Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Prevalence and in vitro Antifungal Susceptibility Pattern of Candida species in a Tertiary Care Hospital, Rawalpindi, Pakistan

Candida is an opportunistic pathogen commonly found in hospital settings. During recent years increase in the non albican species of Candida and their resistance against treatment of choice has been observed. The aim of this research was to study the prevalence and antifungal susceptibility pattern of Candida species from different hospital units. A total of 303 samples were included in this study. Candida species, initially identified by colony morphology, were further characterized by germ tube test, morphology on cornmeal as well as Chromagar and sugar assimilation profiles. Antifungal susceptibility pattern was checked by disc diffusion method (CLSI M44-A2). Five species of Candida i.e., C. albicans, C. tropicalis, C. glabrata, C. parapsilosis and C. krusei were isolated. Candida albicans was dominant (55.5%) over non albican species (45.5%). Candidiasis was more common in age group of 21- 40 years and most of the isolates were reported from urine. Drug resistance was more common in non-albican species of Candida. Overall sensitivity rate of amphotericin B, fluconazole and caspofungin was 100%, 87.4% and 97.6%, respectively. The varied susceptibility of different Candida species proposes that proper identification and antifungal susceptibility testing must be done for efficacious treatment. Amphotericin still remains the drug of choice for candidiasis.
Progestin and AdipoQ Receptor 7, Progesterone Membrane Receptor Component 1 (PGRMC1), and PGRMC2 and Their Role in Regulating Progesterone's Ability to Suppress Human Granulosa/Luteal Cells from Entering into the Cell Cycle1

ABSTRACT The present studies were designed to determine the role of progesterone receptor membrane component 1 (PGRMC1), PGRMC2, progestin and adipoQ receptor 7 (PAQR7), and progesterone receptor (PGR) in mediating the antimitotic action of progesterone (P4) in human granulosa/luteal cells. For these studies granulosa/luteal cells of 10 women undergoing controlled ovarian hyperstimulation were isolated, maintained in culture, and depleted of PGRMC1, PGRMC2, PAQR7, or PGR by siRNA treatment. The rate of entry into the cell cycle was assessed using the FUCCI cell cycle sensor to determine the percentage of cells in the G1/S stage of the cell cycle. PGRMC1, PGRMC2, PAQR7, and PGR mRNA levels were assessed by real-time PCR and their interactions monitored by in situ proximity ligation assays (PLAs). These studies revealed that PGRMC1, PGRMC2, PAQR7, and PGR were expressed by granulosa/luteal cells from all patients, with PGRMC1 mRNA being most abundant, followed by PAQR7, PGRMC2, and PGR. However, their mRNA levels showed considerable patient variation. P4's ability to suppress entry into the cell cycle was dependent on PGRMC1, PGRMC2, and PAQR7 but not PGR. Moreover, PLAs indicated that PGRMC1, PGRMC2, and PAQR7 formed a complex within the cytoplasm. Based on these studies, it is proposed that these three P4 mediators form a complex within the cytoplasm that is required for P4's action. Moreover, P4's ability to regulate human follicle development may be dependent in part on the expression levels of each of these P4 mediators.
N-Linked Glycosylation of Folded Proteins by the Bacterial Oligosaccharyltransferase

N-linked protein glycosylation is found in all domains of life. In eukaryotes, it is the most abundant protein modification of secretory and membrane proteins, and the process is coupled to protein translocation and folding. We found that in bacteria, N-glycosylation can occur independently of the protein translocation machinery. In an in vitro assay, bacterial oligosaccharyltransferase glycosylated a folded endogenous substrate protein with high efficiency and folded bovine ribonuclease A with low efficiency. Unfolding the eukaryotic substrate greatly increased glycosylation. We propose that in the bacterial system, glycosylation sites are located in flexible parts of folded proteins, whereas the eukaryotic cotranslational glycosylation evolved to a mechanism presenting the substrate in a flexible form before folding.
Crystal Structure of the Rad3/XPD Regulatory Domain of Ssl1/p44*

Background: Ssl1/p44 is a critical helicase stimulating factor for Rad3/XPD. Results: Structure-based mutation analysis of the β4-α5 loop of Ssl1/p44 resulted in defects of Rad3/XPD stimulation and yeast cell lethality. Conclusion: The β4-α5 loop of Ssl1/p44 is essential for the functional regulation of Rad3/XPD. Significance: These findings provide insights into the interaction between Rad3/XPD and Ssl1/p44 in TFIIH complex. The Ssl1/p44 subunit is a core component of the yeast/mammalian general transcription factor TFIIH, which is involved in transcription and DNA repair. Ssl1/p44 binds to and stimulates the Rad3/XPD helicase activity of TFIIH. To understand the helicase stimulatory mechanism of Ssl1/p44, we determined the crystal structure of the N-terminal regulatory domain of Ssl1 from Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Ssl1 forms a von Willebrand factor A fold in which a central six-stranded β-sheet is sandwiched between three α helices on both sides. Structural and biochemical analyses of Ssl1/p44 revealed that the β4-α5 loop, which is frequently found at the interface between von Willebrand factor A family proteins and cellular counterparts, is critical for the stimulation of Rad3/XPD. Yeast genetics analyses showed that double mutation of Leu-239 and Ser-240 in the β4-α5 loop of Ssl1 leads to lethality of a yeast strain, demonstrating the importance of the Rad3-Ssl1 interactions to cell viability. Here, we provide a structural model for the Rad3/XPD-Ssl1/p44 complex and insights into how the binding of Ssl1/p44 contributes to the helicase activity of Rad3/XPD and cell viability.
Vocabulary growth in an English as a foreign language context

This study examines vocabulary growth in two dimensions, receptive and controlled productive, and the interrelationship between these dimensions. The study focuses on the 2000, 3000, 5000 and academic word list levels. Data were collected from 41 high school students in China. The participants completed a pre-test in the third week of the first semester, and a post-test ten weeks later. The findings indicate that: (1) both receptive and controlled productive vocabulary knowledge grow significantly at some vocabulary levels after ten weeks of study; (2) the growth is greater overall in controlled productive vocabulary knowledge than in receptive vocabulary knowledge; (3) receptive vocabulary size is larger than controlled productive vocabulary size at all vocabulary levels; and (4) the gap between receptive and controlled productive vocabulary size lessens after ten weeks of instruction. The study, in considering the findings, reflects on the relationship between classroom focus and vocabulary learning.
THE EFFECT OF AGE ON RESULTS OBTAINED BY MARES DURING STATIONARY AND FIELD PERFORMANCE TESTS CONDUCTED IN POLAND IN THE YEARS 2001-2010

The study encompassed a population of noble mares, assessed in Poland during performance tests. The statistical analysis pertained to results obtained by warmblood mares within a period of 10 years. Performance tests were conducted in II systems: field and stationary. The analysis encompassed 1490 mares, each of which participated in at least one performance test. The conducted study revealed statistically significant differences between average results obtained by 2-3 year-old mares and 4-year-olds only in the free jumping and rideability categories – in favor of 4-year-old mares. No statistically significant differences were noted between average scores for: walk, trot and gallop. The study did not reveal the impact of age on final scores for warmblood mares for the following traits during performance tests: walk, trot and gallop. Age did impact the results of: free jumping and rideability. The authors believe that the horses’ natural gait (its movements since infancy) is determined genetically and does not depend on age or length of training.
Clinical Effects of L-Threo-3,4-Dihydroxyphenylserine on Orthostatic Hypotension in Hemodialysis Patients

Orthostatic hypotension is one of the major factors interfering with everyday activities in hemodialysis patients, but there has been no effective agent for treating it. In order to clarify the clinical effects of L-threo-3,4-dihydroxyphenylserine (L-DOPS) on orthostatic hypotension of hemodialysis patients, we conducted a randomized, double-blind comparative trial. 149 regular hemodialysis patients with orthostatic hypotension were randomly allocated to three groups and L-DOPS at doses of 400 mg, 200 mg or placebo was orally administrated to each group 30 min before starting every hemodialysis for 4 weeks. Changes of blood pressure (BP) in orthostatic hypotension immediately after completion of hemodialysis and symptoms related to orthostatic hypotension were compared between the three groups. In the 400-mg group, systolic and diastolic BP after standing increased significantly and the drop of mean BP after standing was also reduced compared with pretreatment levels. No such changes were observed in the placebo group. Fatiguability, malaise/weakness, dizziness and light-headed feeling, the interdialytic symptoms commonly observed in hemodialysis patients who developed orthostatic hypotension, were improved to a significant extent in the L-DOPS group compared with the placebo group. In particular, the improvement was more remarkable for the L-DOPS 400-mg group than the placebo group in patients with diabetic nephropathy, lower systolic BP after standing, and the long duration type of orthostatic hypotension. The incidence of adverse events was comparable between the three groups, and all recovered after discontinuation of L-DOPS or concomitantly administered drugs, or without any treatment. These findings indicate that L-DOPS taken before hemodialysis prevents orthostatic hypotension in patients undergoing hemodialysis, and is also effective for the interdialytic symptoms related to orthostatic hypotension.
Altitude‐Induced Pulmonary Hypertension on One‐Day Rapid Ascent of Mount Fuji: Incidence and Therapeutic Effects of Sildenafil

Exposure to high altitudes especially with rapid ascent may induce hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction (HPV) and pulmonary hypertension (PH) possibly leading to life‐threatening high‐altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE). The aim of the study was to evaluate the incidence of PH on a 1‐day rapid ascent up Mount Fuji (3775 m) in recreational climbers and also to determine the effectiveness of sildenafil for this rapid ascent‐induced PH as measured by echocardiography.
Sub‐ and suprathreshold receptive field properties of pyramidal neurones in layers 5A and 5B of rat somatosensory barrel cortex

Layer 5 (L5) pyramidal neurones constitute a major sub‐ and intracortical output of the somatosensory cortex. This layer 5 is segregated into layers 5A and 5B which receive and distribute relatively independent afferent and efferent pathways. We performed in vivo whole‐cell recordings from L5 neurones of the somatosensory (barrel) cortex of urethane‐anaesthetized rats (aged 27–31 days). By delivering 6 deg single whisker deflections, whisker pad receptive fields were mapped for 16 L5A and 11 L5B neurones located below the layer 4 whisker‐barrels. Average resting membrane potentials were −75.6 ± 1.1 mV, and spontaneous action potential (AP) rates were 0.54 ± 0.14 APs s−1. Principal whisker (PW) evoked responses were similar in L5A and L5B neurones, with an average 5.0 ± 0.6 mV postsynaptic potential (PSP) and 0.12 ± 0.03 APs per stimulus. The layer 5A sub‐ and suprathreshold receptive fields (RFs) were more confined to the principle whisker than those of layer 5B. The basal dendritic arbors of layer 5A and 5B cells were located below both layer 4 barrels and septa, and the cell bodies were biased towards the barrel walls. Responses in both L5A and L5B developed slowly, with onset latencies of 10.1 ± 0.5 ms and peak latencies of 33.9 ± 3.3 ms. Contralateral multi‐whisker stimulation evoked PSPs similar in amplitude to those of PW deflections; whereas, ipsilateral stimulation evoked smaller and longer latency PSPs. We conclude that in L5 a whisker deflection is represented in two ways: focally by L5A pyramids and more diffusely by L5B pyramids as a result of combining different inputs from lemniscal and paralemniscal pathways. The relevant output evoked by a whisker deflection could be the ensemble activity in the anatomically defined cortical modules associated with a single or a few barrel‐columns.
Assessment of phosphorus status influenced by Al and Fe compounds in volcanic grassland soils

Volcanic ash derived soils represent between 50-60% of the total arable land area of southern of Chile, and they are the most important soils for pasture production. In these soils, high phosphorus (P) fixation and, in turn, low P availability and high aluminium (Al) soluble concentrations (at low pH) are the most limiting factors for pasture production. At the same time, the complexes between Al-or iron- (Fe) and organic matter as well as short-range order alumino-silicates (allophane) allow the retention of huge quantities of soil P. The aim of this work was to assess the status of P by both sequential extraction procedure (Hedley) and 31P-NMR analysis as influenced by Al and Fe in volcanic grasslands Andisols (Pemehue, Gorbea, Piedras Negras and Llastuco Soil Series) from Southern Chile. We applied Hedley chemical sequential fractionation to soils in order to examine the potential differences in extractable soil inorganic P (Pi) and organic P (Po) fractions. We also determined total P and Olsen P in these grassland Andisols. Oxalate and pyrophosphate were employed to determine the active and organic matter complexed Al and Fe, respectively. Furthermore, we quantified Al and Fe in extracts of the Hedley P fractions. We found that Al extracted in oxalate was correlated positively with labile Po concentration, specifically with both the NaHCO3-Po(r=0.45, P≤0.01), and the NaOH-Po (r=0.43, P≤0.01) fractions. This observation was reinforced by 31P-NMR analysis that showed higher monoester P and myo-IP6 content in soils with higher amounts of oxalate Al. Hedley sequential fractionation procedure confirmed the role of Al in the NaOH-Po fraction for promoting Po storage, as both fractions were correlated (r=0.33, P≤0.05). In addition, Fe plays a substantial role in recalcitrant P accumulation as we found a high correlation between residual P and oxalate Fe (r=0.55, P≤0.01).
Banning tobacco sales and advertisements near educational institutions may reduce students’ tobacco use risk: evidence from Mumbai, India

Background India's Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act bans tobacco sales and advertisements within 100 yards of educational institutions. In school-adjacent neighbourhoods in Mumbai, we assessed adherence to these policies and whether tobacco vendor and advertisement densities were associated with students’ tobacco use. Methods High school students’ tobacco use was measured using a multistage cluster sampling survey (n=1533). Field geographic information systems data were obtained for all tobacco vendors and advertisements within 500 m of schools (n=26). Random-effects multilevel logistic regression was used to estimate associations of tobacco vendor and advertisement densities with ever tobacco use, current smokeless tobacco use and current tobacco use. Results There were 1741 tobacco vendors and 424 advertisements within 500 m of schools, with 221 vendors (13%) and 42 advertisements (10%) located within 100 m. School-adjacent tobacco vendor density within 100 m was not associated with the tobacco use outcomes, but tobacco advertisement density within 100 m was associated with all outcomes when comparing highest to lowest density tertiles: ever use (OR: 2.01; 95% CI 1.00 to 4.07), current use (2.23; 1.16, 4.28) and current smokeless tobacco use (2.01; 1.02, 3.98). Tobacco vendor density within 200, 300, 400 and 500 m of schools was associated with current tobacco use and current smokeless tobacco use, but not ever use. Conclusions The tobacco sales ban near educational institutions could be expanded beyond 100 m. Greater enforcement is needed regarding the current bans, particularly because advertisement density within 100 m of schools was associated with all students’ tobacco use outcomes.
A DNA‐binding protein defines the precise region of chromosome capture during Bacillus sporulation

During sporulation, Bacillus subtilis divides around the nucleoid near one cell pole, initially capturing approximately one quarter of one chromosome in the newly formed forespore compartment. While it is known that a specific region of the nucleoid is reproducibly captured in the forespore, the mechanism underlying the precision of capture is unknown. Here we describe a role for RefZ, a DNA‐binding protein that regulates FtsZ, and its cognate binding motifs (RBMs) in defining the specific region of chromosome initially captured in the forespore. RefZ is conserved across the Bacillus genus and remains functional as an inhibitor of cell division in a species‐swapping experiment. The RBMs are also conserved in their positioning relative to oriC across Bacillus, suggesting that the function of the RBMs is both important and position‐dependent in the genus. In B. subtilis, the RBMs flank the region of the chromosome captured at the time of cell division, and we find that RefZ binds the five oriC‐proximal RBMs with similar apparent affinity in units of two and four. refZ and RBM mutants capture chromosomal regions normally excluded from the forespore, suggesting that RefZ‐RBM complexes play a role in regulating the position of cell division relative to the chromosome during sporulation.
Coagulation Meets Calcification: The Vitamin K System

Morbidity and mortality are massively increased in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and patients with end-stage renale disease (ESRD). Bone disease (renal osteodystrophy) and vascular disease (accelerated arteriosclerosis) are two typical entities contributing to this excess morbidity and mortality. Vitamin K and vitamin K-dependent-proteins play pivotal roles in the physiology of mineralization and in preventing ectopic calcification: two of these vitamin K-dependent-proteins are osteocalcin (regulating bone mineralization) and matrix-Gla protein (MGP, local calcification inhibitor in the vessel wall). Vitamin K deficiency impairs the physiological function of osteocalcin and MGP and, therefore, presumably contributes to bone demineralisation and vascular calcification (the so-called calcification paradox). In this context, the usage of vitamin K antagonists for long-term oral anticoagulation therapy might be risky especially in CKD patients exhibiting a high background level of vascular calcification. We present a summary of data describing the potential role of vitamin K deficiency and supplementation in bone and vascular disease in patients with CKD or ESRD.
Impact of a history of maternal depression and anxiety on asthma control during pregnancy

ABSTRACT Objective: To determine the impact of self-reported maternal depression/anxiety on asthma control during pregnancy. Method: Pregnant women with a doctor diagnosis of asthma (n = 189) were prospectively recruited at their antenatal booking visit, and the presence of maternal depression and anxiety was identified using self-report and routine questionnaire assessments. Data on exacerbations and asthma control were collected during gestation. Asthma control was assessed using the Juniper Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ) and women were classified as having recurrent uncontrolled asthma if their ACQ score was >1.5 during two or more consecutive study visits. Exacerbations were defined as events that led to increased treatment requirements, and doctor or hospital visits. Results: There were 85 women with self-reported depression/anxiety and 104 women without self-reported depression/anxiety. The presence of depression/anxiety was associated with an increased likelihood (adjusted hazard ratio (HR) 1.67: 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.03–2.72) and incidence (adjusted incidence rate ratio (IRR) 1.71: 95% CI 1.13–2.58) of uncontrolled asthma during pregnancy, as well as an increased risk of recurrent uncontrolled asthma during 2 or more study visits (adjusted relative risk (RR) 1.98: 95% CI 1.00–3.91). No impact of depression/anxiety was observed with respect to the likelihood (adjusted HR 0.70: 95% CI 0.35–1.41) or incidence of exacerbations during pregnancy (adjusted IRR 0.66: 95% CI 0.35–1.26). Conclusions: This study provides evidence that the presence of maternal depression/anxiety is associated with an increased likelihood and incidence of uncontrolled asthma during pregnancy. Given the high prevalence of co-morbid depression/anxiety among asthmatics, further research investigating such associations is urgently required.
Similar virologic response after initiation of triple-class antiretroviral therapy in primary and chronic HIV infection.

We compared the time to viral suppression between a cohort of 70 primary HIV infected (PHI-) patients treated with triple-class therapy and a cohort of 80 naive chronic HIV infected (CHI-) patients with comparable treatment and plasma viral load (≥100.000 copies/ml) at start of cART. The time to viral suppression after initiation of triple-class therapy was comparable for PHI and CHI, suggesting that the virologic response to therapy is not related to the stage of HIV infection.
Effects of a clinoptilolite supplement in pig diets on performance and serum parameters

The effects of clinoptilolite in pig's diets were examined on sixty Landrace × Yorkshire crossbred pigs of both sexes divided into two groups: 1. control group, with basal diets; 2. treatment, with basal diets sup - plemented with 5 g clinoptilolite per 1 kg diet (Cp group). Feed and water were available . Individual live weights were recorded on days 45, 90 and 135 of the experiment. Feed consumptions were recorded weekly. Blood was drawn from the anterior vena cava of each pig at day 135 for the determination of serum biochemical parameters. During the first 90 days of the experiment pigs from the Cp group had higher body weight gain (BWG) compared with the control group (+2.5% and +7.0%, respectively) but in the finishing phase of growing their growth parameters were significantly lower (-4.8%). Blood serum biochemical parameters from all experimental pigs were generally within the normal range. Higher triglyceride concentration, lower total cholesterol concentration and increased activity of AST were recorded in the serum of the Cp group.
Inadequacies in UK primary care allergy services: national survey of current provisions and perceptions of need

The UK has some of the highest prevalence rates of allergic conditions in the world, with over 20% of the population affected by one or more allergic disorder [1, 2]. In contrast to many industrialized countries, almost all allergic disorders are managed in the UK within primary care where they are responsible for an estimated 8% of general practice consultations [3]. Lack of training of general practitioners (GPs) in meeting this role, difficulties in accessing allergy testing, and the dearth of allergy specialists have all been cited as possible barriers to high quality care, and may explain, in part at least, why increasing numbers of patients are seeking care outside the National Health Service (NHS) [4]. To inform current deliberations on ways of improving NHS allergy care, we investigated GPs’ views on quality of primary and secondary care for people with allergic disorders, facilities for allergy testing within their practices, confidence in managing a range of allergic conditions and perceptions of training needs.