Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Operational Stress and Correlates of Mental Health Among Joint Task Force Guantanamo Bay Military Personnel.

Military personnel deployed to Joint Task Force Guantanamo Bay (JTF-GTMO) faced numerous occupational stressors. As part of a program evaluation, personnel working at JTF-GTMO completed several validated self-report measures. Personnel were at the beginning, middle, or end of their deployment phase. This study presents data regarding symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder, alcohol abuse, depression, and resilience among 498 U.S. military personnel deployed to JTF-GTMO in 2009. We also investigated individual and organizational correlates of mental health among these personnel. Findings indicated that tenure at JTF-GTMO was positively related to adverse mental health outcomes. Regression models including these variables had R2 values ranging from . 02 to . 11. Occupation at JTF-GTMO also related to mental health such that guards reported poorer mental health than medical staff. Reluctance to seek out mental health care was also related to mental health outcomes. Those who reported being most reluctant to seek out care tended to report poorer mental health than those who were more willing to seek out care. Results suggested that the JTF-GTMO deployment was associated with significant psychological stress, and that both job-related and attitude-related variables were important to understanding mental health symptoms in this sample.
Natural competence in Vibrio cholerae is controlled by a nucleoside scavenging response that requires CytR‐dependent anti‐activation

In the paper by Antonova et al., (2012) we reported lower expression of chiA1-lux and pilA-lux transcriptional fusions in a Vibrio cholerae C6706 ΔhapR mutant relative to WT C6706 (Fig 3B and C, second black bars). Recent independent analyses indicate expression of chiA-1 and pilA is unchanged in C6706 ΔhapR relative to WT C6706 (Watve, Thomas & Hammer, in review), consistent with results observed with strain A1552 (Lo Scrudato, M. and Blokesch, M. (2013) A transcriptional regulator linking quorum sensing and chitin induction to render Vibrio cholerae naturally transformable. Nucleic Acids Res 41: 3644–3658). Subsequent resequencing of the two strains depicted (Fig 3B and Fig 3C, second black bars) indicated they were not ΔhapR strains. This does not affect any other results in the paper or conclusions regarding the role of CytR in natural competence. We apologize for the error.
Homogeneity of Severe Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptom Profiles in Children and Adolescents Across Gender, Age, and Traumatic Experiences Related to 9/11.

Patients with a posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) diagnosis according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th ed., DSM-IV; American Psychiatric Association, 1994) will very likely not share all of the same symptoms, a consequence of the polythetic approach used in the DSM. We examined heterogeneity in the latent structure of PTSD symptoms using data from a previously published sample of 8,236 youth a subset of which had been exposed to the September 11, 2001 attacks (N = 6,670; Hoven et al., 2005). Latent class analysis was applied (a) to PTSD symptoms alone, (b) to symptoms in combination with impairment indicators, and (c) to PTSD symptoms when stratified by age and gender, as well as by empirically defined classes of exposure. We identified 4 symptom classes: no disturbance (49.4%), intermediate disturbance (2 classes; 21.5% and 18.6%, respectively), and severe disturbance (10.5%). These classes varied not only in the severity of symptoms, but also in the configuration of symptoms. We observed a high probability of endorsing both PTSD symptoms and indicators of impairment only in the severe disturbance class. A similar 4-class structure was found when the data were stratified by age, gender, and exposure classes. There were no significant differences as a function of age, gender, or exposure in the presence of severe PTSD. Heterogeneity was observed at intermediate levels of PTSD symptom severity. The specific PTSD symptoms that defined the severe PTSD profile could constitute the pathogenic aspects of a largely invariant and clinically meaningful PTSD syndrome.
Yeast nitrogen catabolite repression is sustained by signals distinct from glutamine and glutamate reservoirs

Nitrogen catabolite repression (NCR) is a wide transcriptional regulation program enabling baker's yeast to downregulate genes involved in the utilization of poor nitrogen sources when preferred ones are available. Nowadays, glutamine and glutamate, the major nitrogen donors for biosyntheses, are assumed to be key metabolic signals regulating NCR. NCR is controlled by the conserved TORC1 complex, which integrates nitrogen signals among others to regulate cell growth. However, accumulating evidence indicate that the TORC1‐mediated control of NCR is only partial, arguing for the existence of supplementary regulatory processes to be discovered. In this work, we developed a genetic screen to search for new players involved in NCR signaling. Our data reveal that the NADP‐glutamate dehydrogenase activity of Gdh1 negatively regulates NCR‐sensitive gene transcription. By determining the total, cytoplasmic and vacuolar pools of amino acids, we show that there is no positive correlation between glutamine/glutamate reservoirs and the extent of NCR. While our data indicate that glutamine could serve as initial trigger of NCR, they show that it is not a sufficient signal to sustain repression and point to the existence of yet unknown signals. Providing additional evidence uncoupling TORC1 activity and NCR, our work revisits the dogmas underlying NCR regulation.
The changes in mycolic acid structures caused by hadC mutation have a dramatic effect on the virulence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Understanding the molecular strategies used by Mycobacterium tuberculosis to invade and persist within the host is of paramount importance to tackle the tuberculosis pandemic. Comparative genomic surveys have revealed that hadC, encoding a subunit of the HadBC dehydratase, is mutated in the avirulent M. tuberculosis H37Ra strain. We show here that mutation or deletion of hadC affects the biosynthesis of oxygenated mycolic acids, substantially reducing their production level. Additionally, it causes the loss of atypical extra‐long mycolic acids, demonstrating the involvement of HadBC in the late elongation steps of mycolic acid biosynthesis. These events have an impact on the morphotype, cording capacity and biofilm growth of the bacilli as well as on their sensitivity to agents such as rifampicin. Furthermore, deletion of hadC leads to a dramatic loss of virulence: an almost 4‐log drop of the bacterial load in the lungs and spleens of infected immunodeficient mice. Both its unique function and importance for M. tuberculosis virulence make HadBC an attractive therapeutic target for tuberculosis drug development.
The hereditary basis of bicuspid aortic valve disease: a role for screening?

License. The full terms of the License are available at http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/. Non-commercial uses of the work are permitted without any further permission from Dove Medical Press Limited, provided the work is properly attributed. Permissions beyond the scope of the License are administered by Dove Medical Press Limited. Information on how to request permission may be found at: http://www.dovepress. com/permissions.php Advances in Genomics and Genetics 2015:5 11–17 Advances in Genomics and Genetics Dovepress
Auricular Acupressure Augmentation of Standard Medical Management of the Neonatal Narcotic Abstinence Syndrome

Abstract Background: Several small studies suggest that auricular acupuncture facilitates narcotic withdrawal in opiate-dependent adults. Effects in neonates with narcotic abstinence syndrome (NAS) are unknown. Objective: The objective of this study was to determine if auricular acupressure augmentation of standard medical management decreased length of hospital stay for NAS care or improved infant comfort. Design: This >4-year randomized, prospective, but unblinded study started in March 1992 and ended in August 1996. Setting: The trial was conducted at an inpatient pediatric service of the Boston City Hospital (now Boston Medical Center), in Boston, MA. Participants: The study subjects were 76 neonates with NAS after in utero exposure to maternally ingested opiates (heroin, methadone). Intervention: Auricular acupressure augmentation of standard NAS medical management was the intervention for this trial. Study Design: Demographic characteristics distributed similarly for mothers of control and acupressu.
Adolescent work and drug experiments

The aim was to examine the relationship between part-time work and experimentation with drugs among Finnish adolescents. The cross-sectional survey data (School Health Promotion Survey, n = 47 568) were collected in classrooms in Spring 2000. Respondents were between 14.3 and 16.2 years old. The response rate was 82%. Drug use during the past 30 days, work intensity and work type measures were obtained from self-administered questionnaires. Polychotomous logistic regression was used as the main method of analysis. Working more than 10 h per week was associated with an increased likelihood of frequent drug use (five times or more), but not of occasional experiments. Similarly, engagement in some types of 'adult-like' work was significantly associated with an increased likelihood of frequent drug use. 'Adult-like' jobs are jobs that are typically held by adults in Finland, and are also generally more formal.
Novel mechanisms power bacterial gliding motility

For many bacteria, motility is essential for survival, growth, virulence, biofilm formation and intra/interspecies interactions. Since natural environments differ, bacteria have evolved remarkable motility systems to adapt, including swimming in aqueous media, and swarming, twitching and gliding on solid and semi‐solid surfaces. Although tremendous advances have been achieved in understanding swimming and swarming motilities powered by flagella, and twitching motility powered by Type IV pili, little is known about gliding motility. Bacterial gliders are a heterogeneous group containing diverse bacteria that utilize surface motilities that do not depend on traditional flagella or pili, but are powered by mechanisms that are less well understood. Recently, advances in our understanding of the molecular machineries for several gliding bacteria revealed the roles of modified ion channels, secretion systems and unique machinery for surface movements. These novel mechanisms provide rich source materials for studying the function and evolution of complex microbial nanomachines. In this review, we summarize recent findings made on the gliding mechanisms of the myxobacteria, flavobacteria and mycoplasmas.
A spectrum of CodY activities drives metabolic reorganization and virulence gene expression in Staphylococcus aureus

The global regulator CodY controls the expression of dozens of metabolism and virulence genes in the opportunistic pathogen Staphylococcus aureus in response to the availability of isoleucine, leucine and valine (ILV), and GTP. Using RNA‐Seq transcriptional profiling and partial activity variants, we reveal that S. aureus CodY activity grades metabolic and virulence gene expression as a function of ILV availability, mediating metabolic reorganization and controlling virulence factor production in vitro. Strains lacking CodY regulatory activity produce a PIA‐dependent biofilm, but development is restricted under conditions that confer partial CodY activity. CodY regulates the expression of thermonuclease (nuc) via the Sae two‐component system, revealing cascading virulence regulation and factor production as CodY activity is reduced. Proteins that mediate the host‐pathogen interaction and subvert the immune response are shut off at intermediate levels of CodY activity, while genes coding for enzymes and proteins that extract nutrients from tissue, that kill host cells, and that synthesize amino acids are among the last genes to be derepressed. We conclude that S. aureus uses CodY to limit host damage to only the most severe starvation conditions, providing insight into one potential mechanism by which S. aureus transitions from a commensal bacterium to an invasive pathogen.
A new piperidinol derivative targeting mycolic acid transport in Mycobacterium abscessus

The natural resistance of Mycobacterium abscessus to most commonly available antibiotics seriously limits chemotherapeutic treatment options, which is particularly challenging for cystic fibrosis patients infected with this rapid‐growing mycobacterium. New drugs with novel molecular targets are urgently needed against this emerging pathogen. However, the discovery of such new chemotypes has not been appropriately performed. Here, we demonstrate the utility of a phenotypic screen for bactericidal compounds against M. abscessus using a library of compounds previously validated for activity against M. tuberculosis. We identified a new piperidinol‐based molecule, PIPD1, exhibiting potent activity against clinical M. abscessus strains in vitro and in infected macrophages. Treatment of infected zebrafish with PIPD1 correlated with increased embryo survival and decreased bacterial burden. Whole genome analysis of M. abscessus strains resistant to PIPD1 identified several mutations in MAB_4508, encoding a protein homologous to MmpL3. Biochemical analyses demonstrated that while de novo mycolic acid synthesis was unaffected, PIPD1 strongly inhibited the transport of trehalose monomycolate, thereby abrogating mycolylation of arabinogalactan. Mapping the mutations conferring resistance to PIPD1 on a MAB_4508 tridimensional homology model defined a potential PIPD1‐binding pocket. Our data emphasize a yet unexploited chemical structure class against M. abscessus infections with promising translational development possibilities.
Epitope analysis and protection by a ROP19 DNA vaccine against Toxoplasma gondii

We used bioinformatics approaches to identify B-cell and T-cell epitopes on the ROP19 protein of Toxoplasma gondii. Then, we constructed plasmids with ROP19 (pEGFP-C1-ROP19) and injected them into BALB/c mice to test the immunoprotection induced by this vaccine candidate. The results showed that immunization with pEGFP-C1-ROP19 induced effective cellular and humoral immune responses in mice; specifically, high serum levels of T. gondii-specific IgG and increased interferon-gamma production by splenocytes. Furthermore, the mice vaccinated with pROP19 had significantly fewer brain cysts (583 ± 160) than the mice injected with phosphate-buffered saline (1350 ± 243) or with the control plasmid, pEGFP-C1 (1300 ± 167). Compared with PBS-treated mice, those immunized with pROP19 had only 43% of the number of brain cysts. These results suggest that the DNA vaccine encoding ROP19 induced a significant immune response and provided protection against a challenge with T. gondii strain PRU cysts.
ThrR, a DNA‐binding transcription factor involved in controlling threonine biosynthesis in Bacillus subtilis

The threonine dehydratase IlvA is part of the isoleucine biosynthesis pathway in the Gram‐positive model bacterium Bacillus subtilis. Consequently, deletion of ilvA causes isoleucine auxotrophy. It has been reported that ilvA pseudo‐revertants having a derepressed hom‐thrCB operon appear in the presence of threonine. Here we have characterized two classes of ilvA pseudo‐revertants. In the first class the hom‐thrCB operon was derepressed unmasking the threonine dehydratase activity of the threonine synthase ThrC. In the second class of mutants, threonine biosynthesis was more broadly affected. The first class of ilvA pseudo‐revertants had a mutation in the Phom promoter (P*hom), resulting in constitutive expression of the hom‐thrCB operon. In the second class of ilvA pseudo‐revertants, the thrR gene encoding a putative DNA‐binding protein was inactivated, also resulting in constitutive expression of the hom‐thrCB operon. Here we demonstrate that ThrR is indeed a DNA‐binding transcription factor that regulates the hom‐thrCB operon and the thrD aspartokinase gene. DNA binding assays uncovered the DNA‐binding site of ThrR and revealed that the repressor competes with the RNA polymerase for DNA binding. This study also revealed that ThrR orthologs are ubiquitous in genomes from the Gram‐positive phylum Firmicutes and in some Gram‐negative bacteria.
Quality of packaged waters sold in ibadan, nigeria

The inadequacy of pipe borne water supplies in urban centres is a growing problem. As a result, communities resort to buying water from vendors. In recent years, sachet or bottled water became major sources of drinking water in the households and at work. This study aimed at assessing the chemical and bacteriological quality of packaged water sold in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State with a population over 3.2 million. A total number of 118 samples of water from several commercial brands sold in the city of Ibadan were selected by simple random sampling. These were of three categories, those that are packed and sealed in bottles by larger factories (bottled water), those sealed in nylon sachets by small scale industries (A Type), and those put in nylon sachets and manually tied by itinerary vendors (B Type). These samples were subjected to physical, chemical and bacteriological analysis. Hanna C 100 spectrophotometer and analytical quality chemical reagents were used for chemical analyses. MacConkey broth (MB) and Brilliant Green Bile Broth (BGBB) were used for bacteriological analysis using multiple tube method as described in APHA Standard Methods. The results showed that while the physical parameters were within WHO limits for drinking water quality guidelines values, 30 % of the samples showed rather poor quality. The pH values ranged between 6.6 - 9.7 and aluminum ranged from 0.00 - 0.34 mg/1, fluoride from 0.01 - 1.87mg/l and cyanide from 0.0 - 0.175 which were not within permissible limits. Bacteriological analysis showed that 5% of the 78 samples (A Type), and 28% of the 30 samples (B Type) tested showed positive coliform counts . The dominant bacteria were Klebsiella sp. , Streptococcus faecalis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Thus the bottled waters were satisfactory, but the sachet waters were found not satisfactory. Based n the results, it is recommended that the enforcement agencies in the country (NAFDAC and the Ministry of Health) need to get the producers of 'packaged water' to comply with the national drinking water guidelines. Communities on their part should be educated and enlightened on the ill effects of patronizing fake vendors. (Afr. J. Biomed. Res. 11: 251 - 258) Key Words; water quality, Coliform counts, faecal coliforms, pure-water, water vending, urban water, bottled water.
Characterization of secreted sphingosine‐1‐phosphate lyases required for virulence and intracellular survival of Burkholderia pseudomallei

Sphingosine‐1‐phosphate (S1P), a bioactive sphingolipid metabolite, plays a critical role in the orchestration of immune responses. S1P levels within the mammalian host are tightly regulated, in part through the activity of S1P lyase (S1PL) which catalyses its irreversible degradation. Herein, we describe the identification and characterization of secreted S1PL orthologues encoded by the facultative intracellular bacteria Burkholderia pseudomallei and Burkholderia thailandensis. These bacterial orthologues exhibited S1PL enzymatic activity, functionally complemented an S1PL‐deficient yeast strain and conferred resistance to the antimicrobial sphingolipid D‐erythro‐sphingosine. We report that secretion of these bacterial S1PLs is pH‐dependent, and is observed during intracellular infection. S1PL‐deficient mutants displayed impaired intracellular replication in murine macrophages (associated with an inability to evade the maturing phagosome) and were significantly attenuated in murine and larval infection models. Furthermore, treatment of Burkholderia‐infected macrophages with either S1P or a selective agonist of S1P receptor 1 enhanced bacterial colocalisation with LAMP‐1 and reduced their intracellular survival. In summary, our studies confirm bacterial‐encoded S1PL as a critical virulence determinant of B. pseudomallei and B. thailandensis, further highlighting the pivotal role of S1P in host‐pathogen interactions. In addition, our data suggest that S1P pathway modulators have potential for the treatment of intracellular infection.
Real‐time Ultrasound Assessment of Astronaut Spinal Anatomy and Disorders on the International Space Station

Back pain is one of the most common conditions of astronauts during spaceflight and is hypothesized to be attributed to pathologic anatomic changes. Ultrasound (US) represents the only available imaging modality on the International Space Station, but a formal US protocol for imaging the structures of the spinal column does not exist. This investigation developed a method of acquiring diagnostic‐quality images of the anterior lumbar and cervical regions of the spine during long‐duration spaceflight.
Isotype distribution and clinical relevance of anti‐β2‐glycoprotein I (β2‐GPI) antibodies: importance of IgA isotype

The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of IgG, IgA and IgM anti‐β2‐GPI antibodies in anti‐phospholipid syndrome (APS), and to establish the clinical significance of IgA type antibodies compared with the other isotypes. Anti‐β2‐GPI antibodies were measured in the sera of 70 patients by solid‐phase enzyme immunoassay in γ‐irradiated polystyrene plates coated with human purified β2‐GPI. Thirty‐three out of the 70 patients were classified as having APS: three of them had primary, and 30 had secondary APS related to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The remaining 37 patients had SLE without APS. Anti‐β2‐GPI antibodies of IgG, IgA and IgM isotypes were present in 84.8%, 59.3% and 51.5% of patients with APS. Both the frequency and the level of each isotype were significantly higher in patients with APS. This association was very strong for IgA (P = 0.0004 for the antibody frequency and P < 0.0001 for the antibody level), as well as for IgG type antibodies (P < 0.0001 and P < 0.0001), whereas it was weaker for IgM (P = 0.01 and P = 0.04). A strong relationship was demonstrated between increased IgA anti‐β2‐GPI antibody levels and a history of venous thrombosis, thrombocytopenia, heart valve disease, livedo reticularis and epilepsy. IgG anti‐β2‐GPI antibodies were associated with the presence of lupus anticoagulant (LA) in addition to the main features of APS. However, antibodies of IgM isotype were related only to thrombocytopenia and heart valve disease. We recommend the evaluation of anti‐β2‐GPI antibodies of IgA isotype in addition to IgG in patients with clinical suspicion of APS.
A DEA model to evaluate Brazilian container terminals

This study aims to evaluate the main Brazilian port terminals specialized in the operation of containers between the years 2010 and 2014. Therefore, it was applied Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) and some of its complementary models, represented by the Cross Evaluation, in order to implement a peer-evaluation and improve the discrimination of the 100% efficient terminal; and a current model known as DEA-Game Cross Efficiency that combines DEA and Game Theory. This article proposes an adaptation to the original model, since it considers a radial output orientation, regarded as more compatible with the problem under analysis. DEA-Game was applied for the first time in port performance measurement and it was shown more suitable than the others, since the Decision Making Units (DMU) are seen from the perspective of a non-cooperative game and the results proved to be a Nash equilibrium.