Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Characterization of Three Porcine Acinetobacter towneri Strains Co-Harboring tet(X3) and bla OXA-58

Tigecycline is the antibiotic of last resort for the treatment of extensively drug-resistant bacterial infections, mainly those of multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria. The plasmid-mediated tet(X3) gene has recently been described in various pathogens that are resistant to tigecycline. We report three tigecycline-resistant Acinetobacter towneri strains isolated from porcine faeces in China, which all contained the tet(X3)-harboring plasmids. A broth microdilution method was used to examine the antimicrobial susceptibility of the isolates, and S1-Nuclease digestion pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (S1-PFGE) was used to characterize their plasmid profiles. The whole-genome sequences of the isolates were determined with the Nanopore PromethION platform. The sequence analysis indicated that the strains were A. towneri. They showed resistance to multiple antibiotics, and all the resistance genes were located on plasmids. The three tet(X3)-harboring plasmids had a similar backbone structure, and all contained bla OXA-58 with various insertion elements (IS). ISCR2 is considered an important factor in tet(X3) mobilization. In addition to ISCR2, we demonstrate that IS26 generates a circular intermediate containing the tet(X3) gene, which could increase the dissemination risk. To our knowledge, this is the first report of tet(X3)- and bla OXA-58-harboring plasmids in A. towneri. Because the IS26 is frequently found in front of tet(X3), research should be directed toward the action of IS26 in the spread of tet(X3).
No Association Between the Home Math Environment and Numerical and Patterning Skills in a Large and Diverse Sample of 5- to 6-year-olds

Selecting a large and diverse sample of 5–6-year-old preschool children (179 boys and 174 girls; Mage = 70.03 months, SDage = 3.43), we aimed to extend previous findings on variability in children’s home math environment (i.e., home math activities, parental expectations, and attitudes) and its association with children’s mathematical skills. We operationalized mathematics in a broader way than in previous studies, by considering not only children’s numerical skills but also their patterning skills as integral components of early mathematical development. We investigated the effects of children’s gender and socioeconomic status (SES) on their home math environment, examined the associations between children’s home math environment and their mathematical skills, and verified whether these associations were moderated by children’s gender and/or SES. Parents of 353 children completed a home math environment questionnaire and all children completed measures of their numerical (e.g., object counting) and patterning skills (e.g., extending repeating patterns). Results indicated no effect of children’s gender on their home math environment. There was no effect of SES on the performed home math activities, but small SES differences existed in parents’ math-related expectations and their attitudes. We found no evidence for associations between children’s home math environment and their mathematical skills. Furthermore, there were no moderating effects of gender or SES on these associations. One explanation for these findings might relate to the characteristics of the general preschool system in the country of the present study (Belgium). Future studies should consider the effect of the preschool learning environment because it might explain differences between studies and countries with regard to the home math environment and its association with mathematical skills.
The amelioration effects of low temperature biochar generated from nine crop residues on an acidic Ultisol

Biochar was prepared using a low temperature pyrolysis method from nine plant materials including non‐leguminous straw from canola, wheat, corn, rice and rice hull and leguminous straw from soybean, peanut, faba bean and mung bean. Soil pH increased during incubation of the soil with all nine biochar samples added at 10 g/kg. The biochar from legume materials resulted in greater increases in soil pH than from non‐legume materials. The addition of biochar also increased exchangeable base cations, effective cation exchange capacity, and base saturation, whereas soil exchangeable Al and exchangeable acidity decreased as expected. The liming effects of the biochar samples on soil acidity correlated with alkalinity with a close linear correlation between soil pH and biochar alkalinity (R2 = 0.95). Therefore, biochar alkalinity is a key factor in controlling the liming effect on acid soils. The incorporation of biochar from crop residues, especially from leguminous plants, can both correct soil acidity and improve soil fertility.
Intrinsic viscosity–molecular weight relationship for chitosan

The intrinsic viscosity–molecular weight relationship for chitosan was determined in 0.25 M acetic acid/0.25M sodium acetate. Chitosan samples with a degree of acetylation (DA) between 20 and 26% were prepared from shrimp-shell chitosan by acid hydrolysis (HCl) and oxidative fragmentation (NaNO2). Absolute molecular weights were measured by light scattering and membrane osmometry. Size exclusion chromatography (SEC) was used to determine average molecular weights (Mn, Mv, and Mw) and polydispersity. The following Mark–Houwink–Sakurada equation (MHS) is proposed for chitosan of Mw in the range of 35–2220 kDa: The value of the MHS exponent a suggests that chitosan behaves as a flexible chain in this solvent. Examination of MHS constants obtained in this work and those available in the literature with other solvents indicates that a and K are inversely related and that they are influenced by DA, and pH and ionic strength of the solvent. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci B: Polym Phys 38: 2591–2598, 2000
Study on the Function of the Inositol Polyphosphate Kinases Kcs1 and Vip1 of Candida albicans in Energy Metabolism

In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, inositol polyphosphate kinase KCS1 but not VIP1 knockout is of great significance for maintaining cell viability, promoting glycolysis metabolism, and inducing mitochondrial damage. The functions of Candida albicans inositol polyphosphate kinases Kcs1 and Vip1 have not yet been studied. In this study, we found that the growth rate of C. albicans vip1Δ/Δ strain in glucose medium was reduced and the upregulation of glycolysis was accompanied by a decrease in mitochondrial activity, resulting in a large accumulation of lipid droplets, along with an increase in cell wall chitin and cell membrane permeability, eventually leading to cell death. Relieving intracellular glycolysis rate or increasing mitochondrial metabolism can reduce lipid droplet accumulation, causing a reduction in chitin content and cell membrane permeability. The growth activity and energy metabolism of the vip1Δ/Δ strains in a non-fermentable carbon source glycerol medium were not different from those of the wild-type strains, indicating that knocking out VIP1 did not cause mitochondria damage. Moreover, C. albicans KCS1 knockout did not affect cell activity and energy metabolism. Thus, in C. albicans, Vip1 is more important than Kcs1 in regulating cell viability and energy metabolism.
Evaluation of Serum/Urine Genomic and Metabolomic Profiles to Improve the Adherence to Sildenafil Therapy in Patients with Erectile Dysfunction

Type V-phosphodiesterase-inhibitors (PDE5i) are the first choice drugs in the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED), being effective in 60–70% of patients. However, approximately 50% of patients per year discontinue the treatment with PDE5i after reporting poor drug efficacy or major adverse drug reactions (ADR). To identify early markers of efficacy/safety for the treatment of ED with PDE5i, the basal clinical characteristics of patients, integrated with metabolomics analysis of serum and urine and genomic data, were here correlated with the PDE5i efficacy and the occurrence of ADR upon administration. Thirty-six males with new diagnosis of ED were consecutively recruited and characterized at baseline for anthropometrics, blood pressure, blood glucose, lipid profile, serum levels of thyroid/sex hormones and erectile function evaluated by IIEF-15 questionnaire. Targeted Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) was applied to genes involved in PDE5i pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics. Fasting metabolic profiles of serum and urine were assessed by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)-based metabolomics analysis. Patients were prescribed on-demand therapy with Sildenafil oro-dispersible film and followed-up after 3 months from recruitment. Baseline data were compared with IIEF-15 score at follow-up and with the occurrence of ADR recorded by a dedicated questionnaire. Twenty-eight patients were finally included in the analysis. Serum LDL-cholesterol levels were increased in those reporting ADR (143.3 ± 13.2 mg/dl ADR vs. 133.1 ± 12.4 mg/dl No ADR; p = 0.046). NGS data showed that specific variants of PDE11A and CYP2D7 genes were more represented in drug responders (both relative risk = 2.7 [0.9–5.1]; p = 0.04). NMR-based metabolomics showed the highest association between serum LDL-cholesterol metabolites and the occurrence of ADR (Hazard ratio = 17.5; p = 0.019). The association between lipid profile and the ADR pattern suggests major cues in the tailoring of ED therapy with PDE5i.
The Association Between Vaginal Microbiota Dysbiosis, Bacterial Vaginosis, and Aerobic Vaginitis, and Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes of Women Living in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Systematic Review

Background: Previous studies have described the association between dysbiosis of the vaginal microbiota (VMB) and related dysbiotic conditions, such as bacterial vaginosis (BV) and aerobic vaginitis (AV), and various adverse pregnancy outcomes. There is limited overview of this association from countries in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), which bear a disproportionally high burden of both vaginal dysbiotic conditions and adverse pregnancy outcomes. This systematic review assesses the evidence on the association between VMB dysbiosis, BV, and AV, and late adverse pregnancy outcomes in women living in SSA. Methods: The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Statement (PRISMA) guidelines were followed. Three databases [PubMed, Embase (Ovid), and Cochrane] were used to retrieve observational and intervention studies conducted in SSA that associated VMB dysbiosis, BV, or AV and preterm birth/labor/delivery, preterm rupture of membranes (PROM), low birthweight, small for gestational age, intrauterine growth restriction, intrauterine infection, intrauterine (fetal) death, stillbirth, perinatal death, or perinatal mortality. Results: Twelve studies out of 693 search records from five SSA countries were included. One study identified a positive association between VMB dysbiosis and low birthweight. Despite considerable differences in study design and outcome reporting, studies reported an association between BV and preterm birth (7/9), low birthweight (2/6), PROM (2/4), intrauterine infections (1/1), and small for gestational age (1/1). None of the retrieved studies found an association between BV and pregnancy loss (5/5) or intrauterine growth retardation (1/1). At least two studies support the association between BV and PROM, low birthweight, and preterm birth in Nigerian pregnant women. No reports were identified investigating the association between AV and late adverse pregnancy outcomes in SSA. Conclusion: Two of the included studies from SSA support the association between BV and PROM. The remaining studies show discrepancies in supporting an association between BV and preterm birth or low birthweight. None of the studies found an association between BV and pregnancy loss. As for the role of VMB dysbiosis, BV, and AV during pregnancy among SSA women, additional research is needed. These results provide useful evidence for prevention efforts to decrease vaginal dysbiosis and its contribution to adverse pregnancy outcomes in SSA.
Prevalence and Prognostic Significance of Frailty in Gerontal Inpatients With Pre-clinical Heart Failure: A Subgroup Analysis of a Prospective Observational Cohort Study in China

Objective: To evaluate the prognostic value of frailty in gerontal pre-clinical heart failure (stage B heart failure, SBHF) inpatients. Background: The association between frailty and SBHF remains unknown. Methods: We conducted a subgroup analysis of a prospective observational cohort study on frailty. The previous study recruited 1,000 elderly inpatients who were consecutively admitted to a tertiary referral hospital in Beijing, China, from September 2018 to February 2019. The outcomes were all-cause death or readmission at 1-year follow-up. SBHF was diagnosed for asymptomatic cardiac structural or functional abnormalities. Frailty was assessed using the Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment-Frailty Index (CGA-FI). Results: Overall, 531 inpatients aged ≥65 years were deemed to have SBHF and followed up for 1 year. Of them, 34.5% exhibited frailty. During the follow-up period, all-cause death or readmission occurred in 157 (29.5%) participants. Of these participants, 36.6% (67/183) and 25.9% (90/348) belonged to the frail and non-frail groups, respectively (χ2 = 6.655, P = 0.010). Frailty, defined by the CGA-FI, rather than Fried frailty phenotype, could independently predict 1-year all-cause death or readmission (hazard ratio, 1.56; 95% confidence interval, 1.03–2.35; P = 0.034) and was more suitable for predicting all-cause death or readmission than N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide in female SBHF inpatients aged 80 years or over(AUCCGA−FI vs. AUCNT−proBNP 0.654 vs. 0.575, P = 0.017). Conclusions: Frailty is highly prevalent even among SBHF inpatients aged ≥65 years. The CGA-FI can independently predict 1-year all-cause death or readmission, rather than Fried frailty phenotype. Frailty in gerontal SBHF inpatients deserves more attention. Clinical Trial registration: ChiCTR1800017204; date of registration: 07/18/2018.
Intramuscular Fat Influences Neuromuscular Activation of the Gluteus Medius in Older Adults

The amount of tissue between the muscle and surface electromyography (sEMG) electrode influences the sEMG signals. Increased intramuscular adipose tissue (IMAT) of the hip abductor muscles negatively impacts balance in older individuals, but it is unknown if this is related to the ability to activate the muscles. The aim of this preliminary study was to investigate the influence of gluteus medius (GM) IMAT on sEMG amplitude during maximal voluntary isometric contractions (MVIC) of the hip abductors in older adults. We recruited 12 healthy community-dwelling older adults that underwent a spiral computerized tomography scan. High density lean (HDL), IMAT, and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SUBFAT) cross-sectional area of the GM were assessed. sEMG signal from the GM was recorded while participants performed an MVIC of the hip abductors. There was a negative correlation between GM activation and IMAT (r = −0.58, P = 0.046), and also SUBFAT (r = −0.78, P = 0.002) and a positive correlation with HDL (r = 0.73, P = 0.006). When controlling for SUBFAT, the partial correlations demonstrated a consistent negative correlation between GM activation and IMAT (r = −0.60, P = 0.050) but no relationship with HDL. The current results are important for helping to interpret the results from sEMG by accounting for IMAT. In conclusion, the neuromuscular activation of the GM may be reduced by the quantity of IMAT.
Paediatric inflammatory multisystem syndrome temporally associated with COVID-19: a new virus and a new case presentation

An 11-year-old boy presented with features resembling those described in health alerts on Paediatric Inflammatory Multisystem Syndrome Temporally associated with SARS-CoV-2 (PIMS-TS), including persistent fever, haemodynamic instability and abdominal pain. Laboratory tests, including raised inflammatory markers, D-dimer, troponin and a coagulopathy, were consistent with PIMS-TS. Our patient required transfer to the paediatric intensive care unit; an echocardiography revealed left ventricular dysfunction. He was treated with intravenous immunoglobulins (Igs), corticosteroids and aspirin, with full resolution of clinical symptoms. A follow-up echocardiogram 1 month after discharge was unremarkable. Three SARS-CoV-2 PCRs on respiratory samples, taken over the initial 4-day period, were negative, as was a SARS-CoV-2 PCR on faeces 1 month after presentation; titres of IgG were clearly elevated. The negative PCRs in the presence of elevated titres of IgG suggest that the inflammatory syndrome might have developed in a late phase of COVID-19 infection when the virus was no longer detectable in the upper airway.
Aplicación foliar de quelatos de zinc en nogal pecanero

During 2007, a study was carried on pecan trees 8-years age applying Zinc. Orchard soil conditions were to a xerosol calcic, loam texture, alkaline pH and organic matter and CaCO 3 contents of 1.09 and 12.84 % respectively. The experiment consisted on different applications of Zn products supplied from sprung leaf to maturity: Treatments were as followed: T1) Control, T2) NZN 100 mg·kg-1 Zn, T3) EDTA-Zn 150 mg·kg-1 Zn, T4) EDTA-Zn 100 mg·kg-1 Zn, T5) EDTA-Zn 50 mg·kg-1 Zn, T6) DTPA-Zn 100 mg·kg-1 Zn. Although none of the treatments significantly improved the concentration of zinc in the leaves, Zn-DTPA was a 34.84 % better than the other treatments. The values of chlorophyll in this study were 39,445 SPAD units, which is equivalent to 43 mg·litro-1 extractable chlorophyll, consistent with values of Zn deficiency, 20 mg·kg-1. The same applies to the leaf area index which is reduced by 30 % in conditions of deficiency. Results are preliminary due to that pecan trees present alternancy.
Motivation and Employee Engagement in the Civil Service: The Nigerian Experience

Article History Received: 05.05. 2018 Accepted: 11.05. 2018 Published: 30.05. 2018 Abstract: This study focused on examining the effect of motivation on employee engagement in Nigerian Civil Service. The proxies for the motivation were intrinsic motivation and extrinsic motivation. The population of the study was made up of all the civil servants in the six states that make up the South-South zone of the country. Primary data were collected by the administration of copies of questionnaire to a sample size of 600 respondents who were selected using convenience sampling. Five hundred and eleven (511) copies of the questionnaire were completed and returned to the researchers. The data obtained were analysed using descriptive statistics and simple linear regression. Results show that there is significant relationship between intrinsic motivation, extrinsic motivation and employee engagement. Based on the results, it is concluded that there is significant relationship between motivation and employee engagement in Nigerian Civil Service. Consequently, it is recommended, among other things, that government should look into ways of better motivating their employees.
Comparing the Efficacy of Cabazitaxel in Second-Line and Third- Line Treatment of Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer: A Multi-Center Experience from Turkey

Introduction: Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer in men and is the second most common cause of cancerrelated death in the United States. Objective of this study was to investigate the efficacy and toxicities of cabazitaxel in the second-line and third-line treatment of metastatic castrationresistant prostate cancer (MCRPC) with real-life data. Material and Methods: Patients who progressed with docetaxel and received cabazitaxel in the second-line and third-line for mCRPC treatment were included in the study. Progression-free survival (PFS) was defined as the time from the onset of cabazitaxel to clinical, radiological or prostate specific antigen (PSA) progression. Median PFS and cabazitaxel-related toxicities were compared between the second-line and third-line. Results: The median age of the 73 patients included in the study was 65 (53-80) years. All patients had bone metastasis and 17 (23.3%) patients had visceral metastasis. Cabazitaxel was applied as second-line treatment in 38 (52.0%) patients and as third-line treatment in 35 (47.9%) patients. Median 7(1-16) cycles of cabazitaxel were received. Median PFS was 7.9 months in the second-line treatment and 5.6 months in the third-line treatment (p:0.862). It was observed that 87.6% (n: 64) of the patients had any grade cabazitaxel-related side effects. There was no difference between the second-line and third-line cabazitaxel-related toxicities. Conclusion: In conclusion, cabazitaxel was found to have similar efficacy in second and third-line treatment of mCRPC in our study. There was no difference between the two group in terms of toxicity.
ISOLATION AND PURIFICATION OF S2-CN LOCAL GOAT MILK AND STUDYING ITS HYDROLYSATES INHIBITION EFFICACY TOWARDS ACE1

Hypertension is a universally common chronic disease and is called Silent Killer Current trend is to discover natural alternatives instead of chemical medications to treat this disease. In this study hydrolysates from goat milk casein have been used as natural materials to inhibit activity of Angiotensin Converting Enzyme1 (ACE1) the enzyme which is responsible on hypertension. S2-Casein from acidic local goat milk casein has been purified utilizing anion exchanger DEAE-Cellulose then by gel chromatography using sephadex G-75, electrophoresis technique SDS-PAGE Proven existence one pure type of S-CN is S2-CN which has been appeared as one band and has mw 25.620 KD. Purified S2-CN has been hydrolyzed by pepsin, trypsin and mix them by 1:1. The hydrolysates appeared dissimilar ACE1 inhibition activity but highest rate 64.019 % and highest degree of hydrolysis (DH) 61.924 with hydrolysate produced by mix of tow enzymes after 8 hours of hydrolysis H8M compared with inhibition activity by pepsin H8P and trypsin H8T after 8 hour too which were 54.146, 50.033 % and DH 48.293, 37.753 respectively. Inhibition activity towards ACE1 is directly proportional with DH value and hydrolysis period.
BCL2 Expression at Post-Induction and Complete Remission Impact Outcome in Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Advances in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) genomics and targeted therapies include the recently approved BCL2 inhibitor venetoclax. The association between BCL2 expression and patient outcome was analyzed in a series of 176 consecutive AML patients at diagnosis (Dx), post-induction (PI), complete remission (CR) and relapse (RL). Levels increased significantly at relapse (mean 1.07 PI/0.96 CR vs. 2.17 RL, p = 0.05/p = 0.03). In multivariate analysis, high BCL2-Dx were marginally associated with worse progression-free survival, while high PI levels or at CR had an independent negative impact on outcome (PI: HR 1.58, p = 0.014; CR: HR 1.96, p = 0.008). This behavior of high PI or CR BCL2 levels and increased risk was maintained in a homogeneous patient subgroup of age <70 and intermediate cytogenetic risk (PI: HR 2.44, p = 0.037; CR: HR 2.71, p = 0.049). Finally, for this subgroup, high BCL2 at relapse indicated worse overall survival (OS, HR 1.15, p = 0.05). In conclusion, high BCL2 levels PI or at CR had an independent negative impact on patient outcome. Therefore, BCL2 expression is a dynamic marker that may be useful during AML patient follow up, and BCL2 levels at PI and/or CR may influence response to anti-BCL2 therapy.