Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Undiagnosed tuberculosis in patients with HIV infection who present with severe anaemia at a district hospital

Background Tuberculosis (TB) is a major cause of severe anaemia in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in South Africa. However, TB can be difficult to diagnose as it may be extra pulmonary and paucibacillary. Aim The aim of this study was to investigate undiagnosed TB in patients with HIV infection and severe anaemia and to identify the optimal investigations for diagnosing TB. Setting Mthatha General Hospital, a district hospital. Methods The study was a case series. Results Haemoglobin levels ranged from 3.6 g/dL to 7.9 g/dL, the mean CD4 count was 176 cells/μL and 80% of patients had a positive TB symptom screen. Forty-three (86%) patients had either clinical or bacteriologically proven TB of whom 33 had pulmonary TB, 34 had extra pulmonary TB and 24 had both types. The diagnostic yield for TB was: chest X-ray (CXR) 91%; ultrasound (US) abdomen pericardium and lower chest 62%; sputum Xpert MTB/RIF 35%; TB blood culture 21% and TB urine culture 15%. Blood and urine cultures did not identify any additional cases over those identified by CXR and US. The laboratory turnaround times were as follows: sputum Xpert, 1.6 days; blood culture, 20 days and urine culture, 28 days. CXR and US were done within one day of initial patient assessment. Conclusions The majority of HIV patients with severe anaemia had TB disease, and extra pulmonary TB was as prevalent as pulmonary TB. CXR, US and sputum Xpert were the optimum tests for rapid diagnosis of TB. South African national TB/HIV guidelines should incorporate these specific tests to diagnose TB in patients with HIV and severe anaemia.
The Association Between Perceived Stress and Low Back Pain Among Eldercare Workers in Japan

Objective: We investigated the association between perceived stress and low back pain (LBP) among Japanese eldercare workers. Methods: Self-reported questionnaires were completed regarding perceived stress (Perceived Stress Scale-14), presence of memorable LBP in the preceding month, and other relevant factors (age, sex, body mass index, smoking status, job demands, job control, and social support) among 954 eldercare workers. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were performed to estimate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). Results: Data from 571 eldercare workers were analyzed. In the multivariate logistic regression model, higher perceived stress was significantly associated with a higher prevalence of memorable LBP (adjusted OR [95% CI] = 1.05 [1.02 to 1.08]). Conclusions: Higher perceived stress was independently associated with LBP among eldercare workers. Our study indicates the importance of considering perceived stress as one of the factors related to LBP.
Receipt of Depression Treatment From General Medical Providers and Specialty Mental Health Providers.

OBJECTIVE This study compared sociodemographic characteristics and health conditions of adults with a major depressive episode who received treatment from general medical providers or specialty mental health providers. METHODS The sample included 17,700 respondents ages 18-64 from the 2008-2012 National Survey on Drug Use and Health who met the DSM-IV criteria for a major depressive episode in the past 12 months and of whom 8,900 (61.5%) received treatment for depression. RESULTS Approximately 21% of adults with a major depressive episode received depression care from general providers only, 19% from specialists only, and 19% from both. Compared with adults receiving care from general providers only, adults who received care from both types of provider were younger, had higher education, were more likely to have suicidal ideation and functional impairment, and were more likely to reside in a county with more psychiatrists providing patient care. These adults, compared with those who received care from a specialty mental health provider only, were more likely to be female, have higher education, have a greater number of general medical comorbidities, and have functional impairment, but they were less likely to be non-Hispanic black or Hispanic. CONCLUSIONS Adults with major depressive episodes who received depression care from both general and specialty providers differed from those who received care from either provider type. Continued efforts to understand differences in depression care in specialty mental health and general medical settings may help improve the provision of mental health services as health care reform continues.
The Sustained Effects on Tear Volume of Pilocarpine Hydrochloride in Gelatin by Hydrogel Administered by An Implant-mediated Drug Delivery System.

BACKGROUND Pilocarpine hydrochloride is commonly prescribed to patients with dry mouth and eye using a frequent dosing schedule. The aim of this study was to evaluate the sustained effects of this highly soluble drug carried by a gelatin hydrogel, which was administered by an implant mediated drug delivery system (IMDDS). METHODS The IMDDS was installed in a total of 24 rabbits. After complete healing, pilocarpine hydrochloride was administered as 30 mg as raw powder (Group 1; n = 8), 30 mg in gelatin hydrogel (Group 2; n = 8), and 60 mg in gelatin hydrogel (Group 3; n = 8). The effects were evaluated by tear volume measured using the Schirmer tear test for 2 weeks after administration. RESULTS All 3 groups showed an increase in tear volume from the initial measurement at 1 hour. Group 1 exhibited this increase for 24 hours, while Groups 2 and 3 sustained this increase for 5 days and 7.5 days, respectively. CONCLUSION When provided in gelatin hydrogel, highly water-soluble pilocarpine hydrochloride administered through IMDDS resulted in sustained effects with increased tear volume in normal rabbits.
An Improved Variant of Soybean Type 1 Diacylglycerol Acyltransferase Increases the Oil Content and Decreases the Soluble Carbohydrate Content of Soybeans[OPEN]

Variants of diacylglycerol acyltransferase with improved kinetic parameters were much more effective than wild-type enzymes in increasing the oil content of soybeans. Kinetically improved diacylglycerol acyltransferase (DGAT) variants were created to favorably alter carbon partitioning in soybean (Glycine max) seeds. Initially, variants of a type 1 DGAT from a high-oil, high-oleic acid plant seed, Corylus americana, were screened for high oil content in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Nearly all DGAT variants examined from high-oil strains had increased affinity for oleoyl-CoA, with S0.5 values decreased as much as 4.7-fold compared with the wild-type value of 0.94 µm. Improved soybean DGAT variants were then designed to include amino acid substitutions observed in promising C. americana DGAT variants. The expression of soybean and C. americana DGAT variants in soybean somatic embryos resulted in oil contents as high as 10% and 12%, respectively, compared with only 5% and 7.6% oil achieved by overexpressing the corresponding wild-type DGATs. The affinity for oleoyl-CoA correlated strongly with oil content. The soybean DGAT variant that gave the greatest oil increase contained 14 amino acid substitutions out of a total of 504 (97% sequence identity with native). Seed-preferred expression of this soybean DGAT1 variant increased oil content of soybean seeds by an average of 3% (16% relative increase) in highly replicated, single-location field trials. The DGAT transgenes significantly reduced the soluble carbohydrate content of mature seeds and increased the seed protein content of some events. This study demonstrated that engineering of the native DGAT enzyme is an effective strategy to improve the oil content and value of soybeans.
Embodied emotions: the Bodily reaction component

The results of the statistical analyses of the bodily reaction features are described. Three cross-culturally stable component factors are identified: distress symptoms, autonomic arousal, and body temperature, accounting for 75.5% of the overall variance. These results confirm earlier hypotheses on bodily reaction patterning. Using the three factor scores as independent variables, 45.1% of the emotions can be correctly classified in a multiple discriminant analyses, suggesting that emotion word meanings reflect emotion-specific patterning of bodily reactions. We show evidence that the patterns of bodily reactions are well reflected in the major dimensions of feeling.
Low incubation temperature successfully supports the in vitro bovine oocyte maturation and subsequent development of embryos

Objective The aim of this study was to compare the effects of 36.5°C and 38.5°C incubation temperatures on the maturation of bovine oocytes and developmental competence of embryos. Methods In experiment 1, oocytes were maturated in bicarbonate-buffered TCM–199 for 22 hours in a humidified atmosphere of 5% CO2 in the air at either 36.5°C or 38.5°C and nuclear maturation status were determined. In experiment 2, in vitro fertilized oocytes were allocated randomly into synthetic oviductal fluid medium with or without a mixture of 1 mM L-glutathione reduced and 1,500 IU superoxide dismutase and cultured in a humidified atmosphere of 5% CO2, 5% O2, and 90% N2 in the air at 38.5°C for 8 days. Results There were no significant differences between incubation temperatures in terms of oocyte maturation parameters such as cumulus expansion, first polar body extrusion and nuclear maturation. Incubation temperatures during in vitro maturation had no effects on developmental competence of embryos, but supplementation of antioxidants increased (p< 0.05) developmental competence of the embryos. Blastocysts from oocytes matured at 38.5°C had comparatively higher inner cell mass, but low overall and trophectoderm cell numbers (p<0.05). Conclusion The results of present study showed that maturation of bovine oocytes at 36.5°C may provide a suitable thermal environment for nuclear maturation and subsequent embryo development.
Identification of sequence polymorphisms in the D-loop region of mitochondrial DNA as risk biomarker for liposarcoma

Abstract Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the Displacement-loop (D-loop) region of mitochondrial DNA have been reported to be associated with cancer risk in various types of cancer. To assess the frequency of D-loop SNPs in a large series of liposarcoma and establish correlations with cancer risk, we sequenced the D-loop of 82 liposarcoma patients and analyzed their use as predictive biomarkers for liposarcoma risk. The minor alleles of nucleotides 73G, 523–524del, 16,290T, 16,319A, 16,356C were associated with an increased risk for liposarcoma patients, whereas the insertion of C at the site 315 (located within the D310) were associated with a decreased risk for liposarcoma patients. These results suggest that SNPs in the mitochondrial D-loop should be considered as a biomarker which may be useful for the early detection of liposarcoma in individuals at risk of this cancer.
A collagen cardiac patch incorporating alginate microparticles permits the controlled release of hepatocyte growth factor and insulin‐like growth factor‐1 to enhance cardiac stem cell migration and proliferation

Cardiac stem cells (CSCs) represent a logical cell type to exploit as a regenerative treatment option for tissue damage accrued as a result of a myocardial infarction. However, the isolation and expansion of CSCs prior to cell transplantation is time consuming, costly and invasive, and the reliability of cell expansion may also prove to be a major obstacle in the clinical application of CSC‐based transplantation therapy after a myocardial infarction. In order to overcome this, we propose the incorporation of growth factor‐eluting alginate microparticles into collagen‐based scaffolds as an implantable biomaterial to promote the recruitment and expansion of CSCs in the myocardium. In order to obtain scaffolds able to enhance the motogenic and proliferative potential of CSCs, the aim of this work was to achieve a sustained delivery of both hepatocyte growth factor and insulin‐like growth factor‐1. Both proteins were initially encapsulated in alginate microparticles by spray drying and subsequently incorporated into a collagen scaffold. Microparticles were seen to homogeneously distribute through the interconnected scaffold pore structure. The resulting scaffolds were capable of extending the release of both proteins up to 15 days, a three‐fold increase over non‐encapsulated proteins embedded in the scaffolds. In vitro assays with isolated CSCs demonstrated that the sustained release of both bioactive proteins resulted in an increased motogenic and proliferative effect. As presently practiced, the isolation and expansion of CSCs for autologous cell transplantation is slow, expensive and difficult to attain. Thus, there is a need for strategies to specifically activate in situ the intrinsic cardiac regenerative potential represented by the CSCs using combinations of growth factors obviating the need for cell transplantation. By favouring the natural regenerative capability of CSCs, it is hypothesized that the cardiac patch presented here will result in positive therapeutic outcomes in MI and heart failure patients in the future. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Novel function of the endoplasmic reticulum degradation‐enhancing α‐mannosidase‐like proteins in the human hepatitis B virus life cycle, mediated by the middle envelope protein

Cells replicating the human hepatitis B virus (HBV) express high levels of degradation‐enhancing α‐mannosidase‐like proteins (EDEMs), a family of proteins involved in the endoplasmic reticulum associated degradation, one of the pathways activated during the unfolded protein response. Owing to their α‐1,2 mannosidase activity, the EDEM1–3 proteins are able to process the N‐linked glycans of misfolded or incompletely folded proteins, providing the recognition signal for their subsequent degradation. The HBV small (S), medium (M), and large (L) surface proteins bear an N‐linked glycosylation site in the common S domain that is partially occupied in all proteins. The M protein contains an additional site in its preS2 domain, which is always functional. Here, we report that these oligosaccharides are processed by EDEMs, more efficiently by EDEM3, which induces degradation of L and S proteins, accompanied by a reduction of subviral particles production. In striking contrast, M not only is spared from degradation but its trafficking is also accelerated leading to an improved secretion. This unusual behavior of the M protein requires strictly the mannose trimming of the preS2 N‐linked glycan. Furthermore, we show that HBV secretion is significantly inhibited under strong endoplasmic reticulum stress conditions when M expression is prevented by mutagenesis of the viral genome. These observations unfold unique properties of the M protein in the HBV life cycle during unfolded protein response and point to alternative mechanisms employed by EDEMs to alleviate this stress in case of necessity by promoting glycoprotein trafficking rather than degradation.
Control of Cannabinoid CB1 Receptor Function on Glutamate Axon Terminals by Endogenous Adenosine Acting at A1 Receptors

Marijuana is a widely used drug that impairs memory through interaction between its psychoactive constituent, Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), and CB1 receptors (CB1Rs) in the hippocampus. CB1Rs are located on Schaffer collateral (Sc) axon terminals in the hippocampus, where they inhibit glutamate release onto CA1 pyramidal neurons. This action is shared by adenosine A1 receptors (A1Rs), which are also located on Sc terminals. Furthermore, A1Rs are tonically activated by endogenous adenosine (eADO), leading to suppressed glutamate release under basal conditions. Colocalization of A1Rs and CB1Rs, and their coupling to shared components of signal transduction, suggest that these receptors may interact. We examined the roles of A1Rs and eADO in regulating CB1R inhibition of glutamatergic synaptic transmission in the rodent hippocampus. We found that A1R activation by basal or experimentally increased levels of eADO reduced or eliminated CB1R inhibition of glutamate release, and that blockade of A1Rs with caffeine or other antagonists reversed this effect. The CB1R–A1R interaction was observed with the agonists WIN55,212-2 and Δ9-THC and during endocannabinoid-mediated depolarization-induced suppression of excitation. A1R control of CB1Rs was stronger in the C57BL/6J mouse hippocampus, in which eADO levels were higher than in Sprague Dawley rats, and the eADO modulation of CB1R effects was absent in A1R knock-out mice. Since eADO levels and A1R activation are regulated by homeostatic, metabolic, and pathological factors, these data identify a mechanism in which CB1R function can be controlled by the brain adenosine system. Additionally, our data imply that caffeine may potentiate the effects of marijuana on hippocampal function.
A multiparametric approach to improve upon existing prostate cancer screening and biopsy recommendations

Purpose of review To provide an overview of how genetic, serum, and urine biomarkers can help identify men at high risk for prostate cancer (PCa) and aggressive disease and men who would benefit from prostate biopsy. Recent findings Screening for PCa is controversial because of concerns about overdiagnosis and overtreatment of nonlife-threatening tumors. Therefore, an approach to screening that includes a detailed family history with genetic testing of risk single nucleotide polymorphisms and high-penetrance genetic variants should be considered. After an elevated serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level has been confirmed, obtaining additional information (family history, biomarkers, and imaging) should be considered before recommending a prostate biopsy. Summary There are now genetic tests that can help identify men who would benefit from PSA testing. Additional biomarker and imaging tests should be offered to those men who are confirmed to have elevated PSA values. These new biomarkers and imaging tests can improve the specificity of PSA testing while missing a small percentage of high-grade tumors. The path forward involves a multiparametric risk assessment based on clinical data and these new tests.
in the Psychology

25% discussion questions for each class period • Students will be expected to submit an original discussion question based on the reading by noon the day before the seminar meets. These student-generated DQs will be used to guide discussion in class. • Students are expected to submit DQs for 10 of the 11 class periods in Weeks 3 – 13; student decides which week to skip without penalty • DQs will be graded on a 3-point basis (3 points = original/insightful; 2 = satisfactory; 1 = shows little evidence of reflection on reading).
Assumptions about life hardship and pain perception

The present work examines whether people assume that those who have faced hardship feel less pain than those who have not, and whether this belief contributes to the perception that Blacks feel less pain than Whites. In Experiments 1 and 2, participants received information about a Black and/or White target person’s life hardship and then rated the target person’s pain. Participants reported that the target individual would feel less pain if s/he had experienced greater hardship. Importantly, racial bias emerged but only when hardship information was consistent with expectations about race and life hardship; that is, participants reported that the Black (vs. White) target individual would feel less pain only if s/he had experienced greater hardship. In Experiment 3, participants read that hardship either toughens or weakens the body, and then rated a Black or White target person’s pain. Racial bias emerged but only when supported by lay beliefs. Specifically, participants reported that the Black (vs. White) target individual would feel less pain but only if they endorsed the belief that hardship leads to toughness. Taken together, these findings suggest that perceptions of hardship shape perceptions of pain and contribute to racial bias in pain perception. These findings also suggest that eliminating this racial bias will require challenging lay beliefs; it will require the recognition that people who have faced great hardship feel just as much, if not more, pain.
Hypertriglyceridemic Waist Phenotype: Effect of Birthweight and Weight Gain in Childhood at 23 Years Old

Objective To evaluate the association of birthweight and weight gain during different periods in childhood with the prevalence of hypertriglyceridemic waist phenotype (HWP). Methods In 1982, all hospitals births in Pelotas, South Brazil, were identified, and the 5914 liveborn were examined and their mothers interviewed. This population has been followed for several times. In 2004–05, we tried to follow the whole cohort and the subjects were interviewed, examined, and a blood sample was collected. HWP was defined as a triglycerides ≥ 2 mmol/L and a waist circumference ≥ 90 cm for men, and triglycerides ≥ 1.5 mmol/L and waist circumference ≥ 85 cm for woman. Poisson regression with robust adjustment of the variance was used to obtain adjusted estimates of the prevalence ratio. Results Subjects whose weight-for-age z-score at mean age of 42 months was one or more standard deviation above the mean, according to gender and age, were 8.77 (95% confidence interval: 2.60; 29.64) times more likely of presenting the HWP than those subjects whose weight-for-age z-score at 42 months was more than one standard deviation below the mean. Among those subjects whose birthweight was adequate-for-gestational age (AGA), conditional weight at 20 months was positively associated to the risk of HWP [relative risk: 1.59 (95%: confidence interval: 1.32; 1.92)], whereas for small for gestational age (SGA) subjects conditional weight was not associated with HWP [relative risk: 1.05 (95% confidence interval: 0.77; 1.43)], p-value for interaction 0.08. Conclusion Early weight gain among SGA infants, did not increase the risk of HWP in early adulthood, whereas among those who were AGA, early weight gain increased the risk of the having the phenotype in early adulthood.
Adult neurobehavioral alterations in male and female mice following developmental exposure to paracetamol (acetaminophen): characterization of a critical period

Paracetamol (acetaminophen) is a widely used non‐prescription drug with analgesic and antipyretic properties. Among pregnant women and young children, paracetamol is one of the most frequently used drugs and is considered the first‐choice treatment for pain and/or fever. Recent findings in both human and animal studies have shown associations between paracetamol intake during brain development and adverse behavioral outcomes later in life. The present study was undertaken to investigate if the induction of these effects depend on when the exposure occurs during a critical period of brain development and if male and female mice are equally affected. Mice of both sexes were exposed to two doses of paracetamol (30 + 30 mg kg–1, 4 h apart) on postnatal days (PND) 3, 10 or 19. Spontaneous behavior, when introduced to a new home environment, was observed at the age of 2 months. We show that adverse effects on adult behavior and cognitive function occurred in both male and female mice exposed to paracetamol on PND 3 and 10, but not when exposed on PND 19. These neurodevelopmental time points in mice correspond to the beginning of the third trimester of pregnancy and the time around birth in humans, supporting existing human data. Considering that paracetamol is the first choice treatment for pain and/or fever during pregnancy and early life, these results may be of great importance for future research and, ultimately, for clinical practice. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.