Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Investigation of the Electron Transport Chain to and the Catalytic Activity of the Diheme Cytochrome c Peroxidase CcpA of Shewanella oneidensis

ABSTRACT Bacterial diheme c-type cytochrome peroxidases (BCCPs) catalyze the periplasmic reduction of hydrogen peroxide to water. The gammaproteobacterium Shewanella oneidensis produces the peroxidase CcpA under a number of anaerobic conditions, including dissimilatory iron-reducing conditions. We wanted to understand the function of this protein in the organism and its putative connection to the electron transport chain to ferric iron. CcpA was isolated and tested for peroxidase activity, and its structural conformation was analyzed by X-ray crystallography. CcpA exhibited in vitro peroxidase activity and had a structure typical of diheme peroxidases. It was produced in almost equal amounts under anaerobic and microaerophilic conditions. With 50 mM ferric citrate and 50 μM oxygen in the growth medium, CcpA expression results in a strong selective advantage for the cell, which was detected in competitive growth experiments with wild-type and ΔccpA mutant cells that lack the entire ccpA gene due to a markerless deletion. We were unable to reduce CcpA directly with CymA, MtrA, or FccA, which are known key players in the chain of electron transport to ferric iron and fumarate but identified the small monoheme ScyA as a mediator of electron transport between CymA and BCCP. To our knowledge, this is the first detailed description of a complete chain of electron transport to a periplasmic c-type cytochrome peroxidase. This study furthermore reports the possibility of establishing a specific electron transport chain using c-type cytochromes.
Impact, meaning and need for help and support

Parenting a child with complex needs or disabilities is a challenging proposition. This study, which drew upon of the experiences of the parents of 34 children (in 33 families), set out to explore the themes of impact, need for help and support and meaning/sense-making as they were related by parents. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews, and an emerging theoretical framework was validated through the use of a series of mind-maps® which were presented to individual parents as the basis for a second round (verificational) interview. Parents were nominated into the study by health care professions who were asked to identify the subject children to one of three separate sub-groups: children with a disability; children with a life-limiting/life-threatening illness or children with a technology dependence. Comparisons were made between the three study sub-groups in order to identify areas of consistency and of inconsistency. A fourth study theme – ‘battleground’ emerged from entirely within the data set. Sense-making occupied a central position within the overall theoretical framework for the study and parental perception of ‘battleground’ presented as significant element of parental sense-making, particularly in the context of their relationships with professional staff.
Comparison of BGM and PLC/PRC/5 Cell Lines for Total Culturable Viral Assay of Treated Sewage

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to compare PLC/PRF/5 and BGM cell lines for use in a total culturable viral assay (TCVA) of treated sewage effluents. Samples were collected before and after chlorination from an activated sludge wastewater treatment plant and from the effluent of a high-rate enhanced flocculation system, followed by UV light disinfection. Cell monolayers were observed for cytopathic effect (CPE) after two passages of 14 days each. Monolayers exhibiting viral CPE were tested for the presence of adenoviruses and enteroviruses by PCR or reverse transcription-PCR. Eight percent of the samples exhibited CPE on BGM cells, and 57% showed CPE on PLC/PRF/5 cells. Only enteroviruses were detected on the BGM cells, while 30% and 52% of the samples were positive for enteroviruses and adenoviruses, respectively, on the PLC/PRF/5 cells. Thirty percent of the samples were positive for both adenoviruses and enteroviruses in chlorinated activated sludge effluent. Thirty percent of the samples were positive for adenoviruses in the UV treatment effluent, but no enteroviruses were detected. In conclusion, the PLC/PRF/5 cells were more susceptible than BGM cells to viruses found in treated sewage. The use of BGM cells for TCVA may underestimate viral concentration in sewage effluent samples. The PLC/PRF/5 cells were more susceptible to adenoviruses, which is important in the evaluation of UV disinfection systems because adenoviruses are highly resistant to UV inactivation.
Effect of Permeate Drag Force on the Development of a Biofouling Layer in a Pressure-Driven Membrane Separation System

ABSTRACT The effect of permeate flux on the development of a biofouling layer on cross-flow separation membranes was studied by using a bench-scale system consisting of two replicate 100-molecular-weight-cutoff tubular ultrafiltration membrane modules, one that allowed flow of permeate and one that did not (control). The system was inoculated with Pseudomonas putida S-12 tagged with a red fluorescent protein and was operated using a laminar flow regimen under sterile conditions with a constant feed of diluted (1:75) Luria-Bertani medium. Biofilm development was studied by using field emission scanning electron microscopy and confocal scanning laser microscopy and was subsequently quantified by image analysis, as well as by determining live counts and by permeate flux monitoring. Biofilm development was highly enhanced in the presence of permeate flow, which resulted in the buildup of complex three-dimensional structures on the membrane. Bacterial transport toward the membrane by permeate drag was found to be a mechanism by which cross-flow filtration contributes to the buildup of a biofouling layer that was more dominant than transport of nutrients. Cellular viability was found to be not essential for transport and adhesion under cross-flow conditions, since the permeate drag overcame the effect of bacterial motility.
Regulon Studies and In Planta Role of the BraI/R Quorum-Sensing System in the Plant-Beneficial Burkholderia Cluster

The genus Burkholderia is composed of functionally diverse species, and it can be divided into several clusters. One of these, designated the plant-beneficial-environmental (PBE) Burkholderia cluster, is formed by nonpathogenic species, which in most cases have been found to be associated with plants. It was previously established that members of the PBE group share an N-acyl-homoserine lactone (AHL) quorum-sensing (QS) system, designated BraI/R, that produces and responds to 3-oxo-C14-HSL (OC14-HSL). Moreover, some of them also possess a second AHL QS system, designated XenI2/R2, producing and responding to 3-hydroxy-C8-HSL (OHC8-HSL). In the present study, we performed liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/MS) analysis to determine which AHL molecules are produced by each QS system of this group of bacteria. The results showed that XenI2/R2 is mainly responsible for the production of OHC8-HSL and that the BraI/R system is involved in the production of several different AHLs. This analysis also revealed that Burkholderia phymatum STM815 produces greater amounts of AHLs than the other species tested. Further studies showed that the BraR protein of B. phymatum is more promiscuous than other BraR proteins, responding equally well to several different AHL molecules, even at low concentrations. Transcriptome studies with Burkholderia xenovorans LB400 and B. phymatum STM815 revealed that the BraI/R regulon is species specific, with exopolysaccharide production being the only common phenotype regulated by this system in the PBE cluster. In addition, BraI/R was shown not to be important for plant nodulation by B. phymatum strains or for endophytic colonization and growth promotion of maize by B. phytofirmans PsJN.
Investigation of the Relationship between Lactococcal Host Cell Wall Polysaccharide Genotype and 936 Phage Receptor Binding Protein Phylogeny

Comparative genomics of 11 lactococcal 936-type phages combined with host range analysis allowed subgrouping of these phage genomes, particularly with respect to their encoded receptor binding proteins. The so-called pellicle or cell wall polysaccharide of Lactococcus lactis, which has been implicated as a host receptor of (certain) 936-type phages, is specified by a large gene cluster, which, among different lactococcal strains, contains highly conserved regions as well as regions of diversity. The regions of diversity within this cluster on the genomes of lactococcal strains MG1363, SK11, IL1403, KF147, CV56, and UC509.9 were used for the development of a multiplex PCR system to identify the pellicle genotype of lactococcal strains used in this study. The resulting comparative analysis revealed an apparent correlation between the pellicle genotype of a given host strain and the host range of tested 936-type phages. Such a correlation would allow prediction of the intrinsic 936-type phage sensitivity of a particular lactococcal strain and substantiates the notion that the lactococcal pellicle polysaccharide represents the receptor for (certain) 936-type phages while also partially explaining the molecular reasons behind the observed narrow host range of such phages.
Two methods of cord care in high-risk newborns

This randomized clinical study explored the effects of two cord care methods on hydration, temperature, pH, and floras at the cord area in high-risk newborns. One group used the water method; and the other group used the alcohol method. Seventy-two newborns, including premature newborns, in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of a university-affiliated hospital in South Korea were enrolled from August 2011 to May 2012. Hydration, temperature, pH, and floras were measured daily until the cords fell off. The results showed no difference between the groups in hydration, temperature, pH, and the colonization of floras, but cord detachment in the alcohol group took 2 days longer (12.8 [5.7] days) than in the water group (10.9 [4.1] days). Our findings suggest that the clean-and-dry method of cord care, which uses water, could be sufficient, possibly even better than alcohol in maintaining the physiologic surface milieu of the cord area with less chance of infection and manipulation in NICUs with optimal infection control.
A meta-analysis of the effect of school-based anti-bullying programs

Bullying is a serious public health problem, and many studies have examined the effect of school-based anti-bullying programs. However, these programs and those outcomes are complex, broad, and diverse. Research is needed into the optimal strategies for these comprehensive programs, which consider both the effectiveness and cost of programs. We performed a meta-analysis of 13 studies using the Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software package to calculate effect size (ES) and the Q statistic. We conducted subgroup analyses to examine the differences based on student grade level, program duration, and program strategy. The pooled ES calculation indicated that school-based anti-bullying programs have a small to moderate effect on victimization. The results of the Q test indicated significant heterogeneity across studies of victimization (Q = 39.625; I 2 = 69.7%; p < .001). Studies involving training in emotional control (p < .01), peer counseling (p < .05), or the establishment of a school policy on bullying (p < .05) showed significantly larger ESs on victimization than did studies that did not involve these strategies. Effective school-based anti-bullying programs should include training in emotional control, peer counseling, and the establishment of a school policy on bullying.
The experiences of parents and nurses of hospitalised infants requiring oxygen therapy for severe bronchiolitis

Bronchiolitis is a major cause of children’s admission to hospital. The study aim was to describe the experiences of parents who had, or nurses who cared for, a child admitted to hospital for severe bronchiolitis requiring oxygen therapy. A descriptive phenomenological approach was used to interview 12 mothers and 12 nurses. The findings were clustered into three domains: fear, parent–child interaction and technical caring. The mothers found the experience to be extremely frightening, based on their fear that their child could die. This was compounded by their lack of knowledge and understanding about what was happening and their inability to fulfil their mothering role. Although nurses recognised that parents were anxious, they did not seem to appreciate fully the depth of fear and emotion that mothers were experiencing and tended to describe procedural aspects of their role. The mothers’ relationship with their child was focused upon physical contact and the desire to comfort their child. Their ability to do so was significantly impacted upon by the method of oxygen delivery to their child. For nurses, although they recognised the psychosocial dimension, their emphasis was on health and safety aspects of oxygen therapy, both for the child and themselves.
Ácidos graxos poliinsaturados ômega-3 e ômega-6: importância e ocorrência em alimentos

Polyunsaturated fatty acids include the classes of fatty acids designated as omega-3 and omega-6. Very-long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids as arachidonic and docosahexaenoic have important roles in the development and functioning of the brain and retina. This group of fatty acids cannot be synthesized by de novo pathway, but can be formed from linoleic and alpha-linolenic acid present in diet. In this article, the main factors that can inhibit desaturase enzymes activity involved in the synthesis of MLC-PUFAs are considered. Recommendations of omega-6/omega-3 ratio in diet proposed in several countries are presented, showing a coverage range from 4 to 5:1. Foods that are sources of alpha-linolenic acid and Very-long-chain are listed. The essentiality of Very-long-chain is very dependent of individual metabolism, and omega-6/omega-3 dietary ratio has a great influence in their health effects.
Determining Minimum Effective Anesthetic Concentration of Hyperbaric Bupivacaine for Spinal Anesthesia

We determined the minimum effective anesthetic concentration (MEAC) of bupivacaine for spinal anesthesia, defined as the median effective concentration at which a spinal anesthetic produces surgically equivalent anesthesia within 20 min of administration in 50% of human subjects. Two doses of spinal bupivacaine (7.5 mg and 10 mg) were administered to 45 volunteers (19–39 yr) in a randomized, double-blinded fashion. Hyperbaric bupivacaine solutions of 0.1% to 0.75% containing 8.25% dextrose were administered intrathecally and MEAC established by using the Dixon’s up-and-down method. Complete anesthesia was defined as: 1) pinprick anesthesia at or higher than T12; 2) anesthesia to transcutaneous tetanic electric stimulation (50 Hz at 60 mA for 5 s) in the knees; and 3) complete leg paralysis, all occurring in both lower extremities within 20 min of intrathecal injection. We found that the MEAC of spinal bupivacaine was 0.43% (95% confidence interval 0.24–0.62) when 10 mg was administered. At this dose, a concentration as low as 0.1% could provide complete anesthesia, but consistent blockade was obtained only with the 0.7% solution. The 7.5-mg dose failed to provide complete anesthesia consistently, even in the presence of 0.75% (maximum). The current commercially available 0.75% concentration of hyperbaric bupivacaine seems to be clinically optimal when 10 mg is used if complete bilateral lower extremity blockade is desired. Implications The value of the minimum effective anesthetic concentration for hyperbaric spinal bupivacaine is dose-dependent. Complete anesthesia can be achieved with smaller concentrations when the dose of spinal anesthetic is increased. The current commercially available 0.75% concentration of hyperbaric bupivacaine seems to be clinically optimal when 10 mg is used if complete bilateral lower extremity blockade is desired.
Multifrequency Excitation and Support Vector Machine Regressor for ECT Defect Characterization

Eddy current testing (ECT) has three main tasks: detection, location, and characterization of defects. The characterization task, which means the ability to find the geometrical characteristics of the defect, is still in the research domain, although in many industrial applications this task has to be carried out with good accuracy to allow reliable acceptance or rejection decision indispensable to save costs and even human lives. This paper proposes an ECT measurement method that allows the reliable estimation of the geometrical characteristics of thin defects (i.e., length, height, and depth) by using a combination of a multifrequency excitation and an optimized support vector machine for regression. The proposed solution is tested on real specimens with known cracks by using a suitable measurement setup comprising a giant magnetoresistance-based biaxial ECT probe.
Management of the Asymptomatic Diabetic Patient with Evidence of Ischemia

which may lead a physician to question whether they are truly asymptomatic. Additionally, the prevalence of silent ischemia is greater in diabetic patients, and patients may present with a major cardiac event without prior warning. 8 Diabetic patients with silent ischemia have higher cardiac mortality than patients with symptoms—26 versus 9%—most likely because they present later and revascularization is delayed. 9 A recent randomized trial, Detection of Ischemia in Asymptomatic Diabetics (DIAD), highlighted some of the issues of screening in asymptomatic diabetic patients. In this trial, 1,123 asymptomatic diabetic patients were randomized to screening with stress single-photon-emission computed tomography (SPECT) or no screening and followed up Abstract In the US, a total of 23.6 million people have diabetes, representing 7.8% of the population, and the prevalence of diabetes is on the rise due to an increasingly sedentary lifestyle, increasing obesity, and an aging population. Coronary artery disease is the leading cause of death in patients with diabetes, despite a reduction in cardiovascular events over the last 50 years, due in part to better medical therapy. Asymptomatic diabetic patients with evidence of ischemia on stress testing have higher cardiac mortality; increasing amounts of ischemia are associated with higher mortality rates. Revascularization of high-risk patients, or those with significant ischemia, has the potential to improve outcomes in this patient population. The choice of which revascularization strategy to choose—either percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or coronary artery bypass grafting— should be carefully individualized, and must always be implemented against the background of optimal medical therapy.
OP06.04: Gestational sac volume in missed abortion compared to normal pregnancies

persistence of vaginal bleeding after evacuation. We demonstrated that ultrasound is essential not only in diagnostic of HM but also in follow up and in definition of the high-risk population. Clinical use of such risk assessment permits individualization of follow-up according to the risk of developing subsequent GTN. Patients at high risk for GTN may undergo a closer monitoring whereas those at low risk may benefit of a smaller amount of visits. The extent to which these findings may allow an anticipated search of new pregnancy in low risk cases, remains to be determined.
Breaking the Programming Language Barrier: Using Program Visualizations to Transfer Programming Knowledge in One Programming Language to Another

The transition from one programming language to another is an issue, which usually needs to be addressed in programming curricula, as the learning is typically started with syntactically easier languages. This study explores the possibility to use a short interactive tutorial with visualization exercises to ease the transition from Python to Java. In the experiment, the students first took a pre-test to measure their earlier programming knowledge with Python. After that, they used the tutorial with visualization exercises for 45 minutes. The tutorial and the exercises were designed to underline the syntactical and structural differences between Python and Java. Finally, the students answered to post-test, which contained questions similar to pre-test, but in Java. The results indicate, that the students were able to obtain similar program comprehension skills in Java that they previously had with Python. Moreover, the students seem to think that using such tutorials is highly beneficial in the transition. Hence, we conclude, that ViLLE can be effectively used to ease the transition from one language to another.
O233: Chronic hepatitis E in immunocompromised patients

Hepatitis E, an inflammatory liver disease caused by the hepatitis E virus (HEV) is endemic in many tropical countries and has been assumed to be a self limited disease without the potential to develop chronic disease. In recent years the relevance of this disease has strongly emerged: autochthonous cases from industrialized countries and chronic courses of HEV infections with potentially lifethreatening complications within immunosuppressed patients have been described. The topic of hepatitis E is therefore re-emerging and has raised many important questions. Acute HEV infection is diagnosed in immunocompetent individuals based on detection of anti-HEV IgM. Increased titers of anti-HEV IgG can indicate recent HEV infection. However, there are variations in sensitivity, specificity, and agreement of results among assays that detect these antibodies. Several assays are based on antigens expressed by a single HEV genotype; these might be limited in detecting all HEV genotypes. A number of commercial anti-HEV assays are available. However, none of them has been approved by the FDA for routine diagnostic use in the United States. Recently a new seroassay has become available (‘Wantai’) which has been suggested to be more sensitive. The seroprevalence rate of HEV specific antibodies detected by this assay has shown to be as high as 30% in central European countries. Because of significant differences between commercial anti HEV assays further examinations are necessary to evaluate the right seroprevalence rate. However, for the diagnosis of ongoing HEV infection testing for HEV RNA by PCR should be preferred especially in immunocompromized individuals, because seroconversion could be delayed in these patients.