Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Hepatitis C virus infection among drug addicts in Italy

There is a lack of updated nationwide records regarding hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection among drug addicts in Italy. The prevalence and characteristics of HCV infection in a national sample of drug addicts in Italy were determined. Five hundred forty‐three drug addicts (mean age 35.3 years, 85.1% males), selected from 25 Italian Centers for Substance Dependence were enrolled to be evaluated for anti‐HCV, HCV‐RNA, HCV genotype, HBV markers, anti‐HDV, and anti‐HIV during the period of April–November 2009. Anti‐HCV prevalence was 63.9%. HCV‐RNA was detected in 68.3% of patients positive for anti‐HCV. Genotypes 1 and 3 prevailed (49.3% and 39.7%, respectively). However, 9.3% of the subjects had genotype 4, a rate over threefold higher than the one observed in 1996 among drug addicts in central Italy. Needle sharing was the strongest independent predictor of the likelihood to contract an HCV infection (OR 8.9; 95% CI: 5.0–16.0). Only 19.3% of subjects received antiviral treatment for HCV. The prevalence of HBsAg and HIV positivity was 2.8% and 3.1%, respectively. The pattern of HBV markers showed that nearly one‐third of subjects had been vaccinated, while 42.3% were negative for any marker of HCV. The prevalence of HCV infection is high among drug addicts in Italy. The incidence of Genotype 4 is increasing and this may lead to the spreading of the disease to the general population in the near future. Efforts should be made to improve the rate of antiviral treatment for drug addicts with HCV infection and vaccination against hepatitis B. J. Med. Virol. 84:1608–1612, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Distribution of hepatitis C virus genotypes in a diverse US integrated health care population

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes influence response to therapy, and recently approved direct‐acting antivirals are genotype‐specific. Genotype distribution information can help to guide antiviral development and elucidate infection patterns. HCV genotype distributions were studied in a diverse cross‐section of patients in the Northern California Kaiser Permanente health plan. Associations between genotype and race/ethnicity, age, and sex were assessed with multivariate logistic regression models. The 10,256 patients studied were median age 56 years, 62% male, 55% White non‐Hispanic. Overall, 70% were genotype 1, 16% genotype 2, 12% genotype 3, 1% genotype 4, <1% genotype 5, and 1% genotype 6. Blacks (OR 4.5 [3.8–5.5]) and Asians (OR 1.2 [1.0–1.4]) were more likely to have genotype 1 than 2/3 versus non‐Hispanic Whites. Women less likely had genotype 1 versus 2/3 than did men (OR 0.86 [0.78–0.94]). Versus non‐Hispanic Whites, Asians (OR 0.38 [0.31–0.46]) and Blacks (OR 0.73 [0.63–0.84]) were less likely genotype1a than 1b; Hispanics (OR 1.3 [1.1–1.5]) and Native Americans (OR 1.9 [1.2–2.8]) more likely had genotype 1a than 1b. Patients age ≥65 years less likely had genotype 1a than 1b versus those age 45–64 (OR 0.34 [0.29–0.41]). The predominance of genotype 1 among all groups studied reinforces the need for new therapies targeting this genotype. Racial/ethnic variations in HCV genotype and subtype distribution must be considered in formulating new agents and novel strategies to successfully treat the diversity of hepatitis C patients. J. Med. Virol. 84:1744–1750, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Creasing in evaporation-driven cavity collapse.

We report on crease morphology and evolution at the surface of contracting cavities embedded within elastomeric solids of varying composition (Sylgard 184: pre-polymer to crosslinker mixing ratios of 10 : 1, 12 : 1, 17.5 : 1, and 25 : 1). Cavity contraction is achieved through evaporation of an embedded 10 μL liquid droplet. In validation of recent theoretical predictions, strain-stiffening modeled via the Gent constitutive relation [Jin and Suo, JMPS, 2015, 74, 68-79] is found to govern both crease onset and crease density. Specifically, crease onset matches prediction using only experimentally-measured parameters. Neo-Hookean solids are found to prefer initiating creasing with many short creases that join to form a collapsed state with only a few creases, whereas creasing in Gent solids initiates with a few creases that propagate across the cavity surface. These experimental observations are explained by energy minimization using finite element simulation of a cylindrical crease geometry.
Caspase Inhibitor IDN6556 Facilitates Marginal Mass Islet Engraftment in a Porcine Islet Autotransplant Model

Background Large numbers of islets are lost in the early phase after clinical islet transplantation, through apoptosis, necrosis, or innate inflammatory injury. We previously demonstrated the efficacy of a series of caspase inhibitors in mouse models on islet engraftment through reduction in early posttransplant apoptosis. We studied IDN6556, a caspase inhibitor with a first-pass effect, in a large animal (pig) intraportal marginal mass islet autotransplant model. Methods Total pancreatectomy and marginal mass islet autotransplantation were carried out in Yucatan miniature swine to explore the effects of IDN6556 on islet engraftment. Pigs were treated with IDN6556 at a dose of 20 mg/kg orally twice daily (n=7) or phosphate-buffered saline control (n=6) orally for 7 days, and blood glucose was monitored for 1 month. Glucose tolerance and acute insulin release were determined at 1 month. Results There were no differences in islet procurement, isolation, or islet functional parameters between the two groups. Pigs receiving IDN6556 had lower fasting blood glucose level after transplantation and a higher percentage (100% vs. 33.3%) showed fasting blood glucose levels less than 11 mM. This translated into an enhanced metabolic reserve and acute insulin release for pigs in the treatment group. Conclusions IDN6556 led to enhanced islet engraftment in this large animal islet transplant model. Although this study has limitations including a short interval of study (1 month) and the use of unpurified islets, the results justify early clinical trials of IDN6556 in islet transplantation.
Combined Liver-Kidney Transplantation Is Preferable to Liver Transplant Alone for Cirrhotic Patients With Renal Failure

Background The role of combined liver-kidney transplantation (CLKT) for cirrhotic patients with renal failure (RF) is controversial. Since the model for end-stage liver disease era, there has been a rise in the number of CLKT. Using the Organ Procurement Transplant Network/United Network for Organ Sharing database, this study was undertaken to compare outcomes of cirrhotic patients with RF who received either liver transplant alone (LTA) or CLKT between 2002 and 2008. Methods Analysis was limited to cirrhotic patients 18 years old or older, with serum creatinine level 2.5 mg/dL or higher at the time of orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) or who received dialysis at least twice during the week before OLT. Patients who received CLKT were categorized based on the cause of their underlying RF. Results Overall liver allograft and patient survival rates of LTA patients were significantly lower compared with CLKT patients (P<0.001). CLKT patients with hepatorenal syndrome showed significantly higher patient and liver allograft survival rates. Liver allograft survival was superior among CLKT patients irrespective of whether they received dialysis. Prevalence of posttransplantation RF was higher for LTA patients at 6 months and 3 years of follow-up (P<0.001). LTA was a significant risk factor both for graft loss and mortality. Recipient hepatitis C virus seropositivity, donor age, donor cause of death, and life support at the time of OLT were also risk factors for graft loss and death. Conclusions Cirrhotic patients with RF, in particular with hepatorenal syndrome, CLKT is preferable to LTA because it improves liver allograft and patient survival.
Indikaciona područja neoperativnog i operativnog lečenja intraartikularnih preloma kalkaneusa

Historically, intra-articular calcaneal fractures have been managed, as a rule, nonsurgically, although surgical treatment has more advocates in the past 20 years. Even today many high specialized orthopedic surgeons have a lot of controversies relating the indications fields of nonsurgical and operative treatment of these fractures. For getting correct decision adequate preoperative evaluation of fracture type, overall patients health and his functional needs is necessary. Generally, elderly patients with sedentary habits, without or with minimal fracture displacement, might be treated successfully with nonsurgical management. Good result after surgical treatment might be predicted in patients younger than 40 years, with a simple fracture pattern and high probability of achieving anatomic reduction. Highly precise and good surgical technique is necessary for getting a good final result with a long learning curve of the surgeon. Smoking, diabetes, chronic medical illness, peripheral vascular disease as well workers compensation claim (! ) markedly increase the risk of surgical complications.
Histopathologic detection of rejection in acute allograft pyelonephritis.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common in renal allograft recipients and usually resolve after antibiotic therapy without kidney damage (1Y3). However, those that progress to pyelonephritis can have an adverse effect on graft outcome (2, 3). Factors contributing to chronic graft dysfunction in this situation remain unclear, in particular the contribution of histopathologic factors, because biopsies are rarely performed for pyelonephritis. It has been suggested that pyelonephritis might predispose to an alloimmune response, and an unrecognized rejection might contribute to graft dysfunction (3Y6). We examined clinical and histopathologic parameters predictive of response to treatment in patients with allograft pyelonephritis, with an emphasis to identify coexistent rejection or features in the biopsy that might suggest rejection. Because pyelonephritis is often an overwhelming finding in a biopsy, other features may easily be overlooked. We included all patients who underwent a renal allograft biopsy with a diagnosis of acute pyelonephritis. The study was performed with approval from the University Health Network Research Ethics Board. All biopsies were performed for unexplained graft dysfunction, although some patients had experienced recent UTI (Table 1). Acute allograft pyelonephritis was diagnosed by standard criteria including neutrophildominant interstitial inflammation, tubular neutrophil rimming, neutrophilic tubulitis, and tubular microabscesses. C4d was negative in all biopsies, which is consistent with neutrophilic tubulitis representing pyelonephritis rather than antibody-mediated rejection (7). Biopsies with pyelonephritis frequently show lymphocytic infiltrates admixed with neutrophils, but areas of pure lymphocytic infiltration are less common. We scored tubulitis (lymphocytic tubulitis) only as pure lymphocytic infiltration and only when present at least one high power field away from any neutrophil infiltration. Response to therapy was assessed at 1 month (poor response, no reduction in creatinine level; good response, 925% reduction in creatinine level). We identified 10 patients with acute allograft pyelonephritis, including 6 women and 4 men. Time after transplantation ranged from 8 to 3997 days, whereas time between graft dysfunction and biopsy varied from 2 to 60 days. Four patients showed longer intervals from creatinine level rise to biopsy because of recent UTI that was treated with antibiotics with symptomatic improvement but persistent renal graft dysfunction. Urine cultures at time of biopsy were available for all patients (Table 1). Of three that were negative, two had recently received antibiotics. All patients except patient two subsequently received antibiotics (according to culture sensitivity or empirically if negative). Patient 1 was additionally treated with intensive immunosuppression.
Hepatitis C Virus and Nonliver Solid Organ Transplantation

&NA; Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is common in solid organ allograft recipients and is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality after transplantation, so effective management will improve outcomes. In this review, we discuss the extent of the problem associated with HCV infection in donors and kidney, heart, and lung transplant candidates and recipients and recommend follow-up and treatment. Patients with end-stage kidney disease without cirrhosis and selected patients with early-stage cirrhosis can be considered for kidney transplant alone. In HCV-infected kidney allograft recipients, the progression of fibrosis should be evaluated serially by Fibroscan or serologic measures of fibrosis. Transplantation of kidneys from HCV-positive donors should be restricted to HCV-positive recipients as it is associated with a reduced time waiting for a graft and does not affect posttransplant outcomes. Hepatitis C virus antiviral therapy should be considered for all HCV-RNA–positive kidney transplant candidates, irrespective of the baseline liver histopathology. Protease inhibitors have yet to be fully evaluated in patients with renal dysfunction and in the transplant population. As these agents may cause anemia in patients with normal renal function, tolerability may be a problem in patients with end-stage kidney disease. The impact of HCV infection on survival in heart and lung transplantation is unclear. Because of the shortage of organs, few HCV-infected patients are accepted for transplantation. Universal use of nucleic acid amplification testing (NAT) for the screening of potential organ donors should be reserved to high-risk donors. Assays that quantify HCV core antigen may become more cost-effective than NAT for the screening of potential organ donors.
Assessment of health related quality of life (HRQoL) in irritable bowel syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is one of the most common gastrointestinal disorders, classically involving symptoms of abdominal pain, distension and altered bowel function. However, the aetiology and natural history of this complex and often unpredictable condition remain poorly-understood. In the absence of a specific pathophysiological explanation, diagnosis and assessment of patients with IBS can be challenging for health professionals. In a recent article in Gastrointestinal Nursing, the current perspectives of diagnosis and symptom assessment of IBS were critically explored. In this follow-up paper, Dr Graeme D Smith examines the role of health related quality of life measures in the assessment of IBS. Approaches to measurement of quality of life will be identified and the clinical uses and potential pitfalls of these scales will be addressed for nurses working in clinical gastroenterology.
Alteration of select gene expression patterns in individuals infected with HIV‐1

Multiple human proteins have been shown to both support and restrict viral replication, and confirmation of virus‐associated changes in the expression of these genes is relevant for future therapeutic efforts. In this study a well‐characterized panel of 49 individuals either infected with HIV‐1 or uninfected was compiled and analyzed for the effect of HIV infection status, viral load, and antiretroviral treatment on specific gene expression. mRNA was extracted and reverse transcribed from purified CD4+ cells, and quantitative real‐time PCR was utilized to scrutinize differences in the expression of four host genes that have been demonstrated to either stimulate (HSP90 and LEDGF/p75) or restrict (p21/WAF1 and APOBEC3G) proviral integration. HIV infection status was associated with slight to moderate alterations in the expression of all four genes. After adjusting for age, mRNA expression levels of HSP90, LEDGF/p75 and APOBEC3G were found to all be decreased in infected patients compared to healthy controls by 1.43‐, 1.26‐, and 4.71‐fold, respectively, while p21/WAF1 expression was increased 2.35‐fold. Furthermore, individuals receiving raltegravir exhibited a 1.28‐fold reduction in LEDGF/p75 compared to those on non‐raltegravir antiretroviral treatment. Identification of these and similar HIV‐induced changes in gene expression may be valuable for delineating the extent of host cell molecular mechanisms stimulating viral replication. J. Med. Virol. 86:678–686, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Pharmacology Review: Developmentally Regulated Cardiovascular, Renal, and Neuroendocrine Effects of Dopamine

During the past 2 decades, dopamine has become the most frequently used sympathomimetic amine in the treatment of neonatal shock. The observations that severe and prolonged hypotension may result in the development of irreversible shock, which is associated with increased mortality and central nervous system morbidity, form the rationale behind the early use of dopamine and other sympathomimetic amines in neonates if volume administration fails. However, although cautious volume administration and the early use of dopamine are effective in improving the cardiovascular status and renal function in most neonates who have hypotension, there is only indirect evidence that the use of dopamine (and the other sympathomimetic amines) in the management of neonatal shock improves mortality and morbidity. Recent advances in understanding of the pathophysiology of neonatal shock and the developmentally regulated mechanisms of dopamine action have led to more sophisticated use of this drug. Yet, limitations in the ability to assess accurately tissue perfusion at the bedside present challenges to management of neonatal shock, especially in the very preterm neonate during the immediate postnatal period. Furthermore, although recent studies have shed light on the effects of dopamine on regional organ blood flow in the neonate, there is very little evidence on the effects of dopamine (and the other sympathomimetic amines) on tissue oxygen delivery and consumption. Bearing these limitations in mind, we review the mechanisms of action and pharmacokinetics of dopamine and discuss the cardiovascular, renal, and neuroendocrine effects of the drug. Additionally, we examine the clinical evidence supporting and challenging the use of this sympathomimetic amine in the treatment of neonatal cardiovascular compromise. Dopamine, an endogenous catecholamine and the precursor of epinephrine and norepinephrine, plays an important physiologic role in the regulation of cardiovascular, renal, neuroendocrine, and central nervous system functions. Therefore, when used for its cardiovascular and renal …
Evidence of distinct populations of hepatitis C virus in the liver and plasma of patients co‐infected with HIV and HCV

Viral diversity is an important predictor of hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment response and may influence viral pathogenesis. HIV influences HCV variability in the plasma; however, limited data on viral variability are available from distinct tissue/cell compartments in patients co‐infected with HIV and HCV. Thus, this exploratory study evaluated diversity of the hypervariable region 1 (HVR1) of HCV in the plasma and liver for 14 patients co‐infected with HIV and HCV. Median intra‐patient genetic distances and entropy values were similar in the plasma and liver compartments. Positive immune selection pressure was observed in the plasma for five individuals and in the liver for three individuals. Statistical evidence supporting viral compartmentalization was found in five individuals. Linear regression identified ALT (P = 0.0104) and AST (P = 0.0130) as predictors of viral compartmentalization. A total of 12 signature amino acids that distinguish liver from plasma E1/HVR1 were identified. One signature amino acid was shared by at least two individuals. These findings suggest that HCV compartmentalization is relatively common among patients co‐infected with HIV and HCV. These data also imply that evaluating viral diversity, including drug resistance patterns, in the serum/plasma only may not adequately represent viruses replicating with in the liver and, thus, deserves careful consideration in future studies. J. Med. Virol. 86:1332–1341, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Project and Realization of a Wide-Range High-Frequency RFID Gate Allowing Omnidirectional Detection of Transponders

We describe the study and development of a 2-meter-wide HF RFID gate providing omnidirectional detection of transponders. Common commercial HF RFID gate structures provide a maximum reading range around 150 cm. Moreover, this value is in most cases guaranteed only for the maximum coupling direction, with lower values for the other 2 orientations. The proposed structure raises the value of the reading range up to 200 cm for every orientation of the transponder, with even better results (220 cm) when the transponder is in the position of maximum coupling. This result has been achieved through numerical simulations, focused on the study of the geometry of the antenna system and on the realization of the matching circuit and then confirmed with the physical implementation of the system.
Overall and Cause-Specific Mortality in Transplant Recipients with a Pretransplantation Cancer History

Background It is unclear to what extent cancer history affects posttransplantation mortality in solid organ transplant recipients. Methods We identified a Swedish population-based cohort of solid organ transplant recipients in the National Patient Register 1970 to 2008 and linked it to the Cancer and Cause-of-Death Register. Overall and cause-specific mortality was estimated using Cox regression. Results Of 10,448 eligible recipients, 416 (4%) had a prior malignancy unrelated to the indication for transplantation diagnosed 2 months or more before surgery (median, 5.7 years). Mortality among cancer history recipients was 30% increased after transplantation, compared with other recipients (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 1.3; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.1–1.5; P<0.001), driven by cancer-specific death with no increase in cardiovascular, infectious, or other noncancer mortality. An increased rate of death due to cancer history was primarily observed among nonkidney recipients (adjusted HRnonkidney, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.3–2.5; HRkidney, 1.2; 95% CI, 1.0–1.4). Rates were greatest for patients with waiting times of 5 years or less but persisted with waiting times more than 10 years among kidney and nonkidney recipients with prior aggressive cancer types (gastrointestinal, breast, kidney/urothelial, and hematologic malignancies). Conclusion We conclude that organ transplant recipients with cancer history are at a moderately increased rate of death after transplantation, driven primarily by death due to cancer recurrence.