Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comorbidities, mortality and causes of death among patients with tuberculosis in Denmark 1998–2010: a nationwide, register-based case–control study

Objective To evaluate the impact of comorbidities, age and clinical presentation of TB on mortality among Danish patients with TB. Methods Danish patients with an ICD-10 (International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems 10th Revision) diagnosis of TB in 1998–2010 were identified in the National Patient Registry and matched with controls (1:4) on age, gender, civil status and geography. Comorbid diagnoses up to 3 years before and after TB diagnosis or enrolment as control as well as survival data were obtained from national databases Results We included 8433 cases and 33 707 controls. Respiratory diseases were the most common comorbidities among cases (12.4% of cases, 3.8% of controls (p<0.001)). Overall HR of death was 2.45 (2.31; 2.59). Relative mortality was especially increased among younger adults (HR 8.70 (95% CI 5.53 to 13.69) among the 30 to 39-year-olds). While overall mortality increased with Deyo-Charlson comorbidity (DCC) score, relative mortality among cases was highest in the low-DCC group. Additionally, male gender, low income and central nervous system TB were risk factors for death among TB cases. The most common cause of death in both groups was non-lung cancers, among TB cases followed by COPD, TB and lung cancer, all being significantly more common among TB cases. Conclusion In Denmark, TB carries substantial mortality. Among those who die, 12% are reported to die from TB. A high relative mortality among younger adults underscores the importance of continually targeting high-risk TB groups in low-incidence countries.
Recruitment of the Nuclear Form of Uracil DNA Glycosylase into Virus Particles Participates in the Full Infectivity of HIV-1

ABSTRACT The HIV-1 Vpr protein participates in the early steps of the virus life cycle by influencing the accuracy of reverse transcription. This role of Vpr was related to the recruitment of the nuclear form of the uracil DNA glycosylase (UNG2) enzyme into virus particles, but several conflicting findings have been reported regarding the role of UNG2 encapsidation on viral infectivity. Here, we report that the catalytic activity of UNG2 was not required for influencing HIV-1 mutation, and this function of UNG2 was mapped within a 60-amino-acid domain located in the N-terminal region of the protein required for direct interaction with the p32 subunit of the replication protein A (RPA) complex. Importantly, enforced recruitment of overexpressed UNG2 into virions resulted in a net increase of virus infectivity, and this positive effect on infectivity was also independent of the UNG2 enzymatic activity. In contrast, virus infectivity and replication, as well as the efficiency of the viral DNA synthesis, were significantly reduced when viruses were produced from cells depleted of either endogenous UNG2 or RPA p32. Taken together, these results demonstrate that incorporation of UNG2 into virions has a positive impact on HIV-1 infectivity and replication and positively influences the reverse transcription process through a nonenzymatic mechanism involving the p32 subunit of the RPA complex.
Seasonal and latitudinal acclimatization of cardiac transcriptome responses to thermal stress in porcelain crabs, Petrolisthes cinctipes

Central predictions of climate warming models include increased climate variability and increased severity of heat waves. Physiological acclimatization in populations across large‐scale ecological gradients in habitat temperature fluctuation is an important factor to consider in detecting responses to climate change related increases in thermal fluctuation. We measured in vivo cardiac thermal maxima and used microarrays to profile transcriptome heat and cold stress responses in cardiac tissue of intertidal zone porcelain crabs across biogeographic and seasonal gradients in habitat temperature fluctuation. We observed acclimatization dependent induction of heat shock proteins, as well as unknown genes with heat shock protein‐like expression profiles. Thermal acclimatization had the largest effect on heat stress responses of extensin‐like, beta tubulin, and unknown genes. For these genes, crabs acclimatized to thermally variable sites had higher constitutive expression than specimens from low variability sites, but heat stress dramatically induced expression in specimens from low variability sites and repressed expression in specimens from highly variable sites. Our application of ecological transcriptomics has yielded new biomarkers that may represent sensitive indicators of acclimatization to habitat temperature fluctuation. Our study also has identified novel genes whose further description may yield novel understanding of cellular responses to thermal acclimatization or thermal stress.
Respiratory‐related activity of lower thoracic and upper lumbar sympathetic preganglionic neurones in the rat.

1. The segmental distribution of cell bodies of sympathetic preganglionic neurones projecting into the left lumbar sympathetic chain beyond the L4 ganglion was determined in rats using retrograde transport of horseradish peroxidase. Labelled perikarya were found mainly in segments T13‐L2 in the ipsilateral intermediolateral cell column. 2. Neurophysiological studies were conducted on this cell population in anaesthetized, vagotomized and artificially ventilated rats. 3. One hundred and thirty sympathetic preganglionic neurones were studied in spinal segments T13‐L2, inclusive, after their antidromic identification following electrical stimulation of the left lumbar sympathetic chain between the 4th and 5th lumbar ganglia; sixty‐six had on‐going activity and thirty of the remainder were activated by the ionophoretic application of glutamate. Their axonal conduction velocities were 0.5‐12.5 m/s which is in the B and C fibre range. 4. The discharge patterns of these sympathetic preganglionic neurones were analysed in relation to phrenic nerve discharge. Of forty‐eight neurones analysed in this manner five had peak firing during inspiration (inspiratory related), five during early expiration (post‐inspiratory related), four during expiration (expiratory related) with the remainder having a firing pattern unrelated to phrenic nerve discharge (non‐modulated). 5. The ECG‐related patterns of discharge of the same forty‐eight neurones were analysed. Twenty‐one had an ECG‐related pattern of discharge. Glutamate‐activated quiescent neurones and those with on‐going activity had a similar incidence of such modulation. Sympathetic preganglionic neurones with each type of respiratory modulation were found to have an ECG‐related firing pattern. 6. The patterns of discharge of these neurones have been compared to those recorded, in previous studies, from sympathetic preganglionic neurones located at T2 which had axons projecting into the cervical sympathetic nerve and 'sympathoexcitatory' neurones of the rostral ventrolateral medulla. There appear to be some differences in the respiratory modulations of baroreceptor‐sensitive neurones found within each of the three populations. Consequently, it is suggested that supraspinal pathways, other than those arising in the rostral ventrolateral medulla, may be important in influencing the activity of baroreceptor‐sensitive sympathetic preganglionic neurones.
Estimating the time at which commercial broiler flocks in Great Britain become infected with Campylobacter: a Bayesian approach

SUMMARY Campylobacter is a common cause of intestinal disease in humans and is often linked to the consumption of contaminated poultry meat. Despite considerable research on the topic there is a large amount of uncertainty associated with Campylobacter epidemiology. A Bayesian model framework was applied to multiple longitudinal datasets on Campylobacter infection in UK broiler flocks to estimate the time at which each flock was first infected with Campylobacter. The model results suggest that the day of first infection ranges from 10 to 45 days; however, over half had a time of infection between 30 and 35 days. When considering only those flocks which were thinned, 48% had an estimated day of infection within 2 days of the day of thinning, thus suggesting an association between thinning and Campylobacter infection. These results demonstrate how knowledge of the time of infection can be correlated to known events to identify potential risk factors for infection.
[Clustering of cardiovascular risk factors in obese offspring of parents with essential hypertension].

INTRODUCTION The prevalence of obesity in industrialized countries is increasing and is closely related to essential hypertension (EHT) in adolescents. OBJECTIVE To analyze the prevalence of obesity and its association with other known cardiovascular risk factors in a sample of children and young adults with at least one parent with EHT. METHODS The EHT group consisted 51 children and young adults (28 males [aged 5.4-25.6 years]) with at least one parent with EHT. The control group comprised 73 healthy normotensive children and young adults (43 males [aged 7.2-25.2 years]) who completed the follow-up visits of the RICARDIN study. Blood pressure (BP) was measured with a standardized technique using a mercury sphygmomanometer. A 12-hour fasting blood sample was taken for lipid profile and high sensitivity C-reactive protein (CRP) determinations. Financial support: FIS 03/0350, ESV Foundation Grant, 2003. RESULTS The prevalence of obesity was five times higher in the EHT group than in controls (19.6% vs. 4.1%, p = 0.007). In this group, obese subjects showed higher systolic BP (122.0 vs. 110.4 mmHg p = 0.004) and lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels (47.6 vs. 58.0 mg/dl, p < 0.05). After adjustment for age and systolic BP, obese subjects in the EHT group showed significantly higher CRP values than non-obese subjects in this group (p = 0.024). CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of obesity is higher in the offspring of parents with EHT than in non HT-prone subjects. Clustering of other additional risk factors indicates the need for high-risk preventive interventions in this group of children and young adults.
The Relationships between Serum sTWEAK, FGF-23 Levels, and Carotid Atherosclerosis in Renal Transplant Patients

Background: Cardiovascular disease is the main cause of mortality after renal transplantation. Soluble tumor necrosis factor-like weak inducer of apoptosis (sTWEAK) and fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF-23) are two novel molecules that have been associated with atherosclerosis in different populations. In this cross-sectional study, we investigated the associations between sTWEAK, FGF-23, and carotid artery intima-media thickness (CA-IMT) in renal transplant patients. Methods: A total of 117 renal transplant patients were studied. CA-IMT was determined by B-mode Doppler ultrasonography. Serum sTWEAK and FGF-23 were measured by a commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: Mean age was 39.6 ± 9.6 years and 51% of the patients were male. Mean sTWEAK level was 595 ± 225 pg/mL (158–1140), FGF-23 level was 92 ± 123 RU/mL (9.6–1006), and CA-IMT level was 0.62 ± 0.11 mm (0.40–0.98). sTWEAK level was positively correlated with CA-IMT. There was no association between sTWEAK and FGF-23 levels. FGF-23 was also associated with CA-IMT. In adjusted models using linear regression analysis, only age and serum TWEAK levels were predictors for CA-IMT. Conclusion: There is a positive correlation between CA-IMT and sTWEAK, but not with FGF-23 levels in renal transplant patients.
Malignant Mesothelioma in Australia, 1945–2002

Abstract Using register data, time trends in mesothelioma incidence in Australia from 1945 to 2002 were calculated. Incidences are reported by age, sex, anatomic site, and state of notification. Associations with occupational and environmental asbestos exposure histories and lifetime risks in different exposure categories were investigated. Lung-fiber content was measured in a subset of cases. Australia had 7,027 cases from 1945 to 2001, with 488 more in January 2002 through June 2003. Incidence rates for Australia per million population ≥ 20 years old (1999) were: male 53.3; female 10.2; total 31.8. Rates, have continually increased and are the highest reported national rates in the world. Western Australia had the highest rate (1999 total 47.7), but most cases arose from the two most populous eastern states, New South Wales and Victoria. In 88% of cases (male 90%, female 61%), histories of asbestos exposures were obtained. In 80% of cases with no history of exposure, TEM lung asbestos fiber counts > 200,000 fibers > 2 μm length/g dry lung were obtained, suggesting unrecognized exposure. Australia's high incidence of mesothelioma is related to high past asbestos use, of all fiber types, in a wide variety of settings. The number of cases is expected to be about 18,000 by 2020, with about 11,000 yet to appear.
Changes in cognitive functioning in sick-listed participants in occupational rehabilitation: A feasibility study

Abstract Background: Individuals on long-term sick leave attending occupational rehabilitation often complain about impairments in cognitive functions such as memory and attention. Knowledge of cognitive functioning in these individuals is limited. Such knowledge is clinically relevant for improving occupational rehabilitation programmes. Objective: The aims of this feasibility study were to assess the methodological design and to investigate changes in memory and attention on participants during occupational rehabilitation. Methods: Individuals attending occupational rehabilitation (n = 28) and individuals working full time (n = 25) matched for age, gender, and education participated. The two groups were administered cognitive tests targeting memory and attention and self-reported questionnaires at pre-test and post-test. Outcome measures were speed and accuracy of responses on the cognitive tests and self-reported work ability, subjective health complaints, and symptoms of depression and anxiety. Results: In total, 35% of all invited participants agreed to take part and 93% of these also completed the second test. The mean gain scores in the intervention group were significantly higher than in the control group in response latency on simple and choice reaction time and errors in spatial working memory. Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that the motivation of participants to complete testing was high. Improvements in memory and attention were evident in rehabilitation participants indicating that rehabilitation may have an effect on cognitive functions.
Murine embryonic stem cell-derived pancreatic acinar cells recapitulate features of early pancreatic differentiation.

BACKGROUND & AIMS Acinar cells constitute 90% of the pancreas epithelium, are polarized, and secrete digestive enzymes. These cells play a crucial role in pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer. However, there are limited models to study normal acinar cell differentiation in vitro. The aim of this work was to generate and characterize purified populations of pancreatic acinar cells from embryonic stem (ES) cells. METHODS Reporter ES cells (Ela-pur) were generated that stably expressed both beta-galactosidase and puromycin resistance genes under the control of the elastase I promoter. Directed differentiation was achieved by incubation with conditioned media of cultured fetal pancreatic rudiments and adenoviral-mediated co-expression of p48/Ptf1a and Mist1, 2 basic helix-loop-helix transcription factors crucial for normal pancreatic acinar development and differentiation. RESULTS Selected cells expressed multiple markers of acinar cells, including digestive enzymes and proteins of the secretory pathway, indicating activation of a coordinated differentiation program. The genes coding for digestive enzymes were not regulated as a single module, thus recapitulating what occurs during in vivo pancreatic development. The generated cells displayed transient agonist-induced Ca(2+) mobilization and showed a typical response to physiologic concentrations of secretagogues, including enzyme synthesis and secretion. Importantly, these effects did not imply the acquisition of a mixed acinar-ductal phenotype. CONCLUSIONS These studies allow the generation of almost pure acinar-like cells from ES cells, providing a normal cell-based model for the study of the acinar differentiation program in vitro.
Renal Replacement Therapy in Special Situations: Heart Failure and Neurological Injury

The cardiorenal syndrome is a complicated and increasingly prevalent entity requiring a multidisciplinary approach. Renal replacement therapy (RRT) in the form of slow ultrafiltration (UF) demonstrates promise for the treatment of acutely decompensated heart failure. Despite the lack of evidence for decreased mortality, there is considerable short‐term benefit in decreased rehospitalizations and a restoration of diuretic responsiveness. Given the potential for improvement in quality of life and cost if hospitalizations are minimized, slow UF should be considered in patients with repeated hospitalization for decompensated heart failure. Acute neurologic injury is a highly unstable state requiring strict adherence to evidence‐based guidelines to achieve the best possible functional outcomes. With improved short‐term survival, a greater burden of non‐neurologic injury may hinder long‐term functional recovery. Acute kidney injury is among such important considerations that can lead to worsened neurological injury. Careful application of continuous modalities of therapy, probably early in the course of illness to avoid intradialytic osmolar shifts and provide hemodynamic stability, will allow for unimpeded neurologic recovery. Newer evidence on dose and RRT modality on patients with acute and chronic brain injury will certainly add important knowledge to this field.
Time dependence of elimination of different PEth homologues in alcoholics in comparison with social drinkers.

BACKGROUND Phosphatidylethanol (PEth) is a direct marker of alcohol consumption, which has been known for almost 30 years. Each PEth molecule carries 2 fatty acids, which differ in chain length and degree of unsaturation. It is formed by means of phospholipase D in the presence of ethanol. Usually, this marker was used by quantification of the PEth homologue 16:0/18:1. The intention of this work was to get more information about the distribution and the quantity of the different PEth homologues. METHODS Blood samples from 12 alcohol-dependent subjects were collected and analyzed during withdrawal therapy. For comparison, blood from 78 healthy social drinkers was also analyzed. PEth analysis was performed as follows: after liquid-liquid extraction, the homologues were separated on a Luna Phenyl Hexyl column, injected to an HPLC system (1100 system; Agilent) and identified by ESI-MS/MS (QTrap 2000; AB Sciex) using multiple reaction monitoring. RESULTS PEth 16:0/18:1 is the major homologue comparing the area ratios of PEth homologues in blood samples from alcoholics. Additional prevalent homologues were PEth 16:0/18:2, 18:0/18:2, and 18:0/18:1. The homologues occurring in blood samples from alcoholics as well as from social drinkers were mostly the same, but differences among their distribution pattern were observed. CONCLUSIONS In addition to the approach to quantitate the PEth homologue 16:0/18:1, this is a new and alternative proceeding for the differentiation between alcoholics and social drinkers using this alcohol consumption marker.
Rebleeding risk after treatment of ruptured intracranial aneurysms.

OBJECT Postprocedural rebleeding is a significant source of morbidity following endovascular treatment of ruptured intracranial aneurysms. Previous large-scale reports include the Cerebral Aneurysm Rerupture After Treatment trial, the International Subarachnoid Aneurysm Trial, and the study on Early Rebleeding after Coiling of Ruptured Cerebral Aneurysms, which reported nonprocedural rebleeding rates within 30 days of treatment of 2.7%, 1.9%, and 1.4%, respectively. However, coiling of intracranial aneurysms is in a state of continual change due to advancing device design and evolving techniques. These studies included only patients initially treated prior to 2004. In the present study the authors assess the most recent short-term results with endovascular treatment of ruptured aneurysms. METHODS A multicenter retrospective chart review was conducted of patients undergoing endovascular treatment for ruptured intracranial aneurysms between July 2004 and October 2009. The technique used, including the use of stent or balloon assistance, was evaluated. Demographic and clinical factors, such as sex, age, initial clinical presentation, aneurysm size, aneurysm location, and modified Raymond Classification following initial treatment, were also evaluated and compared between the groups in which rebleeding did and did not occur. RESULTS A total of 469 patients underwent endovascular treatment for a ruptured aneurysm; nonprocedural rehemorrhage occurred within 30 days of the initial coiling in 4 cases (0.9%). Two patients (50%) died after rehemorrhage. Stent-assisted coiling was used during the original treatment in 1 (25%) of the 4 patients with a rerupture. However, no technical, clinical, or demographic factors were found to be statistically significant in association with rebleeding. CONCLUSIONS Recent data suggest that the periprocedural rebleeding rate may be improving over time.
Dietary fibre and the importance of the gut microbiota in feline nutrition: a review

Domestic cats are obligate carnivores and in this light hindgut fermentation has been considered unimportant in this species. However, a diverse microbiota has been found in the small and large intestines of domestic cats. Additionally, in vitro and in vivo studies support the hypothesis that microbial fermentation is significant in felines with potential benefits to the host. Results on microbiota composition and microbial counts in different regions of the feline gastrointestinal tract are compiled, including a description of modulating host and technical factors. Additionally, the effects of dietary fibre supplementation on the microbiota composition are described. In a second section, in vitro studies, using inocula from fresh feline faeces and focusing on the fermentation characteristics of diverse plant substrates, are described. In vivo studies have investigated the effects of dietary fibre on a broad range of physiological outcomes. Results of this research, together with studies on effects of plant fibre on colonic morphology and function, protein and carbohydrate metabolism, and the effects of plant fibre on disease conditions that require a decrease in dietary protein intake, are shown in a third section of the present review. Conclusively, for fructans and beet pulp, for example, diverse beneficial effects have been demonstrated in the domestic cat. Both dietary fibre sources are regularly used in the pet food industry. More research is warranted to reveal the potential benefits of other fibre sources that can be used on a large scale in feline diets for healthy and diseased cats.