Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Hepatic steatosis in obese patients: clinical aspects and prognostic significance

Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease is a new clinicopathological condition of emerging importance, now recognized as the most common cause of abnormal liver tests. It is characterized by a wide spectrum of liver damage: simple steatosis may progress to advanced fibrosis and to cryptogenic cirrhosis through steatohepatitis, and ultimately to hepatocellular carcinoma. Obesity is the most significant single risk factor for the development of fatty liver, both in children and in adults; obesity is also predictive of the presence of fibrosis, potentially progressing to advanced liver disease. From a pathogenic point of view, insulin resistance plays a central role in the accumulation of triglycerides within the hepatocytes and in the initiation of the inflammatory cascade. Chronic hepatocellular injury, necroinflammation, stellate cell activation, progressive fibrosis and ultimately, cirrhosis may be initiated by peroxidation of hepatic lipids and injury‐related cytokine release. In the last few years, several pilot studies have shown that treatment with insulin‐sensitizing agents, anti‐oxidants or cytoprotective drugs may be useful, but there is no evidence‐based support from randomized clinical trials. Modifications in lifestyle (e.g. diet and exercise) to reduce obesity remain the mainstay of prevention and treatment of a disease, which puts a large number of individuals at risk of advanced liver disease in the near future.
[Impact of lysosome-associated protein transmembrane-4 beta on proliferation and invasion of colorectal cancer].

OBJECTIVE To determine whether lysosome-associated protein transmembrane-4 beta (LAPTM4B) over-expression is associated with the proliferation and invasion in colorectal cancer (CRC). METHODS Thirty pairs of CRC tissues, containing carcinoma and adjacent tissues, were used for the examination of LAPTM4B mRNA expression by real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) assays. Then immunohistochemistry was performed to examine LAPTM4B protein expression in 6 pairs of CRC tissues. Over-expression LAPTM4B and low-expression LAPTM4B cell models were constructed with HCT116 CRC cell lines. CCK8 assay was used to detect the proliferation and Transwell assay was used to detect the invasion of the model cells. RESULTS qPCR and immunohistochemistry results showed that LAPTM4B expression levels in CRC were higher compared to adjacent tissues (all P<0.01). CCK8 and Transwell assays results showed that LAPTM4B promoted proliferation and invasion of HCT116 cell lines model cells (all P<0.01). CONCLUSION LAPTM4B promotes the proliferation and invasion in CRC patients, and may be used as an important potential marker.
Linoleic and α-linolenic acids differently modify the effects of elaidic acid on polyunsaturated fatty acid metabolism and some immune indices in rats

To explore whether the metabolic responses to trans, compared with cis, fatty acids depend on the source of dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), male Sprague-Dawley rats, 5 weeks old, were fed on diets containing 30 g oleic (cis) or elaidic (trans) acids/kg in combination with either 70 g perilla oil (α-linolenic acid) or safflowerseed oil (linoleic acid)/kg for 3 weeks in separate experiments. The dietary fats were adjusted to have the same level of total PUFA. The dietary manipulation did not influence the growth indices, but spleen weight was greater when the dietary PUFA source was perilla oil. The incorporation of trans fatty acid into liver phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylinositol and phosphatidylserine and adipose tissue lipids, particularly phospholipids, was significantly higher when rats were fed on safflowerseed oil compared with perilla oil. However, only limited differences were observed in the effects of cis and trans fatty acids on the proportions of PUFA in liver phospholipids. Splenic production of prostaglandin E2 was reduced by trans fatty acid when safflowerseed oil was the PUFA source, but no trans effect was observed on leukotriene C4 production. Dietary PUFA significantly influenced the concentration of plasma immunoglobulins (Ig) but the effect of geometry was only seen in IgG which was increased by trans acid. Dietary trans fatty acid increased the CD4+: CD8+ T-lymphocyte ratio in the spleen, reflecting a decreasing trend of the proportion of CD8+, when combined with perilla oil. These observations indicate that the type of PUFA simultaneously ingested specifically infiuences the effect that trans acid exerts on PUFA metabolism, eicosanoid production and some immune indices.
Glucose Metabolism in Legionella pneumophila: Dependence on the Entner-Doudoroff Pathway and Connection with Intracellular Bacterial Growth

ABSTRACT Glucose metabolism in Legionella pneumophila was studied by focusing on the Entner-Doudoroff (ED) pathway with a combined genetic and biochemical approach. The bacterium utilized exogenous glucose for synthesis of acid-insoluble cell components but manifested no discernible increase in the growth rate. Assays with permeabilized cell preparations revealed the activities of three enzymes involved in the pathway, i.e., glucokinase, phosphogluconate dehydratase, and 2-dehydro-3-deoxy-phosphogluconate aldolase, presumed to be encoded by the glk, edd, and eda genes, respectively. Gene-disrupted mutants for the three genes and the ywtG gene encoding a putative sugar transporter were devoid of the ability to metabolize exogenous glucose, indicating that the pathway is almost exclusively responsible for glucose metabolism and that the ywtG gene product is the glucose transporter. It was also established that these four genes formed part of an operon in which the gene order was edd-glk-eda-ywtG, as predicted by genomic information. Intriguingly, while the mutants exhibited no appreciable change in growth characteristics in vitro, they were defective in multiplication within eukaryotic cells, strongly indicating that the ED pathway must be functional for the intracellular growth of the bacterium to occur. Curiously, while the deficient glucose metabolism of the ywtG mutant was successfully complemented by the ywtG+ gene supplied in trans via plasmid, its defect in intracellular growth was not. However, the latter defect was also manifested in wild-type cells when a plasmid carrying the mutant ywtG gene was introduced. This phenomenon, resembling so-called dominant negativity, awaits further investigation.
HTS/Ferroelectric CPW Structures for Voltage Tuneable Phase Shifters

Coplanar waveguides (CPW) based on single and multilayered ferroelectric films with high-Tc superconducting (HTS) and golden electrodes have been investigated in the frequency range between 40 MHz and 40 GHz with the goal of designing voltage tuneable phase shifters operating at cryogenic temperatures. Tuneability and losses are investigated as function of temperature and voltage. The quality factor of a tuneable component K is introduced and discussed. The results obtained are promising for design of voltage controlled analog phase shifter.
DYSPLASIA AND DISORDER OF CELL MEMBRANE ENTIRETY IN IRON-DEFICIENCY ANEMIA

Peripheral blood smears of 43 patients (26 males, median age 18 months, range: 6–180 months) with nutritional iron-deficiency anemia (IDA) were examined for the presence of trilineage hematological dysplasia. Twelve patients were reexamined for dysplastic findings after achieving a normal Hb and hematocrit level for age by the end of 2–3 months of iron treatment. A control group of 17 age-matched healthy children were also included. Neutrophils with loss of membrane entirety and protrusions were remarkable in 34/43 (79%) in the IDA group versus 1/12 (8%) after iron treatment and none of the control group. Microspherocytes were seen in 9/43 (21%) of IDA patients. Additionally, trilienage dysplasia was observed in the bone marrow samples available in 3 of the patients. It has been shown that iron-deficiency results in cellular DNA and RNA alterations, cell-cycle G1/S phase arrest, and apoptosis. Rac GTPases have been shown to control actin cytoskeleton, influencing cell polarity, microtubule dynamics, and the cytoskeletal organization of hematopoietic cells. Thus, the findings described above in neutrophils and red cells suggest a plausible link between iron and the Rac GTPase gene family. It may be a new avenue for iron waiting for proof.
The prevalence of female obesity in the world and in the Slovak Gypsy women.

OBJECTIVES Paper is focused (1) on the comparison of some parameters (body height, body weight, blood pressure, BMI values) in Gypsy and non-Gypsy women from eastern and western Slovakia; (2) on the comparison of biochemical parameters in the Gypsy minority and majority of western Slovakia. BACKGROUND There is not enough of available reliable data on health status of Slovak Gypsy minority. METHODS Gypsy and non-Gypsy women (57 and 56 subjects) from the western region of Slovakia (Zlate Klasy, Gbely) as well as Gypsy and non-Gypsy women (393 and 444 subjects) from the eastern region of Slovakia (Presov region) were investigated. Values of body height, body weight, blood pressure and calculated values of BMI (body mass index) were performed. Biochemical parameters of 269 Gypsies and 346 non-Gypsy persons from western Slovakia were measured. The statistically significant cut-off point was p < 0.05. RESULTS In all age groups, the BMI values of Gypsy women were higher than those of non-Gypsy women. The occurrence of obesity, overweight, and hypertension was higher in the Gypsy population from both eastern and western regions of Slovakia. In the group of Gypsy minority of western Slovakia, the parameters of metabolic syndrome (dyslipidemia--high concentrations of triglycerides, low concentrations of HDL cholesterol, high concentrations of fasting insulin, and high values of insulin resistance) were found to be significantly changed. CONCLUSION These findings suggest that the risk of atherogenesis in Gypsy minority has considerably increased and this is caused by unfavourable factors such as an increase in the prevalence of obesity, hypertension, smoking and the deficiency in protective substances leading to dyslipidemia, hyperinsulinemia, cardiovascular diseases, metabolic syndrome and diabetes (Fig. 2, Tab. 4, Ref 10). Full Text (Free, PDF) www.bmj. sk.
Enhancement through Mutagenesis of the Binding of the Isolated Kringle 2 Domain of Human Plasminogen to ω-Amino Acid Ligands and to an Internal Sequence of a Streptococcal Surface Protein*

In the background of the recombinant K2 module of human plasminogen (K2Pg), a triple mutant, K2Pg[C4G/E56D/L72Y], was generated and expressed inPichia pastoris cells in yields exceeding 100 mg/liter. The binding affinities of a series of lysine analogs, viz.4-aminobutyric acid, 5-aminopentanoic acid, ε-aminocaproic acid, 7-aminoheptanoic acid, andt-4-aminomethylcyclohexane-1-carboxylic acid, to this mutant were measured and showed up to a 15-fold tighter interaction, as compared with wild-type K2Pg (K2Pg[C4G]). The variant, K2Pg[C4G/E56D], afforded up to a 4-fold increase in the binding affinity to these same ligands, whereas the K2Pg[C4G/L72Y] mutant decreased the same affinities up to 5-fold, as compared with K2Pg[C4G]. The thermal stability of K2Pg[C4G/E56D/L72Y] was increased by approximately 13 °C, as compared with K2Pg[C4G]. The functional consequence of up-regulating the lysine binding property of K2Pg was explored, as reflected by its ability to interact with an internal sequence of a plasminogen-binding protein (PAM) on the surface of group A streptococci. A 30-mer peptide of PAM, containing its K2Pg-specific binding region, was synthesized, and its binding to each mutant of K2Pg was assessed. Only a slight enhancement in peptide binding was observed for K2Pg[C4G/E56D], compared with K2Pg[C4G] (K d = 460 nm). A 5-fold decrease in binding affinity was observed for K2Pg[C4G/L72Y] (K d = 2200 nm). However, a 12-fold enhancement in binding to this peptide was observed for K2Pg[C4G/E56D/L72Y] (K d = 37 nm). Results of these PAM peptide binding studies parallel results of ω-amino acid binding to these K2Pg mutants, indicating that the high affinity PAM binding by plasminogen, mediated exclusively through K2Pg, occurs through its lysine-binding site. This conclusion is supported by the 100-fold decrease in PAM peptide binding to K2Pg[C4G/E56D/L72Y] in the presence of 50 mm 6-aminohexanoic acid. Finally, a thermodynamic analysis of PAM peptide binding to each of these mutants reveals that the positions Asp56 and Tyr72 in the K2Pg[C4G/E56D/L72Y] mutant are synergistically coupled in terms of their contribution to the enhancement of PAM peptide binding.
Assessment of extrapyramidal symptoms during acute neuroleptic treatment.

BACKGROUND Acute administration of traditional neuroleptic drugs is often accompanied by the emergence of extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS). The use of a standardized scale to measure EPS can assist the clinician in assessing the occurrence and severity of these adverse reactions. The current work presents the interrater reliability and validity of the Yale Extrapyramidal Symptom Scale (YESS)--an eight-item, easy-to-administer scale for assessing emergence, severity, and type of side effects that commonly occur during acute treatment. METHOD Interrater reliability (Study 1) and validity (Study 2) of the scale were studied using two independent samples of acutely psychotic patients treated with neuroleptic drugs. Study 1: Interrater reliability was assessed by comparing the YESS ratings of two clinicians blind to the other's rating and to the patient's drug regimen and dose. Study 2: Validity was studied by examining whether YESS items correlated with other EPS measures (convergent validity) but not with psychotic symptoms that may be confused with EPS (discriminant validity). RESULTS Interrater agreement between clinicians was good to excellent. YESS items correlated with assessments used to measure symptoms of Parkinson's disease and akathisia and generally showed low nonsignificant correlations with ratings of symptoms of psychosis. CONCLUSION The current work presents a brief EPS scale for the assessment of commonly occurring neuroleptic-induced extrapyramidal side effects. It was demonstrated that the YESS could be used reliably across clinician raters and that the YESS is a valid measure for assessing EPS during acute treatment.
Update on the diagnosis and treatment of food-borne trematode infections

Purpose of review More than 40 million people are affected by food-borne trematode infections. Diagnosis is unsatisfactory and there are only two drugs available for treatment and control: praziquantel and triclabendazole. This review provides an update on recent developments in the diagnosis and treatment of food-borne trematodiases. Recent findings The trematocidal properties of tribendimidine and peroxidic drugs (e.g. artemisinins and synthetic trioxolanes) have been characterized, including in-vitro and in-vivo studies, elucidating structure-activity relationships and pharmacokinetics and their efficacies have been evaluated in large animal models. Tribendimidine achieved high worm burden reductions against Opisthorchis viverrini and Clonorchis sinensis harboured in rodents and the antimalarial drug mefloquine showed promising opisthorchicidal activity in vivo. Advances have been made with immunological and molecular diagnostics. Metabolic profiling investigations in rodents experimentally infected with Fasciola hepatica and Echinostoma caproni yielded parasite-specific candidate biomarkers, which might give rise to novel diagnostic targets. The FLOTAC technique showed a higher sensitivity and efficiency for detecting F. hepatica eggs in rat faecal samples than the sedimentation method. Summary Progress has been registered with trematocidal drug candidates that need to be studied in greater detail preclinically, with the most promising ones progressing into proof-of-concept trials. Drug development research should go hand-in-hand with innovation and application into new and improved diagnostic tools.
Risk Factors for Low Birth Weight in an Indian Urban Setting

This study explores the risk factors for low birth weight (LBW) in an urban Indian setting by using a nested case-control design. Information on potential risk factors was sought from 384 pregnant women attending an antenatal clinic, and they were followed until birth. Based on birth weight, the babies of these women were categorized as cases or controls. Bivariate analyses between each risk factor and birth weight showed an unadjusted significant association (P < .05) for maternal age ≤20 years, antenatal clinic registration after the first trimester, ≤5 antenatal visits, and <80% of the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for calories and proteins. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed an adjusted significant association for calorie intake <80% RDA (P < .048), low zinc intake (P < .001), and ≤5 antenatal visits (P < .001). This study emphasizes the continuing importance of timely and regular antenatal visits and intake of appropriate amount of calories. The role of zinc as a risk factor for LBW warrants further research.
The Kauṭilyan Market Tax

introduction Two thousand years ago (Olivelle [2013: 29] argues for “sometime between 50 and 125 c.E.”), Kauṭilya wrote a manual on “wise kingship,” the Arthaśāstra, which we denote by KAŚ. Among other topics, this book deals with taxation, diplomacy, warfare, and the management of spies (see the surveys by Boesche [2002] and Scharfe [1993]). We concentrate on a small part of book 2 which is about the activities of superintendents. In particular, chapters 21 and 22 treat the superintendent of customs and the operation of customs. Custom authorities collect both “customs duty” (śulka 1) and the “increase in price” (mūlyavṛddhi). The latter is called market tax in this article. According to Kauṭilya, this tax should work as follows:
Rapid change of liver stiffness after variceal ligation and TIPS implantation

Liver stiffness (LS) as measured by transient elastography is widely used to screen for liver fibrosis. However, LS also increases in response to pressure changes like congestion but no data on portal pressure are available. We study here the effect of rapid portal pressure changes on LS. Therefore, LS was assessed directly prior and after ligation of esophageal varices ( n = 11) as well as transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) implantation in patients with established cirrhosis ( n = 14). Additionally, we retrospectively analyzed changes in LS and variceal size in patients with sequential gastroscopic monitoring and LS measurements ( n = 14). To study LS and portal pressure in healthy livers, LS (µFibroscan; Echosens, Paris, France) and invasive pressures (Powerlab, AD Instruments, New Zealand) were assessed in male Wistar rats after ligation of single liver lobes. Ligation of esophageal varices caused an immediate and significant increase of LS from 40.3 ± 19.0 to 56.1 ± 21.5 kPa. Likewise, LS decreased significantly from 53.1 ± 16.6 to 43.8 ± 17.3 kPa after TIPS placement, which correlated significantly with portal pressure ( r = 0.558). In the retrospective cohort, the significant LS decrease from 54.9 ± 23.5 to 47.9 ± 23.8 kPa over a mean observation interval of 4.3 ± 3 mo was significantly correlated with a concomitant increase of variceal size ( r = -0.605). In the animal model, LS and portal pressure increased significantly after single lobe ligation without changes of arterial or central venous pressure. In conclusion, rapid changes of portal pressure are a strong modulator of LS in healthy and cirrhotic organs. In patients with stable cirrhosis according to the model for end-stage liver disease (MELD), a decrease of LS may be indicative for enlarging varices. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Liver stiffness (LS) immediately increases after variceal ligation while it decreases after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) implantation due to portal pressure changes. LS and portal pressure rapidly increase after single lobe ligation in Wistar rats without changes of arterial or central venous pressure. Collateral formation may be one cause for a transient decrease in LS in the absence of other confounders. Such pressure changes should be considered when interpreting LS in clinical practice.
Increased levels of interleukin-6, -8 and -10 are associated with fatal outcome following severe traumatic brain injury

Abstract Background: Despite the involvement of cytokine production in neurotrauma, there is still controversy regarding cytokines levels and clinical outcome following severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). Objective: The present study was designed to investigate whether cytokine levels (of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12p70 and TNF-α) are associated with primary outcome (death or survival) after severe TBI. Methods: This prospective study enrolled 24 male patients, victims of severe TBI. Venous blood samples were taken in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) (study entry), 24 and 48 hours later. Plasma cytokine levels were assayed by flow cytometry. Results: Severe TBI was associated with a 42% mortality rate. TBI patients had a significant increase in the levels of all cytokines measured, except for IL-1β, compared to controls. Statistically significant increases in the IL-10, -8 and -6 levels were observed in the non-survivors TBI patients compared to the survivors sub-group measured in the first sample (study entry) and in the subsequent sample (24 hours later). There were no significant differences in IL-1β, TNF-α and IL-12p70 levels between survivors and non-survivors in any time sampled. Conclusions: The findings indicate that increased IL-10, -8 and -6 levels may constitute an early predictor of unfavourable outcome in severe TBI patients.
Fungal infections in lung transplant recipients

Purpose of review Despite numerous advances in lung transplantation, survival is still significantly compromised by a higher rate of infections. This review intends to provide an overview of the most common fungal infections afflicting lung transplant recipients, focusing on the most recent developments in diagnosis, therapy and prophylaxis. Recent findings Although detection of galactomannan in serum has poor sensitivity for the diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis in lung transplant recipients, detection of galactomannan in the bronchoalveolar lavage of a lung transplant recipient, with a compatible clinical illness, is highly suggestive of invasive disease. New antifungal agents, with a broader spectrum of activity and a more tolerable side effect profile, have become available for the treatment and prophylaxis of fungal infections. Evidence suggests that, at least for voriconazole, monitoring of drug concentrations may be advisable to prevent clinical failure due to underdosing and toxicity due to excessive dosing. Summary Fungal infections remain a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in lung transplant recipients; however, advances have been made in the recent years, which will allow earlier diagnosis and more effective and tolerated treatment.