Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Asymptomatic Bacteriuria in Pregnant Women at Kosti Teaching Hospital, Kosti-White Nile State (Sudan)

ISSN: 2319-7706 Volume 7 Number 06 (2018) Journal homepage: http://www.ijcmas. com Asymptomatic bacteriuria is a condition in which urine reveals significant growth; with no symptoms and signs of urinary tract infection, it is common during pregnancy and lead to serious complications. The objectives of this study were to determine the frequency of asymptomatic bacteriuria among pregnant women in Kosti teaching hospital, department of Obstetrics (White Nile StateKosti-Sudan) and to identify the causative organisms and their antibiotics susceptibility pattern. This study was a prospective descriptive cross sectional study conducted in the department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Kosti teaching hospital, from January to March 2017. A total of 192 pregnant women with no symptoms and signs of urinary tract infection were enrolled in the study. Midstream urine sample for culture was collected from each participant. All urine samples were inoculated on cystine lactose electrolyte deficient (CLED) and blood agar media, and incubated aerobically for 24 h at 37°C. The colonies then identified by Gram staining technique and conventional biochemical tests. Antibiotics susceptibility testing of the isolated organisms was done by using Kirby Bauer disc diffusion method. Out of the 192 pregnant women enrolled in the study, the prevalence of asymptomatic bacteriuria was 25/192(13%). The study showed that asymptomatic bacteriuria was significantly associated with the age of the pregnant women (P value 0.009), the prevalence increase with decrease in age and it was 25% in the age group (12-20 years), 11.93% in the age group (21-30) and only 2.56% among the age group above 30 years. The differences of asymptomatic bacteriuria according to the trimesters was not significant (P value = 0.264). Escherichia coli was the most frequent causal organism 8/25(32%) followed by Proteus species 7/25(28%), Klebsiella pneumoniae 4(16%), Staphylococcus saprophyticus 3/25(12%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa 2/25(8%) and Streptococcus agalactiae 1/25(4%). Isolates revealed high susceptibility to amikacin (84%), followed by ciprofloxacin (76%), and gentamycin (56%). However, all isolates were resistant to cotrimoxazole. High prevalence of asymptomatic bacteriuria was noted among pregnant women in Kosti teaching hospital and more common in younger pregnant. Escherichia coli was the most frequent isolate. Most of the isolated bacteria were sensitive to Amikacin and Ciprofloxacin. K e y w o r d s
Regulation of cyclooxygenase gene expression by glucocorticoids in cardiomyocytes

Glucocorticoids (GCs) are endogenous steroid hormones that regulate a number of critical physiological processes. Psychological stress increases the level of GCs in the circulating system. The biological effect of elevated GCs on the heart is not well understood. We found that GCs induced Cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) and COX-2 gene expression in cardiomyocytes. COX-1 or COX-2 encodes the rate-limiting enzyme in the biosynthesis of prostanoids, which modulate crucial physiological and pathophysiological responses. The present studies aim to elucidate the signaling transduction pathway and the mechanism underlying GC induced COX expression. Our data demonstrate that GCs activate COX-1 gene expression through transcriptional regulation. COX-1 gene promoter studies support a role of Sp binding site in CT induced COX-1 gene expression. The nuclear protein binding to this site appears to be Sp3 transcription factor. Co-immunoprecipitation assays indicated a physical interaction between GR and Sp3 protein. Silencing of Sp3 transcription factor with small interfering RNA suppressed CT-induced COX-1 promoter activation. These data suggest that the activated GR interacts with Sp3 transcription factor that binds to COX-1 promoter to up-regulate COX-1 gene expression in cardiomyocytes. We also found that administration of GC in adult mice increased the level of COX-2 in the ventricles. With isolated neonatal cardiomyocytes, corticosterone (CT) induces the transcription of COX-2 gene. This response appears to be cardiomyocyte cell type specific and GC receptor (GR)-dependent. CT causes activation of p38 MAPK and
Qualities of social relationships as mediators of the relationship between future perceptions and health

Abstract Objectives Foreshortened future perceptions relate to higher mental and physical morbidity. However, socioemotional selectivity theory (SST) maintains that psychological well-being improves as future perceptions narrow due to growing tendency to prioritize meaningful goals and close relationships. The objective of this study was to reconcile this contradiction by examining a model in which the focus on close relationships suppresses the direct relationship between narrow future perceptions and physical/mental morbidity. Method Community-dwelling older adults (N = 249, mean age = 75.60, SD = 7.54) recruited through social clubs and day centers were interviewed at home. They filled self-report questionnaires measuring future time perspective, subjective nearness to death, positivity of relationships with others and inclusion of others in the self, while rating several physical/mental health indices. A structural equation modeling analysis tested direct and indirect effects. Results Narrow future perceptions related to higher mental (|β| ranged .28 to .47, p < .001) and physical morbidity (|β| ranged .37 to .45, p < .001) and, surprisingly, also to lower positivity of close relationships (|β| ranged .24 to .31, p < .01) and less inclusion of others (|β| ranged .17 to .21, p < .01). Both social indices mediated the relationship with lower physical health, while positivity of close relationships also mediated the relationship with psychological distress. Conclusion The findings challenge SST assumptions by underscoring the negative effects of narrow future perceptions on social relationship, making the latter a mediator rather than suppressor in the link between future perceptions and physical/mental morbidity. The findings should be viewed in light of the study’s limitations, including convenience sampling and cross-sectional design.
Sex difference in prevalence of depression after stroke

Objective This study investigated the sex difference in prevalence of depression at 90 days after first-ever stroke. Methods Patients with first-ever stroke (n = 786) were identified from the population-based Brain Attack Surveillance in Corpus Christi project (2011–2016). Poststroke depressive symptoms were assessed by the 8-item Patient Health Questionnaire, and prestroke depression status (history and medication use) was self-reported. Logistic regression was used to examine the association between sex and depression after stroke, and effect modification by prestroke depression status, accounting for missing data. Results Women were more likely to have a history of and be on medication for depression at the time of stroke than men (p < 0.001). Prevalence of depression at 90 days was 28.2% for men (95% confidence interval [CI], 23.7%–32.8%) and 32.7% for women (95% CI, 27.8%–37.5%). The age-adjusted odds ratio (OR) of depression after stroke comparing women and men was 1.34 (95% CI, 0.97–1.85), and fully attenuated after adjustment for sociodemographic, stroke, and prestroke characteristics. Effect modification by prestroke depression status was present (p = 0.038). Among participants on medication for depression at the time of stroke, women were significantly less likely to have depression at 90 days compared with men (OR, 0.39; 95% CI, 0.16–0.96), whereas significant sex differences were not noted among those with and without a depression history. Conclusion The sex difference in prevalence of depression at 90 days after first-ever stroke was not significant overall, but varied by prestroke depression status. Interventions to address and prevent poststroke depression are needed, particularly among those with prestroke depression but not undergoing treatment for depression at stroke onset.
Extensive Experience with Multiple Languages May Not Buffer Age-Related Declines in Executive Function

ABSTRACT Background Whether bilingualism can improve aspects of cognitive function in late adulthood is hotly debated. A few limited studies have reported that bilingualism may provide a limited buffer against age-related cognitive decline; however, others have not. The present study furthered this inquiry by analyzing the combined effects of age and language experience upon executive function in a geographically diverse online sample. Methods Amazon Mechanical Turk was used to recruit a sample of younger (YA) and older adults (OA) from 24 countries. A total of 81 monolingual participants (YA = 37; OA = 44) and 82 bilingual/multilingual participants (YA = 43; OA = 39) completed task-pure executive function assessments of inhibition, memory updating, and attention switching. Results YAs performed better than OAs on both the inhibition and updating tasks. On the attention switching task, a greater switch cost occurred when participants had less time to process a stimulus cue. Notably, no effects of language (i.e., bilingualism) were significant: no main effects or interactions with aging were found for executive function performance. Conclusion The results of the present study challenge the claim that extensive experience with multiple languages can be a reliably protective factor against some normative age-related declines in executive function.
RUNX1-205, a novel splice variant of the human RUNX1 gene, has blockage effect on mesoderm–hemogenesis transition and promotion effect during the late stage of hematopoiesis

Abstract Runt-related transcription factor 1 (RUNX1) is required for definitive hematopoiesis; however, the functions of most human RUNX1 isoforms are unclear. In particular, the effects of RUNX1-205 (a novel splice variant that lacks exon 6 in comparison with RUNX1b) on human hematopoiesis are not clear. In this study, a human embryonic stem cell (hESC) line with inducible RUNX1-205 overexpression was established. Analyses of these cells revealed that induction of RUNX1-205 overexpression at early stage did not influence the induction of mesoderm but blocked the emergence of CD34+ cells, and the production of hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells was significantly reduced. In addition, the expression of hematopoiesis-related factors was downregulated. However, these effects were abolished when RUNX1-205 overexpression was induced after Day 6 in co-cultures of hESCs and AGM-S3 cells, indicating that the inhibitory effect occurred prior to generation of hemogenic endothelial cells, while the promotive effect could be observed during the late stage of hematopoiesis. This is very similar to that of RUNX1b. Interestingly, the mRNA expression profile of RUNX1-205 during hematopoiesis was distinct from that of RUNX1b, and the protein stability of RUNX1-205 was much higher than that of RUNX1b. Thus, the function of RUNX1-205 in normal and diseased models should be further explored.
Report of a ‘consensus’ on the lines of therapy for primary immune thrombocytopenia in adults, promoted by the Italian Gruppo di Studio delle Piastrine

Abstract Despite the publication in 2009 of a paper on ‘terms and definitions of immune thrombocytopenia’ (ITP), some unresolved issues remain and are reflected by the disagreement in the treatment suggested for primary ITP in adults. Considering that these disagreements could be ascribed to non-shared goals, we generated a ‘consensus’ on some terms, definitions, and assertions useful for classifying the different lines of treatment for primary ITP in adults according to their indications and goals. Agreement on the appropriateness of the single assertions was obtained by consensus for the following indicators: 1. classification of four ‘lines of therapy’; 2. acceptance of the expression ‘sequences of disease’ for the indications of the respective four lines of treatment; 3I . practicability of splenectomy; 3Ib . acceptance, with only some exceptions, of a ‘timing for elective splenectomy of 12 months’; and 4a-d . ‘goals of the four lines of therapy. ’ On the basis of the consensus, a classification of four lines of treatment for primary ITP in adults was produced. In our opinion, this classification, whose validity is not influenced by the recently published new guidelines of the American Society of Hematology (ASH) and reviews, could reduce the disagreement that still exists regarding the treatment of the disease.
Effects of incremental exercise and dietary tryptophan supplementation on the amino acid metabolism, serotonin status, stool quality, fecal metabolites, and body composition of mid-distance trained sled dogs.

Exercise improves the health of dogs; however, the extreme exertion experienced by sled dogs may lead to variable metabolic and fecal characteristics. Nutritional interventions, such as dietary tryptophan (Trp), may reduce the prevalence of these exercise-induced disturbances. Sporting diets tend to have high crude protein concentrations in contrast to adult maintenance diets and this results in less Trp relative to other amino acids (AA). Therefore, sporting dogs represent an ideal cohort to assess the effects of supplemental Trp. The objective was to evaluate the effects of supplemental dietary Trp and an incremental training regimen on AA and serotonin status, fecal scores and metabolites, and body composition in client-owned Siberian Huskies. Sixteen dogs (9 females, 7 males) were used, with a mean age of 4.8 ± 2.5 yr and body weight (BW) of 24.3 ± 4.3 kg. Dogs were blocked for sex, age and BW and randomly allocated into 2 groups with 8 fed a dry extruded control diet (Ctl) and 8 fed Ctl supplemented with Trp to reach a Trp: large-neutral AA (LNAA) ratio of 0.075: 1 (treatment, Trt). The exercise regimen was designed to increase in distance each wk, but weather played a role in setting the daily distance. Each wk BW was recorded and food allotments were adjusted to maintain initial BW. Pre and post-exercise blood samples were taken every 3 wks, dogs then received a meal followed by 1, 2 and 4 h post meal blood collections (serum AA, serotonin). Stool collection and scoring occurred each wk and body composition was measured on wks -1 and 11. Serotonin, AA, fecal metabolite, and body composition data were analyzed using PROC MIXED of SAS with dog as a random effect and wk and Trt as fixed effects. Stool score data were analyzed using PROC FREQ to compare stool score and Trt and PROC CORR was used to analyze associations between fecal score, temperature, humidity, and run distance. Dogs on Trt had greater fasted Trp compared to baseline, greater post-meal Trp and serotonin compared to baseline, greater post-meal Trp compared to fasted, and greater post-meal Trp and serotonin compared to Ctl (P < 0.05). Fecal data indicated that Trp improved stool scores (P < 0.05) yet had no effect on fecal metabolites. An overall increase in lean and decrease in fat mass was found (P < 0.05), but Trt had no effect on body composition. Optimization of the dietary Trp: LNAA ratio may help to improve GI health without compromising performance in actively training sled dogs.
Identification of Children at Risk of Schizophrenia via Deep Learning and EEG Responses

The prospective identification of children likely to develop schizophrenia is a vital tool to support early interventions that can mitigate the risk of progression to clinical psychosis. Electroencephalographic (EEG) patterns from brain activity and deep learning techniques are valuable resources in achieving this identification. We propose automated techniques that can process raw EEG waveforms to identify children who may have an increased risk of schizophrenia compared to typically developing children. We also analyse abnormal features that remain during developmental follow-up over a period of $\sim$4 years in children with a vulnerability to schizophrenia initially assessed when aged 9 to 12 years. EEG data from participants were captured during the recording of a passive auditory oddball paradigm. We undertake a holistic study to identify brain abnormalities, first by exploring traditional machine learning algorithms using classification methods applied to hand-engineered features (event-related potential components). Then, we compare the performance of these methods with end-to-end deep learning techniques applied to raw data. We demonstrate via average cross-validation performance measures that recurrent deep convolutional neural networks can outperform traditional machine learning methods for sequence modeling. We illustrate the intuitive salient information of the model with the location of the most relevant attributes of a post-stimulus window. This baseline identification system in the area of mental illness supports the evidence of developmental and disease effects in a pre-prodromal phase of psychosis. These results reinforce the benefits of deep learning to support psychiatric classification and neuroscientific research more broadly.
A Comparative Ocular Pharmacokinetics Study of Preservative-Free Latanoprost Unit-Dose Eye Drops and a Benzalkonium Chloride-Preserved Branded Product Following Topical Application to Rabbits.

Purpose: To evaluate the aqueous humor pharmacokinetics of a preservative-free 0.005% latanoprost unit-dose eye drop (test drug) compared with that of a benzalkonium chloride (BAK)-preserved 0.005% latanoprost branded product (control drug) following topical application to rabbits. Methods: A total of 120 healthy New Zealand albino rabbits were administrated test eye drops (T group) or control eye drops (C group) for a comparative pharmacokinetics study. The aqueous humor was collected at 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12, and 24 h after a single dose or multiple doses. Ultraperformance liquid chromatography-tandem quadrupole mass spectrometry was employed to detect latanoprost free acid (LTA, the active metabolite of latanoprost) in the aqueous humor. Results: For the single-dose study, there was no significant difference (t-test, P > 0.05) in the peak concentration (Cmax) of LTA in aqueous humor between the T group (69.0 ± 23.4 ng/mL) and C group (73.8 ± 28.7 ng/mL). The area under the curve values over 12 h (AUC0-12h) of LTA for the 2 groups were 254.4 (ng/mL) × h and 219.5 (ng/mL) × h, respectively. For the multidose study, there was also no significant difference (t-test, P > 0.05) in the Cmax of LTA in the aqueous humor between the T group (86.8 ± 21.2 ng/mL) and C group (70.5 ± 25.9 ng/mL). The AUC0-12h values of LTA for the 2 groups were 274.5 (ng/mL) × h and 256.3 (ng/mL) × h, respectively. Conclusions: The preservative-free 0.005% latanoprost unit-dose eye drops demonstrated similar pharmacokinetic properties to the BAK-preserved branded product following topical application to rabbits.
Gender differences in the association between socioeconomic status and hypertension in France: A cross-sectional analysis of the CONSTANCES cohort

Background Hypertension prevalence increases when socioeconomic status decreases but gender differences in the relationship between socioeconomic status and hypertension have been less studied. This work aimed to explore the pattern of associations between three indicators of socioeconomic status at individual, household, and municipal levels with hypertension across genders in a large sample of French adults from the CONSTANCES cohort. Methods Using data at inclusion from 59 805 participants (52% women) aged 25–69 years and recruited between 2012 and 2015, multilevel log-Poisson regressions with robust variance estimates were used to assess the associations of Relative Index of Inequality in education, monthly income per consumption unit and residential deprivation with hypertension. Modifying effects of gender and age in those associations were tested. Results Hypertension prevalence was higher in men than in women. Steep socioeconomic gradients of hypertension were observed for the three socioeconomic indicators in both genders and from the youngest to the oldest age class. Socioeconomic inequalities, especially educational inequalities, were larger among women than men: Relative Index of Inequality for highest versus lowest education among the 25–34 years were 0.43 [95%-confidence interval = 0.28–0.67] in women and 0.70 [95%-confidence interval = 0.53–0.92] in men. With increasing age, socioeconomic gradients of hypertension eased in men and even more in women so that gender differences decreased. Conclusions In this cross-sectional analysis of a large sample of adults, prevalence of hypertension was higher in men than in women. Moreover, socioeconomic status and especially education displayed a stronger association with hypertension prevalence in women compared to men. Reducing inequalities in hypertension may require gender-specific approaches.
Phytoplankton transcriptomic and physiological responses to fixed nitrogen in the California current system

Marine phytoplankton are responsible for approximately half of photosynthesis on Earth. However, their ability to drive ocean productivity depends on critical nutrients, especially bioavailable nitrogen (N) which is scarce over vast areas of the ocean. Phytoplankton differ in their preferences for N substrates as well as uptake efficiencies and minimal N requirements relative to other critical nutrients, including iron (Fe) and phosphorus. In this study, we used the MicroTOOLs high-resolution environmental microarray to examine transcriptomic responses of phytoplankton communities in the California Current System (CCS) transition zone to added urea, ammonium, nitrate, and also Fe in the late summer when N depletion is common. Transcript level changes of photosynthetic, carbon fixation, and nutrient stress genes indicated relief of N limitation in many strains of Prochlorococcus, Synechococcus, and eukaryotic phytoplankton. The transcriptomic responses helped explain shifts in physiological and growth responses observed later. All three phytoplankton groups had increased transcript levels of photosynthesis and/or carbon fixation genes in response to all N substrates. However, only Prochlorococcus had decreased transcript levels of N stress genes and grew substantially, specifically after urea and ammonium additions, suggesting that Prochlorococcus outcompeted other community members in these treatments. Diatom transcript levels of carbon fixation genes increased in response to Fe but not to Fe with N which might have favored phytoplankton that were co-limited by N and Fe. Moreover, transcription patterns of closely related strains indicated variability in N utilization, including nitrate utilization by some high-light adapted Prochlorococcus. Finally, up-regulation of urea transporter genes by both Prochlorococcus and Synechococcus in response to filtered deep water suggested a regulatory mechanism other than classic control via the global N regulator NtcA. This study indicated that co-existing phytoplankton strains experience distinct nutrient stresses in the transition zone of the CCS, an understudied region where oligotrophic and coastal communities naturally mix.