Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Agrobacterium tumefaciens: a Transformative Agent for Fundamental Insights into Host-Microbe Interactions, Genome Biology, Chemical Signaling, and Cell Biology

Agrobacterium tumefaciens incites the formation of readily visible macroscopic structures known as crown galls on plant tissues that it infects. Records from biologists as early as the 17th century noted these unusual plant growths and began examining the basis for their formation. ABSTRACT Agrobacterium tumefaciens incites the formation of readily visible macroscopic structures known as crown galls on plant tissues that it infects. Records from biologists as early as the 17th century noted these unusual plant growths and began examining the basis for their formation. These studies eventually led to isolation of the infectious agent, A. tumefaciens, and decades of study revealed the remarkable mechanisms by which A. tumefaciens causes crown gall through stable horizontal genetic transfer to plants. This fundamental discovery generated a barrage of applications in the genetic manipulation of plants that is still under way. As a consequence of the intense study of A. tumefaciens and its role in plant disease, this pathogen was developed as a model for the study of critical processes that are shared by many bacteria, including host perception during pathogenesis, DNA transfer and toxin secretion, bacterial cell-cell communication, plasmid biology, and more recently, asymmetric cell biology and composite genome coordination and evolution. As such, studies of A. tumefaciens have had an outsized impact on diverse areas within microbiology and plant biology that extend far beyond its remarkable agricultural applications. In this review, we attempt to highlight the colorful history of A. tumefaciens as a study system, as well as current areas that are actively demonstrating its value and utility as a model microorganism.
Floral Pollen Bioactive Properties and Their Synergy in Honeybee Pollen

Honeybee pollen (HBP) is a mixture of floral pollen collected by honeybees near the hive. It is characterized by a composition rich in phenolic compounds, carotenoids and vitamins that act as free radicals scavengers, conferring antioxidant and antibacterial capacity to the matrix. These bioactive properties are related to the botanical origin of the honeybee pollen. Honeybee pollen samples were collected from different geographical locations in central Chile, and their total carotenoid content, polyphenols profile by HPLC/MS/MS, DPPH radical scavenging capacity, and antimicrobial capacity against S. pyogenes, E. coli, S. aureus, and P. auriginosa strains were evaluated. Our results showed a good carotenoids content and polyphenols composition, while antioxidant capacity presented values between 0–95 % for the scavenging effect related to the botanical origin of the samples. Inhibition diameter for the different strains presented less variability among the samples, Furthermore, binary mixtures representing the two most abundant species in each HBP were prepared to assess the synergy effect of the floral pollen (FP) present in the samples. Data shows an antagonist effect was observed when assessing the carotenoid content, and a synergy effect often presents for antimicrobial and antioxidant capacity for bee pollen samples. The bioactive capacities of the honeybee pollen and their synergy effect could apply to develop new functional ingredients for the food industry.
Shear-layers in magnetohydrodynamic spherical Couette flow with conducting walls

We consider the steady axisymmetric motion of an electrically conducting fluid contained within a spherical shell and permeated by a centred axial dipole magnetic field, which is strong as measured by the Hartmann number M. Slow axisymmetric motion is driven by rotating the inner boundary relative to the stationary outer boundary. For M ≫ 1, viscous effects are only important in Hartmann boundary layers adjacent to the inner and outer boundaries and a free shear-layer on the magnetic field line that is tangent to the outer boundary on the equatorial plane of symmetry. We measure the ability to leak electric current into the solid boundaries by the size of their relative conductance ɛ. Since the Hartmann layers are sustained by the electric current flow along them, the current inflow from the fluid mainstream needed to feed them increases in concert with the relative conductance, because of the increasing fraction ℒ of the current inflow leaked directly into the solids. Therefore the nature of the flow is sensitive to the relative sizes of ɛ−1 and M. The current work extends an earlier study of the case of a conducting inner boundary and an insulating outer boundary with conductance ɛo = 0 (Dormy, Jault & Soward, J. Fluid Mech., vol. 452, 2002, pp. 263–291) to other values of the outer boundary conductance. Firstly, analytic results are presented for the case of perfectly conducting inner and outer boundaries, which predict super-rotation rates Ωmax of order M1/2 in the free shear-layer. Successful comparisons are made with numerical results for both perfectly and finitely conducting boundaries. Secondly, in the case of a finitely conducting outer boundary our analytic results show that Ωmax is O(M1/2) for ɛo−1 ≪ 1 ≪ M3/4, O(ɛo2/3M1/2) for 1 ≪ ɛo−1 ≪ M3/4 and O(1) for 1 ≪ M3/4 ≪ ɛo−1. On increasing ɛo−1 from zero, substantial electric current leakage into the outer boundary, ℒo ≈ 1, occurs for ɛo−1 ≪ M3/4 with the shear-layer possessing the character appropriate to a perfectly conducting outer boundary. When ɛo−1 = O(M3/4) the current leakage is blocked near the equator, and the nature of the shear-layer changes. So, when M3/4 ≪ ɛo−1, the shear-layer has the character appropriate to an insulating outer boundary. More precisely, over the range M3/4 ≪ ɛo−1 ≪ M the blockage spreads outwards, reaching the pole when ɛo−1 = O(M). For M ≪ ɛo−1 current flow into the outer boundary is completely blocked, ℒo ≪ 1.
Human mpox: Biology, epidemiology, therapeutic options, and development of small molecule inhibitors

Although monkeypox (mpox) has been endemic in Western and Central Africa for 50 years, it has not received sufficient prophylactic and therapeutical attention to avoid evolving into an epidemic. From January 2022 to January 2023, more than 84,000 of mpox cases were reported from 110 countries worldwide. Case numbers appear to be rising every day, making mpox an increasing global public health threat for the foreseeable future. In this perspective, we review the known biology and epidemiology of mpox virus, together with the latest therapeutic options available for mpox treatment. Further, small molecule inhibitors against mpox virus and the future directions in this field are discussed as well.
Impaired gating of γ‐ and ε‐AChR respectively causes Escobar syndrome and fast‐channel myasthenia

To dissect the kinetic defects of acetylcholine receptor (AChR) γ subunit variant in an incomplete form of the Escobar syndrome without pterygium and compare it with those of a variant of corresponding residue in the AChR ε subunit in a congenital myasthenic syndrome (CMS).
Period determination using phase dispersion minimization

We derive a period determination technique that is well suited to the case of nonsinusoidal time variation covered by only a few irregularly spaced observations. A detailed statistical analysis allows comparison with other techniques and indicates the optimum choice of parameters for a given problem. Application to the double-mode Cepheid BK Cen demonstrates the applicability of these methods to difficult cases. Using 49 photoelectric points, we obtain the two primary oscillatory components as well as the principal mode-interaction term; the derived periods are in agreement with previous estimates.
Change in mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic: a longitudinal study of residents of Indian metropolitan cities

Abstract Background Initial studies have reported an increase in the incidence of mental health problems during the early months of COVID-19. Longitudinal studies of changes in mental health undertaken in Low and Middle Income countries during the pandemic remains an under-researched area. Aims The current study examines changes in mental health among adult residents of metropolitan cities of India, a middle-income country reporting the second-highest COVID cases and third-highest fatalities, during the pandemic. Method Data was collected, based on a telephonic survey using the internationally accepted abridged Depression Anxiety Stress schedule (DASS-21), in August and September 2020 and July-August 2021. The sample size is 994. The data was analysed using an ordered logit model. Results At the onset of the pandemic, high levels of anxiety, stress and depression prevailed; their levels reduced after one year. Respondents who have experienced a decline in economic fortunes, have family members with pre-existing co-morbidity or had COVID in the family are significantly less likely to report improvement in mental health; less-educated respondents are also vulnerable. Conclusions Specific sub-groups, identified as at risk, need monitoring and continued provisioning of tailor-made mental health services addressing their specific needs. Relief measures targeting economically affected households are also required.
The Impact of Socio-Environmental, Individual, and Biological Factors on Oral Health-Related Quality of Life among Preschool Children: A Cohort Study with 3-Year Follow-Up

This study assessed impact of socio-environmental, individual, and biological factors on the worsening and severe worsening of oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) among preschoolers and their families. A cohort study was conducted in Diamantina, Brazil, with 151 children between 1 and 3 years of age and their mothers, who were evaluated at baseline (2014) and re-evaluated after 3 years (2017). The children were clinically examined to assess the presence of dental caries, malocclusion, dental trauma, and enamel defects. The mothers answered the Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (B-ECOHIS) and a questionnaire addressing individual characteristics of the child and socio-environmental factors. Extensive caries found in the follow-up (relative risk [RR] = 1.91; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.26–2.91) and failure to undergo the dental treatment recommended at baseline (RR = 2.49; 95% CI = 1.62–3.81) were associated with worsening of OHRQoL over 3 years. An increase in the number of children in the household (RR = 2.95; 95% CI = 1.06–8.25), occurrence of extensive caries in the follow-up (RR = 2.06; 95% CI = 1.05–4.07), and failure to undergo the dental treatment recommended at baseline (RR = 3.68; 95% CI = 1.96–6.89) were associated with a severe worsening of OHRQoL. In conclusion, the risk of worsening and severe worsening of OHRQoL was higher in preschoolers with extensive caries at follow-up and among those who did not undergo dental treatment. Furthermore, severe worsening of OHRQoL was also impacted by an increase in the number of children in the household.
Provision of low‐aflatoxin local complementary porridge flour reduced urinary aflatoxin biomarker in children aged 6–18 months in rural Tanzania

Abstract Aflatoxins are toxic secondary metabolites of fungi that colonize staple food crops, such as maize and groundnut, frequently used in complementary feeding. In preparation for a large trial, this pilot study examined if provision of a low‐aflatoxin infant porridge flour made from local maize and groundnuts reduced the prevalence of a urinary aflatoxin biomarker in infants. Thirty‐six infants aged 6–18 months were included from four villages in Kongwa District, Tanzania. The study was conducted over 12 days with a three‐day baseline period and a 10 days where low‐AF porridge flour was provided. Porridge intake of infants was assessed using quantitative 24‐h recalls by mothers. Household food ingredients used in infant porridge preparation and urine samples were collected on Days 1–3 (baseline) and 10–12 (follow‐up). Aflatoxins were measured in household foods, and AFM1 was measured in urine. At baseline and follow‐up, 78% and 97%, respectively, of the infants consumed porridge in the previous 24 h, with a median volume of 220 mL (interquartile range [IQR]: 201, 318) and 460 mL (IQR: 430, 563), respectively (p < 0.001). All 47 samples of homemade flour/ingredients were contaminated with AFs (0.3–723 ng/g). The overall prevalence of individuals with detectable urinary AFM1 was reduced by 81%, from 15/36 (42%) at baseline to 3/36 (8%) at follow‐up (p = 0.003). Provision of low‐aflatoxin porridge flour was acceptable to caregivers and their infants and successfully reduced the prevalence of detectable urinary AFM1 in infants, thus, confirming its potential to be tested in future large‐scale health outcomes trial.
Chaos of Generalized Symbolic Dynamical Systems

In this paper,we establish some generalized mathematical model of symbolic dynamical systems,which are special cases of discrete spatiotemporal systems.Based on existing concepts and methods in discrete spatiotemporal systems,we discuss chaos of these generalized symbolic dynamical systems and obtain a class of new chaotic symbolic dynam- ical systems in the sense of Devaney,which extends the scope of the current research on symbolic dynamical systems.
Corruption, accountability, and discretion of procurement officials: An analysis of selection Preferences for Performance-based Evaluation Criteria (PBEC) in PPP procurement

Performance-based evaluation criteria (PBEC) are vital for selecting high-quality suppliers and achieving a PPP procurement performance. Through theoretical and institutional analysis, we found that the selection of PBEC centered on operations depends on the discretion of the purchaser. However, in an emerging and transforming PPP market, many factors have affected the scientific exercise of the purchaser’s discretion. This means that PPP projects must focus on construction and neglect operation in a certain period. Furthermore, to explore the influencing factors of the definition of PBEC, based on data of 9082 PPP projects between 2009 and 2021 in China, we adopted Ordinary Least Squares to empirically analyze two factors that influence the level of attention that is paid to the operation plan: corruption and accountability. The results indicate that the attention paid to the operation plan significantly increased with the reduction in corruption and the improvement in accountability. Robustness tests demonstrate the robustness of the results. A further heterogeneity analysis shows that the above factors have a more significant impact on non-state demonstration projects and projects with large investments. The contributions of this study are as follows: (1) Theoretically, this paper supplements the relevant research on evaluation criteria and provides new evidence on the impact of corruption and accountability on the defining PBEC. (2) Institutionally, it provides specific paths to limit the discretion of procurement officials when defining evaluation criteria. (3) In practice, it helps procurement officials to scientifically define PBEC and promote the realization of procurement performance.
Mouse and rat ultrasonic vocalizations in neuroscience and neuropharmacology: State of the art and future applications

Mice and rats emit ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs), which may express their arousal and emotional states, to communicate with each other. There is continued scientific effort to better understand the functions of USVs as a central element of the rodent behavioral repertoire. However, studying USVs is not only important because of their ethological relevance, but also because they are widely applied as a behavioral readout in various fields of biomedical research. In mice and rats, a large number of experimental models of brain disorders exist and studying the emission of USVs in these models can provide valuable information about the health status of the animals and the effectiveness of possible interventions, both environmental and pharmacological. This review (i) provides an updated overview of the contexts in which ultrasonic calling behaviour of mice and rats has particularly high translational value, and (ii) gives some examples of novel approaches and tools used for the analysis of USVs in mice and rats, combining qualitative and quantitative methods. The relevance of age and sex differences as well as the importance of longitudinal evaluations of calling and non‐calling behaviour is also discussed. Finally, the importance of assessing the communicative impact of USVs in the receiver, that is, through playback studies, is highlighted.
Association Between Induced Burst Suppression and Clinical Outcomes in Patients With Refractory Status Epilepticus

Background and Objectives To investigate the frequency of induced EEG burst suppression pattern during continuous IV anesthesia (IVAD) and associated outcomes in adult patients treated for refractory status epilepticus (RSE). Methods Patients with RSE treated with anesthetics at a Swiss academic care center from 2011 to 2019 were included. Clinical data and semiquantitative EEG analyses were assessed. Burst suppression was categorized as incomplete burst suppression (with ≥20% and <50% suppression proportion) or complete burst suppression (with ≥50% suppression proportion). The frequency of induced burst suppression and association of burst suppression with outcomes (persistent seizure termination, in-hospital survival, and return to premorbid neurologic function) were the endpoints. Results We identified 147 patients with RSE treated with IVAD. Among 102 patients without cerebral anoxia, incomplete burst suppression was achieved in 14 (14%) with a median of 23 hours (interquartile range [IQR] 1–29) and complete burst suppression was achieved in 21 (21%) with a median of 51 hours (IQR 16–104). Age, Charlson comorbidity index, RSE with motor symptoms, the Status Epilepticus Severity Score and arterial hypotension requiring vasopressors were identified as potential confounders in univariable comparisons between patients with and without any burst suppression. Multivariable analyses revealed no associations between any burst suppression and the predefined endpoints. However, among 45 patients with cerebral anoxia, induced burst suppression was associated with persistent seizure termination (72% without vs 29% with burst suppression, p = 0.004) and survival (50% vs 14% p = 0.005). Discussion In adult patients with RSE treated with IVAD, burst suppression with ≥50% suppression proportion was achieved in every fifth patient and not associated with persistent seizure termination, in-hospital survival, or return to premorbid neurologic function.
Population-level median cycle threshold (Ct) values for asymptomatic COVID-19 cases can predict the trajectory of future cases

Background Recent studies indicate that the population-level SARS-CoV-2 cycle threshold (Ct) values can inform the trajectory of the pandemic. The presented study investigates the potential of Ct values in predicting the future of COVID-19 cases. We also determined whether the presence of symptoms could change the correlation between Ct values and future cases. Methods We examined the individuals (n = 8660) that consulted different sample collection points of a private diagnostic center in Pakistan for COVID-19 testing between June 2020 and December 2021. The medical assistant collected clinical and demographic information. The nasopharyngeal swab specimens were taken from the study participants and real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to detect SARS-CoV-2 in these samples. Results We observed that median Ct values display significant temporal variations, which show an inverse relationship with future cases. The monthly overall median Ct values negatively correlated with the number of cases occurring one month after specimen collection (r = -0.588, p <0.05). When separately analyzed, Ct values for symptomatic cases displayed a weak negative correlation (r = -0.167, p<0.05), while Ct values from asymptomatic cases displayed a stronger negative correlation (r = -0.598, p<0.05) with the number of cases in the subsequent months. Predictive modeling using these Ct values closely forecasted the increase or decrease in the number of cases of the subsequent month. Conclusions Decreasing population-level median Ct values for asymptomatic COVID-19 cases appear to be a leading indicator for predicting future COVID-19 cases.
Effects of abdominal girdle belt on pulmonary function variables of postpartum women in Enugu, Nigeria: a quasi-experimental study

Abstract This quasi-experimental study was aimed at investigating the effects of wearing an abdominal girdle belt on pulmonary function variables of postpartum women. 40 consenting postpartum women aged between 18 and 35 years were recruited from a post-natal clinic in Enugu, Nigeria. The participants were conveniently assigned into girdle belt and control groups (20 each). Their lung function (forced expiratory volume in first second[FEV1], and %FEV1, forced vital capacity[FVC], peak expiratory flow [PEF], forced expiratory flows [25th, 75th & 25–75th percentiles]) values were measured prior to and after eight weeks of the study intervention period for each participant. Data obtained were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Following the intervention period, 19 and 13 participants completed the study in the girdle belt and control groups, respectively. The main results showed that both groups were comparable at baseline for all the study variables assessed (p > 0.05). Following the intervention period, only the PEF was significantly reduced in the girdle belt group compared to control group participants (p = 0.012). Thus, wearing girdle belts for an extended period of time has no effect on the lung function values of postpartum women. IMPACT STATEMENT What is already known on the subject? Postpartum abdominal girdle belts are commonly utilised for resolution of abdominal protrusion and obesity after childbirth. Unfortunately, several adverse effects, including bleeding, compressive pain and discomfort and abnormally increased intra-abdominal pressure, have been associated with this practice. Consistent increase in intra-abdominal pressure of variable duration has been reported to affect pulmonary functions. What do the results of this study add? The study findings indicate that wearing girdle belts for eight weeks by postpartum women has no substantial effect on the pulmonary function variables. What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? Utilisation of abdominal girdle belts of equal or less than 8 weeks duration should not be discouraged for post-partum women due to fear of its potential negative impact on pulmonary function.