Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Osteosarcoma's genetic landscape painted by genes' mutations.

PURPOSE Osteosarcoma (OS) is one of the most common primary bone tumors. Direct pathogenesis remains unknown, however, genes' mutations are proven to participate in the process. This study aimed to examine the most frequently mutated genes in OS to appoint candidates for the cancer markers. METHODS Using the COSMIC Catalogue twenty the most frequently mutated genes were selected leading to an up-to-date genetic OS landscape summary. The genes can be classified into four categories: suppressor genes (TP53, RB1, NCOR1, SMAD2, NF1, TSC2, KMT2C), proto-oncogenes (GNAS, BRAF, MLLT3), epigenetic and post-translational modification-related genes (SMARCA4, ARID1A, ATRX, BCOR, H3F3A) and cell growth and survival regulating genes (EGFR, CAMTA1, LRP1B, PDE4DIP, MED12). RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS Their role in cancerogenesis was confirmed by the analysis of available articles published previously. The results of the study indicate that examination of selected genes' mutations might help to identify patients' predisposition to OS development, as well as monitor the disease progression, and establish prognosis. However, to fully understand the pathogenesis of OS further studies are required.
Circulating markers of extracellular matrix remodelling in severe COVID‐19 patients

Abnormal remodelling of the extracellular matrix (ECM) has generally been linked to pulmonary inflammation and fibrosis and may also play a role in the pathogenesis of severe COVID‐19. To further elucidate the role of ECM remodelling and excessive fibrogenesis in severe COVID‐19, we examined circulating levels of mediators involved in various aspects of these processes in COVID‐19 patients.
Genome analysis and hyphal movement characterization of the hitchhiker endohyphal Enterobacter sp. from Rhizoctonia solani

Bacterial-fungal interactions are pervasive in the rhizosphere. While an increasing number of endohyphal bacteria (EHB) have been identified, little is known about their ecology and impact on the associated fungal hosts and the surrounding environment. In this study, we characterized the genome of an Enterobacter sp. (En-Cren) isolated from the generalist fungal pathogen Rhizoctonia solani. Overall, the En-Cren genome size was typical for members of the genus and was capable of free-living growth. The genome was 4.6 MB in size, and no plasmids were detected. Several prophage regions and genomic islands were identified that harbor unique genes in comparison with phylogenetically closely related Enterobacter spp. Type VI secretion system and cyanate assimilation genes were identified from the bacterium, while common heavy metal resistance genes were absent. En-Cren contains the key genes for indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and phenylacetic acid (PAA) biosynthesis, and produces IAA and PAA in vitro, which may impact the ecology or pathogenicity of the fungal pathogen in vivo. En-Cren was observed to move along hyphae of R. solani and on other basidiomycetes and ascomycetes in culture. The bacterial flagellum is essential for hyphal movement, while other pathways and genes may also be involved. Importance The genome characterization and comparative genomics analysis of En-Cren provided the foundation and resources for a better understanding of the ecology and evolution of this EHB in the rhizosphere. The ability to produce IAA and PAA may provide new angles to study the impact of phytohormones during the plant-pathogen interactions. The hitchhiking behavior of the bacterium on a diverse group of fungi, while inhibiting the growth of some others, revealed new areas of bacterial-fungal signaling and interaction yet to be explored.
Maintenance guidelines for accumulated sediments in retention/detention ponds receiving highway runoff. Final research report, 1 Oct 89-30 Sep 90

A two year study funded by FDOT and FHWA was conducted to investigate sedimentation rates, heavy metal enrichment (Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Pb, Ni and Zn) and leaching of metals using TCLP methodology by U.S. EPA from accumulated bottom sediments in detention/retention ponds. These studies assist in developing criteria for maintenance guidelines. Nine ponds covering the state of Florida from Ocala to Miami were studied. The accumulated top loose sediments exhibited higher percent moisture and % volatile matter and lower density than the underlying firm soil. They also showed higher nutrient content and heavy metal content. Metals are retained in the sediments and TCLP results suggest that these sediments are not hazardous waste. Therefore, land disposal of dredged sediments could be possible. A predictive empirical model for the accumulated sediment rates was developed to assist in the determination of the clean out cycle. The calculated clean out cycles for study ponds averaged 25 years.
Neurophysiological characterization of stroke recovery: A longitudinal TMS and EEG study

Abstract Aims Understanding the neural mechanisms underlying stroke recovery is critical to determine effective interventions for stroke rehabilitation. This study aims to systematically explore how recovery mechanisms post‐stroke differ between individuals with different levels of functional integrity of the ipsilesional corticomotor pathway and motor function. Methods Eighty‐one stroke survivors and 15 age‐matched healthy adults participated in this study. We used transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), electroencephalography (EEG), and concurrent TMS‐EEG to investigate longitudinal neurophysiological changes post‐stroke, and their relationship with behavioral changes. Subgroup analysis was performed based on the presence of paretic motor evoked potentials and motor function. Results Functional connectivity was increased dramatically in low‐functioning individuals without elicitable motor evoked potentials (MEPs), which showed a positive effect on motor recovery. Functional connectivity was increased gradually in higher‐functioning individuals without elicitable MEP during stroke recovery and influence from the contralesional hemisphere played a key role in motor recovery. In individuals with elicitable MEPs, negative correlations between interhemispheric functional connectivity and motor function suggest that the influence from the contralesional hemisphere may be detrimental to motor recovery. Conclusion Our results demonstrate prominent clinical implications for individualized stroke rehabilitation based on both functional integrity of the ipsilesional corticomotor pathway and motor function.
SWORD - South West Open Research SWORD - South West Open Research

The aim of this research paper was to evaluate the effect of a slow-release milk replacer on health and behaviour of neonatal dairy calves. This was done with the potential benefits to welfare during transport in mind. A total of 15 calves were randomly divided into three groups of 5, namely, a control group fed twice in 24 h with 3 l of a conventional milk replacer, a slow-release group fed once in 24 h with 2 l of conventional milk replacer and 1 litre of a specialised micro-encapsulated feed and an enriched-replacer group fed once in 24 h with 3 l of milk replacer enriched with micellar casein. Blood samples
Excavating buried memories: mnemonic production in the railways under London and Berlin 1933-2013

In this thesis I explore the production of social memory in the subterranean infrastructural landscapes of the London Underground and the Berlin U- and S-Bahn within a period spanning roughly the last eight decades between 1933 and 2013. To do this I apply an approach that is interdisciplinary in scope, comparative in nature and lies at the nexus of transport and cultural history, historical and cultural geography, and memory, landscape and heritage studies. More specifically this approach necessitates an engagement with the theories and literatures related to landscape, social memory and urban infrastructures in order to create new ways to study the cultural geographic and historic characteristics of urban underground railways, whilst simultaneously problematising the biased application of landscape approaches in non-urban contexts and contributing to the re-theorisation of the relationship of landscape and infrastructure. This is achieved by establishing ‘the social memories of landscape’ as my central focus, and the actors, processes, structures and discourses implicated in the production of a variety of ‘buried memories’ as my main concerns. Thereafter, and upon establishing the main components of this research’s mixed methodological and case-orientated comparative approach, I use a series of empirically grounded comparative excavations to shed light on how social memories are produced in the physical, representational and experiential landscapes of the Underground, U- and S-Bahn as exemplified by their cartographies and toponymies, realised and unrealised memorials, and alternative and creative uses of their ruins and vestiges. These excavations contribute in turn to new understandings of the mnemonic actors, processes, structures and discourses that have particular influence and resonance in these urban underground landscapes, and hence serve to demonstrate how the Underground, U- and S-Bahn’s subterranean transport contexts influence the production of social memory.
Explicit Results for the Distributions of Queue Lengths for a Non-Preemptive Two-Level Priority Queue

Explicit results are derived using simple and exact methods for the joint and marginal queue-length distributions for the M/M/c queue with two non-preemptive priority levels. Equal service rates are assumed. Two approaches are considered. One is based on numerically robust quadratic recurrence relations. The other is based on a complex contour-integral representation that yields exact closed-form analytical expressions, not hitherto available in the literature, that can also be evaluated numerically with very high accuracy.
Intermittently scanned continuous glucose monitoring and hypoglycaemia awareness in drivers with diabetes: Insights from the Association of British Clinical Diabetologists Nationwide audit

Frequent hypoglycaemia results in disruption to usual hypoglycaemic autonomic responses leading to impaired awareness of hypoglycaemia, which is associated with an increased risk of severe hypoglycaemia requiring third‐party assistance (SH). The UK Driving and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) does not permit car driving if they have either a complete loss of hypoglycaemia awareness or more than one SH event a year.
Assessing pharmacogenomic literacy in China through validation of the Chinese version of the Minnesota Assessment of Pharmacogenomic Literacy

Pharmacogenomics (PGx) implementation into clinical care is rapidly increasing in China. However, the extent to which the public understands PGx testing and important knowledge domains requiring patient education or counseling remains unclear. To address this, we created and validated the Chinese version of the Minnesota Assessment of Pharmacogenomic Literacy (MAPL‐CTM). The MAPL‐C was developed by translating the English MAPL to Chinese following cross‐cultural translation guidelines. An online survey validated the MAPL‐C and assessed Chinese individuals' PGx literacy. Validation analyses were performed and associations of PGx literacy with participants' characteristics were quantified. Of 959 high‐quality responses, the majority of respondents were Han Chinese (96.3%), men (54.5%), aged 18–29 years (70.9%), residing in China (97.3%), and had received college or higher education (95.0%). Out of 15 starting items developed to query specific predefined knowledge domains, two uninformative items were excluded, resulting in a 13‐item MAPL‐C. Chinese participants' MAPL‐C performance was best explained by a three‐factor model, encompassing PGx concepts and function, testing limitations, and privacy. Higher MAPL‐C performance was associated with younger age, higher education, and previous genetic testing experience. Correct response rates for questions related to testing limitations were lower than those in other domains. The creation and validation of the MAPL‐C fills a gap in determining PGx knowledge among Chinese speakers, quantifying PGx literacy within a Chinese cohort, and identifying response patterns and knowledge gaps. The MAPL‐C can be useful in clinical practice to guide patient counseling, assess PGx education interventions, and quantify PGx knowledge in relation to outcomes in research studies involving Chinese participants.
Antarctic Climate Change and the Environment - An Update.

Citation for published version (Harvard): Turner, J, Barrand, NE, Bracegirdle, TJ, Convey, P, Hodgson, DA, Jarvis, M, Jenkins, A, Marshall, G, Meredith, MP, Roscoe, H, Shanklin, J, French, J, Goosse, H, Guglielmin, M, Gutt, J, Jacobs, S, Kennicutt II, MC, MassonDelmotte, V, Mayewski, P, Navarro, F, Robinson, S, Scambos, T, Sparrow, M, Summerhayes, C, Speer, K & Klepikov, A 2014, 'Antarctic climate change and the environment: an update', Polar Record, vol. 50, no. 3, pp. 237-259. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0032247413000296
LONDON SCHOOL OF HYGIENE & TROPICAL MEDICINE

The law on equal pay requires that men and women should receive the same level of pay and associated benefits as members of the opposite sex performing the same work, like work, or work assessed as being of equal value, save that differences may be objectively justified where they are not attributed to the sex of the individuals. Work of equal value is determined by means of analytical job evaluation, which assesses the relative size of a job by objectively analysing its skills and requirements. Over time, equality legislation has been extended to prohibit less favourable treatment on the basis of race, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, faith, and length and type of contract (i.e. fixed-term versus permanent, part-time versus full-time).
Outpatient Treatment of Confirmed COVID-19: A Living, Rapid Evidence Review for the American College of Physicians (Version 2)

BACKGROUND Clinicians and patients want to know the benefits and harms of outpatient treatment options for the Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2. PURPOSE To assess the benefits and harms of 22 different COVID-19 treatments. DATA SOURCES The Epistemonikos COVID-19 L·OVE platform, the iSearch COVID-19 portfolio, and the World Health Organization (WHO) COVID-19 Research Database from 26 November 2021 to 2 March 2023. STUDY SELECTION Two reviewers independently screened abstracts and full texts against a priori-defined criteria. DATA EXTRACTION One reviewer extracted the data and assessed the risk of bias and certainty of evidence (COE). A second reviewer verified the data abstraction and assessments. DATA SYNTHESIS Two randomized controlled trials and 6 retrospective cohort studies were included. Nirmatrelvir-ritonavir was associated with a reduction in hospitalization due to COVID-19 (for example, 0.7% vs. 1.2%; moderate COE) and all-cause mortality (for example, <0.1% vs. 0.2%; moderate COE). Molnupiravir led to a higher recovery rate (31.8% vs. 22.6%; moderate COE) and reduced time to recovery (9 vs. 15 median days; moderate COE) but had no effect on all-cause mortality (0.02% vs. 0.04%; moderate COE) and the incidence of serious adverse events (0.4% vs. 0.3%; moderate COE). Ivermectin had no effect on time to recovery (moderate COE) and resulted in no difference in adverse events compared with placebo (low COE). Sotrovimab resulted in no difference in all-cause mortality compared with no treatment (low COE). No eligible studies for all other treatments of interest were identified. LIMITATION Evidence for nirmatrelvir-ritonavir and sotrovimab is based on nonrandomized studies only. CONCLUSION Nirmatrelvir-ritonavir and molnupiravir probably improve outcomes for outpatients with mild to moderate COVID-19. PRIMARY FUNDING SOURCE American College of Physicians. (PROSPERO: CRD42023406456).
The effect of beta-alanine supplementation on aerobic and anaerobic capacity in trained cyclists

Beta-alanine supplementation has been shown to increase skeletal muscle carnosine concentration resulting in the delay of neuromuscular fatigue and an increased aerobic and anaerobic capacity. The current study investigated the effects of beta-alanine supplementation on aerobic and anaerobic capacity in trained cyclists. Fourteen highly-competitive (sprint, endurance, road and track) cyclists underwent an 8 week 6.4g/day protocol (beta-alanine and maltodextrin). Pre and post supplementation testing included a VO2max test (familiarization and characterization), maximum aerobic power test (aerobic capacity), and 30s wingate anaerobic test (anaerobic capacity). Aerobic capacity parameter measures included aerobic and anaerobic thresholds, and maximum aerobic power, while anaerobic capacity parameters included fatigue index, average power, peak power, watts per kilogram, and final lactate concentration. There was a lack of change in aerobic and anaerobic capacity parameters post supplementation for both groups. Assuming an increase in skeletal muscle carnosine concentration, results suggest 8 weeks 6.4g/day beta-alanine does not increase aerobic and anaerobic capacity in trained cyclists. This lack of change has 3 potential explanations; carnosines’ physicochemical H buffering ability was not substantially elevated to prevent muscular fatigue via acidosis, pH decrease is only one limiting factor in aerobic and anaerobic capacity, or other factors (neuromuscular junction failure, contractile failure, substrate depletion, metabolite accumulation, oxidative stress) influence muscular fatigue.
A Systematic Comparison of Traditional and Multigene Panel Testing for Hereditary Breast and 77 78 79 80 81 82 Ovarian Cancer Genes in More Than 1000 Patients

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 jmd.amjpathol. org 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 A Systematic Comparison of Traditional and Multigene Panel Testing for Hereditary Breast and 77 78 79 80 81 82 Ovarian Cancer Genes in More Than 1000 Patients Stephen E. Lincoln,* Yuya Kobayashi,* Michael J. Anderson,* Shan Yang,* Andrea J. Desmond,y Meredith A. Mills,z Geoffrey B. Nilsen,* Kevin B. Jacobs,* Federico A. Monzon,* Allison W. Kurian,z James M. Ford,z and Leif W. Ellisenyx
Exploring human-environment interactions and their effects around Ngel Nyaki Forest Reserve, Nigeria

XI CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION . 13 1.1 PLACING THE RESEARCH WITHIN THE EXISTING LITERATURE . 14 1.2 PURPOSE OF STUDY . 15 1.3 THESIS APPROACH . 15 1.4 THESIS STRUCTURE . 16 1.5 THEORETICAL BACKGROUND . 18 1.5. 1 CONSERVATION, DEVELOPMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES . 18 1.5. 2 PASTORALISM . 29 CHAPTER 2: INTRODUCING THE STUDY SITE . 36 2.1 THE MAMBILLA PLATEAU . 36 2.1.1 LOCATION . 36 2.1.2 SOILS . 38 2.1.3 CLIMATE . 38 2.1.4 VEGETATION HISTORY . 39 2.1.5 SOCIAL HISTORY . 42 2.2 THE STUDY AREA . 44 2.2.1 LOCATION . 44 2.2.2 SIGNIFICANCE FOR CONSERVATION . 45
Physicochemical and Antimicrobial Properties of Cocoa Pod Husk Pectin Intended as a Versatile Pharmaceutical Excipient and Nutraceutical

The physicochemical and antimicrobial properties of cocoa pod husk (CPH) pectin intended as a versatile pharmaceutical excipient and nutraceutical were studied. Properties investigated include pH, moisture content, ash values, swelling index, viscosity, degree of esterification (DE), flow properties, SEM, FTIR, NMR, and elemental content. Antimicrobial screening and determination of MICs against test microorganisms were undertaken using agar diffusion and broth dilution methods, respectively. CPH pectin had a DE of 26.8% and exhibited good physicochemical properties. Pectin had good microbiological quality and exhibited pseudoplastic, shear thinning behaviour, and high swelling capacity in aqueous media. The DE, FTIR, and NMR results were similar to those of previous studies and supported highly acetylated low methoxy pectin. CPH pectin was found to be a rich source of minerals and has potential as a nutraceutical. Pectin showed dose-dependent moderate activity against gram positive and gram negative microorganisms but weak activity against Listeria spp. and A. niger. The MICs of pectin ranged from 0.5 to 4.0 mg/mL, with the highest activity against E. coli and S. aureus (MIC: 0.5–1.0 mg/mL) and the lowest activity against A. niger (MIC: 2.0–4.0 mg/mL). The study has demonstrated that CPH pectin possesses the requisite properties for use as a nutraceutical and functional pharmaceutical excipient.
Contacts and behaviours of university students during the COVID-19 pandemic at the start of the 2020/21 academic year

CONQUEST (COroNavirus QUESTionnaire) is an online survey of contacts, behaviour, and COVID-19 symptoms for University of Bristol (UoB) staff/students. We analysed survey results from the start of the 2020/2021 academic year, prior to the second national lockdown (14/09/2020-01/11/2020), where COVID-19 outbreaks led to lockdown of some student halls of residence. The aim of these analyses was to enhance knowledge of student contact patterns to inform infection disease mathematical modelling approaches. Responses captured information on demographics, contacts on the previous day, symptoms and self-isolation during the prior week, and COVID-19 status. 740 students provided 1261 unique records. Of 42 (3%) students testing positive in the prior fortnight, 99% had been self-isolating. The median number of contacts on the previous day was 2 (interquartile range: 1-5), mode: 1, mean: 6.1; 8% had [≥]20 contacts. 57% of student contacts were other UoB students/staff. Most students reported few daily contacts but there was heterogeneity, and some reported many. Around 40% of student contacts were with individuals not affiliated with UoB, indicating potential for transmission to non-students/staff.
Prevalence of mutations associated with macrolide and fluoroquinolone resistance in Neisseria gonorrhoeae with Allplex™ NG &DR Assay (Seegene®) in a tertiary hospital from Madrid, Spain

Background The prevalence of drug-resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) infections is increasing. Studies report the prevalence of NG strains presenting A2059G/C2611T (rRNA 23S) and S91F (parC) mutations conferring resistance to azithromycin and ciprofloxacin. Material and methods We conducted a prospective cohort study evaluating first void-urine urines, rectal, and oropharyngeal swabs collected from a cohort of patients in a tertiary hospital in Madrid between October 2022 and January 2023. Samples were screened by Allplex™ 7-STI Essential Assay (Seegene®). Drug resistances were performed by Allplex™ NG &DR Assay (Seegene®). Results A total of 1,415 patients were included, of which 112 had a positive sample for NG infection. One patient had a C2611T mutation (0.9%) and neither patient showed A2059G mutation. We found 67 (59.8%) S91F-positive patients. Forty-four patients (39.3%) not had any mutations. Conclusions We report a low-prevalence of mutations A2059G/C2611T to macrolides and a high-prevalence to S91F in NG infections. Molecular methods for the detection of NG resistance could be useful in direct non-culturable samples.