Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Colistin resistance and plasmid-mediated mcr genes in Escherichia coli and Salmonella isolated from pigs, pig carcass and pork in Thailand, Lao PDR and Cambodia border provinces

Background Colistin and carbapenem-resistant bacteria have emerged and become a serious public health concern, but their epidemiological data is still limited. Objectives This study examined colistin and carbapenem resistance in Escherichia coli and Salmonella from pigs, pig carcasses, and pork in Thailand, Lao PDR, and Cambodia border provinces. Methods The phenotypic and genotypic resistance to colistin and meropenem was determined in E. coli and Salmonella obtained from pigs, pig carcasses, and pork (n = 1,619). A conjugative experiment was performed in all isolates carrying the mcr gene (s) (n = 68). The plasmid replicon type was determined in the isolates carrying a conjugative plasmid with mcr by PCR-based replicon typing (n = 7). The genetic relatedness of mcr-positive Salmonella (n = 11) was investigated by multi-locus sequence typing. Results Colistin resistance was more common in E. coli (8%) than Salmonella (1%). The highest resistance rate was found in E. coli (17.8%) and Salmonella (1.7%) from Cambodia. Colistin-resistance genes, mcr-1, mcr-3, and mcr-5, were identified, of which mcr-1 and mcr-3 were predominant in E. coli (5.8%) and Salmonella (1.7%), respectively. The mcr-5 gene was observed in E. coli from pork in Cambodia. Two colistin-susceptible pig isolates from Thailand carried both mcr-1 and mcr-3. Seven E. coli and Salmonella isolates contained mcr-1 or mcr-3 associated with the IncF and IncI plasmids. The mcr-positive Salmonella from Thailand and Cambodia were categorized into two clusters with 94%–97% similarity. None of these clusters was meropenem resistant. Conclusions Colistin-resistant E. coli and Salmonella were distributed in pigs, pig carcasses, and pork in the border areas. Undivided-One Health collaboration is needed to address the issue.
Five shades of gray: Conceptual and methodological issues around multivariate models of performance validity.

OBJECTIVE This study was designed to empirically investigate the signal detection profile of various multivariate models of performance validity tests (MV-PVTs) and explore several contested assumptions underlying validity assessment in general and MV-PVTs specifically. METHOD Archival data were collected from 167 patients (52.4%male; MAge = 39.7) clinicially evaluated subsequent to a TBI. Performance validity was psychometrically defined using two free-standing PVTs and five composite measures, each based on five embedded PVTs. RESULTS MV-PVTs had superior classification accuracy compared to univariate cutoffs. The similarity between predictor and criterion PVTs influenced signal detection profiles. False positive rates (FPR) in MV-PVTs can be effectively controlled using more stringent multivariate cutoffs. In addition to Pass and Fail, Borderline is a legitimate third outcome of performance validity assessment. Failing memory-based PVTs was associated with elevated self-reported psychiatric symptoms. CONCLUSIONS Concerns about elevated FPR in MV-PVTs are unsubstantiated. In fact, MV-PVTs are psychometrically superior to individual components. Instrumentation artifacts are endemic to PVTs, and represent both a threat and an opportunity during the interpretation of a given neurocognitive profile. There is no such thing as too much information in performance validity assessment. Psychometric issues should be evaluated based on empirical, not theoretical models. As the number/severity of embedded PVT failures accumulates, assessors must consider the possibility of non-credible presentation and its clinical implications to neurorehabilitation.
Inhibiting effect of p-Coumaric acid on U87MG human glioblastoma cell growth

Abstract p-Coumaric acid (pCA) is a hydroxycinnamic acid derivative commonly found in many natural products that has been extensively studied for its anticancer activity in multiple cell lines. In this report we investigated the effects of this phytochemical as adjuvant therapy to treat glioblastoma, an infaust brain tumour characterized by the acquired or innate resistance to the conventional chemotherapy temozolomide (TMZ). U87Mg glioblastoma cell growth and viability was assessed by growth rate curves and MTT assay incubating cells with 0.5 and 1 mM pCA for 24 h, 48 h and 72 h. Cell cycle analysis, performed by flow cytometry, showed that pCA led the accumulation of GBM cells in G2/M phase. Western blot analysis shows that pCA induced CDK4 cyclin-dependent kinase reduction and p53 increase, followed by induction of the CDK inhibitor p21. Furthermore, pCA treatment mediated the activation of apoptosis and the inhibition of migration of U87Mg cells. Finally, the treatment of glioblastoma cells in vitro with pCA concomitantly with the TMZ revealed a synergistic effect between the natural substance and the chemotherapy. In conclusion, our results demonstrated that pCA acts influencing the cell viability and cell cycle of U87Mg cells by promoting cell cycle arrest in G2/M phase and apoptosis.
Optimal interpregnancy interval in autism spectrum disorder: A multi‐national study of a modifiable risk factor

It is biologically plausible that risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is elevated by both short and long interpregnancy intervals (IPI). We conducted a retrospective cohort study of singleton, non‐nulliparous live births, 1998–2007 in Denmark, Finland, and Sweden (N = 925,523 births). Optimal IPI was defined as the IPI at which minimum risk was observed. Generalized additive models were used to estimate relative risks (RR) of ASD and 95% Confidence Intervals (CI). Population impact fractions (PIF) for ASD were estimated under scenarios for shifts in the IPI distribution. We observed that the association between ASD (N = 9302) and IPI was U‐shaped for all countries. ASD risk was lowest (optimal IPI) at 35 months for all countries combined, and at 30, 33, and 39 months in Denmark, Finland, and Sweden, respectively. Fully adjusted RRs at IPIs of 6, 12, and 60 months were 1.41 (95% CI: 1.08, 1.85), 1.26 (95% CI: 1.02, 1.56), and 1.24 (95% CI: 0.98, 1.58) compared to an IPI of 35 months. Under the most conservative scenario PIFs ranged from 5% (95% CI: 1%–8%) in Denmark to 9% (95% CI: 6%–12%) in Sweden. The minimum ASD risk followed IPIs of 30–39 months across three countries. These results reflect both direct IPI effects and other, closely related social and biological pathways. If our results reflect biologically causal effects, increasing optimal IPIs and reducing their indications, such as unintended pregnancy and delayed age at first pregnancy has the potential to prevent a salient proportion of ASD cases.
Aging alters the details recollected from emotional narratives

ABSTRACT Although it is known that aging impairs episodic memory, the precise effect of aging on emotional memory is not fully understood. In this study, younger and older adults listened to narratives that contained general and emotional (positive, negative, or neutral) details as they viewed related images. When participants later recalled the narratives, both age groups remembered more emotional details from the negative than the positive or neutral narratives. Interestingly, the enhanced recall for the negative narratives came with a reduced ability to remember the associated images for both younger and older adults. For all narrative types, older adults recalled a similar number of general but fewer emotional details than younger adults. Although there were no age-specific emotional effects, memory functioning of the older adults related to better recall of the positive narratives and associated images. These results provide insight into the similarities and differences in how younger and older adults encode and retrieve complex emotional memories.
Performing only one colposcopic punch biopsy rather than two or more: what happens at 12 months follow-up?

Ugo Indraccolo , Sara Conzadori, Erica Santi , Piergiorgio Iannone, Chiara Borghi and Pantaleo Greco Maternal-Infantile Department, “Alto Tevere” Hospital – ASL 1 Umbria, Citt a di Castello, Italy; Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy; Department of Reproduction and Growth, Arcispedale Sant’Anna, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria of Ferrara, Cona, Italy
Factors influencing the outcome of cardiogenic cerebral embolism: a literature review

ABSTRACT Objective The onset of cardiogenic cerebral embolism is sudden, dangerous, and often has high morbidity and mortality. Improving understanding of factors contributing to outcomes of cardiogenic cerebral embolism will improve prognostic and therapeutic capabilities. Methods Through PubMed and Google Scholar, this paper examined and analyzed the factors implicated in the outcome of patients with cardiogenic cerebral embolism using the key terms ‘cardiogenic cerebral embolism’, ‘atrial fibrillation’, ‘stroke related diseases’, ‘collateral circulation’, ‘emboli profile’, ‘epigenetic’ up to 28 February 2021. Full texts of the retrieved articles were accessed. In general, in these literatures, National Institute Health of Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score ≥ 17, modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score ≥ 2, stroke recurrence, death caused by stroke are regarded as the criteria of poor prognosis. As long as one of these conditions occurs, it is judged as poor prognosis. Results Factors influencing patient outcomes including patient outcome include severity of neurological impairment, types and severity of combined heart diseases, establishment of cerebral collateral circulation, treatments, components of emboli causing cardiogenic cerebral embolism, existence and control of other system complications, distribution and expression of inflammatory immune cells and molecules in the course of cardiogenic cerebral embolism, and epigenetic changes related to disease prognosis. Conclusion Regarding to prevention and treatment of cardiogenic cerebral embolism, the related factors, such as clinical setting, emboli pathological profile, and epigenetic changes should be emphasized so that outcomes and recurrence of cardiogenic cerebral embolism can be improvised.
Antibiotic resistance pattern of Pseudomonas spp. from patients in a tertiary hospital in South-West Nigeria.

Introduction Pseudomonads constitute critical agents of opportunistic infections in hospital settings particularly in immunocompromised patients and Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a major flagship member of these infectious agents. This study assessed the distribution of Pseudomonas spp. associated with infections in patients and their antibiotic resistance patterns as part of an antibiotic stewardship intervention program and resistance surveillance. Methods One hundred and fifty Pseudomonas spp. from different clinical specimens were obtained from the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex Ile-Ife. Culture was carried out on MacConkey and blood agar while phenotypic characterization was done by Gram staining, oxidase, and catalase test. Species identification was done using MICROBACTTM 24E bacterial identification kit and confirmed by 16S rDNA polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay. Antibiotic susceptibility testing to eight antibiotics in four classes was done. Results Pseudomonas aeruginosa was the most frequently occurring species (96.0%); P. putida (2.67%) and P. fluorescens (0.67%) were also identified as well as an isolate of Burkholderia pseudomallei (0.67%). The highest resistance rate among isolates was observed towards gentamicin (35.4%); piperacillin/tazobactam was the most active antibiotic. Multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains constituted 12.8% of the isolates and most MDR strains also displayed a high multiple antibiotic resistance index (MAR). Conclusions Pseudomonas aeruginosa is emerging as a highly MDR pathogen in our hospital setting. This calls for the establishment of a surveillance system and antimicrobial stewardship programme in place. Furthermore, we propose a review of the current antibiotics prescription policy, and infection control programmes (ICPs) if we must control the spread of MDR-P. aeruginosa in this environment.
Poor Prognosis of COVID‐19 Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome in Lupus Erythematosus: Nationwide Cross‐Sectional Population Study Of 252 119 Patients

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) has progressed rapidly around the world, reaching a lethality of up to 20% due to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). This latter condition is a relevant concern for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE); however, data on this topic are limited to few case series. Our objective was to evaluate in hospitalized patients with SLE and with COVID‐19–associated ARDS (confirmed by reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction) the risk of mortality and combined poor outcomes (death, intensive care unit [ICU] admission, and/or mechanical ventilation [MV] use) and to compare with that of patients without SLE.
Quarter‐Wave Plates to Improve Rotational Misalignment Robustness in Medical Telemetry

A major challenge in developing robust wireless links to implanted/ingestible antennas is the potential for rotational misalignment. In this paper, we present an artificially anisotropic quarter‐wave plate (QWP) capable of developing a circularly polarized wave from a linearly polarized wave. Without loss of generality, our QWP is composed of plastic and hydrogel, while the linearly polarized wave is developed by a bio‐matched antenna—a high gain, broadband antenna with a dielectric engineered to match to biological tissues. Using a basic implanted patch antenna, we demonstrate a 1.00 dB (1.26) variance in transmission coefficient over a 90° variance, with a remarkable average measured transmission coefficient of −34.4 dB (3.63 × 10−4) at 2.4 GHz. Without the QWP, the rotational variance is 12.52 dB (17.9). Notably, the QWP increases the maximum input power to comply with specific absorption rate limitations. In our case, this allows for −15.0 dBm (31.6 µW) of power to be received by the implant, which is comparable to the −15.7 dBm (26.9 µW) received without the QWP. Additionally, we demonstrate that with the QWP, the standard deviation from the mean transmission for rotational misalignments remains below 3 dB (2.00) from 2 to 3.62 GHz, resulting in a simulated 57.7% fractional bandwidth. © 2021 Bioelectromagnetics Society.
Outcomes after mechanical versus manual chest compressions in eCPR patients

ABSTRACT Background Extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (eCPR) is an established treatment option for cardiac arrest. Mechanical reanimation devices are increasingly used but have been associated with complications. This study evaluates typical injury patterns and differences after mechanical versus manual chest compressions among patients undergoing eCPR. Methods From 2016 to 2020, 108 eCPR patients were retrospectively analyzed. Primary endpoints were traumatic, hemorrhagic, or inner organ-related complications, defined as pneumothorax, pulmonary bleeding, major bleeding, gastrointestinal bleeding, gastrointestinal ischemia, cardiac tamponade, aortic dissection, sternal or rib fracture. Results 70 patients were treated with mechanical CPR (mCPR) and 38 with conventional CPR (cCPR). There were more CPR-related injuries in the mCPR group (55% vs. 83%, p = 0.01), CPR duration was longer (cCPR 40 ± 28 min vs. mCPR 69 ± 25 min, p = 0.01). There was no significant difference in mortality between the groups. Conclusion Mechanical CPR devices are associated with a higher incidence of traumatic and hemorrhagic injuries in patients undergoing eCPR.
KEGG mapping tools for uncovering hidden features in biological data

In contrast to artificial intelligence and machine learning approaches, KEGG (https://www.kegg.jp) has relied on human intelligence to develop “models” of biological systems, especially in the form of KEGG pathway maps that are manually created by capturing knowledge from published literature. The KEGG models can then be used in biological big data analysis, for example, for uncovering systemic functions of an organism hidden in its genome sequence through the simple procedure of KEGG mapping. Here we present an updated version of KEGG Mapper, a suite of KEGG mapping tools reported previously (Kanehisa and Sato, Protein Sci 2020; 29:28–35), together with the new versions of the KEGG pathway map viewer and the BRITE hierarchy viewer. Significant enhancements have been made for BRITE mapping, where the mapping result can be examined by manipulation of hierarchical trees, such as pruning and zooming. The tree manipulation feature has also been implemented in the taxonomy mapping tool for linking KO (KEGG Orthology) groups and modules to phenotypes.
Reduction of Radiation Exposure by Modifying Imaging Manner and Fluoroscopic Settings during Percutaneous Pedicle Screw Insertion

Objective Percutaneous pedicle screw (PPS) fixation is a needle based procedure that requires fluoroscopic image guidance. Consequently, radiation exposure is inevitable for patients, surgeons, and operation room staff. We hypothesize that reducing the production of radiation emission will result in reduced radiation exposure for everyone in the operation room. Research was performed to evaluate reduction of radiation exposure by modifying imaging manner and mode of radiation source. Methods A total of 170 patients (680 screws) who underwent fusion surgery with PPS fixation from September 2019 to March 2020 were analyzed in this study. Personal dosimeters (Polimaster Ltd.) were worn at the collar outside a lead apron to measure radiation exposure. Patients were assigned to four groups based on imaging manner of fluoroscopy and radiation modification (pulse mode with reduced dose) : continuous use without radiation modification (group 1, n=34), intermittent use without radiation modification (group 2, n=54), continuous use with radiation modification (group 3, n=26), and intermittent use with radiation modification (group 4, n=56). Post hoc Tukey Honest significant difference test was used for individual comparisons of radiation exposure/screw and fluoroscopic time/screw. Results The average radiation exposure/screw was 71.45±45.75 μSv/screw for group 1, 18.77±11.51 μSv/screw for group 2, 19.58±7.00 μSv/screw for group 3, and 4.26±2.89 μSv/screw for group 4. By changing imaging manner from continuous multiple shot to intermittent single shot, 73.7% radiation reduction was achieved in the no radiation modification groups (groups 1, 2), and 78.2% radiation reduction was achieved in the radiation modification groups (groups 3, 4). Radiation source modification from continuous mode with standard dose to pulse mode with reduced dose resulted in 72.6% radiation reduction in continuous imaging groups (groups 1, 3) and 77.3% radiation reduction in intermittent imaging groups (groups 2, 4). The average radiation exposure/screw was reduced 94.1% by changing imaging manner and modifying radiation source from continuous imaging with standard fluoroscopy setting (group 1) to intermittent imaging with modified fluoroscopy setting (group 4). A total of 680 screws were reviewed postoperatively, and 99.3% (675) were evaluated as pedicle breach grade 0 (<2 mm). Conclusion The average radiation exposure/screw for a spinal surgeon can be reduced 94.1% by changing imaging manner and modifying radiation source from real-time imaging with standard dose to intermittent imaging with modified dose. These modifications can be instantly applied to any procedure using fluoroscopic guidance and may reduce the overall radiation exposure of spine surgeons.
Amphotericin B fungicidal activity: a comprehensive analysis of fungal recovery

s published in conference proceedings I. Teixeira-Santos R. , Silva A. P., Costa-de-Oliveira S. , Rodrigues A. G. , Pina-Vaz C. (2013). Uncovering yeast recovery pathway to liposomal amphotericin B-induced stress. Mycoses, Vol. 56, Suppl.3, 68-68.
Conspiracy beliefs in Britain and North Macedonia: A comparative study.

The psychological research on conspiracy beliefs to date has focused predominantly on conspiracy beliefs in Western democracies. The current study sought to fill this gap by examining beliefs in conspiracy theories in a democratic society and a society in transition. British (N = 298) and Macedonian (N = 312) participants completed an online questionnaire measuring conspiracy beliefs, trust in media and institutions and support for democratic principles. Macedonian participants endorsed conspiracy theories more than British. In addition, support for democratic principles, low trust in institutions and media were significant predictors of conspiracy beliefs. The relationship between trust and conspiracy beliefs was moderated by country, such that it was significantly stronger in the British group. This study draws attention to the need for cross-societal research on belief in conspiracy theories.
[Analysis of risk factors of perioperative blood transfusion in the treatment of femoral intertrochanteric fracture with proximal femoral nail antirotation].

OBJECTIVE To explore the influencing factors of perioperative blood transfusion in the treatment of elderly femoral intertrochanteric fractures with proximal femoral nail antirotation(PFNA). METHODS The clinical data of 109 elderly patients with intertrochanteric fractures who received PFNA treatment from July 2018 to January 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. Both pelvic hip X-rays and CT plain scans were performed before surgery. All patients were diagnosed by X-ray and CT plain scan of pelvis and hip before operation. Through the statistical analysis of the basic data of patients before and during operation, the risk factors of perioperative blood transfusion were explored. RESULTS Logistic regression analysis showed that age (P=0.013), fracture type (P<0.01), diabetes history (P=0.031) and preoperative hemoglobin (P<0.01) were independent risk factors for perioperative blood transfusion in the treatment of intertrochanteric fractures in elderly patients with 109 patients. Spearman correlation analysis showed that there was a positive correlation between blood transfusion and age of patients (P= 0.017), fracture type (P<0.01), diabetes history (P=0.023), and negatively correlated with preoperative hemoglobin (P<0.01). However, gender (P=0.297), history of hypertension (P=0.318) and operation time(P=0.325) had no significant relationship with perioperative blood transfusion. CONCLUSION Age, fracture type, diabetes history, and preoperative hemoglobin are independent risk factors for perioperative blood transfusion in the treatment of elderly intertrochanteric fractures with PFNA. The older the patient, the history of diabetes, the more unstable the fracture, and the lower preoperative hemoglobin, the more likely it is to require a blood transfusion, which may provide a reference for clinical perioperative blood transfusion decisions.
Reduction in Antimicrobial Use and Resistance to Salmonella, Campylobacter, and Escherichia coli in Broiler Chickens, Canada, 2013–2019

Antimicrobial use contributes to the global rise of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). In 2014, the poultry industry in Canada initiated its Antimicrobial Use Reduction Strategy to mitigate AMR in the poultry sector. We monitored trends in antimicrobial use and AMR of foodborne bacteria (Salmonella, Escherichia coli, and Campylobacter) in broiler chickens during 2013 and 2019. We quantified the effect of antimicrobial use and management factors on AMR by using LASSO regression and generalized mixed-effect models. AMR in broiler chickens declined by 6%–38% after the decrease in prophylactic antimicrobial use. However, the withdrawal of individual compounds, such as cephalosporins and fluoroquinolones, prompted an increase in use of and resistance levels for other drug classes, such as aminoglycosides. Canada’s experience with antimicrobial use reduction illustrates the potential for progressive transitions from conventional antimicrobial-dependent broiler production to more sustainable production with respect to antimicrobial use.