Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Preliminary insights into the occurrence of similar clones of extended‐spectrum beta‐lactamase‐producing bacteria in humans, animals and the environment in Tanzania: A systematic review and meta‐analysis between 2005 and 2016

The emergence and spread of extended‐spectrum beta‐lactamase producing Enterobacteriaceae (ESBL‐PE) are complex and of the public health concern across the globe. This review aimed at assessing the ESBL‐PE clones circulating in humans, animals and the environment to provide evidence‐based insights for combating ESBL‐PE using One Health approach. Systematic search from Medline/PubMed, Google Scholar and African Journals Online was carried out and retrieved nine eligible articles (of 131) based on phenotypic and genotypic detection of ESBL‐PE between 2005 and 2016 in Tanzania. Analysis was performed using STATA 11.0 software to delineate the prevalence of ESBL‐PE, phenotypic resistance profiles and clones circulating in the three interfaces. The overall prevalence of ESBL‐PE in the three interfaces was 22.6% (95% CI: 21.1–24.2) with the predominance of Escherichia coli (E. coli) strains (51.6%). The majority of ESBL‐PE were resistant to the commonly used antimicrobials such as trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole and tetracycline/doxycycline, 38%–55% were resistant to ciprofloxacin and all were sensitive to meropenem/imipenem. ESBL‐PE infections were more associated with deaths compared to non‐ESBL‐PE infections. Strikingly, E. coli ST38, ST131 and ST2852 were found to intersect variably across the three interfaces. The predominant allele, blaCTX‐M‐15, was found mostly in the conjugative IncF plasmids connoting transmission potential. The high prevalence of ESBL‐PE and shared clones across the three interfaces, including the global E. coli ST131 clone, indicates wide and inter‐compartmental spread that calls for One Health genomic‐driven studies to track the resistome flow.
Sex Steroid Hormone Metabolism in Relation to Risk of Aggressive Prostate Cancer

Background: The combined action of androgens and estrogens—specifically their balance—may play a role in prostate carcinogenesis, but existing evidence is sparse and inconsistent. We investigated associations between serum sex steroid hormones, including estrogen metabolites, and risk of aggressive prostate cancer. Methods: In a case–control study nested within the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal and Ovarian Cancer Screening Trial cohort, we measured serum estrone, estradiol, and 13 estrogen metabolites, in the 2-, 4-, or 16-hydroxylation pathways, using an LC/MS-MS assay. Cases (n = 195) were non-Hispanic white men ages 55 to 70 years when diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer (stage III or IV and/or Gleason ≥7). Controls (n = 195) were non-Hispanic white men without prostate cancer who were frequency matched to cases by age and year at blood draw, and time since baseline screen. Only men with serum testosterone and sex hormone-binding globulin measured previously were eligible. Logistic regression models were used to estimate ORs and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). Results: Risk of aggressive prostate cancer was strongly inversely associated with estradiol:testosterone ratio (OR4th quartile vs. 1st = 0.27; 95% CI, 0.12–0.59, Ptrend = 0.003) and positively associated with 2:16α-hydroxyestrone ratio (OR4th quartile vs. 1st = 2.44; 95% CI, 1.34–4.45, Ptrend = 0.001). Individual estrogen metabolites were unrelated to risk. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that sex steroid hormones, specifically the estrogen-androgen balance, may be important in the development of aggressive prostate cancer. Impact: Improved understanding of the hormonal etiology of prostate cancer is critical for prevention and therapeutic interventions. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 23(11); 2374–82. ©2014 AACR.
Cultural and religious considerations in pediatric palliative care

Abstract Objective: A growing multicultural society presents healthcare providers with a difficult task of providing appropriate care for individuals who have different life experiences, beliefs, value systems, religions, languages, and notions of healthcare. This is especially vital when end-of-life care is needed during childhood. There is a dearth of literature addressing cultural considerations in the pediatric palliative care field. As members of a specific culture often do not ascribe to the same religious traditions, the purpose of this article was to explore and review how culture and religion informs and shapes pediatric palliative care. Method: Comprehensive literature searches were completed through an online search of nine databases for articles published between 1980 and 2011: PsychINFO, MEDLINE®, Journal of Citation Reports-Science Edition, Embase, Scopus, CINAHL®, Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), EBSCO, and Ovid. Key terms included: culture, transcultural, spiritual, international, ethnic, customs or religion AND end-of-life, palliative care, death, dying, cancer, or hospice, and children, pediatrics, or pediatric oncology. Reference lists in the retrieved articles were examined for additional studies that fit the inclusion criteria, and relevant articles were included for review. In addition, web-based searches of specific journals were conducted. These included, but were not limited to: Qualitative Health Research, Psycho-Oncology, Journal of Psychosocial Oncology, Journal of Pediatric Psychology, Journal of Pediatric Health Care, Journal of Pediatric Oncology Nursing, Omega, Social Work in Health Care, and Journal of Palliative Medicine. Results: Thirty-seven articles met eligibility criteria. From these, seven distinct themes emerged that have implications for pediatric palliative care. These include the role of culture in decision-making, faith and the involvement of clergy, communication (spoken and unspoken language), communicating to children about death (truth telling), the meaning of pain and suffering, the meaning of death and dying, and location of end-of-life care. Significance of results: The review of the literature provides insight into the influence of religion and how culture informs lifestyle and shapes the experiences of illness, pain, and end-of-life care. Recommendations for providing culturally sensitive end-of-life care are offered through the framework outlined in the Initiative for Pediatric Palliative Care Quality Improvement Project of 2002. Cultural traditions are dynamic, never static, and cannot be generalized to all families. Guidelines to aid in approaches to palliative care are provided, and providers are encouraged to define these important differences for each family under their care.
Three dimensionality of gleno‐humeral deformities in obstetrical brachial plexus palsy

The primary objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that gleno‐humeral deformity in children and adolescent with obstetrical brachial plexus palsy is three‐dimensional (3D). The study also compared the metrological properties of typical two‐dimensional gleno‐humeral measures to the newly developed 3D measures. Thirteen individuals (age = 11.8 ± 3.3 years) with obstetrical brachial plexus palsy participated in this IRB‐approved study. 3D axial magnetic resonance images were acquired for both shoulders. Glenoid and humeral models were created in order to quantify 3D glenoid version, humeral head migration, and glenoid concavity. Two‐dimensional (2D) measures were acquired as recommended in the literature. All measures were completed by two observers in this observer‐blind study. Compared to the non‐involved side, the glenoid was more retroverted (7.91°, p = 0.003) and inferiorly oriented (7.28°, p = 0.009). The humeral head was migrated more posteriorly (5.54 mm, p = 0.007), inferiorly (−3.96 mm, p = 0.013), and medially (−3.63 mm,p = 0.002). Eleven of the 13 glenoids were concave, based on the 3D glenoid models. The concurrent validity between three‐ and 2D measures were highly dependent of the parameter measured, the slice level used for the 2D analysis, and the presence/absence of pathology (0.63 < r < 0.91). The standard error of measurement for the 2D anterior–posterior version (>3°) was larger than that for the 3D measure of version (<1°) on the involved side. This study clearly demonstrated that the gleno‐humeral deformation in obstetrical brachial plexus palsy is 3D, emphasizing the need for 3D subject specific gleno‐humeral shape analysis for follow‐up and treatment plans in children with obstetrical brachial plexus palsy. © 2015 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 34:675–682, 2016.
A pharmacogenetic versus a clinical algorithm for warfarin dosing.

BACKGROUND The clinical utility of genotype-guided (pharmacogenetically based) dosing of warfarin has been tested only in small clinical trials or observational studies, with equivocal results. METHODS We randomly assigned 1015 patients to receive doses of warfarin during the first 5 days of therapy that were determined according to a dosing algorithm that included both clinical variables and genotype data or to one that included clinical variables only. All patients and clinicians were unaware of the dose of warfarin during the first 4 weeks of therapy. The primary outcome was the percentage of time that the international normalized ratio (INR) was in the therapeutic range from day 4 or 5 through day 28 of therapy. RESULTS At 4 weeks, the mean percentage of time in the therapeutic range was 45.2% in the genotype-guided group and 45.4% in the clinically guided group (adjusted mean difference, [genotype-guided group minus clinically guided group], -0.2; 95% confidence interval, -3.4 to 3.1; P=0.91). There also was no significant between-group difference among patients with a predicted dose difference between the two algorithms of 1 mg per day or more. There was, however, a significant interaction between dosing strategy and race (P=0.003). Among black patients, the mean percentage of time in the therapeutic range was less in the genotype-guided group than in the clinically guided group. The rates of the combined outcome of any INR of 4 or more, major bleeding, or thromboembolism did not differ significantly according to dosing strategy. CONCLUSIONS Genotype-guided dosing of warfarin did not improve anticoagulation control during the first 4 weeks of therapy. (Funded by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute and others; COAG ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00839657.).
Behavioral and Histopathological Changes of Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio) Exposed to Paraquat

The common carp (Cyprinus carpio) was exposed to 0, 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 mg/L of paraquat for 96 hours under laboratory conditions. The behavioral and histopathological changes of C. carp in response to paraquat exposure. The 96H lethal concentration (LC50) value are 26.07 mg/L. Treated fish exhibited agitated, respiratory distress and abnormal nervous behavior. Hyperplasia, oedema, pyknosis and necrosis in gills, liver and kidney were observed in the histopathological studies.
Inter-organizational network structure and formation mechanisms in Weibo space: A study of environmental NGOs

This study explores the structures of follower/identification networks among non-government environmental organizations on Sina Weibo by using social network analysis techniques, and unpacks the formation mechanisms of these networks by integrating the literature of inter-organizational networks, social movement coalitions, Internet studies and the institutions of social organization management in China. In particular, this study proposes an ‘appropriateness principle’ to explain the effect of registration status on network structure. Descriptive network analyses show that close virtual relations exist among environmental NGOs, and reciprocal relations are prevalent. The findings highlight the importance of legitimacy and lend support to the appropriateness principle. Non-governmental organizations which have offline collaborations or reside in the same province are more likely to form follower/identification relations, and those with similar focus areas are more likely to form identification relations. Weibo activity also has a positive impact on the formation of inter-organizational relations. Overall, the findings of this study suggest that ‘low cost of Internet use’ alone does not provide a sufficient explanation of inter-organizational relations on the cyberspace. The authors argue that on a highly interactive social media platform like Weibo, the trustworthiness of an organization and its capacity to earn recognition from peer organizations play a crucial role in the formation of inter-organizational networks.
Antioxidative and immunomodulatory effects of tributyrin supplementation on experimental colitis

Tributyrin (TBT) is a TAG composed of three butyric acids that has beneficial effects on ulcerative colitis due to its trophic, anti-inflammatory, pro-apoptotic and anti-carcinogenic properties. The goal of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy and mechanisms of action of TBT supplementation in the prevention of mucosal damage in experimental colitis. Mice received either a control diet or a TBT-supplemented diet for 15 d. Colitis was induced by dextran sodium sulphate administration during the last 7 d. Mucosal damage and the activation of immune cells and cytokines were determined by histological score, flow cytometry and ELISA. Leucocyte rolling and adhesion were assessed by intravital microscopy. Oxidative stress was determined by monitoring hydroperoxide concentration and evaluating superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase activities. Intestinal permeability was analysed using diethylenetriaminepentaacetate acid (99mTcDTPA). Compared with the colitis group, the animals in the colitis+TBT group had reduced mucosal damage and neutrophil and eosinophil mucosal infiltration, which were associated with a higher percentage of regulatory T cells (Treg) and higher levels of transforming growth factor β and IL-10 in the lamina propria. The level of in vivo leucocyte adhesion in the colon microvasculature was reduced after TBT supplementation. A lower level of hydroperoxide and higher levels of SOD and catalase activities were associated with TBT supplementation. TBT-supplemented mice showed reduced intestinal permeability to the levels intermediate between the control and colitis groups. In conclusion, the present results show that TBT has positive effects on colonic restructuring in experimental colitis. Additionally, TBT supplementation changes the immune response by controlling inflammation and regulating the expression of anti-inflammatory cytokines and Treg.
Nongenomic modulation of the large conductance voltage‐ and Ca2+‐activated K+ channels by estrogen: A novel regulatory mechanism in human detrusor smooth muscle

Estrogens have an important role in regulating detrusor smooth muscle (DSM) function. However, the underlying molecular and cellular mechanisms by which estrogens control human DSM excitability and contractility are not well known. Here, we used human DSM specimens from open bladder surgeries on 27 patients to elucidate the mechanism by which 17β‐estradiol regulates large conductance voltage‐ and Ca2+‐activated K+ (BK) channels, the most prominent K+ channels in human DSM. We employed single BK channel recordings on inside‐out excised membrane patches, perforated whole‐cell patch‐clamp on freshly isolated DSM cells, and isometric tension recordings on DSM‐isolated strips to investigate the mechanism by which 17β‐estradiol activates BK channels. 17β‐Estradiol (100 nmol/L) rapidly increased depolarization‐induced whole‐cell K+ currents in DSM cells. The 17β‐estradiol stimulatory effects on whole‐cell BK currents were completely abolished by the selective BK channel inhibitor paxilline (1 μmol/L), clearly indicating that 17β‐estradiol specifically activates BK channels. 17β‐Estradiol also increased the frequency of ryanodine receptor‐mediated transient BK currents. Single BK channel recordings showed that 17β‐estradiol (100 nmol/L) significantly increased the BK channel open probability of inside‐out excised membrane patches, revealing that 17β‐estradiol activates BK channels directly. 17β‐Estradiol reduced spontaneous phasic contractions of human DSM‐isolated strips in a concentration‐dependent manner (100 nmol/L‐1 μmol/L), and this effect was blocked by paxilline (1 μmol/L). 17β‐Estradiol (100 nmol/L) also reduced nerve‐evoked contractions of human DSM‐isolated strips. Collectively, our results reveal that 17β‐estradiol plays a critical role in regulating human DSM function through a direct nongenomic activation of BK channels.
Effects of Liver X Receptor Agonist Treatment on Pulmonary Inflammation and Host Defense1

Liver X receptor (LXR) α and β are members of the nuclear receptor superfamily of ligand-activated transcription factors. Best known for triggering “reverse cholesterol transport” gene programs upon their activation by endogenous oxysterols, LXRs have recently also been implicated in regulation of innate immunity. In this study, we define a role for LXRs in regulation of pulmonary inflammation and host defense and identify the lung and neutrophil as novel in vivo targets for pharmacologic LXR activation. LXR is expressed in murine alveolar macrophages, alveolar epithelial type II cells, and neutrophils. Treatment of mice with TO-901317, a synthetic LXR agonist, reduces influx of neutrophils to the lung triggered by inhaled LPS, intratracheal KC chemokine, and intratracheal Klebsiella pneumoniae and impairs pulmonary host defense against this bacterium. Pharmacologic LXR activation selectively modulates airspace cytokine expression induced by both LPS and K. pneumoniae. Moreover, we report for the first time that LXR activation impairs neutrophil motility and identify inhibition of chemokine-induced RhoA activation as a putative underlying mechanism. Taken together, these data define a novel role for LXR in lung pathophysiology and neutrophil biology and identify pharmacologic activation of LXR as a potential tool for modulation of innate immunity in the lung.
Wheat strip effects on nutrient loads following variable manure applications

Vegetative filters have been found to significantly reduce nutrient loads in runoff. This study was conducted to: (1) evaluate the effects of a narrow wheat strip, varying manure application rates, and different overland flow rates on runoff nutrient loads following application of beef cattle manure; (2) determine the upper capacity of a narrow wheat strip to reduce nutrient loads by applying excessive amounts of manure; and (3) compare the effectiveness of narrow wheat strips and grass hedges in reducing runoff nutrient loads. A 1.4 m wide strip of actively growing winter wheat was located at the bottom of selected 0.75 m wide by 4.0 m long plots. Three 30 min simulated rainfall events, separated by 24 h intervals, were applied at an intensity of 70 mm h-1 to the plots. The wheat strips were effective in reducing runoff loads of NO3-N, NH4-N, and total nitrogen (TN). Runoff loads of dissolved reactive phosphorus (DP), particulate phosphorus (PP), total phosphorus (TP), NH4-N, and TN were significantly influenced by manure application rate. The application of manure to meet a 2-year rather than a 1-year corn P requirement did not significantly increase DP, PP, or TP loads. However, application of manure to meet a 4-year P requirement resulted in DP, PP, and TP loads that were significantly greater than those obtained for a 2-year P requirement. Runoff rate significantly affected each of the measured water quality parameters. The actively growing wheat strips were much less effective than grass hedges in reducing runoff nutrient loads.
Coordination of mitochondrial bioenergetics with G1 phase cell cycle progression

Relatively little is known regarding how energetic demand during cell proliferation is sensed or coordinated with mitochondrial metabolism. Here we demonstrate that cell cycle progression through G1 is associated with a significant increase in mitochondrial membrane potential (∆Ψm) and respiration. We used this change in metabolic rate to isolate cells in G1 with low and high levels of mitochondrial membrane potential (∆ΨmL and ∆ΨmH). Biochemical and functional studies demonstrate that ∆ΨmL and ∆ΨmH cells display the distinct characteristics of early and late G1 phase, respectively. We further demonstrate that the metabolic rate in G1 reflect levels of the mTOR-raptor complex as well as susceptibility to rapamycin-induced cell cycle delay. In conclusion, our data suggests a coupling of mitochondrial bioenergetics and G1 progression and points to the mTOR signaling pathway as a potential molecular coordinator of these two processes.
Liver Injury by Carbon Tetrachloride Intoxication in 16 Patients Treated with Forced Ventilation to Accelerate Toxin Removal via the Lungs: A Clinical Report

Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) is an efficient but highly toxic solvent, used in households and commercially in the industry under regulatory surveillance to ensure safety at the working place and to protect the workers’ health. However, acute unintentional or intentional intoxications by CCl4 may rarely occur and are potentially life-threatening. In this review article, therapy options are discussed that are based on a literature review of traditional poisoning cases and the clinical experience with 16 patients with acute poisoning by CCl4. Among various therapy options, the CO2-induced hyperventilation therapy will be considered in detail as the most promising approach. This special therapy was developed because only around 1% of the intoxicating CCl4 is responsible for the liver injury after conversion to toxic radicals via microsomal cytochrome P450 2E1 whereas 99% of the solvent will leave the body unchanged by exhalation. Therefore, to enhance CCl4 elimination through the lungs, CO2 is added to the inspiration air at a flow rate of 2–3 L min−1 in order to achieve hyperventilation with a respiratory volume of 25–30 L min−1. Under this therapy, the clinical course was favorable in 15/16 patients, corresponding to 93.8%. In essence, patients with acute CCl4 intoxication should be treated by forced ventilation.
Beyond white privilege

This paper builds from scholarship on whiteness and white privilege to argue for an expanded focus that includes settler colonialism and white supremacy. We argue that engaging with white supremacy and settler colonialism reveals the enduring social, economic, and political impacts of white supremacy as a materially grounded set of practices. We situate white supremacy not as an artifact of history or as an extreme position, but rather as the foundation for the continuous unfolding of practices of race and racism within settler states. We illustrate this framework through a recent example of a land dispute in the American West.