Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Colistin resistance due to insertional inactivation of the mgrB in Klebsiella pneumoniae of clinical origin: First report from India

ABSTRACT Objectives Mutations in mgrB, phoP/phoQ, pmrA, pmrB, pmrC, and crrABC regulatory systems have been found responsible for colistin resistance. The aim of our study was to investigate the role of alteration in mgrB gene and plasmid mediate mcr-1 and mcr-2 genes as a source of colistin resistance in 17 non duplicate Klebsiella pneumoniae clinical isolates. Methods All isolates classified as resistant to colistin by VITEK 2 system (BioMerieux, Marcy I’ Etoile, France) were included. Susceptibility to colistin was also determined by broth microdilution using breakpoints recommended by EUCAST (>2mg/L resistant; and ≤2mg/L susceptible). PCR amplification of mgrB gene was performed and sequenced using specific primers. Presence of mcr-1 and mcr-2 was also investigated using PCR. Results PCR amplification of the mgrB gene of the 17 K.pneumoniae isolates revealed a larger (~1000bp) amplicon in three isolates when compared with the wild type mgrB ampiclon (250 bp). Sequencing of these amplicons showed that mgrB was disrupted by the insertion of ISKpn14, a IS element belonging to the IS1 family. Sequencing, of the 250 bp mgrB gene in the remaining 14 isolates revealed frame shift mutation after the second codon leading to a premature stop codon in only one isolate. Conclusions The study showed that colistin resistance in 20% of the K. pneumoniae isolates was due to loss of function of mgrB. We describe for the first-time from India, insertional inactivation of mgrB by ISKpn14 inserted at different sites, responsible for colistin resistance.
Classification of ADNI PET images via regularized 3D functional data analysis

ABSTRACT We propose a penalized Haar wavelet approach for the classification of three-dimensional (3D) brain images in the framework of functional data analysis, which treats each entire 3D brain image as a single functional input, thus automatically takes into account the spatial correlations of voxel-level imaging measures. We validate the proposed approach through extensive simulations and compare its classification performance with other commonly used machine learning methods, which show that the proposed method outperforms other methods in both classification accuracy and identification of the relevant voxels. We then apply the proposed method to the practical classification problems for Alzheimer's disease using positron emission tomography images obtained from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative database to highlight the advantages of our approach.
The effect of perceived stress and specialization on the relationship between perfectionism and burnout in collegiate athletes

ABSTRACT Background: Athletic burnout is common when demands of the sport exceed the rewards. Individuals with certain personality dispositions, such as perfectionism, are at increased risk of experiencing perceived stress and subsequent burnout (Fender, L. K. (1989). Athlete burnout: Potential for research and intervention strategies. The Sport Psychologist, 3, 63–71. doi:10.1123/tsp.3. 1.63; Gould, D. , Tuffey, S. , Udry, E. , & Loehr, J. (1996). Burnout in competitive junior tennis players: I. A quantitative psychological assessment. The Sport Psychologist, 10, 322–340. doi:10.1123/tsp.10. 4.322; Stoeber, J. (2011). The dual nature of perfectionism in sports: Relationships with emotion, motivation, and performance. International Review of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 4, 128–145. doi:10.1080/1750984x.2011. 604789). Perfectionism has both adaptive and maladaptive dimensions, with the more maladaptive qualities leading to greater perceived stress (Hamachek, D. E. (1978). Psychodynamics of normal and neurotic perfectionism. Psychology, 15, 27–33. ; Rice, K. G. , & Van Arsdale, A. C. (2010). Perfectionism, perceived stress, drinking to cope, and alcohol-related problems among college students. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 57, 439–450. doi:10.1037/a0020221). Objectives: This study examined the influence of perfectionistic strivings and concerns on burnout, and perceived stress as a mediator of this relationship in Division II and III specialized and multiple-sport athletes (N = 351). Design: Cross-Sectional. Methods: Participants completed a demographic questionnaire and online measures of perfectionism, stress, and burnout during the latter part of the competitive season. Results: Results showed a positive, direct effect of perfectionistic concerns on burnout. Stress partially mediated this relationship. Additionally, perfectionistic strivings had a negative direct effect on burnout for specialized athletes. Conclusion: The relationship between perfectionistic concerns and burnout is partially explained by stress. Multiple sport athletes showed lower levels of stress compared to specialized ones. Finally, perfectionistic strivings are associated with lower levels of burnout for specialized athletes.
Non-Image Forming Effects of Light on Brainwaves, Autonomic Nervous Activity, Fatigue, and Performance

Fatigue and sleepiness are one of the main causes of human errors and accidents in the workplace. The empirical evidence has approved that, in addition to stimulating the visual system, light elicits brain responses, which affect physiological and neurobehavioral human functions, known as the non-image forming (NIF) effects of light. As recent evidences have shown the positive effects of red or low correlated color temperature white light on alertness and performance, we investigated whether exposure to 2564 K light could improve subjective and objective measures of alertness and performance compared with 7343 K, 3730 K, and dim light (DL) conditions during the daytime. Twenty two healthy participants were exposed to the light while they were performing a sustained attention task and their electroencephalogram (EEG) and electrocardiogram (ECG) were recorded. Both 2564 K and 7343 K conditions significantly reduced EEG alpha-power compared with the DL and 3730 K conditions. Moreover, the 2564 K, 7343 K, and 3730 K conditions significantly reduced subjective fatigue, sleepiness and increased heart rate and performance compared with the DL condition. Furthermore, the effects of light conditions on alertness and performance varied over the day so that more effective responses were observed during the afternoon hours. These findings suggest that light interventions can be applied to improve daytime performance.
miR-146a Attenuates Sepsis-Induced Myocardial Dysfunction by Suppressing IRAK1 and TRAF6 via Targeting ErbB4 Expression

Myocardial dysfunction is a major manifestation of sepsis and closely associated with the increased mortality. MicroRNA-146 is one of the most important microRNAs identified as a potent negative regulator in innate immune and inflammatory responses induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). We aimed to identify the role and potential regulatory mechanism of miR-146a in sepsis-induced cardiac dysfunction with the induction of ErbB4 signaling. H9C2 cells were treated with LPS to induce sepsis, and miR-146a overexpression significantly increased the cell viability, reduced the apoptosis and ROS level, and attenuated the release of proinflammatory cytokines including TNF-α and IL-1β. Levels of ErbB4, p-NF-κB, NF-κB, TRAF6, IRAK1, caspase 3, Bcl-2, and Bax were measured by Western blot. The overexpression of miR-146a significantly increased the ErbB4 expression, decreased the expression of TRAF6, IRAK1, caspase 3, and the phosphorylation level of NF-κB, and also increased the Bcl-2/Bax ratio, suggesting the inhibition of inflammation and apoptosis. The protective effects were all abolished by the use of siErbB4. In conclusion, our results demonstrated that the overexpression of miR-146a mitigates myocardial injury by negatively regulating NF-κB activation and inflammatory cytokine production via targeting ErbB4 in LPS-induced sepsis.
Follow Me at the Edge: Mobility-Aware Dynamic Service Placement for Mobile Edge Computing

Mobile edge computing is a new computing paradigm in which cloud computing capabilities are pushed from the network core to the network edge to serve the end-user in proximity. However, with the sinking of computing capabilities, the new challenge incurred by user mobility arises: since end-users typically move erratically, the services should be dynamically migrated among multiple edges to maintain the service performance, i.e., user-perceived latency. Tackling this problem is non-trivial since frequent service migration would greatly increase the operational cost. To address this challenge in terms performance-cost trade-off, in this paper we study the mobile edge service performance optimization problem under long-term cost budget constraint. To address user mobility which is typically unpredictable, we first apply Lyapunov optimization to decompose the long-term optimization problem into a series of real-time optimization problems which do not require a priori knowledge such as user mobility. As the decomposed problem is NP-hard, we further propose an efficient heuristic based on the Markov approximation technique. Rigorous theoretical analysis and extensive evaluations demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed solution.
Association of child maltreatment subtypes and long-term physical health in a German representative sample

ABSTRACT Background: Child maltreatment is a major public problem, associated with enormous consequences on the individual and socioeconomic level. Studies show a clear impact of child maltreatment on long-term physical health. However, there is a lack of analyses comprising a wide variety of subtypes of maltreatment and addressing cumulative effects of different maltreatment subtypes experienced during childhood on physical health. Objective: The objective of this analysis was to assess the association of different subtypes and the intensity of child maltreatment with long-term physical health outcomes. Methods: In a cross-sectional observational approach, a representative sample of the German population (N=2510) was assessed regarding socioeconomic information, their current health status, and their experiences of child maltreatment using the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ). Chi2-Tests were performed to compare differences of physical health conditions in adulthood in association with child maltreatment and binary regression analyses to assess the relationship of physical health and number of different subtypes of maltreatment experienced during childhood. Results: Odds increased significantly for obesity (1.8), diabetes (1.26), cancer (1.28), hypertension (1.16), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (1.51), history of myocardial infarction (1.29) and stroke (1.31) with increasing number of experienced subtypes of child maltreatment. Growing intensity of each subtype of maltreatment was associated with higher rates of all assessed physical health conditions, which could point towards a dose-dependency of the relationship between maltreatment and long-term physical health. Conclusions: Child maltreatment is associated with increased odds for the leading morbidity and mortality causes in Germany. Interventions encompassing secondary and primary preventive strategies are critical to target this major public health problem and its devastating consequences.
An ergonomic evaluation of pannists

Instrumentalists and specifically percussionists have been found to develop musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) due to the nature of their work. This study aimed to assess the MSD risk factors associated with playing the steel pan, which was invented in Trinidad and Tobago in the 20th century. A sample of 13 pannists and 13 non-pannists completed a modified Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire and data analysis included multiple correlations, Student’s t test, the Moore–Garg strain index and calculation of compressive force at the L5/S1 vertebrae. The prevalence of pain was found to be greater among the pannists; a strain index of 22.78 was calculated and the compressive force was determined to be 4507.8 N, which indicated that pannists have a high risk of developing MSDs of the upper limbs and lower back. The risk factors identified for the development of MSDs were similar to those of previous studies.
Elevated end‐diastolic wall stress after acute myocardial infarction predicts adverse cardiovascular outcomes and longer hospital length of stay

Acute myocardial infarction (MI) leads to ventricular remodeling in response to oxygen demand. Such changes include left ventricular (LV) dilatation and increased myocardial wall stress. Prior studies showed that wall stress is a vital parameter of cardiac remodeling. However, outcome data are lacking. We aim to investigate wall stress post‐MI in relation to biomarkers of cardiac remodeling and cardiovascular outcomes.
Molecular Characterization of a Fungus Producing Membrane Active Metabolite and Analysis of the Produced Secondary Metabolite

Background: The majority of studies on soil Aspergillus concern the isolation and characterization of the antimicrobial compounds produced by this organism. Our previous studies indicated an isolated Aspergillus strain soil to be of interest, and this subject is further investigated here. Method: Soil samples of various locations in Iran were collected. Extract from Aspergillus sp. culture was obtained using ethyl acetate fractionation. Antimicrobial activity testing was performed using broth microdilution assay against Escherichia coli, Candida albicans, and Staphylococcus aureus microorganisms. One metabolite PA3-d10 was isolated from these active extracts and identified using thin layer chromatography, preparative thin-layer chromatography, HPLC, 1HNMR (proton nuclear magnetic resonance), 2D NMR, and LC-MS (liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry). Results: According to morphological and biochemical properties as well as ITS rDNA sequencing, we identified an isolate of Aspergillus flavus. The ethyl acetate fraction of the fermentation medium containing membrane active metabolites showed antimicrobial effects against different bacterial and yeast indicator strains. One metabolite from these active extracts was finally identified. Conclusion: Membrane active fraction produced by Aspergillus strain in this research demonstrated antimicrobial activities against bacteria and yeast strains. Therefore, this metabolite can be considered as a potential antimicrobial membrane active agent.
In Situ Hybridization for Localization of Ovine Herpesvirus 2, the Agent of Sheep-Associated Malignant Catarrhal Fever, in Formalin-Fixed Tissues

A constraint on understanding the pathogenesis of malignant catarrhal fever (MCF) is the limited number of tools to localize infected cells. The amount of detectable virus, visualized in the past either by immunohistochemistry or in situ hybridization (ISH), has been modest in fixed or frozen tissues. This complicates our understanding of the widespread lymphoid proliferation, epithelial necrosis/apoptosis, and arteritis-phlebitis that characterize MCF. In this work, we developed a probe-based in situ hybridization assay targeting 2 ovine herpesvirus 2 (OvHV-2) genes, as well as their respective transcripts, in formalin-fixed tissues. Using this approach, OvHV-2 nucleic acids were detected in lymphocytes in MCF-affected animals following both natural infection (American bison and domestic cattle) and experimental infection (American bison, rabbits, and pigs). The probe did not cross-react with 4 closely related gammaherpesviruses that also cause MCF: alcelaphine herpesvirus 1, alcelaphine herpesvirus 2, caprine herpesvirus 2, and ibex–MCF virus (MCFV). No signal was detected in control tissues negative for OvHV-2. ISH will be of value in analyzing the natural progression of OvHV-2 infection in time-course studies following experimental infection and in addressing the pathogenesis of MCF.
A Time Series Graph Cut Image Segmentation Scheme for Liver Tumors

Tumor detection in biomedical imaging is a time-consuming process for medical professionals and is not without errors. Thus in recent decades, researchers have developed algorithmic techniques for image processing using a wide variety of mathematical methods, such as statistical modeling, variational techniques, and machine learning. In this paper, we propose a semi-automatic method for liver segmentation of 2D CT scans into three labels denoting healthy, vessel, or tumor tissue based on graph cuts. First, we create a feature vector for each pixel in a novel way that consists of the 59 intensity values in the time series data and propose a simplified perimeter cost term in the energy functional. We normalize the data and perimeter terms in the functional to expedite the graph cut without having to optimize the scaling parameter $\lambda$. In place of a training process, predetermined tissue means are computed based on sample regions identified by expert radiologists. The proposed method also has the advantage of being relatively simple to implement computationally. It was evaluated against the ground truth on a clinical CT dataset of 10 tumors and yielded segmentations with a mean Dice similarity coefficient (DSC) of . 77 and mean volume overlap error (VOE) of 36.7%. The average processing time was 1.25 minutes per slice.
How foot morphology changes influence shoe comfort and plantar pressure before and after long distance running?

PURPOSE Prolonged running has been popularized globally in recent decades. This study was aimed to reveal information about foot morphology, shoe comfort and plantar loading among recreational heel-strike runners. METHODS Twenty-six runners participated in foot morphology, perceived scores and peak pressure tests after 10- and 20-km track running. The foot morphology was measured using a 3D foot scanner, perceived scores were recorded using a visual analogue scale and plantar pressure was measured via insole plantar pressure measurement system. The statistical significance level was set at 0.05. RESULTS The heel midsole materials properties were measured before and after 20 km. Significant changes were observed in ball width and girth, arch height and foot volume. The perceived scores showed significance in overall, forefoot and heel comfort, arch support and forefoot width. Peak pressure to the heel, medial mid-foot and metatarsal greatly increased. The first metatarsal showed consecutive increase from static to 10 km, and 20 km, while big-toe showed a decrease. CONCLUSIONS The morphology variations and forefoot loading concentration may lead to discomfort and possibly imply dermatological problems and metatarsal bone stress, particularly on the first metatarsal. Combining changes of heel midsole property, knowledge of foot shape, shoe perception and plantar pressure is of great value for recreational long-distance running shoes design and materials selection.
Presence of Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria on Mobile Phones of Healthcare Workers Accelerates the Spread of Nosocomial Infection and Regarded as a Threat to Public Health in Bangladesh

Recently, mobile phones have become a potent vector for the transmission of pathogens. In hospitals, the use of the mobile phones by healthcare workers in an unhygienic manner accelerates the spread of nosocomial infection. We aimed to investigate the prevalence of microbiological contamination of mobile phones belonging to clinicians in Bangladesh hospitals. From 100 samples, we identified 69 isolates of bacteria including 22 Staphylococcus aureus; 11 Pseudomonas aeruginosa; 14 Escherichia coli; 6 Salmonella typhi 6 and 16 Staphylococcus epidermidis. On the basis of antibiotic susceptibility test using 11 antibiotics, it has been observed that most of the isolated bacteria became resistant to antibiotics and compared to other isolates, isolates of S. epidermidis and S. typhi were more resistant and sensitive, respectively. About 68.8% isolates showed that their resistance capacities against ampicillin but in contrast, 56.6% isolated were susceptible to imipenem. Azithromycin and imipenem against S. aureus, gentamicin against P. aeruginosa, tetracycline and imipenem against E. coli, tetracycline against S. typhi, and S. epidermidis revealed significant antimicrobial affectivity. We found that mobile phones are potential vectors to spread antibiotic-resistant nosocomial pathogens. Based on the study, an effective disinfection practice for cellular phones used in hospitals should be introduced to prevent the potential of cross-contamination.
Mechanisms of Action and Outcomes for Students in Recovery Colleges.

OBJECTIVE Recovery colleges are widespread, with little empirical research on how they work and the outcomes they produce. This study aimed to coproduce a change model characterizing mechanisms of action (how they work) and outcomes (their impact) for mental health service users who attend recovery colleges. METHODS A systematized review identified all publications about recovery colleges. Inductive collaborative data analysis of 10 key publications by academic researchers and coresearchers with lived experience informed a theoretical framework for mechanisms of action and student outcomes, which was refined through deductive analysis of 34 further publications. A change model was coproduced and refined through stakeholder interviews (N=33). RESULTS Four mechanisms of action for recovery colleges were identified: empowering environment (safety, respect, and supporting choices), enabling different relationships (power, peers, and working together), facilitating personal growth (for example, coproduced learning, strengths, and celebrating success), and shifting the balance of power through coproduction and reducing power differentials. Outcomes were change in the student (for example, self-understanding and self-confidence) and changes in the student's life (for example, occupational, social, and service use). A coproduced change model mapping mechanisms of action to outcomes was created. CONCLUSIONS Key features differentiate recovery colleges from traditional services, including an empowering environment, enabling relationships, and growth orientation. Service users who lack confidence, those with whom services struggle to engage, those who will benefit from exposure to peer role models, and those lacking social capital may benefit most. As the first testable characterization of mechanisms and outcomes, the change model allows formal evaluation of recovery colleges.
Assessment of Oral Health Knowledge, Attitude and Practice for Public Primary School Teachers in the City of Madinah, Saudi Arabia

Background: School teachers can play an important role in helping to instill good health habits in their students. Consequently, teachers need to have an adequate knowledge and a proper attitude regarding oral health. Method and Materials: This is a cross sectional study conducted among public primary school teachers in Al-Madinah city. A questionnaire was distributed in 10 randomly selected schools. All teachers were asked to participate. Data was analyzed using SPSS software. Results: 200 teachers were asked to participate all of them responded. 81% of the teachers were aware that caries are caused by bacteria in the oral cavity. 69.5% of teachers thinks that fluorides strength teeth. 44.5 % of the teachers brushed their teeth twice a day. Only 15% of the teachers regularly discuss oral health topics with their students. 74.5% of them think that it is necessary to treat tooth caries in primary teeth. 70.5% think that dental health education should be included in the primary school curriculum. 64% of them believed that schools should restrict the consumption of caries causing snacks during school hours. Conclusion: Teachers’ knowledge regarding oral health needs improvement. Their own oral health practices are fair; however, their attitude towards oral health is very positive.