Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Epidemiological characteristics of the first 100 cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China, a city with a stringent containment policy

Abstract Background Hong Kong (HK) is a densely populated city near the epicentre of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak. Stringent border control together with aggressive case finding, contact tracing, social distancing and quarantine measures were implemented to halt the importation and spread of the virus. Methods We performed an epidemiological study using government information covering the first 100 confirmed cases to examine the epidemic curve, incidence, clusters, reproduction number (Rt), incubation period and time to containment. Results A total of 93 of the 100 cases were HK residents (6 infected in Mainland China, 10 on the Diamond Princess Cruise). Seven were visitors infected in Mainland China before entering HK. The majority (76%) were aged ≥45 years, and the incidence increased with age (P < 0.001). Escalation of border control measures correlated with a decrease in the proportion (62.5% to 0%) of cases imported from Mainland China, and a reduction in Rt (1.07 to 0.75). The median incubation period was 4.2 days [95% confidence interval (CI), 4.0–4.5; 5th and 95th percentiles: 1.3 and 14.0). Most clusters with identifiable epidemiological links were households involving 2–4 people. Three medium-spreading events were identified: two from New Year gatherings (6–11 people), and another from environmental contamination of a worship hall (12 people). Despite intensified contact tracing, containment was delayed in 78.9% of cases (mean = 5.96 days, range = 0–24 days). An unusual transmission in a multi-storey building via faulty toilet plumbing was suspected with >100 residents evacuated overnight. Our analysis indicated that faulty plumbing was unlikely to be the source of this transmission. Conclusions Timely stringent containment policies minimized the importation and transmission of COVID-19 in HK.
Mice Stem of Normal and Congenitally Deaf Neonatal Differences in Glycinergic mIPSCs in the Auditory

[PDF] [Full Text] [Abstract] , March 15, 2006; 571 (3): 563-578. J Physiol G. Paolini, Robert E. W. Fyffe and Bruce Walmsley Richardson N. Leao, Hong Sun, Katarina Svahn, Amy Berntson, Monique Youssoufian, Antonio congenital deafness Topographic organization in the auditory brainstem of juvenile mice is disrupted in [PDF] [Full Text] [Abstract] , April 15, 2006; 572 (2): 313-321. J Physiol Bruce Walmsley, Amy Berntson, Richardson N. Leao and Robert E. W. Fyffe auditory pathways Activity-dependent regulation of synaptic strength and neuronal excitability in central [PDF] [Full Text] [Abstract] , August 1, 2006; 574 (3): 677-698. J Physiol Walter Marcotti, Alexandra Erven, Stuart L. Johnson, Karen P. Steel and Corné J. Kros cells in the mouse cochlea is necessary for normal functional maturation and survival of inner and outer hair Tmc1 [PDF] [Full Text] [Abstract] , February 27, 2007; 104 (9): 3550-3555. PNAS Vibhakar C. Kotak, Andrew D. Breithaupt and Dan H. Sanes Developmental hearing loss eliminates long-term potentiation in the auditory cortex [PDF] [Full Text] [Abstract] , September , 2011; 106 (3): 1443-1453. J Neurophysiol Jan Walcher, Benjamin Hassfurth, Benedikt Grothe and Ursula Koch gerbils and mice Comparative posthearing development of inhibitory inputs to the lateral superior olive in
Folate stress induces SLX1- and RAD51-dependent mitotic DNA synthesis at the fragile X locus in human cells

Significance Folate deficiency is associated with multiple disorders in humans. Through the analysis of the fragile X syndrome locus (FRAXA) in immortalized human lymphocytes or fibroblasts, we demonstrate that FRAXA undergoes DNA synthesis in mitosis (MiDAS). We demonstrate that this process occurs via break-induced DNA replication and requires the SLX1/SLX4 endonuclease complex, the RAD51 recombinase and POLD3, a subunit of polymerase delta. We also demonstrate that other loci undergo MiDAS upon folate stress. This study reveals a function of human SLX1 in the maintenance of FRAXA stability and provides evidence that, in addition to FRAXA, MiDAS occurs at other loci following folate deprivation. These findings provide insight into the diverse and detrimental consequences of folate deficiency in human cells. Folate deprivation drives the instability of a group of rare fragile sites (RFSs) characterized by CGG trinucleotide repeat (TNR) sequences. Pathological expansion of the TNR within the FRAXA locus perturbs DNA replication and is the major causative factor for fragile X syndrome, a sex-linked disorder associated with cognitive impairment. Although folate-sensitive RFSs share many features with common fragile sites (CFSs; which are found in all individuals), they are induced by different stresses and share no sequence similarity. It is known that a pathway (termed MiDAS) is employed to complete the replication of CFSs in early mitosis. This process requires RAD52 and is implicated in generating translocations and copy number changes at CFSs in cancers. However, it is unclear whether RFSs also utilize MiDAS and to what extent the fragility of CFSs and RFSs arises by shared or distinct mechanisms. Here, we demonstrate that MiDAS does occur at FRAXA following folate deprivation but proceeds via a pathway that shows some mechanistic differences from that at CFSs, being dependent on RAD51, SLX1, and POLD3. A failure to complete MiDAS at FRAXA leads to severe locus instability and missegregation in mitosis. We propose that break-induced DNA replication is required for the replication of FRAXA under folate stress and define a cellular function for human SLX1. These findings provide insights into how folate deprivation drives instability in the human genome.
Short Communication MICROORGANISMS AND THE NUTRITIVE VALUE OF TRADITIONAL FERMENTED FISH PRODUCTS OF NORTHEAST INDIA

Fermented fish products have an important role in stimulating the appetite by pro viding unique aromas and flavours. Many kinds of fermented fish products can be found in various parts of north eastern India. Four basic methods of fish fermentation were identified in the region: fermentation with salting; drying and fermentation without salting; drying and fermentation with salting; smoking, drying and fermentation without salting. Raw materials include small and medium sized fresh water whole or partially dressed fishes along with some plant materials like Colocasia plant ( Alocasia macrorhiza) or S hizuleaves ( Euphorbia nerifolia ) orTageleaves ( Natsiatium herpeticum ) etc. Studies identified Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB),Bacillusspp. , Micrococcusspp. ,Yeast areinvolved in the fermentation process. The products are Shidol,Namsing, Tungtap, HentakandLona ilish.All products had high nutritive value.
Potential risk factors associated with the occurrence of aflatoxin M1 in raw milk produced under different farm conditions

Abstract The present study was carried out with the objectives to determine the occurrence of aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) in raw milk and identification of associated risk factors from three different types of animal farming systems. A total of 189 pooled raw milk samples were tested for AFM1 with enzyme linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA) as screening and high performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection (HPLC-FLD) as confirmatory techniques. AFM1 was found positive in 58% pooled milk samples with the mean level of 0.917 µg/L, while 50.8% and 36.5% samples were found above the legal limits set by European Commission (EC) and Food safety and standard authority of India (FSSAI), respectively for AFM1 in milk. Among all investigated risk factors, feeding of readymade concentrate feed and leftover household cereals, longer feed storage duration and feed storage quality were found significantly associated with presence of AFM1 in farm milk. High prevalence as well as levels of AFM1 in farm milk poses a health risk to the consumers especially children. Therefore, efforts are urgently required to create awareness among dairy farmers about aflatoxins contamination of feed and milk, to improve farm management practices and to control AFM1 level in milk below the legal limits.
Modeling and Prediction of Evaporative Ethanol Loss During Wine Fermentations

A kinetic model for batch alcoholic fermentations, such as those employed in winemaking, has been modified to calculate evaporative losses of ethanol. Computer generated solutions exhibit good agreement with reported experimental measurements. The model is used to illustrate the effects of inoculum level, sugar utilization, must temperature, non-isothermal conditions and cap temperature on evaporative ethanol losses. A master correlation is presented for estimation of losses under any combination of temperature and sugar utilization during entire, isothermal batch fermentations.
A Review of the Effect of a Nanostructured Thin Film Formed by Titanium Carbide and Titanium Oxides Clustered around Carbon in Graphitic Form on Osseointegration

Improving the biocompatibility of implants is an extremely important step towards improving their quality. In this review, we recount the technological and biological process for coating implants with thin films enriched in titanium carbide (TiC), which provide improved cell growth and osseointegration. At first, we discuss the use of a Pulsed Laser Ablation Deposition, which produced films with a good biocompatibility, cellular stimulation and osseointegration. We then describe how Ion Plating Plasma Assisted technology could be used to produce a nanostructured layer composed by graphitic carbon, whose biocompatibility is enhanced by titanium oxides and titanium carbide. In both cases, the nanostructured coating was compact and strongly bound to the bulk titanium, thus particularly useful to protect implants from the harsh oxidizing environment of biological tissues. The morphology and chemistry of the nanostructured coating were particularly desirable for osteoblasts, resulting in improved proliferation and differentiation. The cellular adhesion to the TiC-coated substrates was much stronger than to uncoated surfaces, and the number of philopodia and lamellipodia developed by the cells grown on the TiC-coated samples was higher. Finally, tests performed on rabbits confirmed in vivo that the osseointegration process of the TiC-coated implants is more efficient than that of uncoated titanium implants.
Some considerations for adoption of Nikolaeva's formula system into seed dormancy classification

Abstract The five versions of the M.G. Nikolaeva seed dormancy terminology and formulae system are correlated to each other and to the dormancy terminology proposed by Baskin and Baskin [Seed Science Research14, 1–16 (2004)]. The proposal is made that the dormancy formula scheme of Nikolaeva [Botanicheskii Zhurnal86, 1–14 (2001)] be adopted as part of an international seed dormancy classification system, and her logic for derivation of the new formulae for physiological and morphophysiological dormancy is discussed via examples. We conclude that there are several advantages of adopting formulae into a seed dormancy classification system. However, Nikolaeva's scheme, especially the part for morphophysiological dormancy, probably needs a small amount of further refinement.
Is fusion the most suitable treatment option for recurrent lumbar disc herniation? A systematic review

ABSTRACT Objective Recurrent lumbar disc herniation (rLDH) is a common issue after primary discectomy and can cause severe pain, morbidity, and reoperation. The purpose of this systematic review was to evaluate the surgical management of recurrent lumbar disc herniation. Methods A systematic literature search was conducted using Pubmed and Embase databases on 18thAugust, 2019. The inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied according to study design, surgical approach, language, number of patients; and spinal level. Data extracted included patient demographics, and clinical outcomes (patients with excellent/good outcomes; VAS back and leg score improvement, complication and recurrence rates). Results Sixteen studies, (comprising of seven prospective and nine retrospective) met the inclusion criteria. Ten studies evaluated discectomy only; four analysed fusion, and two analysed both discectomy only and fusion approaches. Fusion approaches recorded a superior success rate (8.3 % higher, p>0.05); postoperative VAS back score improvement (5 % higher, p>0.05) than discectomy alone. However, discectomy alone approaches recorded a more favourable postoperative VAS leg score improvement (4.2 % higher p>0.05), and complication rate (3.2% lower, p>0.05) than fusion techniques. Conclusion There is significant heterogeneity in clinical outcomes reported for studies after surgical intervention in rLDH patients. Neither discectomy nor fusion’s superiority was statistically significant. Despite fusion yielding longer operative times, and length of stay (adding to the expense), it is superior in minimising mechanical instability and recurrence. Finally, we conclude that both approaches are equally efficacious in rLDH cases, and choice should be based on a case by case basis.
Epidemiology of respiratory diseases and associated factors among female textile workers in Pakistan

Objective. The study aimed to estimate the prevalence of byssinosis and other respiratory symptoms among women textile workers and the associated risk factors in 18 spinning mills of Faisalabad and Lahore districts of Punjab, Pakistan. Method. In this case–control study of 1054 female workers, we used the dose–response function to measure the association between dust level and respiratory disorders in cotton textile workers. Results. Working overtime and long working hours per week are significantly associated with self-reported symptoms of byssinosis. Women’s age, marital status and wages were significantly associated with mitigating actions (seeing the doctor), while the education of the women was significantly associated with averting action (use of a mask). Conclusion. Regulating working hours and ensuring employees’ compliance with the safety standards are expected to mitigate the health problems of female workers.
Development of Buffalo embryonic stem cell clones in hanging drop using different culture medium.

The present experiment was carried out to study the development of buffalo embryonic stem cell colonies in hanging drop with using different culture media. The 8-16 cell stage IVF derived buffalo embryos were made zona free. The clumped blastomere were cultured in hanging drops with different culture condition viz. control (C-I), M-I: C-I+ stem cell factor, SCF, M-II: C-I+ SCF+ bFGF and MIII:C-I+SCF+bFGF+IGF1 at 37oC, 5% CO2 and 90% relative humidity in CO2 incubator. Once the clumped blastomere cells multiplied and made stem cell clones in hanging drops, they were passaged mechanically and further cultured for propagation of cell numbers. A total of 25 number of zona free embryos were cultured in each medium of culture condition. The efficiency of embryonic blastomere to stem cell clones formation and propagation were significantly higher when ES cell medium was supplemented with only stem cell factor SCF (M-I) or supplemented with SCF, bFGF and IGF1 (M-III) than control and supplementation of SCF+bFGF (M-II). Media I and III were found to be significantly (P<0.01) better followed by Media II. There was no significant difference between Media II and control. It was observed that the ES cell colony formation was better in hanging drop. However, when medium was supplemented with SCF, bFGF and IGF1 alone or in combination, the colony formation was almost similar.
ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITIES OF VISCUM ALBUM'S LEAVES FROM VARIOUS HOST TREES

Aqueous extract of European mistletoe have been widely used for decades as alternativeÂ treatment and adjuvant cancer therapy. The aim of this study was to determine in vitro, the antioxidant activity ofÂ different aqueous extracts of V. album, depending on the host trees and on the harvesting time, using differentÂ methods: TEAC, ORAC and DPPH. Different V. album plants were harvested in two different seasons (May andÂ July) from five different host trees (Acer campestre, Mallus domestica, Fraxinus excelsior, Populus nigra andÂ Robinia pseudoacacia) located in the N-W region of Romania. The values obtained by TEAC assay varied fromÂ 9.19 Â± 0.009 Âµmol of Trolox equivalents/g of fresh leaves for the VAM extract to 5.93 Â± 0.01 Âµmol of TroloxÂ equivalents/g of fresh leaves for the VAP extracts. In the case of values obtained from ORAC assay, noÂ significant differences were obtained between the antioxidant activity of the mistletoe. The extract originatingÂ from Robinia pseudocacia (VAS) mistletoe host exhibited the highest activity (% DPPH inhibition), while theÂ lowest activity was noticed for the extract originating from Populus nigra (VAP) mistletoe (42.2 versus 17.4). Â We noticed differences between the antioxidant capacity of mistletoe harvested on the different season as well asÂ from different host trees.
The Canonical Distribution of Commonness and Rarity: Part I

In an earlier paper (Preston 1948) we found that, in a sufficiently large aggregation of individuals of many species, the individuals often tended to be distributed among the species according to a lognormal law. We plotted as abscissa equal increments in the logarithms of the number of individuals representing a species, and as ordinate the number of species falling into each of these increments. We found it convenient to use as such increments the "octave," that is the interval in which representation doubled, so that our abscissae became simply a scale of "octaves," but this choice of unit is arbitrary. Whatever logarithmic unit is used, the graph tended to take the form of a normal or Gaussian curve, so that the distribution was "lognormal. " \Ve called this the "Species Curve. " In the present paper we take up a point inerely mentioned in 1948 that not only is the distribution lognormal, but the constants or parameters seem to be restricted in a peculiar way. They are not fixed, but they are interlocked. The nature of this restriction and interlocking is the main theme of the present paper. In the earlier paper we graduated the experimental results with curves of the form
Association of nitric oxide synthase 3 gene rs1799983 G/T polymorphism with idiopathic asthenozoospermia in Iranian Azeri males: a case-control study

Abstract Objectives Recently, oxidative stress (OS) has been described extensively as an important cause of men infertility. The nitric oxide synthase 3 (NOS3) gene expression involved in normal spermatogenesis regulation in testis. Several single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) on NOS3 gene are reported in association with sperm function and spermatogenesis impairment in infertile men. In present study, we investigated association of NOS3 gene rs1799983 G/T polymorphism in Iranian Azeri male with idiopathic asthenozoospermia (AZS). Methods In this case-control study, we collected 50 males with idiopathic AZS as a case group and 50 age and ethnically matched male as healthy controls from East Azerbaijan area, Iran. The case and control groups genotyping was performed using tetra-primer amplification refractory mutation system-polymerase chain reaction (Tetra-ARMS PCR) method. Results Genotype frequency in AZS patients was 40% GG, 60% GT, and 0% TT, whereas in healthy controls were 60% GG, 30% GT, and 10% TT. Statistical analysis showed that the GT heterozygous genotype frequency of NOS3 gene rs1799983 G/T polymorphism in AZS patients was significantly more than healthy controls (p>0.05). Conclusions We demonstrated that NOS3 gene rs1799983 G/T polymorphism was associated with AZS in Iranian Azeri men. However, more studies on different geographic areas, races and ethnicities are required to determine exact role of NOS3 gene rs1799983 G/T polymorphism in idiopathic AZS.
LIN28B regulates transcription and potentiates MYCN-induced neuroblastoma through binding to ZNF143 at target gene promotors

Significance LIN28B is well known as a RNA-binding protein and a suppressor of microRNA biogenesis by selectively blocking the processing of let-7 precursors. However, little is known about let-7–independent roles of LIN28B. Here, we show that LIN28B is recruited to active promoters by binding to the zinc-finger transcription factor ZNF143. LIN28B acts as a cofactor to upregulate expression of a subset of downstream target genes that are essential for neuroblastoma cell survival and migration. Our paper reveals an unexpected role of LIN28B in transcriptional regulation that is independent of let-7 during neuroblastoma pathogenesis. LIN28B is highly expressed in neuroblastoma and promotes tumorigenesis, at least, in part, through inhibition of let-7 microRNA biogenesis. Here, we report that overexpression of either wild-type (WT) LIN28B or a LIN28B mutant that is unable to inhibit let-7 processing increases the penetrance of MYCN-induced neuroblastoma, potentiates the invasion and migration of transformed sympathetic neuroblasts, and drives distant metastases in vivo. Genome-wide chromatin immunoprecipitation coupled with massively parallel DNA sequencing (ChIP-seq) and coimmunoprecipitation experiments show that LIN28B binds active gene promoters in neuroblastoma cells through protein–protein interaction with the sequence-specific zinc-finger transcription factor ZNF143 and activates the expression of downstream targets, including transcription factors forming the adrenergic core regulatory circuitry that controls the malignant cell state in neuroblastoma as well as GSK3B and L1CAM that are involved in neuronal cell adhesion and migration. These findings reveal an unexpected let-7–independent function of LIN28B in transcriptional regulation during neuroblastoma pathogenesis.
Haploidentical transplants for patients with graft failure after the first allograft

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