater water-holding capacity and negative selection for measures of root architecture at the field site with reduced nutrient availability and water holding capacity. CONCLUSIONS Patterns of natural selection on belowground traits varied through time, across field sites and experimental gardens. Simultaneous investigations of above- and belowground traits reveal trait functional relationships on which natural selection can act, highlighting the influence of edaphic features on evolutionary processes in wild annual plant populations.
GPR160 de-orphanization reveals critical roles in neuropathic pain in rodents.

Treating neuropathic pain is challenging and novel non-opioid based medicines are needed. Using unbiased receptomics, transcriptomic analyses, immunofluorescence and in situ hybridization, we found the expression of the orphan GPCR (oGPCR) Gpr160 and GPR160 increased in the rodent dorsal horn of the spinal cord (DH-SC) following traumatic nerve injury. Genetic and immunopharmacological approaches demonstrated that GPR160 inhibition in the spinal cord prevented and reversed neuropathic pain in male and female rodents without altering normal pain response. GPR160 inhibition in the spinal cord attenuated sensory processing in the thalamus, a key relay in the sensory discriminative pathways of pain. We also identified cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript peptide (CARTp) as a GPR160 ligand. Inhibiting endogenous CARTp signaling in spinal cord attenuated neuropathic pain, whereas exogenous intrathecal (i.th.) CARTp evoked painful hypersensitivity through GPR160-dependent ERK and cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB). Our findings de-orphanize GPR160, identify it as a determinant of neuropathic pain and potential therapeutic target, and provide insights to its signaling pathways. CARTp is involved in many diseases including depression, reward and addiction, de-orphanization of GPR160 is a major step forward understanding the role of CARTp signaling in health and disease.
Association between interleukin-10 -1082A/G polymorphism and risk of ischemic stroke

Abstract The Interleukin-10 -1082A/G polymorphism has been indicated to be correlated with ischemic stroke susceptibility, but the results of studies are still debatable. Thus, a meta-analysis was carried out. Databases including PubMed, Embase, and CNKI were searched. Data were extracted and odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. 12 case-control studies with 2722 cases and 2405 controls were included in this meta-analysis. IL-10 -1082A/G polymorphism may decrease the risk of ischemic stroke (G vs A: OR = 0.72, 95% CI: 0.59–0.87; GG vs AA: OR = 0.59, 95% CI:0.48–0.74; AG vs AA: OR = 0.69, 95% CI: 0.51–0.93; GG+AG vs AA: OR = 0.65, 95% CI: 0.50–0.84; GG vs AG+AA: OR = 0.71, 95% CI: 0.55–0.93). Meanwhile, similar results were also observed in matched studies, hospital-based subgroup, Asians, and large sample-size studies. In conclusion, this meta-analysis suggested that the IL-10 -1082A/G polymorphism contributes to decreased ischemic stroke risk. Further large-scale and well-designed studies are still needed to confirm the results of our meta-analysis.
Complications of hardware removal in pediatric upper limb surgery

Abstract Previous studies indicated that hardware removal may lead to increased morbidity and therefore, at least in adults, remains questionable for certain indications. However, risks such as corrosion or local reactions may be less likely in younger patients with current, improved hardware materials. We sought to retrospectively determine complication rates of hardware removal in pediatric upper limb surgery, and establish potential risk factors for increased morbidity. All children and adolescents who underwent inpatient hardware removal under anesthesia after previous upper limb surgery between 2002 and 2016 were retrospectively evaluated. The following details were extracted at the latest follow-up: demographics, implant location, hardware material, duration of surgery, duration of hardware in situ, and any complications graded according to Goslings et al (grade 0–5) and Sink et al (grade 1–5), respectively. Correlations were calculated to establish potential relationships between specific outcome parameters (e.g., location, duration of surgery etc.) and complication grades. A total of 2089 children were evaluated of whom 317 patients with 449 interventions (mean age 9.4 years) fulfilled the inclusion criteria for this study. Overall, 203 K-wires (46%), 97 plates (22%), 102 external fixators (23%), 32 intramedullary nails (7%), 6 screws (1%), 4 cerclages (1%) and 1 pin (0.2%) were removed; most common locations were the forearm (34%) and humerus (24%). The mean duration of surgery was 40 minutes (± 50.9), mean time in situ was 194 days (± 319.6). Complication rates were low overall, with most being grade 0 (n = 372; 83%) or 1 (n = 60; 13%) according to Goslings et al and grade 1 (n = 386; 86%) and 2 (n = 42; 9%) according to Sink et al. No severe complications were observed. The following predictors were related to the severity of the complications in linear regression analysis: more distal localizations, external fixators, longer duration of surgery and female sex. Hardware removal under anesthesia in the pediatric upper extremity has produced a low complication rate with no severe complications and can thus be considered to be safe. Increased morbidity occurred in more distal localizations, external fixators, longer surgeries and females. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic, Level IV.