Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Multidrug resistance in amoebiasis patients.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES Amoebiasis, caused by Entamoeba sp. a protozoan parasite, is a major public health problem in tropical and subtropical countries. The symptomatic patients are treated by specific chemotherapy. However, there are reports of treatment failure in some cases suggesting the possibility of drug resistance. The present study was therefore planned to assess the presence and expression of mRNA of multidrug resistance (MDR) gene in clinical isolates of Entamoeba histolytica and E. dispar. METHODS Forty five clinical isolates of Entamoeba sp. [E. histolytica (15) and E. dispar (30)] were maintained in polyxenic followed by monoxenic medium. DNA and total RNA were extracted from clinical isolates of Entamoeba sp. and from sensitive strain of E. histolytica (HM1: IMSS) and subjected to polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and multiplex reverse transcription (RT)-PCR techniques. RESULTS The 344 bp segment of E. histolytica DNA was seen by PCR using primers specific to EhPgp1 in all clinical isolates and sensitive strain of E. histolytica. Over expression of EhPgp1 was observed only in resistant mutant of E. histolytica; however, transcription of EhPgp1 was not seen in any clinical isolates and sensitive strain of E. histolytica. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION The findings of the present study indicate that, so far, drug resistance in clinical isolates of E. histolytica does not seem to be a major problem in this country. However, susceptibility of clinical isolates of E. histolytica against various antiamoebic drugs needs to be investigated for better management.
Development and Assessment of an Innovative Culturally Sensitive Educational Videotape to Improve Adherence to Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy in Soweto, South Africa

Summary:The increasing availability of antiretroviral medication (ARV) therapy in the face of limited chronic medication-taking experience among resource-poor South Africans has raised concerns about adequate adherence to these medications. We hypothesized that a culturally sensitive audiovisual patient education program would be of substantial and measurable benefit in increasing patient understanding of the concepts of ARV resistance risk and medication-taking skills. To identify potential barriers to adherence and successful strategies to promote adherence, 6 focus groups with health care providers and HIV-positive adherence counselors were held, resulting in the production of a 17-minute culturally sensitive educational videotape. Basic drug-taking concepts and practical advice on how to improve adherence were presented in the videotape. Thirty-four HIV-positive patients (including 11 ARV-naive patients and 23 ARV-experienced patients) were shown the educational videotape, and their knowledge about medication taking was evaluated by a 24-point pre- and postvideotape questionnaire. On average, the 34 patients gained 2.2 knowledge points (P = 0.021). ARV-naive patients had an average improvement of 3.0 points (P = 0.0028), with most significant gains in the areas of understanding medication-taking strategies and side effects. These preliminary findings indicate that a culturally sensitive educational videotape can improve medication-taking knowledge in South Africa and that further study of the potential efficacy of using media technology to improve individuals' adherence to ARV therapy is warranted.
Methanosarcina mazei LYC, a New Methanogenic Isolate Which Produces a Disaggregating Enzyme

A methanogenic coccoid organism, Methanosarcina mazei LYC, was isolated from alkaline sediment obtained from an oil exploration drilling site. The isolate resembled M. mazei S-6 by exhibiting different morphophases during its normal growth cycle. It differed from M. mazei S-6 by undergoint a spontaneous shift from large, irregular aggregates of cells to small, individual, irregular, coccoid units. In batch cultures at pH 7.0, M. mazei LYC grew as aggregates during the early growth stage. As the batch culture began exponential growth, the cell aggregates spontaneously dispersed: the culture liquid became turbid, and myriads of tiny (diameter, 1 to 3 μm) coccoid units were observed under phase-contrast microscopy. Disaggregation apparently was accomplished by the production of an enzyme which hydrolyzed the heteropolysaccharide component of the cell wall; the enzyme was active on other Methanosarcina strains as well. Although the enzyme was active when tested at pH 6.0, it apparently was not produced at that pH: when strain LYC was grown at pH 6.0, only cell aggregates were present throughout batch growth. Individual coccoid cells of M. mazei LYC were sensitive to sodium dodecyl sulfate, but the large aggregates of cells were not. Strain LYC rapidly used H2-CO2, in addition to methanol, and mono-, di-, and trimethylamine as methanogenic substrates; acetate was used very slowly. Its optimum growth temperature was 40°C, and its optimum pH was 7.2.
Compliance to Gutka ban and other provisons of COTPA in Mumbai.

BACKGROUND Cigarettes and other tobacco products act 2003 (COTPA) is the principal law governing tobacco control in India. Government of Maharashtra in one of its landmark decisions also banned manufacturing, sale and distribution of gutka and pan masala since July 2012. The desired impact and level of enforcement of the COTPA legislation and the gutka and pan masala ban in Maharashtra State, however, needs assessment. Among the many provisions within COTPA, the present study seeks to assess compliance to implementation and enforcement of Section 5 and 6 of COTPA including compliance to gutka and pan masala ban in Mumbai, India. METHODOLOGY Six educational institutes (EI) within the Mumbai metropolitan region were selected in a two stage random sampling process. Area around each EI was manually mapped and all the tobacco products selling outlets with in the 100 yards distance were listed by trained Field Social Investigators and were observed to determine compliance for Section 5 and Section 6 of the COTPA legislation and for gutka and pan masala ban. The vendors/shop owners manning these outlets were also interviewed for their personal sociodemographic details, self-tobacco use, awareness and perception about ill-effects of tobacco and existing tobacco control legislation in the country. RESULTS A total of 222 tobacco retail outlets were listed within 100 yards of the EI in violation to the provisions of Section 6 of COTPA, of which 72 (32.4%) were selling tobacco products on mobile structures. About 53.2% of the tobacco vendors were also users of some form of tobacco. Whereas, nearly 217 (97.7%) vendors were aware about the gutka and pan masala ban in the State, only 48.2% were aware about the existence of COTPA legislation. None of the EI had a display board prohibiting the sale of tobacco products within a radius of 100 yards of their EI. Only 56.3% tobacco outlets had complied with the mandatory warning display boards indicating tobacco products will not be sold to people below 18 years of age. With regards to point of sale advertisement only 25.2% compliance was noted for display of health warning boards at the point of sale. Nearly 48.6% tobacco outlets exhibited >2 display boards and another 43.2% exhibited hoardings with brand pack photo, brand name in violation to the provision under Section 5. Violation by visible stacking and open display of tobacco products for sale was observed at 51.3% of tobacco outlets. While 41% of tobacco outlets were found displaying gutka and pan masala packets in violation to the ban. CONCLUSIONS Enacting of the law without robust measures for enforcement has led to widespread noncompliance to the provisions with in the tobacco control legislation in the metropolitan city of Mumbai. Strong and sustainable measures needs to be incorporated both by civic administration and public health departments for its forceful implementation.
A numerical study of the effects of bell pulsation dynamics and oral arms on the exchange currents generated by the upside-down jellyfish Cassiopea xamachana

SUMMARY Mathematical and experimental studies of the flows generated by jellyfish have focused primarily on mechanisms of swimming. More recent work has also considered the fluid dynamics of feeding from currents generated during swimming. Here we capitalize on the benthic lifestyle of the upside-down jellyfish (Cassiopea xamachana) to explore the fluid dynamics of feeding uncoupled from swimming. A two-dimensional mathematical model is developed to capture the fundamental characteristics of the motion of the unique concave bell shape. Given the prominence of the oral arms, this structure is included and modeled as a porous layer that perturbs the flow generated by bell contractions. The immersed boundary method is used to solve the fluid–structure interaction problem. Velocity fields obtained from live organisms using digital particle image velocimetry were used to validate the numerical simulations. Parameter sweeps were used to numerically explore the effects of changes in pulse dynamics and the properties of the oral arms independently. Numerical experiments allow the opportunity to examine physical effects and limits within and beyond the biologically relevant range to develop a better understanding of the system. The presence of the prominent oral arm structures in the field of flow increased the flux of new fluid from along the substrate to the bell. The numerical simulations also showed that the presence of pauses between bell expansion and the next contraction alters the flow of the fluid over the bell and through the oral arms.
A new solution for the permutation problem in the frequency-domain BSS using power-ratio correlation

This paper proposes a new method to solve the permutation problem in the frequency-domain source separation based on Independent Component Analysis (ICA). Traditionally, the correlation coefficient of separated signal envelopes is calculated to determine if the separated signals originate from the same source. Recently, a new measure has been proposed, which represents the dominance of the separated signals in the mixtures based on the power-ratio, instead of separated signal envelopes. In this paper, we use the interfrequency correlation between measures of power-ratio of the separated signals in the mixtures to solve the permutation problem. Experimental results show that our method provides an almost perfect solution to the permutation problem for the case, where two sources are mixed in a room whose reverberation time is 130 ms.
[Screening human gastric carcinoma-associated antigens by serologic proteome analysis].

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE It is urgent to find the specific or relatively specific biomarkers in the study of gastric carcinoma. This study was to screen human gastric carcinoma-associated antigens by serologic proteome analysis (SERPA). METHODS Total protein were isolated from 10 specimens of human gastric carcinoma by 2-dimensional electrophoresis (2-DE). The immunoblotting imaging films were obtained and the differential reacting protein spots were recognized. Then the differential reacting proteins were obtained in the replica gel by matching analysis, and identified by peptide mass fingerprint (PMF) based on matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS) and database searching. RESULTS Fourteen differentially expressed proteins (react only to the patient's serum) were found. Of the 14 proteins, 13 were identified as human gastric carcinoma-associated antigens, including heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein K (hnRNP K), hnRNP H1, hnRNP H2, cytokeratin 18 (CK18), crystal structure of Fkbp52 C-terminal domain complex with the C-terminal peptide meevd of hot-shock protein 90 (Hsp90), serum vitamin D-binding protein precursor (DBP), selenium-binding protein 1 (SBP1), eukaryotic translation elongation factor 1 delta (eEF-1), ACTB protein, brain creatine kinase (CKB), proteasome 26S ATPase subunit 3 (PSMC3), dimethylarginine dimethylaminohydrolase 1(DDAH-1), and NADH dehydrogenase Fe-S protein 1. CONCLUSIONS Thirteen human gastric carcinoma-associated antigens were found by SERPA. The results provide foundation for screening molecular biomarkers for the diagnosis, therapy, prognostic evaluation, and prevention of human gastric carcinoma.
From Physician to Consumer: The Effectiveness of Strategies to Manage Health Care Utilization

Many strategies are commonly used to influence physician behavior in managed care organizations. This review examines the effectiveness of three mechanisms to influence physician behavior: financial incentives directed at providers or patients, policies/procedures for managing care, and the selection/education of both providers and patients. The authors reach three conclusions. First, all health care systems use financial incentives, but these mechanisms are shifting away from financial incentives directed at the physician to those directed at the consumer. Second, heavily procedural strategies such as utilization review and gatekeeping show some evidence of effectiveness but are highly unpopular due to their restrictions on physician and patient choice. Third, a future system built on consumer choice is contradicted by mechanisms that rely solely on narrow networks of providers or the education of physicians. If patients become the new locus of decision making in health care, provider-focused mechanisms to influence physician behavior will not disappear but are likely to decline in importance.
In vivo proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy of large focal hepatic lesions and metabolite change of hepatocellular carcinoma before and after transcatheter arterial chemoembolization using 3.0‐T MR scanner

To investigate the value of in vivo proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) in the assessment of large focal hepatic lesions and to measure the metabolite change of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) using 3.0‐T scanner.
Establishment and Abundance of Tetrastichus planipennisi (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) in Michigan: Potential for Success in Classical Biocontrol of the Invasive Emerald Ash Borer (Coleoptera: Buprestidae)

ABSTRACT Tetrastichus planipennisi Yang is a gregarious larval endoparasitoid native to China and has been introduced to the United States since 2007 for classical biological control of the invasive emerald ash borer, Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire, an exotic beetle responsible for widespread ash mortality. Between 2007–2010, T. planipennisi adults (3,311–4,597 females and ≈1,500 males per site) were released into each of six forest sites in three counties (Ingham, Gratiot, and Shiawassee) of southern Michigan. By the fall of 2012, the proportion of sampled trees with one or more broods of T. planipennisi increased to 92 and 83% in the parasitoid-release and control plots, respectively, from 33 and 4% in the first year after parasitoid releases (2009 fall for Ingham county sites and 2010 for other sites). Similarly, the mean number of T. planipennisi broods observed from sampled trees increased from less than one brood per tree in the first year after parasitoid releases to 2.46 (at control plots) to 3.08 (at release plots) broods by the fall of 2012. The rates of emerald ash borer larval parasitism by T. planipennisi also increased from 1.2% in the first year after parasitoid releases to 21.2% in the parasitoid-release plots, and from 0.2 to 12.8% for the control plots by the fall of 2012. These results demonstrate that T. planipennisi is established in southern Michigan and that its populations are increasing and expanding. This suggests that T. planipennisi will likely play a critical role in suppressing emerald ash borer populations in Michigan.
Saline Culture of Crops: A Genetic Approach

Increasing salinity of soil and water threatens agriculture in arid and semiarid regions. By itself, the traditional engineering approach to the problem is no longer adequate. Genetic science offers the possibility of developing salt-tolerant crops, which, in conjunction with environmental manipulation, could improve agricultural production in saline regions and extend agriculture to previously unsuited regions.
Human heme oxygenase: Cell cycle‐dependent expression and DNA microarray identification of multiple gene responses after transduction of endothelial cells

The purpose of the present study was to examine the role of human heme oxygenase (human HO‐1) in cell cycle progression following exposure to heme or human HO‐1 gene transfer and to identify target genes associated with human HO‐1‐meditated increases in cell cycle progression using cDNA microarray technology. Heme‐induced robust human HO‐1 expression in quiescent human microvessel endothelial cells cultured in 1% FBS and the levels of human HO‐1 expression progressively declined without a change in the cell cyclin. To identify genes regulated by human HO‐1 in the cell cycle, human endothelial cells were transduced with a retroviral vector encoded with human HO‐1 gene or an empty vector. Transgene expression and functionality of the recombinant protein were assessed by Western blotting, enzyme activity, carbon monoxide, cGMP production, and cell cycle analysis. Human cDNA gene array and quantitative real‐time RT‐PCR were used to identify both known and novel differentially expressed genes in cells overexpressing human HO‐1. Major findings were upregulation of several genes associated with cell cycle progression, including cyclin E and D; downregulation of cyclin‐dependent kinase inhibitors p21 and p27, cyclin‐dependent kinases 2, 5, and 6, and monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1; and upregulation of growth factors, including vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor I (VEGFRI), endothelial growth factor (EGF) and hepatic‐derived growth factor (HDGF). These findings identify an array of gene responses to overexpression of human HO‐1 and elucidate new aspects of human HO‐1 signaling involved in cell growth. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Missense variations of the gene responsible for Wolfram syndrome (WFS1/wolframin) in Japanese: possible contribution of the Arg456His mutation to type 1 diabetes as a nonautoimmune genetic basis.

Recently, a novel gene for a putative transmembrane protein (WFS1/wolframin) was found to be mutated in patients with Wolfram syndrome or DI-DM-OA-D (diabetes insipidus, diabetes mellitus, optic atrophy, and deafness) syndrome. It is suggested that the WFS1 protein is important in the survival of islet beta-cells. We studied the WFS1 gene in a Japanese population to assess its possible role in common type 1 diabetes. Mutation screening revealed four missense mutations; R456H, G576S, H611R, and I720V. By genetic association studies of 185 type 1 diabetes patients and 380 control subjects, we found that R456H was significantly increased in the type 1 diabetes group compared to the control group (P = 0.0005); H611R and I720V were also significantly increased with weaker significance. Furthermore, in patients with the R456H mutation, type 1 diabetes-resistant HLA-DRB1 alleles (DRB1*0406, 1501, and 1502) were significantly increased compared to mutation-negative patients while susceptible DRB1*0901 was significantly decreased. Frequencies of autoimmunity characteristics (ICA or GAD-Ab positiveness and combination of autoimmune thyroid disease) were decreased in the R456H-positive patients compared to the R456H-negative patients. These data suggest that the WFS1 gene may have a role in the development of common type 1 diabetes as a nonautoimmune genetic basis.
Compatibility between livestock databases used for quantitative biosecurity response in New Zealand

Abstract AIM: To characterise New Zealand's livestock biosecurity databases, and investigate their compatibility and capacity to provide a single integrated data source for quantitative outbreak analysis. METHODS: Contemporary snapshots of the data in three national livestock biosecurity databases, AgriBase, FarmsOnLine (FOL) and the National Animal Identification and Tracing Scheme (NAIT), were obtained on 16 September, 1 September and 30 April 2014, respectively, and loaded into a relational database. A frequency table of animal numbers per farm was calculated for the AgriBase and FOL datasets. A two dimensional kernel density estimate was calculated for farms reporting the presence of cattle, pigs, deer, and small ruminants in each database and the ratio of farm densities for AgriBase versus FOL calculated. The extent to which records in the three databases could be matched and linked was quantified, and the level of agreement amongst them for the presence of different species on properties assessed using Cohen's kappa statistic. RESULTS: AgriBase contained fewer records than FOL, but recorded animal numbers present on each farm, whereas FOL contained more records, but captured only presence/absence of animals. The ratio of farm densities in AgriBase relative to FOL for pigs and deer was reasonably homogeneous across New Zealand, with AgriBase having a farm density approximately 80% of FOL. For cattle and small ruminants, there was considerable heterogeneity, with AgriBase showing a density of cattle farms in the Central Otago region that was 20% of FOL, and a density of small ruminant farms in the central West Coast area that was twice that of FOL. Only 37% of records in FOL could be linked to AgriBase, but the level of agreement for the presence of different species between these databases was substantial (kappa >0.6). Both NAIT and FOL shared common farm identifiers which could be used to georeference animal movements, and there was a fair to substantial agreement (kappa 0.32–0.69) between these databases for the presence of cattle and deer on properties. CONCLUSIONS: The three databases broadly agreed with each other, but important differences existed in both species composition and spatial coverage which raises concern over their accuracy. Importantly, they cannot be reliably linked together to provide a single picture of New Zealand's livestock industry, limiting the ability to use advanced quantitative techniques to provide effective decision support during disease outbreaks. We recommend that a single integrated database be developed, with alignment of resources and legislation for its upkeep.
Towards integration of health economics into medical education and clinical practice in Saudi Arabia

Abstract In an era of expanding health sectors and rising costs, doctors are expected to have a working knowledge of health economics to better use resources and improve outcomes and quality of health care. This article recognizes the dearth of knowledge and application of economic analyses in medical education and clinical practice in Saudi Arabia. In particular, it highlights the desirability of knowledge of health economics in ensuring certain competencies in medical education and the rationale for inviting doctors to apply knowledge of economics in Saudi Arabia. In addition, the article discusses challenges that hinder integrating health economics into clinical practice. Furthermore, the article typifies some of the important economic phenomena that physicians need to discern. Besides, the article provides implications for incorporating economic analysis into medical education and clinical practice in Saudi Arabia. Finally, the article concludes by demonstrating how health economics can enhance doctors’ knowledge and recommends the country to move towards integrating health economics into medical education and clinical practice for best practice.