Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Smoking, alcohol use disorder and tuberculosis treatment outcomes: A dual co-morbidity burden that cannot be ignored

Background More than 20% of tuberculosis (TB) disease worldwide may be attributable to smoking and alcohol abuse. India is the second largest consumer of tobacco products, a major consumer of alcohol particularly among males, and has the highest burden of TB globally. The impact of increasing tobacco dose, relevance of alcohol misuse and past versus current or never smoking status on TB treatment outcomes remain inadequately defined. Methods We conducted a multi-centric prospective cohort study of newly diagnosed adult pulmonary TB patients initiated on TB treatment and followed for a minimum of 6 months to assess the impact of smoking status with or without alcohol abuse on treatment outcomes. Smokers were defined as never smokers, past smokers or current smokers. Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT) scores were used to assess alcohol misuse. The association between smoking status and treatment outcomes was assessed in univariate and multivariate random effects poisson regression models. Results Of 455 enrolled, 129 (28%) had a history of smoking with 94 (20%) current smokers and 35 (8%) past smokers. Unfavourable treatment outcomes were significantly higher among past and current smokers as compared to never smokers. Specifically, the risk of treatment failure was significantly higher among past smokers (aIRR = 2.66, 95% CI: 1.41–4.90, p = 0.002), recurrent TB among current smokers (aIRR = 2.94, 95% CI: 1.30–6.67, p = 0.010) and death among both past (2.63, 95% CI: 1.11–6.24, p = 0.028) and current (aIRR = 2.59, 95% CI: 1.29–5.18, p = 0.007) smokers. Furthermore, the combined effect of alcohol misuse and smoking on unfavorable treatment outcomes was significantly higher among past smokers (aIRR: 4.67, 95% CI: 2.17–10.02, p<0.001) and current smokers (aIRR: 3.58, 95% CI: 1.89–6.76, p<0.001). Conclusion Past and current smoking along with alcohol misuse have combined effects on increasing the risk of unfavourable TB treatment outcomes. Innovative interventions that can readily address both co-morbidities are urgently needed.
The Presence of Polysaccharides, Glycerol, and Polyethyleneimine in Hydrogel Enhances the Performance of the Glucose Biosensor

The use of amperometric biosensors has attracted particular attention in recent years, both from researchers and from companies, as they have proven to be low-cost, reliable, and very sensitive devices, with a wide range of uses in different matrices. The continuous development of amperometric biosensors, since their use involves an enzyme, is specifically aimed at keeping and increasing the catalytic properties of the loaded protein, so as to be able to use the same device over time. The present study aimed to investigate the impact of glycerol and polysaccharides, in the presence of polycationic substances to constitute a hydrogel, in enhancing the enzymatic and analytic performance of a glucose biosensor. Initially, it was possible to verify how the deposition of the starch-based hydrogel, in addition to allowing the electropolymerization of the poly(p-phenylenediamine) polymer and the maintenance of its ability to shield the ascorbic acid, did not substantially limit the permeability towards hydrogen peroxide. Moreover, different biosensor designs, loading a mixture containing all the components (alone or in combination) and the enzyme, were tested in order to evaluate the changes of the apparent enzyme kinetic parameters, such as VMAX and KM, and analytical response in terms of Linear Region Slope, highlighting how the presence of all components (starch, glycerol, and polyethyleneimine) were able to substantially enhance the performance of the biosensors. The surface analysis of the biosensors was performed by scanning electron microscope (SEM). More, it was shown that the same performances were kept unchanged for seven days, proving the suitability of this biosensor design for short- and mid-term use.
Effect of bovine milk fermented with Lactobacillus rhamnosus L8020 on periodontal disease in individuals with intellectual disability: a randomized clinical trial

Abstract Studies on the oral health of individuals with intellectual disability (ID) have identified problems that include a high prevalence of periodontal disease. The use of probiotics to treat periodontal disease has been the focus of considerable research, and bovine milk fermented with Lactobacillus rhamnosus L8020 (L8020 yogurt) has been shown to reduce the oral prevalence of four periodontal pathogens. Objective The aim of this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was to compare the effects of L8020 yogurt (test group) with those of placebo yogurt (placebo group) on the papillary-marginal-attached (PMA) index, gingival index (GI), and probing depth (PD) in 23 individuals with ID. Methodology All patients were required to consume the allocated yogurt after breakfast for 90 days. PMA index and GI scores as well as PDs were assessed before the start of yogurt consumption (baseline), after 45 and 90 days of consumption, and 30 days after the cessation of consumption. Student’s t-test, Mann–Whitney U test or Fisher’s exact test was used for inter-group comparisons, and the mixed effect model of repeated measurements was used for data analysis. Results The decrease in PMA index score was significantly greater in the test group than in the placebo group (p<0.001). The GI score also decreased during the study, with a tendency for greater decrease in the test group. Furthermore, decreases in PD between baseline, 45 and 90 days tended to be greater in the test group than in the placebo group. Conclusion These results suggest that regular consumption of bovine milk fermented with L. rhamnosus L8020 can lower the risk of periodontal disease in individuals with ID.
Combined Antifungal Resistance and Biofilm Tolerance: the Global Threat of Candida auris

The enigmatic yeast Candida auris has emerged over the last decade and rapidly penetrated our consciousness. The global threat from this multidrug-resistant yeast has generated a call to arms from within the medical mycology community. Over the past decade, our understanding of how this yeast has spread globally, its clinical importance, and how it tolerates and resists antifungal agents has expanded. ABSTRACT The enigmatic yeast Candida auris has emerged over the last decade and rapidly penetrated our consciousness. The global threat from this multidrug-resistant yeast has generated a call to arms from within the medical mycology community. Over the past decade, our understanding of how this yeast has spread globally, its clinical importance, and how it tolerates and resists antifungal agents has expanded. This review highlights the clinical importance of antifungal resistance in C. auris and explores our current understanding of the mechanisms associated with azole, polyene, and echinocandin resistance. We also discuss the impact of phenotypic tolerance, with particular emphasis on biofilm-mediated resistance, and present new pipelines of antifungal drugs that promise new hope in the management of C. auris infection.
The Human Coronary Collateral Circulation, Its Extracardiac Anastomoses and Their Therapeutic Promotion

Cardiovascular disease remains the leading global cause of death, and the number of patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and exhausted therapeutic options (i.e., percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and medical treatment) is on the rise. Therefore, the evaluation of new therapeutic approaches to offer an alternative treatment strategy for these patients is necessary. A promising research field is the promotion of the coronary collateral circulation, an arterio-arterial network able to prevent or reduce myocardial ischemia in CAD. This review summarizes the basic principles of the human coronary collateral circulation, its extracardiac anastomoses as well as the different therapeutic approaches, especially that of stimulating the extracardiac collateral circulation via permanent occlusion of the internal mammary arteries.
Perinatal iron deficiency combined with a high salt diet in adulthood causes sex‐dependent vascular dysfunction in rats

Perinatal iron deficiency causes changes in offspring mesenteric artery function in adulthood, particularly in males, which can be exacerbated by chronic intake of a high salt diet. Perinatal iron deficient male offspring exhibit enhanced conversion of big endothelin‐1 to active endothelin‐1, coinciding with decreased nitric oxide levels. Perinatal iron deficient male offspring have reduced nitric oxide‐mediated endothelial‐dependent vasodilatation coincident with increased vascular superoxide levels following consumption of a high salt diet. Perinatal iron deficiency has no apparent effects on vascular function in female offspring, even when fed a high salt diet. These results help us better understand underlying vascular mechanisms contributing to increased cardiovascular risk from perinatal stressors such as iron deficiency.
Morphological and Genetic Mechanisms Underlying Awn Development in Monocotyledonous Grasses

The identification of biological mechanisms underlying the development of complex quantitative traits, including those that contribute to plant architecture, yield and quality potential, and seed dispersal, is a major focus in the evolutionary biology and plant breeding. The awn, a bristle-like extension from the lemma in the floret, is one of the distinct morphological and physiological traits in grass species. Awns are taught as an evolutionary trait assisting seed dispersal and germination and increasing photosynthesis. Awn development seems to be complex process, involving dramatic phenotypic and molecular changes. Although recent advances investigated the underlying morphological and molecular genetic factors of awn development, there is little agreement about how these factors interact during awn formation and how this interaction affects variation of awn morphology. Consequently, the developmental sequence of the awn is not yet well understood. Here, we review awn morphological and histological features, awn development pathways, and molecular processes of awn development. We argue that morphological and molecular genetic mechanisms of awn development previously studied in major cereal crops, such as barley, wheat, and rice, offered intriguing insights helping to characterize this process in a comparative approach. Applying such an approach will aid to deeply understand factors involved in awn development in grass species.
Transthoracic Device Closure, Transcatheter Device Closure, and Surgical Repair via Right Submammary Thoracotomy for Restrictive Ventricular Septal Defect, a Respective Comparative Study

Abstract Background Few comparative studies have focused on the advantages and disadvantages of transthoracic device closure, transcatheter device closure, and surgical repair via right submammary thoracotomy for restrictive ventricular septal defect (VSD). In this article, we compared the safety, efficacy, and clinical effects of these three treatments. Methods: The clinical data of 192 pediatric patients with a restrictive VSD in our hospital from January 2017 to May 2018 were retrospectively collected and analyzed. According to the different treatments, the patients were divided into three groups (the surgical and device groups). Results: There was no significant difference in the demographic characteristics, VSD size, mean pulmonary artery pressure, or cardiothoracic ratio. In addition, there were significant differences in the duration of mechanical ventilation, operation, hospitalization, and ICU stay between the two device groups and the surgical group, but there were no significant differences between the two device groups. Conclusions: Transthoracic device closure, transcatheter device closure, and surgical repair via right submammary thoracotomy for restrictive VSD repair are all safe and feasible. These three treatments have their own disadvantages and advantages and should be selected according to individual patients.
[National survey on breastfeeding knowledge amongst residents in Pediatrics in Spain].

OBJECTIVE Increasing breastfeeding rates is a desirable goal for improving maternal and child health. Pediatricians have a main role in this subject. The objective was to document breastfeeding knwoledge in Pediatric residents, and its relationship with the BFHI (Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative) status of their hospitals. METHODS Transversal study with a validated online survey (ECoLa). Polietapic sampling of Pediatric residentes in Spain by strata (BFHI degree) and clusters (hospitals). Estimated sample size was 142 residents. 312 surveys were sent to 21 hospitals. Main variable was the percentage of correct answers to survey questions, it was analyzed with non parametric techniques. RESULTS 189 answers (response rate 60%). Global median (Me) of correct answers was 76.9% (95% Confidence Interval [95CI] 74.2-79.6). There was no difference among first and second year residents (Me=76.9%) and third and fourth year residents (Me=73.1%) (p=0.541). Residents from BFHI hospitals (Me=84.6%) achieved better results than those from non-BFHI hospitals (Me=73.1%) (p=0.002). Variability at non-BFHI hospitals was considerable, where some hospitals showed unacceptable scores. Prevalence of courses was greater at BFHI hospitals (95% vs 52%). CONCLUSIONS There are some deficiencies in Pediatric residents' breastfeeding training. There are hospitals whose residents have an insufficient breastfeeding knowledge. No low scores were found in residents from BFHI hospitals. We consider neccesary to systematize and universalize breastfeeding training during Pediatric Residency.
Potential Prognostic Markers of Acute Kidney Injury in the Early Phase of Acute Pancreatitis

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a serious complication of acute pancreatitis (AP), which occurs in up to 70% of patients with severe AP and significantly increases the risk of mortality. At present, AKI is diagnosed based on dynamic increase in serum creatinine and decreased urine output; however, there is a need for earlier and more accurate biomarkers. The aim of the study was to review current evidence on the laboratory tests that were studied as the potential biomarkers of AKI in AP. We also briefly summarized the knowledge coming from the studies including sepsis or ICU patients since severe acute pancreatitis is associated with systemic inflammation and organ failure. Serum cystatin C and serum or urine NGAL have been shown to predict or diagnose AKI in AP; however, this evidence come from the single center studies of low number of patients. Other markers, such as urinary kidney injury molecule-1, cell cycle arrest biomarkers (tissue inhibitor metalloproteinase-2 and urine insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 7), interleukin-18, liver-type fatty acid-binding protein, or calprotectin have been studied in other populations suffering from systemic inflammatory states. In AP, the potential markers of AKI may be significantly influenced by either dehydration or inflammation, and the impact of these factors may be difficult to distinguish from kidney injury. The subject of AKI complicating AP is understudied. More studies are needed, for both exploratory (to choose the best markers) and clinical (to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of the chosen markers in real clinical settings).
Evaluation of Factor VIII Polysialylation: Identification of a Longer-Acting Experimental Therapy in Mice and Monkeys

Extended half-life (EHL) factor therapies are needed to reduce the burden of prophylaxis and improve treatment adherence in patients with hemophilia. BAX 826 is a novel polysialylated full-length recombinant factor VIII [polysialyic acid (PSA) rFVIII] with improved pharmacokinetics (PK), prolonged pharmacology, and maintained safety attributes to enable longer-acting rFVIII therapy. In factor VIII (FVIII)–deficient hemophilic mice, PSArFVIII showed a substantially higher mean residence time (>2-fold) and exposure (>3-fold), and prolonged efficacy in tail-bleeding experiments (48 vs. 30 hours) compared with unmodified recombinant FVIII (rFVIII), as well as a potentially favorable immunogenicity profile. Reduced binding to a scavenger receptor (low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1) and von Willebrand factor (VWF) as well as a largely VWF-independent circulation time in mice provide a rationale for prolonged BAX 826 activity. The significantly improved PK profile versus rFVIII was confirmed in cynomolgus monkeys [mean residence time: 23.4 vs. 10.1 hours; exposure (area under the curve from time 0 to infinity): 206 vs. 48.2 IU/ml⋅h] and is in line with results from rodent studies. Finally, safety and toxicity evaluations did not indicate increased thrombogenic potential, and repeated administration of BAX 826 to monkeys and rats was well tolerated. The favorable profile and mechanism of this novel experimental therapeutic demonstrated all of the requirements for an EHL-rFVIII candidate, and thus BAX 826 was entered into clinical assessment for the treatment of hemophilia A. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Prolongation of FVIII half-life aims to reduce the burden of prophylaxis and improve treatment outcomes in patients with hemophilia. This study shows that polysialylation of PSArFVIII resulted in prolongations of rFVIII circulation time and procoagulant activity, together with a favorable nonclinical safety profile of the experimental therapeutic.
ATEN: And/Or tree ensemble for inferring accurate Boolean network topology and dynamics

MOTIVATION Inferring gene regulatory networks from gene expression time series data is important for gaining insights into the complex processes of cell life. A popular approach is to infer Boolean networks. However, it is still a pressing open problem to infer accurate Boolean networks from experimental data that are typically short and noisy. RESULTS To address the problem, we propose a Boolean network inference algorithm which is able to infer accurate Boolean network topology and dynamics from short and noisy time series data. The main idea is that, for each target gene, we use an And/Or tree ensemble algorithm to select prime implicants of which each is a conjunction of a set of input genes. The selected prime implicants are important features for predicting the states of the target gene. Using these important features we then infer the Boolean function of the target gene. Finally, the Boolean functions of all target genes are combined as a Boolean network. Using the data generated from artificial and real-world gene regulatory networks, we show that our algorithm can infer more accurate Boolean network topology and dynamics from short and noisy time series data than other algorithms. Our algorithm enables us to gain better insights into complex regulatory mechanisms of cell life. AVAILABILITY Package ATEN is freely available at https://github.com/ningshi/ATEN. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Comparison of scores achieved by foreign medical graduates in the National Evaluation for Medical Residency (ENARM) in Mexico

Similar to the United States Medical Licensing Examination steps used in the USA, Mexico has the National Evaluation for Medical Residency Applicants (ENARM, Examen Nacional de Aspirantes a Residencias Medicas ), the scores achieved in these assessments represent the entrance door to a specialisation course endorsed by an accredited university. This letter aims to discuss the usefulness of ENARM exam scores obtained by foreign medical graduates (FMG). The reports of 7 consecutive years (2012–2018) of ENARM scores, were issued by the Interinstitutional Commission for Human Resources Training for Health ( Comision Interinstitucional para la Formacion de Recursos Humanos para la Salud ) a department of the Undersecretariat of Innovation and Quality of the Mexican Ministry of Health.1 The ENARM exam uses a minimum and maximum scores to show the performance in 27 medical …
The effectiveness of two mathematical instructional programs on the mathematics growth of eighth grade students

The purpose of this study was to determine if there would be a significant difference in the achievement levels of two groups of eighth grade students when one group received instruction from a Saxon Mathematics Program, and the other group received instruction from a Pre-Algebra Program. Four schools in Georgia participated in the study. Marietta Middle School in Marietta City and Warner Robbins Middle School in Houston County received the Saxon Mathematics Program, and Smitha Middle School in Cobb County and Chestnut Log Middle School in Douglas County received the PreAlgebra Program. The student sample consisted of 994 eighth grade students in the four middle schools. The independent variable was the instructional approach. The dependent variables were the student scores of the subtest of the Eighth Grade Iowa Test of Basic Skills – Mathematics Total, Concepts and Estimation, Problems and Data Interpretation, and Computation – with the Georgia Criterion Referenced Competency Test (CRCT) serving as the covariate. The analysis of covariance was used to determine statistical significance of the main effects – instructional approach, gender, and ethnicity/race – and the interactions between and among instruction, gender, ethnicity/race. The results of this study showed that non-white male and white female students benefited the most from the Saxon Mathematics Program in all four dependent variables – Mathematics Total, Concepts and Estimation, Problems and Data Interpretation, and Computation. The white male benefited from the Saxon Mathematics Program in three of the subtests – Mathematics Total, Concepts and Estimation, and Computationand scored higher in Problems and Data Interpretation using the Pre-Algebra Program. The nonwhite female scored higher using the Pre-Algebra Program on three of the subtestsMathematics Total, Concepts and Estimation, and Problems and Data Interpretation. All students scored higher on the Computation Subtest using the Saxon Mathematics Program. INDEX WORDS: Saxon Mathematics Program, Pre-Algebra Program, Basic Skills, Reform Mathematics, Constructivist THE EFFECTIVENESS OF TWO MATHEMATICAL INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAMS ON THE MATHEMATICS GROWTH OF EIGHTH GRADE STUDENTS