Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Investigation of the role of the cytomegalovirus as a respiratory pathogen in HIV-infected patients

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the occurrence of cytomegalovirus (CMV) pneumonitis in the setting of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and whether the presence of CMV as copathogen is associated with increased clinical severity or short term mortality in patients with Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia.
Retrospective study of full‐house functional endoscopic sinus surgery for revision endoscopic sinus surgery

Outcomes for revision endoscopic sinus surgery (RESS) are rarely reported in relation to technique. Our goal was to document the outcome of full‐house functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) (FHF) (complete sphenoethmoidectomy with Draf IIA frontal sinusotomy) for treatment of this recalcitrant group.
Bacterial aetiology and anti-microbial resistance of childhood diarrhoea in Yemen.

In a 12-month period, 561 stool cultures from Yemeni children aged 1-60 months and presenting with diarrhoea, were analysed to identify the bacterial aetiology and their anti-microbial resistance to the commonly used antibiotics. A total of 190 (33.9 per cent) were positive for bacterial culture. Most of the positive cultures (58 per cent) were from children aged 1-12 months. The majority of the positive cultures were enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (58.4 per cent) Salmonella spp. , and Shigella spp. (20 per cent each). Campylobacter were found to be an extremely uncommon agent of childhood diarrhoea making only 1.6 per cent of the positive cultures. The majority of the Salmonella were group C (60.5 per cent) and group B (29 per cent). Of the Shigella isolates, 13 (34 per cent) were S. flexneri, and seven (18 per cent) S. dysentrea. More than two-thirds of the Salmonella isolates were resistant to nalidixic acid, chloramphenicol, co-trimoxazole, gentamicin, and amoxycillin, while 42 per cent were resistant to cefotaxime. Most of the Shigella isolates were susceptible to nalidixic acid and cefotaxime, and resistant to the other antibiotics. All the tested enteropathogenic E. coli isolates were resistant to amoxycillin, 83 per cent were resistant to co-trimoxazole, 62 per cent to chloramphenicol, and 54 per cent to gentamicin, while only 16 and 6 per cent were resistant to nalidixic acid and cefotaxime, respectively. This study, the first in Yemen, draws attention to the urgent need of a national surveillance system, essential for the containment of anti-microbial resistance.
The effects of nitric oxide on Staphylococcus aureus biofilm growth and its implications in chronic rhinosinusitis

The relationship between sinonasal nitric oxide (NO) levels and the pathogenic organism Staphylococcus aureus is yet to be established. High NO levels measured in healthy sinuses likely contribute to maintenance of relative sterility. Lower concentrations such as is found in the sinuses of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) patients may decrease this effect. S. aureus in biofilm form has recently been implicated in recalcitrant CRS, its isolation predicting a higher risk of posttreatment reinfection. This in vitro study aims to characterize the changes in S. aureus biofilm formation when exposed to different NO levels mimicking the normal and diseased NO sinus concentrations reported in previous literature in an in vitro setting.
Diurnal profiles of salivary cortisol on workdays among construction workers versus white-collar workers

Objectives The aim of the present study was to test whether construction workers, who are known to have a relatively higher risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), had higher concentrations of cortisol in saliva and a lower relative variability when compared with white-collar workers. Methods Data from two groups of male construction workers with physically demanding job assignments, with either regular or extended workhours (N=40) and a group of white-collar workers recruited from both the private and the public sector (N=118) were examined. All of the workers had participated in previous research projects with similar methodology. Saliva was sampled during ordinary workdays at awakening, between 30 and 45 minutes after awakening, and approximately 14 hours after awakening. Results Compared with the white-collar workers, the construction workers had higher mean concentrations of cortisol in saliva, 36% and 14% for construction workers with regular and extended workhours, respectively. The observed differences weakened when the exact sampling time (time of day) was taken into consideration in the statistical modeling. Compared with the white-collar workers, the construction workers had a lower relative variability in salivary cortisol as measured by the coefficient of variation (CV 76% versus 99%). A detailed analysis revealed that the construction workers with regular workhours had the highest concentration of cortisol in saliva but the lowest relative variability when compared with the construction workers with extended workhours (CV 72% versus 82%). Conclusions The results suggest that physically demanding construction work is associated with a less variable and increased cortisol excretion when compared with white-collar work.
Differential Role of Snail1 and Snail2 Zinc Fingers in E-cadherin Repression and Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition*

Background: Snail1 and Snail2 are highly homologous zinc finger transcriptional repressors exhibiting divergent functions. Results: Snail1 and Snail2 use a unique set of zinc fingers to execute their biological activity. Conclusion: The use of different zinc fingers could explain the functional divergence between Snail transcription factors. Significance: This is the first study dissecting the structural/functional differences between zinc fingers of Snail1 and Snail2 factors. Snail1 (Snail) and Snail2 (Slug) are transcription factors that share a similar DNA binding structure of four and five C2H2 zinc finger motifs (ZF), respectively. Both factors bind specifically to a subset of E-box motifs (E2-box: CAGGTG/CACCTG) in target promoters like the E-cadherin promoter and are key mediators of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). However, there are differences in the biological actions, in binding affinities to E-cadherin promoter, and in the target genes of Snail1 and Snail2, although the molecular bases are presently unknown. In particular, the role of each Snail1 and Snail2 ZF in the binding to E-boxes and in EMT induction has not been previously explored. We have approached this question by modeling Snail1 and Snail2 protein-DNA interactions and through mutational and functional assays of different ZFs. Results show that Snail1 efficient repression and binding to human and mouse E-cadherin promoter as well as EMT-inducing ability require intact ZF1 and ZF2, while for Snail2, either ZF3 or ZF4 is essential for those functions. Furthermore, the differential distribution of E2-boxes in mouse and human E-cadherin promoters also contributes to the differential Snail factor activity. These data indicate a non-equivalent role of Snail1 and Snail2 ZFs in gene repression, contributing to the elucidation of the molecular differences between these important EMT regulators.
Assessment of janani suraksha yojana (JSY) –in jabalpur, madhya pradesh: knowledge, attitude and utilization pattern of beneficiaries: a descriptive study

Aims & objectives: Janani-Suraksha-Yojana (JSY) scheme was launched in India in 2005 with the objective of reducing maternal mortality by promoting institutional deliveries. The main objectives of our study were, to assess the social profile, knowledge, attitude and utilization pattern of JSY beneficiaries. Setting & design: it was a descriptive study. Materials & methods: In the present study was conducted in N.S. C.B. Medical College, Jabalpur (M.P. - India) during 2006 -07 with a sample size of 300 beneficiaries. Statistical analysis: Percentages. Results & conclusion: 77.66% belonged to below poverty line (BPL) category. 67 % of the respondents arranged their own / hired vehicle for transportation for delivery. Only 17.33 % were motivated by ANM /Dai/ ASHA/ AWW for institutional delivery. Decision of expenditure depends upon husband in one third of cases. (Majority of beneficiary mothers were in favour of cash payment (94.33%). The arrangement of vehicle for transport is still a major issue of concern. In many cases the husbands decides the purpose for which money is to be used.
Bacterial enteropathogens of neonates admitted to an urban diarrhoeal hospital in Bangladesh.

Data on the aetiology of diarrhoea in neonates are scarce, especially from developing countries including Bangladesh. A retrospective review of the electronic database of the Microbiology Laboratory of the International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (ICDDR,B), was carried out to examine enteropathogens associated with diarrhoea in neonates. Stool specimens of the neonates on admission to the Dhaka Hospital of ICDDR,B were collected and sent to the laboratory for direct plating onto taurocholate tellurite gelatin agar, Salmonella-Shigella agar and MacConkey's agar. Stool specimens of 2511 neonates of either sex were examined. Bacterial pathogens were recovered from the stools of 699 (27.8%) of these neonates--a single bacterial pathogen from 670 neonates and more than one pathogen from 29 neonates. Vibrio cholerae, Shigella, Salmonella, Aeromonas spp. and Plesiomonas shigelloides were isolated from 294, 108, 52, 222 and 19, respectively, of the neonates. The year-wise isolation of these pathogens varied between 4.9-23.4%, 2.7-5.4%, 0-4.7%, 0-19.4% and 0-1.6%, respectively, of the neonates. The results of the study indicate that infection by V. cholerae, Shigella spp. , Salmonella spp. , Aeromonas and P. shigelloides is common in neonatal diarrhoea in Bangladesh.
Identification and Characterization of Functionally Critical, Conserved Motifs in the Internal Repeats and N-terminal Domain of Yeast Translation Initiation Factor 4B (yeIF4B)*

Background: The internal repeats and NTD of yeIF4B stimulate translation initiation. Results: The minimal number of repeats and conserved motifs in the repeat and NTD necessary for yeIF4B function was determined. Conclusion: Two repeats provide appreciable function, except when the NTD is missing or eIF4F function is limiting or compromised. Significance: The results provide a comprehensive description of functionally critical sequence elements in yeIF4B. eIF4B has been implicated in attachment of the 43 S preinitiation complex (PIC) to mRNAs and scanning to the start codon. We recently determined that the internal seven repeats (of ∼26 amino acids each) of Saccharomyces cerevisiae eIF4B (yeIF4B) compose the region most critically required to enhance mRNA recruitment by 43 S PICs in vitro and stimulate general translation initiation in yeast. Moreover, although the N-terminal domain (NTD) of yeIF4B contributes to these activities, the RNA recognition motif is dispensable. We have now determined that only two of the seven internal repeats are sufficient for wild-type (WT) yeIF4B function in vivo when all other domains are intact. However, three or more repeats are needed in the absence of the NTD or when the functions of eIF4F components are compromised. We corroborated these observations in the reconstituted system by demonstrating that yeIF4B variants with only one or two repeats display substantial activity in promoting mRNA recruitment by the PIC, whereas additional repeats are required at lower levels of eIF4A or when the NTD is missing. These findings indicate functional overlap among the 7-repeats and NTD domains of yeIF4B and eIF4A in mRNA recruitment. Interestingly, only three highly conserved positions in the 26-amino acid repeat are essential for function in vitro and in vivo. Finally, we identified conserved motifs in the NTD and demonstrate functional overlap of two such motifs. These results provide a comprehensive description of the critical sequence elements in yeIF4B that support eIF4F function in mRNA recruitment by the PIC.
Correlation of the Kennedy Osteitis Score to clinico‐histologic features of chronic rhinosinusitis

Osteitis is a feature of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) and often associated with recalcitrant disease. Radiological characteristics of osteitic sinus changes are commonly reported in practice but the clinical and pathologic significance is poorly defined. The objective of this study was to correlate the Kennedy Osteitis Score (KOS) to clinico‐histologic features of CRS.
Clinical trial: Efficacy of a low or modified fat diet for the prevention of gastrointestinal toxicity in patients receiving radiotherapy treatment for pelvic malignancies.

BACKGROUND Inflammatory responses to pelvic radiotherapy can result in severe changes to normal gastrointestinal function with potentially severe long-term effects. Reduced or modified fat diets may confer benefit. METHODS This randomised controlled trial recruited patients with gynaecological, urological or lower gastrointestinal malignancy due to receive radical radiotherapy. Patients were randomised to a low fat (20% total energy from long chain triglycerides), modified fat (20% from long chain triglycerides and 20% from medium chain triglycerides) or normal fat diet (40% total energy from long chain triglycerides). The primary outcome was a difference in change in Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire--Bowel (IBDQ-B) score, from the start to end of radiotherapy. RESULTS A total of 117 patients with pelvic tumours (48% urological; 32% gastrointestinal; 20% gynaecological), with mean (SD) age: 65 (11.0) years, male:female ratio: 79:38, were randomised. The mean (SE) fall in paired IBDQ-B score was -7.3 (0.9) points, indicating a worsening toxicity. Differences between groups were not significant: P = 0.914 (low versus modified fat), P = 0.793 (low versus normal fat) and P = 0.890 (modified versus normal fat). The difference in fat intake between low and normal fat groups was 29.5 g [1109 kJ (265 kcal)] amounting to 11% (of total energy intake) compared to the planned 20% differential. Full compliance with fat prescription was only 9% in the normal fat group compared to 93% in the low fat group. CONCLUSIONS A low or modified fat diet during pelvic radiotherapy did not improve gastrointestinal symptom scores compared to a normal fat intake. An inadequate differential in fat intake between the groups may have confounded the results.
The distribution of the ABO blood groups among the diabetes mellitus patients

Background : There is strong evidence in the literature that there is an association between ABO blood group and certain diseases. Aim : The aim of this study was to investigate any association between the ABO blood groups and diabetes mellitus (DM) in Qatar. Design : This was a sex.matched case.control study. Setting : This study was carried out in the diabetic outpatient clinics and blood bank of the Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) from April 2011 to December 2012. Subjects and Methods : The study included 1633 diabetic patients and 1650 nondiabetic apparently healthy controls. Atotal of 2148 adult patients above 18 years of age were selected consecutively from the diabetic clinics of the hospitals and 1633 patients gave consent to take part in this study, thus giving a response rate of 76%. Atotal of 2150 nondiabetic healthy adults above 18 years of age were recruited from the blood bank and 1650 individuals agreed to take part in this study, giving a response rate of 76.7%. Blood group of the recruited subjects was taken from the database of the Blood Bank, Central laboratory, HMC. Results : The data revealed that the blood group B was significantly more common in diabetic patients as compared with healthy population (25.7% vs. 20.4%; P < 0.001). Blood group O was significantly less common in diabetic patients compared with nondiabetics (38.5% vs. 45.4%; P < 0.001). Among diabetic men, the frequency of only blood group B was significantly higher, while on the contrary among diabetic women the frequency of both A and B (29.7% vs. 24.8%; P = 0.03 and 25.5% vs. 20%; P < 0.009, respectively) were significantly higher as compared with nondiabetic healthy population. Conclusion : The findings in this study suggest that ABO antigens are associated with DM. DM is more common in individuals with blood group B. Key words : ABO blood groups, case.control, diabetes mellitus, prevalence
Estimation of glucose level and body weight in Alloxan Induced Diabetic Rat treated with Aqueous extract of Garcinia Kola Seed

Aim: Hypoglyceamic effect of Garcinia kola (GK) was evaluated in alloxan induced diabetic rats. Method: Eighteen male wistar albino rats of weights between 158-172g were divided into three groups A- C. Group A was given distilled water (D/W) throughout the experiment; diabetes was induced in group B and C. Group B was given d/w but not GK while group C was treated with GK extract for 21 days. Fasting blood samples were collected at baseline, 24 hours, 7th, 14th and 21st day for blood glucose evaluation. Results: Mean fasting blood glucose (FBG) level was significantly higher (P<0.001) after 24 hours diabetes induction with alloxan in groups B and C rats compared to the baseline. Group B showed geometric increase in FBG level and decrease in body weight from 24 hours after diabetes induction to the 21st day of study duration. Group C rats had significantly lower (P<0.001) mean FBG level than Group B rats. Significant difference in body weight was observed among the 3 groups throughout the study periods but for baseline. Conclusion: Treatment of alloxan induced diabetic rats with GK extract lowers blood glucose level and restores weight loss.
MicroRNA-9 and MicroRNA-326 Regulate Human Dopamine D2 Receptor Expression, and the MicroRNA-mediated Expression Regulation Is Altered by a Genetic Variant*

Background: Regulation of dopamine D2 receptor (DRD2) is pathophysiologically and pharmacologically important. Results: miR-9 and miR-326 target to the 3′-UTR of DRD2, and endogenously inhibit DRD2 expression. A functional single nucleotide polymorphism alters such regulation. Conclusion: DRD2 is post-transcriptionally regulated by miR-326 and miR-9. Significance: The study suggests a pathophysiological and pharmacological role of miR-9 and miR-326 in neuropsychiatric disorders. The human dopamine receptor D2 (DRD2) has been implicated in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia and other neuropsychiatric disorders. Most antipsychotic drugs influence dopaminergic transmission through blocking dopamine receptors, primarily DRD2. We report here the post-transcriptional regulation of DRD2 expression by two brain-expressed microRNAs (miRs), miR-326 and miR-9, in an ex vivo mode, and show the relevance of miR-mediated DRD2 expression regulation in human dopaminergic neurons and in developing human brains. Both miRs targeted the 3′-UTR (untranslated region) of DRD2 in NT2 (neuron-committed teratocarcinoma, which endogenously expresses DRD2) and CHO (Chinese hamster ovary) cell lines, decreasing luciferase activity measured by a luciferase reporter gene assay. miR-326 overexpression reduced DRD2 mRNA and DRD2 receptor synthesis. Both antisense miR-326 and antisense miR-9 increased DRD2 protein abundance, suggesting an endogenous repression of DRD2 expression by both miRs. Furthermore, a genetic variant (rs1130354) within the DRD2 3′-UTR miR-targeting site interferes with miR-326-mediated repression of DRD2 expression. Finally, co-expression analysis identified an inverse correlation of DRD2 expression with both miR-326 and miR-9 in differentiating dopaminergic neurons derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and in developing human brain regions implicated in schizophrenia. Our study provides empirical evidence suggesting that miR-326 and miR-9 may regulate dopaminergic signaling, and miR-326 and miR-9 may be considered as potential drug targets for the treatment of disorders involving abnormal DRD2 function, such as schizophrenia.
Epigenetic Regulation of miR-302 by JMJD1C Inhibits Neural Differentiation of Human Embryonic Stem Cells*

Background: Histone methylation plays important roles in development and embryonic stem cell (ESC) differentiation. Results: Inhibition of the H3K9 demethylase JMJD1C directly down-regulated miR-302 and promoted neural differentiation of human ESCs (hESCs). Conclusion: JMJD1C inhibits neural differentiation of hESCs at least partially by epigenetically sustaining miR-302 expression. Significance: We provide novel evidence for epigenetic regulation of miR-302 to control neural differentiation of hESCs. It has been recently reported that the regulatory circuitry formed by OCT4, miR-302, and NR2F2 controls both pluripotency and neural differentiation of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs). We show here that JMJD1C, a histone 3 lysine 9 (H3K9) demethylase expressed in hESCs, directly interacts with this circuitry. hESCs with stable knockdown of JMJD1C remain pluripotent while having reduced miR-302 expression, decreased BMP signaling, and enhanced TGFβ signaling. JMJD1C binds to the miR-302 promoter and reduces H3K9 methylation. Withdrawal of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) from the culture induces neural differentiation of the knockdown, but not the control, cells within 3 days, accompanied by elevated NR2F2 expression. This can be attenuated with miR-302 mimics or an H3K9 methytransferase inhibitor. Together, our findings suggest that JMJD1C represses neural differentiation of hESCs at least partially by epigenetically sustaining miR-302 expression and that JMJD1C knockdown is sufficient to trigger neural differentiation upon withdrawal of exogenous bFGF.
Does utilization of antenatal care result in an institutional delivery? Findings of a record-based study in urban Chandigarh.

BACKGROUND Antenatal care is an important pillar of safe motherhood initiative and is essential to reduce maternal as well as neonatal morbidity and mortality. The study aimed to explore whether women availing antenatal care are more likely to go for an institutional delivery. METHODS The study area was an urban resettlement colony located in Chandigarh. The antenatal records, at Urban Health Clinic, from January 2010 to December 2010 were analyzed. The information on the place of delivery was collected by the health workers during routine post-natal care visits. RESULTS The records of 332 pregnant females were analyzed. Majority had an institutional delivery (75.9%). Women with higher education (i.e. more than secondary school) and those with first pregnancy preferred institutional delivery compared to those who were illiterate and multigravid respectively. CONCLUSION There is a need to understand the societal and familial dynamics that influence the choice of the place of delivery.