Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comprehensive investigation of disease-specific short peptides in sera from patients with systemic sclerosis: complement C3f-des-arginine, detected predominantly in systemic sclerosis sera, enhances proliferation of vascular endothelial cells.

OBJECTIVE To identify pathogenic and/or disease-specific short peptides in sera from patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). METHODS Serum samples from 40 patients with SSc, 30 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, 21 patients with rheumatoid arthritis, 30 patients with osteoarthritis, and 26 healthy donors were tested. Short peptides with molecular weights of smaller than approximately 3 kd, purified from the sera by magnetic bead-based hydrophobic interaction chromatography 18, were detected and their amino acid sequences determined using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Effects of the identified peptides on fibroblasts and microvascular endothelial cells were tested using synthesized peptides and sera containing the peptides. RESULTS A group of peptides with mass/charge (m/z) values of 1,865, 1,778, 1,691, 1,563, and 1,450 were detected predominantly in the SSc sera. These peptides were identified as family members of complement C3f-des-arginine (DRC3f) derived from C3b. The level of DRC3f (m/z 1,865) was related to vascular involvement in SSc and to SSc disease activity. The synthesized peptides of DRC3f and C3f, as well as the filtrated sera containing DRC3f, enhanced proliferation of microvascular endothelial cells, but not fibroblasts. Both DRC3f and C3f increased production of transforming growth factor beta1 by dermal microvascular endothelial cells. CONCLUSION This comprehensive peptidomics analysis revealed the predominance of DRC3f in the sera of patients with SSc. Investigation of DRC3f may be a useful tool for the diagnosis and evaluation of disease activity in SSc. Moreover, its demonstrated effects on endothelial cells suggest a potential role for DRC3f in the pathophysiologic mechanisms of SSc.
Association between hepatic steatosis and serum IGF1 and IGFBP-3 levels in a population-based sample.

CONTEXT It is assumed that hepatic steatosis plays a role in the development and progression of the metabolic syndrome and its cardiovascular sequelae. Low serum IGF1 levels might mediate these associations. OBJECTIVES The aims of this study were i) to investigate the associations of hepatic steatosis with serum IGF1 and IGF binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) levels using ultrasound and serum alanine aminotransaminase (ALT) data to define hepatic steatosis, and ii) to analyze the specific role of alcohol consumption in this context. DESIGN We analyzed data from the population-based Study of Health in Pomerania. METHODS We used data from 3863 subjects (1971 women) aged 20-79 years who had no history of viral hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, or malignant diseases. Liver hyperechogenicity was diagnosed using ultrasound. Serum IGF1 and IGFBP-3 levels were determined by automated two-site chemiluminescence immunoassays. RESULTS Hyperechogenic liver pattern was associated with low serum IGF1 levels and low serum IGF1/IGFBP-3 ratios. The lowest serum IGF1 and IGF1/IGFBP-3 values and highest IGFBP-3 levels were present in subjects who had a hyperechogenic liver pattern and increased serum ALT levels. All of these associations were independent of alcohol consumption. CONCLUSIONS Our data show that hepatic steatosis is associated with low serum IGF1 levels. This association is independent of alcohol consumption.
Attachment, spreading and migration of melanoma cells on vitronectin

Abstract Recent in situ studies suggest the αvβ3 integrin is a tumour progression marker in melanoma. We analyzed 5 human melanoma cell lines for their expression of the vitronectin binding αvβ3 and αvβ5, integrins using flow cytometry. The role of these receptors in cell attachment, spreading and migration was investigated using attachment assays, video time lapse spreading and migration assays and with function blocking monoclonal antibodies. Cell lines derived from later stages of tumor progression exhibited high levels of αvβ3 expression, whereas no similar correlation with αvβ5 expression was identified. Cell attachment, spreading and migration response on vitronectin correlated well with the expression level of the αvβ3 but not the αvβ5 vitronectin receptor. Blocking of the αvβ3 integrin resulted in a significant decrease in cell attachment, spreading and motility whereas the function blocking antibody against the αvβ5 integrin only inhibited cell attachment in cell lines with the highest level of expression of this integrin. Taken together, our study indicates that the level of expression of the αvβ3 and αvβ5 integrins is heterogeneous in melanoma cell lines and that the αvβ5 integrin, if present, may function only during the initial cell attachment whereas the αvβ3 plays an important rôle in cell spreading and cell migration as well.
A new technique of combined retinal and choroidal biopsy

Aims: To evaluate a new technique in large retinal and choroidal biopsies in patients with uveitis of unknown aetiology and chorioretinal lesions or infiltrate. Methods: Retrospective, non-comparative, consecutive interventional case series. Patients were identified from the computerised patient database and from histopathology records. Results: A total of nine patients were included in the study. The commonest indication of biopsy was panuveitis of unknown aetiology. Positive histological diagnoses from the chorioretinal biopsies were made in five cases (55.6%). Complications included vitreous haemorrhages and one case of retinal detachment. Conclusion: The technique of large chorioretinal biopsy described appears to be safe. It produced good amounts of chorioretinal tissue for histopathological analysis. Positive histology results were seen in the majority of the sample and especially in those where vitreous biopsy alone proved to be inadequate.
The evolving approach to paediatric myocarditis: a review of the current literature

Abstract Paediatric myocarditis remains challenging from the perspectives of diagnosis and management. Multiple aetiologies exist and the majority of cases appear to be related to viral illnesses. Enteroviruses are believed to be the most common cause, although cases related to adenovirus may be more frequent than suspected. The clinical presentation is extremely varied, ranging from asymptomatic to sudden unexpected death. A high index of suspicion is crucial. There is emerging evidence to support investigations such as serum N-terminal B-type natriuretic peptide levels, as well as cardiac magnetic resonance imaging as adjuncts to the clinical diagnosis. In the future, these may reduce the necessity for invasive methods, such as endomyocardial biopsy, which remain the gold standard. Management generally includes supportive care, consisting of cardiac failure medical management, with the potential for mechanical support and cardiac transplantation. Treatments aimed at immunosuppression remain controversial. The paediatric literature is extremely limited with no conclusive evidence to support or refute these strategies. This article summarises the current literature regarding aetiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management of myocarditis in paediatric patients.
Assessing the role of spatial engagement and disengagement of attention in anxiety-linked attentional bias: a critique of current paradigms and suggestions for future research directions

Abstract A considerable volume of research has demonstrated an anxiety-linked attentional bias characterized by selective processing of threat stimuli. The last decade has seen growing interest in identifying the precise attentional mechanisms which underlie such selective processing to advance both theoretical and etiological models of anxiety. This research has particularly focused on the roles of spatial engagement and disengagement of attention. The relative contribution of these attentional components to selective processing of threat in anxious individuals remains unclear however. Moreover, we argue here that many of the tasks employed to examine these mechanisms, may not be capable of indexing the attentional processes that they claim to measure. In this article, we provide a methodological review, critically evaluating the adequacy of previous tasks employed to measure biased attentional engagement and disengagement. Based on a number of concerns raised about the ability of such tasks to differentiate these component attentional processes, we detail three task criteria that we believe are essential to be confident that a task will accurately index biased attentional engagement with, and disengagement from threat in anxious participants.
UDP‐N‐acetylglucosaminyl transferase (OGT) in brain tissue: temperature sensitivity and subcellular distribution of cytosolic and nuclear enzyme

In brain tissue, UDP‐N‐acetylglucosaminyl transferase (OGT) is known to catalyze the addition of a single N‐acetylglucosamine moiety (GlcNAc) onto two proteins linked to the etiology of neurodegenerative disease –β‐amyloid associated protein and tau. Hyperphosphorylation of tau appears to cause neurofibrillary tangles and cell death, and a functional relationship appears to exist between phosphorylation and glycosylation. Since a greater understanding of brain OGT may provide new insights into the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease, we examined the characteristics and subcellular distribution of OGT protein and OGT activity and its relationship to O‐linked glycosylation. We found that cytosolic OGT activity is 10 times more abundant in brain tissue compared with muscle, adipose, heart, and liver tissue. Temperature studies demonstrated that cytosolic OGT activity was stable at 24°C but was rapidly inactivated at 37°C (T1/2 = 20 min). Proteases were probably not involved because OGT immunopurified from cytosol retained temperature sensitivity. Subcellular distribution studies showed abundant OGT protein in the nucleus that was enzymatically active. Nuclear OGT activity exhibited a high affinity for UDP‐GlcNAc and a salt sensitivity that was similar to cytosolic OGT; however, nuclear OGT was not inactivated at 37°C, as was the cytosolic enzyme. Two methods were used to measure O‐linked glycoproteins in brain cytosol and nucleosol –[3H]galactose labeling and western blotting using antibodies against O‐linked glycoproteins. Both methods revealed a greater abundance of O‐linked glycoproteins in the nucleus compared to cytosol.
Mycobacterium microti Tuberculosis in Its Maintenance Host, the Field Vole (Microtus agrestis)

The field vole (Microtus agrestis) is a known maintenance host of Mycobacterium microti. Previous studies have shown that infected animals develop tuberculosis. However, the disease is also known in cats and is sporadically reported from humans and other mammalian species. We examined trapped field voles from an endemic area, using a range of diagnostic approaches. These confirmed that a combination of gross and histological examination with culture is most appropriate to identify the true prevalence of the disease, which was shown to be more than 13% at times when older animals that have previously been shown to be more likely to develop the disease dominate the population. The thorough pathological examination of diseased animals showed that voles generally develop systemic disease with most frequent involvement of spleen and liver, followed by skin, lymph nodes, and lungs. The morphology of the lesions was consistent with active disease, and their distribution suggested skin wounds or oral and/or aerogenic infection as the main portal of entry. The demonstration of mycobacteria in open skin lesions, airways, and salivary glands indicated bacterial shedding from the skin and with sputum and saliva. This suggests not only the environment but also direct contact and devouring as likely sources of infection.
Analysis and Modeling of One-Dimensional Folded Vertical Hall Sensor With Readout Circuit

A Simulation Program with Integrated Circuit Emphasis macro model is proposed to simulate and understand the interaction between magnetoresistor (MR) and vertical magnetotransistor (VMT) in the proposed 1-D folded vertical Hall sensor (VHS), which was fabricated with 0.18-<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\mu \text{m}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> 1P6M CMOS technology. In the proposed net-list file, the resistor MR enhances the linearity and the transistor VMT improves the magnetosensitivity between the induced Hall voltage and the applied magnetic induction. The folded design effectively eliminated the coupling Hall voltage that was generated by the Lorentz force. A readout circuit composed of a noninverting amplifier, low-pass filter, and instrumentation amplifier was also designed to enhance the magnetosensitivity, with a gain of 43 dB. Simulated and measured results verify the accuracy and flexibility of the proposed folded VHS. Measurements revealed that the maximum output Hall voltage <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\text{V}_{\mathrm {{H}}}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>, optimum supply current-related magnetosensitivity, mean nonlinearity error, smallest offset, and relative bias current were 6.911 mV, 92.15 V/(<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\text{A}\cdot \text{T}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>), 10.26%, 42.61 mV, and 5 mA, respectively, for the proposed folded VHS with readout circuit at a load capacitor of 10 pF and a supplied voltage of 1.8 V. The VHS had good supply current-related magnetosensitivity because of the gain of the readout circuit.
[The role of lipid metabolism and antioxidant system changes in the development of retinal vein occlusion].

PURPOSE To compare changes in lipid metabolism and antioxidant status in patients with retinal vein occlusion (RVO) with that in patients with a history of ischemic stroke and in patients with no clinical manifestations of atherosclerosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS A total of 111 patients were enrolled in the study. Group 1 included 80 patients with RVO and grade 2-3 stage II-III essential hypertension, group 2-11 patients with grade 3 stage III essential hypertension, high cardiovascular risk and a history of ischemic stroke. The control group included 20 patients with no clinical manifestations of atherosclerosis. All patients underwent a standard ophthalmic examination, fluorescent retinal angiography, lipid metabolism and redox system assessment. RESULTS The levels of low-density lipoproteins (LDL) and cholinesterase were higher in study groups than in controls regardless the type of RVO. A statistically proven increase in oxidized LDL (oxLDL) was found in patients with complicated hypertension and ischemic RVO. A direct correlation was determined between the level of anti-oxLDL IgG and lipid peroxidation activity (LP) (R = 0.376; p = 0.136) as well as the levels of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) (R = 0.529; p = 0.029) and GPx per gram of hemoglobin (R = 0.543; p = 0.024) in patients with branch RVO. Redox system assessment showed a decrease of thiols and an increase of LP metabolites. CONCLUSION The results demonstrated that retinal vein occlusions develop under disorders of lipid metabolism similar to those in patients with a history of ischemic stroke. The correlation between the level of anti-oxLDL IgG and LP points to the redox system involvement in the intricate pathogenesis of RVO.
Can true monocular keratoconus occur?

Evidence increasingly supports keratoconus as an inherited, genetic disorder. If this is the case, it would be expected to express itself as a binocular condition even though variable expression of the gene may show differing levels in the two eyes. It is a common occurrence in specialist contact lens practices to see pseudo‐monocular keratoconus, that is, an overt clinical level of the condition in one eye and forme fruste keratoconus in the other. The advent of videokeratoscopy has shown almost every case of apparent monocular keratoconus to be different expressions of the condition in the two eyes. Nevertheless, rare cases of the condition are seen that appear to be truly monocular. Such a case is presented in which the condition has been present for more than 23 years. The age of the subject makes the future onset of keratoconus highly unlikely and videokeratoscopy does not show the presence of forme fruste in the ‘good’ eye. There is no history of monocular eye rubbing. Pachymetry shows the normal eye to be well within the range of normal corneal thickness, while the keratoconus in the other eye is sufficiently advanced to warrant corneal grafting. Thus, it is a case of true monocular keratoconus and represents an extreme example of variable gene expression.
Mobility difficulties are not only a problem of old age

BACKGROUND: Lower extremity mobility difficulties often result from common medical conditions and can disrupt both physical and emotional well-being.OBJECTIVES: To assess the national prevalence of mobility difficulties among noninstitutionalized adults and to examine associations with demographic characteristics and other physical and mental health problems.DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey using the 1994–1995 National Health Interview Survey-Disability Supplement (NHIS-D). We constructed measures of minor, moderate, and major lower extremity mobility difficulties using questions about ability to walk, climb stairs, and stand, and use of mobility aids (e.g., canes, wheelchairs). Age and gender adjustment used direct standardization methods in Software for the Statistical Analysis of Correlated Data (SUDAAN). PARTICIPANTS: Noninstitutionalized, civilian U.S. residents aged 18 years and older. National Health Interview Survey sampling weights with SUDAAN provided nationally representative population estimates.RESULTS: An estimated 19 million people (10.1%) reported some mobility difficulty. The mean age of those with minor, moderate, or major difficulty ranged from 59 to 67 years. Of those reporting major difficulties, 32% said their problems began at aged 50 years or younger. Adjusted problem rates were higher among women (11.8%) than men (8.8%), and higher among African Americans (15.0%) than whites (10.0%). Persons with mobility difficulties were more likely to be poorly educated, living alone, impoverished, obese, and having problems conducting daily activities. Among persons with major mobility difficulties, 30.6% reported being frequently depressed or anxious, compared to 3.8% for persons without mobility difficulties.CONCLUSIONS: Reports of mobility difficulties are common, including among middle-aged adults. Associations with poor performance of daily activities, depression, anxiety, and poverty highlight the need for comprehensive care for persons with mobility problems.
The Effects of Residential Segregation and Neighborhood Characteristics on Surgery and Survival in Patients with Early-Stage Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer

Background: Although the negative effects of lower socioeconomic status on non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treatment and survival have been widely studied, the impact of residential segregation on prognosis and the receipt of treatment has yet to be determined. Methods: This is a retrospective, cohort study of NSCLC patients in Georgia (2000–2009; n = 8,322) using data from the Georgia Comprehensive Cancer Registry. The effects of segregation, economic deprivation, and combined segregation/deprivation on the odds of receiving surgery were examined in separate multilevel models. To determine the association for the exposures of interest on the risk of death for different racial groups, separate multilevel survival models were conducted for black and white patients. Results: Living in areas with the highest [AOR = 0.35, 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.19–0.64] and second highest (AOR = 0.37, 95% CI, 0.20–0.68) levels of segregation was associated with decreased odds of receipt of surgery. Black patients living in areas with high residential segregation and high economic deprivation were 31% (95% CI, 1.04–1.66) more likely to die, even after surgery was controlled for. For white patients, economic deprivation was associated with decreased odds of surgery but not survival. Segregation had no effect. Conclusion: Our findings suggest how black and white individuals experience segregation and area-level poverty is likely different leading to differences in adverse health outcomes. Impact: Identifying neighborhood characteristics impacting health outcomes within different racial groups could help reduce health disparities across racial groups by implementing targeted policies and interventions. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 25(5); 750–8. ©2016 AACR.
College students with autism spectrum disorders: A growing role for adult psychiatrists

ABSTRACT Objective: Adolescents with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are increasingly attending college. This case report highlights the nature of the psychiatric difficulties these individuals may face and the potential role for college mental health practitioners. Participants: A case of a female student with ASD presenting with significant inattentive symptoms. Methods: The authors describe the unique features of this patient's clinical presentation, discuss relevant diagnostic considerations, and make recommendations about how to best approach treatment. Results: This student presented with symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), which were first relevant during her time at college, owing to increased demands on planning and other executive functions. She was eventually responsive to treatment with a stimulant, but had more side effects early on. Conclusions: As individuals with ASD attend college, their mental health needs will require treatment. However, such treatment draws on a comparatively limited evidence base, and providers need to be aware of potential challenges that may arise.
The genetics and epidemiology of female sexual dysfunction: a review.

INTRODUCTION Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) is an often underestimated and common problem with serious effects on women's quality of life. Despite a high overall prevalence in the female population--exceeding that of male sexual dysfunction--until recently, little research has focused on this area. In contrast to the successful advances of genetic research in a wide variety of human diseases, genetic exploration in FSD lags far behind. AIM The aim of this review is to acquaint the reader with the current behavioral and molecular genetic research in the field of FSD. Methods. Because of the heterogeneity of the included studies, we are providing a nonsystematic review. RESULTS Recent epidemiological and candidate gene studies have suggested a strong genetic influence on female sexual functioning. While these findings provide a clear rationale for more genetic research in the field, they need to be replicated on a much larger scale to be definitive. CONCLUSIONS Successful identification of biomarkers and novel genes underlying FSD should improve the diagnosis, identification, and treatment of different subgroups. Future pharmacotherapeutic approaches to FSD will benefit from novel targets and the concept that individual variations have a genetic component may help destigmatize our views of sexual problems. Burri AV, Cherkas LM, and Spector TD.