Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of six molecular typing methods as epidemiological tools for the study of Salmonella isolates in two Colombian regions

Aim: The aim of this study was the genotypic characterization of the strains of Salmonella spp. isolated from broiler chickens and humans with gastroenteritis from two regions of Colombia, by BOXA1R-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and random amplification of polymorphic DNA (RAPD)-PCR methods. Materials and Methods: Forty-nine strains of Salmonella were assessed, 15 from poultry farms in Santander region, and 34 from Tolima region isolated from poultry farms (n=24) and the stool samples of people with gastroenteritis (n=10). BOXA1R primers were selected for repetitive element-based PCR (REP-PCR) and five arbitrary primers, namely, GTG 5, OPB 15, OPP 16, OPS 11, and P 1254 were used for RAPD-PCR to generate DNA fingerprints from the isolates. Fingerprint data from each typing method were under composite analysis and the diversity of the data was analyzed by grouping (clustering). The dendrogram was generated by the unweighted group method with analysis of the arithmetic mean based on the Dice similarity coefficient. In addition, Simpson’s index was evaluated to discriminate the power of the methods. Results: OPP 16 primer and composite analysis proved to be superior compared to other REP-PCR typing methods. The best discriminatory index was observed when GTG 5 (0.92) and OPP 16 (0.85) primers were used alone or combined with RAPD-PCR and BOX-PCR (0.99). Conclusion: This study indicated that OPP 16 and GTG 5 primers provide suitable molecular typing results for the discrimination of the genetic relationship among Salmonella spp. isolates and may be useful for epidemiological studies.
Epidemiological characteristics of 2019 novel coronavirus: an interim review.

Objectives The 2019-nCoV from Wuhan, China is now recognized as a public health emergency of global concern. Methods To update the control measures in public health authorities, we reviewed the currently available literature. Results Some of the epidemiologic characteristics were identified. However, considerable uncertainties are still present to provide the updated guidance of control measures to public health authorities. Conclusion Additional studies based on detailed information on confirmed cases would be valuable.
Effects of 16% Carbamide Peroxide Bleaching on the Surface Properties of Glazed Glassy Matrix Ceramics

Objective To determine the influence of the home bleaching agent, Opalescence PF, on the surface roughness and microhardness of glazed glassy matrix CAD-CAM ceramics. Materials and Methods. The 28 sintered leucite- and lithium disilicate-reinforced ceramic specimens (IPS Empress CAD and IPS e.max CAD) were divided into control and bleached groups. The home bleaching agent was applied to specimens of bleached groups for 7 days. The surface roughness and microhardness of all specimens were measured. A scanning electron microscope was used to evaluate the surface properties. The data were statistically analyzed by two-way ANOVA. Results The control e.max CAD showed the lowest surface roughness values. For both Empress and e.max CAD, surface roughness was significantly higher for the bleached group (p < 0.05). No significant differences in microhardness were observed. Conclusions According to our study, patients should be careful when using home bleaching agents because whitening agents can affect the mechanical properties of full ceramic restorations like e.max CAD and Empress CAD. Ceramic polishing may be required in clinical situations where ceramic restorations are accidentally exposed to bleaching gels.
Adequacy of Hemodialysis and Its Associated Factors among Patients Undergoing Chronic Hemodialysis in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

The worldwide prevalence of maintenance hemodialysis continues to rise. An adequate delivery of hemodialysis dose as measured by Kt/V or urea reduction ratio is a crucial determinant of clinical outcome for chronic hemodialysis patients. The aim of this study was to assess the adequacy of hemodialysis and its associated factors among patients undergoing chronic hemodialysis in Dar es Salaam. This was a cross-sectional study done on patients undergoing chronic hemodialysis in four dialysis centers in Dar es Salaam. Sociodemographic information and treatment characteristics were collected. Urea reduction rate and single-pool Kt/V were calculated to determine the adequacy of hemodialysis. The data were analyzed and any associated factors for inadequate hemodialysis were determined using a chi-square test and a logistic regression analysis. A total of 143 patients participated in the study. Males represented 65.7% of the study population. The mean age (±SD) was 51.7 ± 1.2 years. Only 34.3% (based on urea reduction ratio (URR)) and 40.6% (based on Kt/V) of patients received adequate hemodialysis. The univariate analysis showed that males were more likely to have inadequate dialysis (65.6% versus 48.0%, p=0.048 based on Kt/V). Patients using hemodialyzers with dialyzer surface area less than 1.4 m2 received significantly less hemodialysis dose than those with more than 1.4 m2 (69.0% versus 41.2%, p=0.02, by URR) (62.7% versus 35.3%, p=0.03, by Kt/V criteria). Patients who had hemoglobin <10 g/dl received significantly inadequate hemodialysis dose as compared to patients with hemoglobin ≥10 g/dl by Kt/V criteria (69.8% versus 51.3%, p=0.03). None of the factors acquired significance in the multivariate analysis. The proportion of patients receiving an adequate hemodialysis dose is low (34.3% based on URR and 40.6% based on Kt/V). Male gender, dialyzer surface area of <1.4 m2, and hemoglobin level of <10 g/dl were associated with an inadequate delivered dose of hemodialysis in the univariate analysis but not in the multivariate analysis. This study can increase awareness about the importance of measuring hemodialysis adequacy and giving the correct hemodialysis dose to achieve the intended benefit.
Clinical Features of Vitreomacular Traction Syndrome with Peripheral Vitreoretinal Adhesion

Purpose To retrospectively review and analyze the clinical and imaging data of patients with vitreomacular traction syndrome (VMTS) with strong peripheral vitreoretinal adhesion. Subjects and Methods This retrospective case-series study involved 4 eyes of 4 VMTS patients with vitreoretinal adhesion in both the macular region and the periphery who underwent vitreous surgery. In all 4 cases, preoperative refraction, fundoscopic findings, optical coherence tomography (OCT) findings, and intraoperative findings were evaluated. Results The preoperative fundoscopy and OCT findings revealed fibrous membranes around the optic nerve head in 3 eyes. Thickened posterior vitreous membranes extending from the posterior pole to the periphery were observed in all eyes. Apparent VMTS or epimacular membrane was also found in the fellow eyes of 2 patients. The preoperative refractive errors ranged from +0.5 diopters (D) to +2.75 D (mean, +1.13 D). Intraoperatively, a thickened posterior vitreous membrane was found strongly adhered to the retina in the macula regions, optic nerve head, and periphery. In 2 eyes, when artificial posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) was created, an iatrogenic tear developed in the periphery. Conclusion The features of VMTS that cause strong peripheral vitreoretinal adhesion include the preoperative presence of a thickened posterior vitreous membrane over a wide area, hypermetropia, and a short axial length.
Ganglion Cell Complex Analysis in Glaucoma Patients: What Can It Tell Us?

Abstract Glaucoma is a group of optic neuropathies characterized by a progressive degeneration of retina ganglion cells (RGCs) and their axons that precedes functional changes detected on the visual field. The macular ganglion cell complex (GCC), available in commercial Fourier-domain optical coherence tomography, allows the quantification of the innermost retinal layers that are potentially involved in the glaucomatous damage, including the retinal nerve fiber (RNFL), ganglion cell and inner plexiform layers. The average GCC thickness and its related parameters represent a reliable biomarker in detecting preperimetric glaucomatous damage. The most accurate GCC parameters are represented by average and inferior GCC thicknesses, and they can be associated with progressive visual field loss. Although the diagnostic accuracy increases with more severe glaucomatous damage and higher signal strength values, it is not affected by increasing axial length, resulting in a more accurate discrimination of glaucomatous damage in myopic eyes with respect to the traditional RNFL thickness. The analysis of the structure-function relationship revealed a good agreement between the loss in retinal sensitivity and GCC thickness. The use of a 10-2° visual field grid, adjusted for the anatomical RGCs displacement, describes more accurately the relationship between RGCs thickness and visual field sensitivity loss.
Epidemiological and Clinical Profile of Dermatoses Observed in Chronic Hemodialysis Patients at the National Teaching Hospital (NTH-HKM) of Cotonou, Benin

Introduction. Dermatological damage in chronic hemodialysis patients is not uncommon. In Benin, to date, no study on the dermatological manifestations of chronic hemodialysis patients has been carried out. However, the presence of cutaneous signs is evident in these patients, and the need for dermatological care is not negligible. The objective of this study was to identify the epidemiological and clinical profile of the main dermatological manifestations presented by chronic hemodialysis patients at the NTH-HKM of Cotonou (Benin). Methods This was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted in chronic hemodialysis patients from May 15th to September 15th, 2018. Included were all patients seen during the study period who had been on hemodialysis for at least three months, had at least one dermatological manifestation, and gave verbal or written consent. Chronic hemodialysis patients who did not wish to participate in the survey were excluded. Results 87 patients were included in the study for a hospital frequency of 33.8%. The sex ratio (male to female) was 2. The median age was 49 years (IQ [40.75–59]). Median age in hemodialysis was 36 months with two weekly sessions. The main dermatological manifestations were xerosis (48.3%), pruritus (34.5%), alopecia (14%), nail dystrophy (9.2%), equisegmented nails (8%), and melanoderma (8%). Pruritus was associated with a longer duration of hemodialysis sessions (p=0.01), while xerosis, alopecia, and melanoderma were associated with seniority in hemodialysis. Conclusion Cutaneous manifestations in hemodialysis patients were frequent and dominated by xerosis, pruritus, and alopecia. Factors associated with some of these dermatologic manifestations were seniority in hemodialysis, long duration of the hemodialysis session, and female gender.
Understanding longitudinal biventricular structural and functional changes in a pulmonary hypertension Sugen–hypoxia rat model by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging

Cardiac magnetic resonance-derived ventricular variables are predictive of mortality in pulmonary arterial hypertension. Rodent models which emphasize ventricular function, allowing serial monitoring, are needed to identify pathophysiological features and novel therapies for pulmonary arterial hypertension. We investigated longitudinal changes in the Sugen–hypoxia model during disease progression. Sprague Dawley rats (n = 32) were divided into two groups. (1) Sugen–hypoxia: a dose of subcutaneous Sugen-5416 and placed in hypobaric hypoxia for two weeks followed by normoxia for three weeks. (2) Normoxia: maintained at normal pressure for five weeks. Rats were examined at five or eight weeks with right-heart catheter, cardiac magnetic resonance, and autopsy. Compared to normoxic controls (23.9 ± 4.1 mmHg), right ventricular systolic pressure was elevated in Sugen–hypoxia rats at five and eight weeks (40.9 ± 15.5 mmHg, p = 0.026; 48.9 ± 9.6 mmHg, p = 0.002). Right ventricular end-systolic volume index was increased in eight weeks Sugen–hypoxia (0.28 ± 0.04 µlcm–2, p = 0.003) compared to normoxic controls (0.18 ±0.03 mlcm–2). There was progressive dilatation of the right ventricular at eight weeks Sugen–hypoxia compared to normoxic controls (0.75 ± 0.13 µlcm–2 vs 0.56 ± 0.1 µlcm–2 p = 0.02). Ventricle mass index by cardiac magnetic resonance at five weeks (0.34 ± 0.06, p = 0.003) and eight weeks Sugen–hypoxia (0.34 ± 0.06, p = 0.002) were higher than normoxic controls (0.21 ± 0.04). Stroke volume, right ventricular ejection fraction, and left ventricular variables were preserved in Sugen–hypoxia. Ventricular changes during the course of illness in a pulmonary arterial hypertension rodent model can be examined by cardiac magnetic resonance. These changes including right ventricular hypertrophy and subsequent dilatation are similar to those seen in pulmonary arterial hypertension patients. Despite the persisting pulmonary hypertension, there are features of adaptive cardiac remodeling through the study duration.
Ev Tozu Allerjenleri ve Spesifik IgE Arasindaki İlişki* The Relation Between House Dust Allergens and Specific IgE

House dust allergens have been shown to play an important role in the pathogenesis of atopic dis- eases. The aim of this study was to investigate the relation between house dust allergen sources and serum specific IgE antibody levels. Forty volunteers who had positive mixed house mite allergy panel were undergone serum specific IgE studies and 27.5% (11) d1 (Dermato- phagoides pteronyssinus), %17.5 (7) d2 (Dermato- phagoides farinae), %12.5 (5) i6 (Blatella germanica) positivity were detected. Dust specimens studied from houses of volunteers enrolled into study reveal D. ptero- nyssinus %27.5 (11) as the major house mite species. Whereas D. farinae was not detect in any house. The prevalence of other dust species were as follows %10 (4) Charoglyphus accuatus ve %5.0(2) Histiosma spp.
Evaluation of Vulvovaginitis and Hygiene Habits of Women Attended in Primary Health Care Units of the Family

Background This study aims to investigate the occurrence of vulvovaginal infections, to describe and to relate the hygiene habits of women who were treated at the Units of Primary Attention to Family Health in a municipality in the interior of Brazil. Methods This was a cross-sectional study that was carried out in two Primary Health Care Units of the Family of Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil. The population sample consisted of 100 women who underwent gynecological consultation in the health units. Data were collected through interviews and by the analysis of medical records. Results were reported according to laboratory reports. Results The participants’ ages ranged from 18 to 45 years, with a median of 36 years. Thirty women (30%) presented alterations in the microbiota from a Pap smear, where bacterial vaginosis (diagnosed with Amsel criteria) was the predominant microorganism (83.3%). More than half of the women in the study who had vulvovaginitis wore cotton panties (70%, p = 0.651) and tight jeans/pants (83.3%, p = 0.010). The habit of depilating the genital area was reported by all the women, with the razor blade being the most commonly used tool (68%; p = 0.196). Conclusion Bacterial vaginosis was the most commonly reported infection in the cytological exams. Care with genitalia and genital hygiene habits may be associated with the occurrence of vulvovaginitis.
In-match physical demands on elite Japanese rugby union players using a global positioning system

Objectives Our aim of this study was to quantify the physical demands of elite rugby union players by each position as a step towards designing position-specific training programme using a Global Positioning System/accelerometer system. Methods This study was performed as a retrospective observational study. Data were obtained from 45 official matches. The sample size used for the analysis was 298. The per-match total distances, accelerations and impacts were calculated and statistically compared for the forwards and backs and for individual positions. Results Total distances for the forwards and backs were 5731.1±507.8 and 6392.1±646.8 m, respectively. The high-velocity running distances (>18.0 km/hour) covered by the forwards and backs were 317.4±136.9 and 715.0±242.9 m, respectively. The number of accelerations (>1.5 m/s2) for the forwards and backs were 76.3±18.9 and 100.8±19.6 times, respectively, and the number of high impacts (>10 g) were 48.0±46.9 and 35.6±28.3 times for the forwards and backs, respectively. All characteristics were significantly different between the forwards and backs (p<0.05). The per-position characteristics were also calculated. Within the backs, scrum half (SH) and wingers (WTBs) covered high-velocity running significantly higher distance than fly-half (SH d=2.571, WTBs d=1.556) and centres (SH d=1.299, WTBs d=0.685) (p<0.05). Conclusion By clarifying the physical demands according to the positions, it will be possible to create optimised position-specific training programmes.
A Bayesian approach to construct confidence intervals for comparing the rainfall dispersion in Thailand

Natural disasters such as drought and flooding are the consequence of severe rainfall fluctuation, and rainfall amount data often contain both zero and positive observations, thus making them fit a delta-lognormal distribution. By way of comparison, rainfall dispersion may not be similar in enclosed regions if the topography and the drainage basin are different, so it can be evaluated by the ratio of variances. To estimate this, credible intervals using the highest posterior density based on the normal-gamma prior (HPD-NG) and the method of variance estimates recovery (MOVER) for the ratio of delta-lognormal variances are proposed. Monte Carlo simulation was used to assess the performance of the proposed methods in terms of coverage probability and relative average length. The results of the study reveal that HPD-NG performed very well and was able to meet the requirements in various situations, even with a large difference between the proportions of zeros. However, MOVER is the recommended method for equal small sample sizes. Natural rainfall datasets for the northern and northeastern regions of Thailand are used to illustrate the practical use of the proposed credible intervals.
Conformational sampling and kinetics changes across a non-Arrhenius break point in the enzyme thermolysin

Numerous studies have suggested a significant role that protein dynamics play in optimizing enzyme catalysis, and changes in conformational sampling offer a window to explore this role. Thermolysin from Bacillus thermoproteolyticus rokko, which is a heat-stable zinc metalloproteinase, serves here as a model system to study changes of protein function and conformational sampling across a temperature range of 16–36 °C. The temperature dependence of kinetics of thermolysin showed a biphasic transition at 26 °C that points to potential conformational and dynamic differences across this temperature. The non-Arrhenius behavior observed resembled results from previous studies of a thermophilic alcohol dehydrogenase enzyme, which also indicated a biphasic transition at ambient temperatures. To explore the non-Arrhenius behavior of thermolysin, room temperature crystallography was applied to characterize structural changes in a temperature range across the biphasic transition temperature. The alternate conformation of side chain fitting to electron density of a group of residues showed a higher variability in the temperature range from 26 to 29 °C, which indicated a change in conformational sampling that correlated with the non-Arrhenius break point.
Universal Oriented van der Waals Epitaxy of 1D Cyanide Chains on Hexagonal 2D Crystals

The atomic or molecular assembly on 2D materials through the relatively weak van der Waals interaction is quite different from the conventional heteroepitaxy and may result in unique growth behaviors. Here, it is shown that straight 1D cyanide chains display universal epitaxy on hexagonal 2D materials. A universal oriented assembly of cyanide crystals (AgCN, AuCN, and Cu0.5Au0.5CN) is observed, where the chains are aligned along the three zigzag lattice directions of various 2D hexagonal crystals (graphene, h‐BN, WS2, MoS2, WSe2, MoSe2, and MoTe2). The potential energy landscape of the hexagonal lattice induces this preferred alignment of 1D chains along the zigzag lattice directions, regardless of the lattice parameter and surface elements as demonstrated by first‐principles calculations and parameterized surface potential calculations. Furthermore, the oriented microwires can serve as crystal orientation markers, and stacking‐angle‐controlled vertical 2D heterostructures are successfully fabricated by using them as markers. The oriented van der Waals epitaxy can be generalized to any hexagonal 2D crystals and will serve as a unique growth process to form crystals with orientations along the zigzag directions by epitaxy.
The Prevalence of Intestinal Helminths in Free-Ranging Canids of Mazandaran, Northern Iran

Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate the current knowledge on the epidemiology of importance zoonotic parasitic diseases in free-ranging canids of Mazandaran, north of Iran. Methods: Overall, 63 small intestinal samples of animals (20 stray dogs and 43 golden jackals) were collected from April 2017 to May 2018. The intestine contents were studied to detect and identify helminth infections. Additionally, 274 fecal samples (130 dogs, 35 fox, 90 golden jackal and 19 wolf) were examined by Sheather's flotation method for detection of Taenia eggs. Results: Sixty (95.2%) animals were infected with at least one species of intestinal helminth. the intestinal helminths were found in dogs and golden jackals included: Dipylidium caninum (25.3%), Uncinaria stenocephala (52.3%), Ancylostoma caninum (41.2%), Mesocestoides spp. (33.3%) and Toxocara canis (14.2%). In fecal examination, 2.5% of samples contained Taenia eggs, and through a species-specific PCR, 1.09% of these samples were confirmed positive for Echinococcus granulosus. Conclusion: There is a high prevalence and clear risks of zoonotic helminths in free-ranging carnivores in Mazandaran province, north of Iran. Therefore, understanding the epidemiology of zoonotic parasite infection is useful for health care access both domestic animals and humans health.