Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Endogenous sialylation of the lipooligosaccharides of Neisseria meningitidis

Monoclonal antibodies (MAb) 3F11 and 06B4 recognize epitopes that are conserved on gonococcal lipooligosaccharides (LOS), present on some meningococcal LOS, and conserved on human erythrocytes. LOS of some group B and C prototype meningococcal LOS strains (LOS serotypes L1 to L8) treated with neuraminidase showed increased expression of the 3F11 and 06B4 MAb-defined epitopes. Neuraminidase-treated LOS separated by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and silver stained showed a shift in migration from a component with a mass of approximately 4.8 kDa to a component with a mass of between 4.5 and 4.6 kDa. The same strains grown in medium with excess CMP-N-acetylneuraminic acid had LOS that shifted in migration to a slightly higher component (mass, approximately 4.8 kDa). Chemical analysis of the neuraminidase-digested products from one LOS indicated it contained approximately 1.5% sialic acid. Covalent linkage between sialic acid and the LOS was confirmed by analysis of de-O-acylated and dephosphorylated LOS by liquid secondary ion mass spectrometry. Three studies show that some meningococci contain sialic acid in their LOS, that the sialic acid is cleaved and lost in conventional acetic acid hydrolysis, and that the sialic acid alters the expression of MAb-defined epitopes.
Machine Learning Integrated Drug Discovery Process Investigating Possible Drug Molecule against COVID-19 Disease: A Review

Pandemic is an outbreak of infectious disease that results in economic damage and loss of life on a global scale. Recently the world has suffered due to the pandemic known as COVID-19 disease caused due to the virus SARS-CoV-2, named by World Health Organization (WHO). The COVID-19 infected cases on global scale reported by the WHO was estimated to be 771,820,937. The global spread of COVID-19 is majorly due to the higher rates of mutation observed in the S1 spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 virus, and it is found to be one of the major difficulties in developing novel drugs and vaccines in a short period of time. Till today, drugs and vaccines developed against COVID-19 functioned as first aid treatment option instead of eliminating the disease completely. To apprehend, there is an indefinite need in developing robust Machine Learning (ML) algorithm for designing effective drugs and vaccines in a fleeting period to fight against viral outbreaks such as COVID-19 disease. This study signifies research gaps notedly, limited access to virtual screening, lack of general ML pipeline for drug discovery, non-availability of experimental data in designing ML algorithms and insufficient molecular docking results; were to be addressed developing integrated ML architecture pipeline. This study concludes that, to overcome the challenges discussed, there is a certain need in developing robust ML architectural layout consisting different ML algorithms integrated to apply for, the process of discovering novel drugs against viral protein in order to fight against pandemics such as COVID-19 disease.
Epigenetics and social context: implications for disparity in cardiovascular disease.

BACKGROUND Although it is well established that African Americans (AA) experience greater social stressors than non-Hispanic Whites (NHW), the extent to which early life adversity and cumulative social stressors such as perceived discrimination, neighborhood violence, subjective social status, and socioeconomic status contribute to disparity in coronary heart disease (CHD) and stroke between AA and NHW are not well understood. PURPOSE The purpose of this paper is to propose a conceptual model based upon McEwen's Allostatic Load Model suggesting how the relationships among social context, early life adversity, psychological stress, inflammation, adaptation, and epigenetic signature may contribute to the development of CHD and ischemic stroke. We hypothesize that social context and prior life adversity are associated with genome-wide as well as gene-specific epigenetic modifications that confer a proinflammatory epigenetic signature that mediates an enhanced proinflammatory state. Exposure to early life adversity, coupled with an increased allostatic load places individuals at greater risk for inflammatory based diseases, such as CHD and ischemic stroke. RESULTS Based on a review of the literature, we propose a novel model in which social context and psychological stress, particularly during early life, engenders a proinflammatory epigenetic signature, which drives a heightened inflammatory state that increases risk for CHD and stroke. In the proposed model, a proinflammatory epigenetic signature and adaptation serve as mediator variables. CONCLUSIONS Understanding the extent to which epigenetic signature bridges the psycho-social environment with inflammation and risk for CHD may yield novel biomarkers that can be used to assess risk, development, and progression of CHD/stroke. Epigenetic biomarkers may be used to inform preventive and treatment strategies that can be targeted to those most vulnerable, or to those with early signs of CHD, such as endothelial dysfunction. Furthermore, epigenetic approaches, including lifestyle modification and stress reduction programs, such as mindfulness-based stress reduction, offer promise to reduce health inequity linked to social disadvantage, as emerging evidence demonstrates that adverse epigenetic marks can be reversed.
Multiple drug hypersensitivity--proof of multiple drug hypersensitivity by patch and lymphocyte transformation tests.

BACKGROUND Multiple drug hypersensitivity (MDH) was first described in 1989 by Sullivan et al. as drug allergies to two or more chemically different drugs. So far, the diagnosis of MDH was associated almost exclusively with antibiotics and was defined based on history alone. AIMS OF THE STUDY The objective of this study was to prove MDH by two independent tests, namely patch (PT) and lymphocyte transformation (LTT) tests. METHODS Here we present 7 patients matching the definition of a MDH which were documented by positive LTT as well as PT to different drugs. RESULTS Three of the 7 patients developed sensitization to the different compounds during the same treatment period and had one longer-lasting allergic reaction. For another 4 patients sensitization to the different drugs occurred at distinct time points. CONCLUSIONS Our data support the concept of a MDH syndrome. The multiple sensitizations can be proven by skin and in vitro tests. We propose two subtypes of MDH: MDH, which develops against different drugs given simultaneously, and a second subtype, where the sensitizations develop sequentially. Antibiotics are often involved, but we also found sensitization to antiepileptics, hypnotics, antidepressants, local anesthetics, corticosteroids and other drug classes.
What limits [Vdot]O2max?A symposium held at the BASES Conference, 6 September 2010

Abstract Three modern views about the factors limiting oxygen uptake in healthy humans are set against the original (early 1920s) concept of A. V. Hill and colleagues. The majority view for most of the intervening time has been that cardiac output is the essential limiting function. Among recent research in support of this contention is that, in quadrupeds, pericardiectomy, which allows greater diastolic filling, elevates maximum oxygen uptake; however, the relevance to bipedal exercise can be questioned. In any case, algebraic analyses of model systems indicate that all identifiable stages on the oxygen transport pathway, from pulmonary diffusion to oxidative phosphorylation in skeletal muscle mitochondria, materially influence maximum uptake. Thus, if a high cardiac output is to be of benefit, all the other steps must function better too. Nevertheless, these two viewpoints concur that the limit to maximum oxygen uptake is somatic. In contrast, there are strong indications that at altitudes where oxygen availability is about half that at sea level, cerebral oxygenation is a limiting factor, and some recent experiments raise the possibility that it might be a substantial influence at sea level also. Clearly, consensus cannot yet be reached on the question posed in the title.
Linear encoder-decoder-controller design over channels with packet loss and quantization noise

In this paper we consider the problem of designing coding and decoding schemes for linear control design of a scalar unstable stochastic linear system in the presence of a wireless communication channel between the sensor and the estimator. In particular, we consider a communication channel which is prone to packet loss and includes quantization noise due to its limited capacity. We first study the case of perfect channel feedback, where the transmitter is aware of the quantization noise and the packet loss history of the channel. We show that in this case, the optimal strategy among all possible linear encoders corresponds to the transmission of the Kalman filter innovation (the difference between the filtered state estimate at the transmitter and the predicted state estimate at the receiver) similarly to the differential pulse-code modulation (DPCM). Although the critical Signalto-Quantization Noise Ratio (SQNR) required for stabilizing the system is the same for innovation forwarding as well as measurement forwarding at the transmitter, the latter is strictly suboptimal in terms of control performance. For the case of imperfect feedback, we assume that the channel feedback or acknowledgement is randomly lost with a certain erasure probability, rendering the transmitter ignorant of the control action taken by the receiver and subsequently applied to the plant. We propose several heuristic strategies for a suboptimal Kalman filter design at the transmitter based on estimation of the channel feedback status and compare their performances via numerical simulation studies.
Granularity-Based Comparison of the Bug-Proneness of Code Clones

Exactly or nearly similar code pieces residing in a software system's code-base are known as code clones in the lit-erature. The existing studies have investigated the bug-proneness of code clones in different ways. However, there is no study on the bug-proneness of code clones considering their granularities (i.e., method level or fragment level granularity). Thus, whether method level or fragment level code clones are more vulnerable for software evolution and maintenance is still unknown. If a particular clone category appears to be more vulnerable, we can prioritize refactoring code clones of that category to minimize clone related bugs in software systems. Focusing on this, we investigate and compare the bug-proneness of method level and fragment level code clones in our research. We detect code clones using the well-known NiCad clone de-tector and analyze their evolutionary history by automatically examining the changes that occurred to them during their evolution. We investigate and compare the bug-proneness of two categories of code clones: method level clones and fragment level clones. According to our investigation on three types (Type 1, 2, and 3) of code clones from thousands of revisions of six software systems: method level code clones are significantly more bug-prone than fragment level code clones during evolution. Also, method level clones are significantly more change-prone than fragment level clones. We should thus prioritize method level clones over fragment level clones while performing clone management activities.
Identification and Learning Control of Ocean Surface Ship Using Neural Networks

This paper presents the problems of accurate identification and learning control of ocean surface ship in uncertain dynamical environments. Thanks to the universal approximation capabilities, radial basis function neural networks (NNs) are employed to approximate the unknown ocean surface ship dynamics. A stable adaptive NN tracking controller is first designed using backstepping and Lyapunov synthesis. Partial persistent excitation (PE) condition of some internal signals in the closed-loop system is satisfied during tracking control to a recurrent reference trajectory. Under the PE condition, the proposed adaptive NN controller is shown to be capable of accurate identification/learning of the uncertain ship dynamics in the stable control process. Subsequently, a novel NN learning control method which effectively utilizes the learned knowledge without re-adapting to the unknown ship dynamics is proposed to achieve closed-loop stability and improved control performance. Simulation studies are performed to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Prediction of pre‐eclampsia, low birthweight for gestation and prematurity by uterine artery blood flow velocity waveforms analysis in low risk nulliparous women

Objective To assess the performance of four previously reported Doppler abnormalities of uterine artery velocity waveforms (presence of a protodiastolic notch, peak systolic over protodiastolic velocities (A:C ratio) > 2.5, peak systolic over end diastolic velocities (A:B ratio) > 90th centile, resistance index (RI) ([A‐B]/A) ≥0.58) in predicting pre‐eclampsia, low birthweight and prematurity.
Impact of an individualized type 2 diabetes education program on clinical outcomes during Ramadan

Objective To determine if individualized education before Ramadan results in a safer fast for people with type 2 diabetes. Methods Patients with type 2 diabetes who received care from participating clinics in Egypt, Iran, Jordan and Saudi Arabia and intended to fast during Ramadan 2014 were prospectively studied. Twelve clinics participated. Individualized education addressed meal planning, physical activity, blood glucose monitoring and acute metabolic complications and when deemed necessary, provided an individualized diabetes treatment plan. Results 774 people met study criteria, 515 received individualized education and 259 received usual care. Those who received individualized education were more likely to modify their diabetes treatment plan during Ramadan (97% vs 88%, p<0.0001), to perform self-monitoring of blood glucose at least twice daily during Ramadan (70% vs 51%, p<0.0001), and to have improved knowledge about hypoglycemic signs and symptoms (p=0.0007). Those who received individualized education also reduced their body mass index (−1.1±2.4 kg/m2 vs −0.2±1.7 kg/m2, p<0.0001) and glycated haemoglobin (−0.7±1.1% vs −0.1±1.3%, p<0.0001) during Ramadan compared those who received usual care. There were more mild (77% vs 67%, p=0.0031) and moderate (38% vs 19%, p<0.0001) hypoglycemic events reported by participants who received individualized education than those who received usual care, but fewer reported severe hypoglycemic events during Ramadan (23% vs 34%, p=0.0017). Conclusions This individualized education and diabetes treatment program helped patients with type 2 diabetes lose weight, improve glycemic control and achieve a safer fast during Ramadan.
The Relationship between Insurance Development and Economic Growth: A Cross-Region Study for China

: This study applies bootstrap panel Granger causality to test the relationship between development of insurance, including life and non-life insurance, and economic growth using data from 31 provinces of China. We find that patterns of interaction between insurance development and economic growth vary according to different level of income. Empirical results show that demand-following pattern is significant only for provinces of high income in both life and non-life insurance sectors, while supply-leading pattern prevails through most provinces at different developing stage, except for provinces of low income level in life sector. Our investigation also finds that in comparatively developed provinces, both life and non-life insurance interact with economy constructively. Further more, the hypothesis from Pattrick (1966) that supply-leading finance tends to play a more significant role at the beginning of the growth process is empirically proved in insurance sector. These results could be useful for regional governments that seek to improve economic growth as they suggest the need for implementation of simulative policies for the development of insurance industry for China.
Correlation of Oxidative Stress with Serum Trace Element Levels and Antioxidant Enzyme Status in Beta Thalassemia Major Patients: A Review of the Literature

Beta thalassemia major is an inherited disease resulting from reduction or total lack of beta globin chains. Patients with this disease need repeated blood transfusion for survival. This may cause oxidative stress and tissue injury due to iron overload, altered antioxidant enzymes, and other essential trace element levels. The aim of this review is to scrutinize the relationship between oxidative stress and serum trace elements, degree of damage caused by oxidative stress, and the role of antioxidant enzymes in beta thalassemia major patients. The findings indicate that oxidative stress in patients with beta thalassemia major is mainly caused by tissue injury due to over production of free radical by secondary iron overload, alteration in serum trace elements and antioxidant enzymes level. The role of trace elements like selenium, copper, iron, and zinc in beta thalassemia major patients reveals a significant change of these trace elements. Studies published on the status of antioxidant enzymes like catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione, and glutathione S-transferase in beta thalassemia patients also showed variable results. The administration of selective antioxidants along with essential trace elements and minerals to reduce the extent of oxidative damage and related complications in beta thalassemia major still need further evaluation.
Grid Power-Delay Tradeoff for Energy Harvesting Wireless Communication Systems With Finite Renewable Energy Storage

In this paper, we study the grid power-delay tradeoff in a point-to-point energy harvesting wireless communication system with finite energy storage capacity serving delay-sensitive applications. This communication system is powered by both grid and renewable power sources. First, we consider the average grid power consumption minimization subject to the data queue stability and renewable energy availability constraints. By exploring the optimality property and using the theory of random walks, we transform the grid power minimization problem to an asymptotically equivalent problem. Using the Lyapunov drift approach, we obtain an online dynamic power control policy to solve the asymptotically equivalent problem. Then, we introduce a novel analysis framework to study the grid power-delay tradeoff relationship of the online power control in the small delay regime. Specifically, using continuous-time approximation, dynamic programming and sample-path approach, we obtain bounds on the average delay and grid power consumption, which are asymptotically tight in the small delay regime. Based upon the derived closed-form expressions, we quantify the impacts of energy storage capacity and some other system parameters on the grid power-delay tradeoff.
Polymorphism of Myostatin Gene in Intron 1 and 2 and Exon 3, and Their Associations with Yearling Weight, Using PCR-RFLP and PCR-SSCP Techniques in Zel Sheep

The aim of present study was to investigate myostatin gene polymorphism and its association with yearling weight records in Zel sheep using PCR-RFLP and PCR-SSCP methods. Blood samples were collected from 200 Zel sheep, randomly, and DNA was extracted using modified salting out method. Polymerase chain reaction was carried out to amplify 337, 222, and 311 bp fragments, respectively, comprising a part of exon 3, intron 1, and intron 2 of myostatin gene. In addition, exon 3 was digested by HaeIII enzyme under RFLP method, and introns 1 and 2 were studied using SSCP. Under RFLP method, all samples showed mm genotype. Under SSCP method, intron 1 was also monomorph but intron 2 was polymorph (AA, AB, and BB). The allelic frequencies for A and B were 75.5 and 24.5%, respectively. This locus was not in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (P < 0.05), and there was no significant effect of myostatin gene on yearling weights.
Sudden Cardiac Death in End-Stage Renal Disease Patients: A 5-Year Prospective Analysis

Abstract—End-stage renal disease patients experience a high incidence of sudden cardiac death. We performed a 5-year prospective study in 230 end-stage renal disease patients, aiming to determine the role of echocardiography and the additional value of serum biomarkers in predicting sudden cardiac death. During follow-up, 24% of all deaths were attributed to sudden cardiac death. In the multivariable Cox regression analysis considering clinical, biochemical, dialysis, and echocardiographic parameters, left ventricular systolic dysfunction emerged as the most significant predictor of sudden cardiac death, followed by a high systolic and a low diastolic blood pressure. An ejection fraction cutoff ≤48.0% is associated with a specificity of 78.6% and a sensitivity of 57.7% in predicting sudden cardiac death. In biomarker-based multivariable Cox regression analysis, N-terminal probrain natriuretic peptide displays an independent association with sudden cardiac death and is more significantly associated with sudden cardiac death than cardiac troponin T. In the combined echocardiography and biomarker-based multivariable Cox regression model, N-terminal probrain natriuretic peptide loses significance to left ventricular ejection fraction, whereas cardiac troponin T retains a significant association with sudden cardiac death independent of echocardiographic parameters. In conclusion, systolic dysfunction is the most significant predictor of sudden cardiac death followed by a high systolic and a low diastolic blood pressure. Our data suggest additional value in measuring cardiac troponin T for sudden cardiac death risk stratification. N-terminal probrain natriuretic peptide may be used in place of echocardiography to identify patients at risk of sudden cardiac death but had no added value over echocardiography in predicting sudden cardiac death.
Initial Experience with Robotic Retropubic Urethropexy Compared to Open Retropubic Urethropexy

Study Objective. To compare the clinical outcomes of robotic retropubic urethropexy versus open retropubic urethropexy. Design. Retrospective case-control study (II-2). Setting. University Hospital. Patients. All patients who underwent robotic retropubic urethropexy from 1/1/12 to 6/1/12 by a single gynecologic surgeon were included in the case series. The control cases consisted of the last five consecutive open retropubic urethropexies performed by the same surgeon. Main Results. A total of 10 patients (5 robotic cases and 5 open cases) were included in this study. Both groups were similar with respect to age, BMI, and obstetrical history. Mean hospital stay length and mean EBL were overall less for robotic cases than for open cases (1.2 days versus 2.6 days; 169 mL versus 300 mL). One of the 5 patients who underwent the open approach and 2 of the 5 patients who underwent the robotic approach sustained a minor intraoperative complication. All but one patient from each group experienced resolution of incontinence after the procedure. Two of the patients who underwent the open approach had postoperative complications. Conclusions. Robotic retropubic urethropexy may be a feasible alternative to open retropubic urethropexy. A larger study is necessary to support our observations.