Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Genetics and Mechanisms of Glycopeptide Resistance in Enterococci

Introduction. Plasmid-mediated resistance to the glycopeptide antibiotics vancomycin and teicoplanin was first detected in 1986 (35, 53). It was rapidly shown that glycopeptide-resistant enterococci had a broad geographical distribution and were phenotypically and genotypically heterogeneous (Table 1). Strains displaying the VanA resistance phenotype have been studied extensively, leading to the first elucidation of a mechanism of resistance to glycopeptides and to an insight into the regulation and mode of dissemination of the corresponding genes. We review the experimental approaches used to characterize the molecular basis of VanA resistance and briefly discuss the similarities and differences between the VanA phenotype and other phenotypes. The clinical implications (19, 31) and the mechanism (59) of glycopeptide resistance have recently been reviewed. The VanA phenotpe. Inducible resistance to high levels of vancomycin and teicoplanin defines the VanA phenotype (18). This type of resistance reduces the activities of all glycopeptides to various extents, but there is no crossresistance with other cell wall inhibitors (35, 40). Vancomycin induces the synthesis of two proteins that are readily detectable in enterococcal membrane fractions: a 39-kDa protein (5, 41, 50), which was identified as the VanA ligase necessary for cell wall synthesis in the presence of glycopeptides (21), and a D,D-carboxypeptidase (4) that is not required for resistance (7). High-level resistance to glycopeptides is generally transferable to susceptible enterococci by conjugation and was shown, at least in certain strains, to be mediated by self-transferable plasmids (20, 28, 36, 41, 43, 50, 53). It has recently been shown (9) that the genes necessary and sufficient for expression of the VanA phenotype are carried by a transposon designated TnI546. Dissemination of this transposon appears to be responsible for the spread of high-level glycopeptide resistance among clinical isolates of enterococci (9). Overview of Tn1546. Originally detected on plasmid pIP816 from Enterococcus faecium BM4147 (9, 35), TnJS46 consists of 10,851 bp and encodes nine polypeptides (Fig. 1) that can be assigned to four functional groups (7-9): transposition functions (open reading frames [ORFs] ORF1 and ORF2), regulation of vancomycin resistance genes (VanR and VanS), resistance to glycopeptides by production of depsipeptides (VanH, VanA, and VanX), and accessory proteins that may be involved in peptidoglycan synthesis,
Comparison of Pressure Volume Loop Closure with Just to Seal Technique to Guide Endotracheal Tube Cuff Inflation and to Assess the Incidence of Sore Throat, Cough

Objective: Several methods of endotracheal cuff (ETT) inflation methods were investigated to ensure proper cuff inflation to avoid short, and long term airway morbidities. Pressure Volume Loop (PV-L) closure was found to be a new technique to guide ETT cuff inflation with a lower cuff pressures. Hence, we assessed whether PV-L was a useful guide in inflating the ETT with adequate cuff pressure when compared to Just to Seal (JS) technique. Method: A prospective randomized double-blinded study was done with eighty-four patients undergoing surgeries under general anesthesia using endotracheal tubes. The ETT cuffs were inflated using PV-L closure in PV-L group and using stethoscope in JS group. The cuff pressure was measured as the primary outcome of the study. The cuff volume, postoperative sore throat, cough and hoarseness of voice were assessed as secondary outcomes. Results: In our study, PV-L group had statistically significantly lower post-intubation (24.5±4.97 cm of H2O in PV-L group, 28.6±6.39 cm of H2O in group JS, p-0.002) and preextubation cuff pressures (24.9±4.923 cm of H2O in Group PV-L, 29.0±5.624 cm of H2O in Group JS, p-0.001) when compared with the JS method. Conclusion: Pressure Volume Loop-guided endotracheal tube cuff inflation was an effective way to seal the airway with lower cuff pressures and was associated with a lower incidence of postoperative ETT cuff-related complications when compared with Just to Seal method.
Electron spin resonance studies of some manganese(II) complexes with heterocyclic ligands

Electronic and e.s. r. spectra have been measured for the compounds MnL4X2(L =γ-picoline, X = Cl, Br, I, NCS; L =β-picoline, X = Cl, Br; L = 3,5-lutidine, X = Cl, Br, I; L = 3-ethylpyridine, X = Br; L = 3-bromopyridine, X = I, NCS; and L = 3,5-dichloropyridine, X = I), and for some complexes MnL2X2 with the same neutral ligands. The e.s. r. spectra of most of the 4:1 complexes show absorption away from geff= 2, and are interpreted in terms of the zero-field splitting parameters D and λ. The compounds have essentially axial symmetry, with D in the range 0·035 to 0·87 cm–1, and λ close to zero.
Micelle formation, gelation and phase separation of amphiphilic multiblock copolymers†

The phase behaviour of amphiphilic multiblock copolymers with a large number of blocks in semidilute solutions is studied by lattice Monte Carlo simulations. The influence on the resulting structures of the concentration, the solvent quality and the ratio of hydrophobic to hydrophilic monomers in the chains has been assessed explicitly. Several distinct regimes are put in evidence. For poorly substituted (mainly hydrophilic) copolymers formation of micelles is observed, either isolated or connected by the hydrophilic moieties, depending on concentration and chain length. For more highly substituted chains larger tubular hydrophobic structures appear which, at higher concentration, join to form extended hydrophobic cores. For both substitution ratios gelation is observed, but with a very different gel network structure. For the poorly substituted chains the gel consists of micelles cross-linked by hydrophilic blocks whereas for the highly substituted copolymers the extended hydrophobic cores form the gelling network. The interplay between gelation and phase separation clearly appears in the phase diagram. In particular, for poorly substituted copolymers and in a narrow concentration range, we observe a sol–gel transition followed by an inverse gel-sol transition when increasing the interaction energy. The simulation results are discussed in the context of the experimentally observed phase properties of methylcellulose, a hydrophobically substituted polysaccharide.
Development of urea formaldehyde and polystyrene waste as copolymer binder for emulsion paint formulation

Urea formaldehyde, that is, trimethylol urea (TMU) resin was synthesized and blended with polystyrene waste (PS) to develop TMU/PS copolymer binder for emulsion paint formulation. The resulting copolymer was analysed for formaldehyde emission and other physical properties such as viscosity, gel time, density, turbidity, refractive index, melting point and moisture uptake, elongation at break and solubility in water. Infrared (IR) analysis of TMU, PS and TMU/PS showed chemical interaction between TMU and PS resins. The level of formaldehyde emission and moisture uptake were found to decrease with increase in PS concentration while, that of elongation at break on the other hand increase with increase in PS concentration. The three problems (hardness, low water resistant and formaldehyde emission) traditionally associated with TMU resin can be addressed with TMU/PS copolymer. Some physical properties of the copolymer are in agreement with the literature values of other type of binders use in paints with values within the acceptable level in the coating industry. Thus this study provides urea formaldehyde and polystyrene as a potential binder for the coating industry. Polystyrene which leads to polymer wastes is recycled and utilised for coating application. Key words: Binder, blending, polystyrene waste, solid waste, urea formaldehyde.
Bioaccumulation of Heavy Metals by Selected Plant Species from Uranium Mining Dumps in the Sudety Mts., Poland

Concentrations of the heavy metals Cd, Pb, Cu, n i, Mn, zn and Fe in soils of uranium-bearing dumps (Sudety Mts. Sw Poland, the dumps containing a high proportion of polymetallic minerals), as well as in two tree species (Salix caprea L., Betula pendula Roth.) and a shrub (Rubus idaeus L.), which frequently occur in this area, in spite of being disturbed by mining activities in the past. The accumulation ratio values of heavy metals were calculated. it was revealed that all the species examined, especially the tree species, accumulated high concentrations of heavy metals, above the average values given for plants in literature. R. idaeus generally exhibited the lowest concentrations of heavy metals except Mn, while S. caprea accumulated the highest levels of Cd exhibiting the greatest accumulation capability for this metal within all the examined dumps. There is a potential of using the examined plants in the monitoring of heavy metals in the environment on the basis of a significant correlation between heavy metal content of foliage and soil.
Mycobacterium leprae promotes triacylglycerol de novo synthesis through induction of GPAT3 expression in human premonocytic THP-1 cells

Mycobacterium leprae (M. leprae) is the etiological agent of leprosy, and the skin lesions of lepromatous leprosy are filled with numerous foamy or xanthomatous histiocytes that are parasitized by M. leprae. Lipids are an important nutrient for the intracellular survival of M. leprae. In this study, we attempted to determine the intracellular lipid composition and underlying mechanisms for changes in host cell lipid metabolism induced by M. leprae infection. Using high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC), we demonstrated specific induction of triacylglycerol (TAG) production in human macrophage THP-1 cells following M. leprae infection. We then used [14C] stearic acid tracing to show incorporation of this newly synthesized host cell TAG into M. leprae. In parallel with TAG accumulation, expression of host glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase 3 (GPAT3), a key enzyme in de novo TAG synthesis, was significantly increased in M. leprae-infected cells. CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing of GPAT3 in THP-1 cells (GPAT3 KO) dramatically reduced accumulation of TAG following M. leprae infection, intracellular mycobacterial load, and bacteria viability. These results together suggest that M. leprae induces host GPAT3 expression to facilitate TAG accumulation within macrophages to maintain a suitable environment that is crucial for intracellular survival of these bacilli.
Pre-clinical left ventricular myocardial remodeling in patients with Friedreich’s ataxia: A cardiac MRI study

Background Heart Failure (HF) is the most common cause of death in Friedreich’s ataxia (FRDA), an inherited mitochondrial disease. Myocardial fibrosis and myocardial hypertrophy are well-documented autopsy features among FRDA patients with HF. Objectives To leverage the unique tissue characterization features of cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) for characterizing myocardial remodeling in patients with genetically confirmed FRDA without HF and preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF > 55%). Methods Twenty-seven FRDA’s patients (age 27.6 ± 9.7 years, 15 women) and 10 healthy controls (32.6±7.3 years, 5 women) underwent a CMR for assessment of LV function, myocardial T1, late gadolinium enhancement (LGE), extracellular volume fraction (ECV), and intracellular water-lifetime (τic), a marker of cardiomyocyte size. Results As compared to controls, FRDA patients had a preserved LVEF (LVEF: 70.5±7.4% vs. 63.9±9.0%, P<0.058), larger LV mass index (LVMASSi: 61±21.7 vs. 45±4.2g/m2, P<0.02), and decreased LV end-diastolic volume index (LVEDVi 53.1±12.0 vs. 75.7±16.1ml/m2, P<0.001), compared with controls. Additionally, ECV and cardiomyocyte size (τic,) were larger in FRDA patients (ECV: 0.36 ±0.05 vs. 0.25±0.02, P<0.001; τic: 0.15±0.08 vs. 0.06±0.03 s, P = 0.02). ECV and τic were positively associated with LV mass-to-volume ratio (ECV: r = 0.57, P = 0.003; τic: r = 0.39; P = 0.05). LVMASSi and cardiomyocyte mass-index [(1−ECV)·LVMASSi] declined with age at the CMR exam, independent of the age at initial diagnosis. Conclusions LV hypertrophy and concentric LV remodeling in FRDA are associated at the tissue level with an expansion of the ECV and an increase in cardiomyocyte size. The adverse tissue remodeling assessed by ECV and τic is associated with more severe cardiomyopathy classification, suggesting a role for these markers in tracking disease progression.
Patients with inflammatory bowel disease on immunosuppressive drugs: perspectives’ on COVID-19 and health care service during the pandemic

Abstract Background and aims Patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) have experienced changes to the routine management because of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. The aim of this study was to examine patients with IBD’s adherence to the restrictions imposed by society and the hospital, worries and concerns regarding medical treatment and clinical follow-up under the pandemic. Methods IBD patients (≥18 years) at the outpatient clinic at Oslo University Hospital were included and answered a self-report questionnaire including concerns regarding their disease, medical therapy and follow-up during SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Results In total, 522 IBD patients were included, 317 Crohn’s disease, 205 ulcerative colitis, 386 patients <50 years. Eighteen percent were in obligatory quarantine, and more often patients <50 years compared to patients ≥50 years. Five patients tested positive to SARS- CoV-2. A higher proportion <50 years reported worries for their medical treatment and risk of COVID −19 disease compared to those ≥50 years. Forty percent avoided family, two-thirds avoided friends, and 4% cancelled their scheduled consultation at the hospital. The hospital changed physical consultation to telephone consultation for 15% of the patients. The preferred follow-up was physical consultation. A higher proportion of the patients <50 years preferred telephone consultation compared to those ≥50 years. Four out of five IBD patients were satisfied with the information about their IBD and COVID-19. Conclusions SARS-CoV-2 pandemic affects the daily lives for patients with IBD. It is important to develop evidence-base guidelines in follow-up and treatment, as well as patient information about COVID-19and IBD.
Incidence and clinical predictors of infections in patients treated with severe systemic ANCA-associated vasculitis.

Background Immunosuppressive therapy has improved the outcome of ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV), but infectious morbidity and mortality remained high. Recognizing its risk factors seems crucial for prevention, aiming to increase survival of these patients. Methods We investigated the incidence and types of infections and assessed predictive factors in 132 patients with severe systemic AAV. Results Patients with lower than median incidence of total infections/patient-year during induction had lower baseline serum creatinine, dialysis requirement and Charlson comorbidity index (CCI), compared to those with higher than median incidence (P = 0.037; P = 0.024; P = 0.001; respectively). In subgroups with below and above than median number of severe infections/patient-year during induction, differences were found in baseline creatinine (P = 0.002) and dialysis requirement (P = 0.001); comparing the same cohorts during maintenance immunosuppression, baseline dialysis requirement, diabetes, CCI, and dose of cyclophosphamide (CYC) administered as induction therapy differed significantly (P = 0.019; P = 0.015; P = 0.001; P = 0.015, respectively). Severe infections were predicted by baseline serum creatinine (OR 1.002 [CI 1.001-1.003]) and pulmonary manifestation (OR 2.153 [CI 1.017-4.560]) during induction immunosuppression. In multivariable Cox regression model all-cause mortality was independently predicted by severe infection (HR 1.998 [CI 1.214-3.287]). Among the 168 positive cultures Gram-negative bacteria were responsible for blood stream infections in 33%, and respiratory tract infections in 72%. Conclusions Advanced renal failure, pulmonary involvement and high degree of comorbidities increase the risk of infection in AAV. Those who suffer infection during induction immunosuppression have worse long-term survival. Our findings indicate the need for high vigilance for infections and close follow-up of comorbidities when treating AAV.
GC/MS Analysis of Volatile Components of Everlasting (Helichrysum stoechas L.) Essential Oil

Abstract Helichrysum stoechas L. plants were hydrodistilled and the oil, which was obtained in 0.04% yield, was analyzed by GC and GC/MS. The major components were α-pinene (63%), limonene (14%), β-caryophyllene (2.8%) and α-humulene (2%). Other separated components (≃90) accounted for less than 10% of the oil.
Higher Incidence of Radiographic Posttraumatic Osteoarthritis With Transtibial Femoral Tunnel Positioning Compared With Anteromedial Femoral Tunnel Positioning During Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Background: Anteromedial (AM) femoral tunnel positioning in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) has been reported by some authors to yield superior clinical and functional outcomes compared with the transtibial (TT) approach; however, differences in the subsequent rates of posttraumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA) are not clear. Purpose: To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature to evaluate the influence of femoral tunnel positioning during primary ACLR on the development of radiographic PTOA. Study Design: Systematic review and Meta-analysis. Methods: The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PubMed (1980-2019), and MEDLINE (1980-2019) were queried for all studies describing the development of PTOA after TT or AM ACLR. Data pertaining to patient demographics, ACLR technique, and radiographic PTOA were extracted. A meta-analysis utilizing the DerSimonian-Laird method for random effects was used to compare the weighted proportion of PTOA after ACLR between the TT and AM approaches. Results: There were 16 studies identified for inclusion with a total of 1546 patients. The mean follow-up across all studies was 10.9 years (range, 5.4-17.8 years). The mean follow-up in the AM and TT groups was 10.8 years (range, 5.4-17 years) and 11.4 years (range, 6-17.8 years), respectively. A total of 783 (50.6%) patients underwent TT ACLR. Of these patients, 401 (weighted mean, 49.3%) developed radiographic PTOA. A total of 763 (49.4%) patients underwent AM ACLR. Of these patients, 166 (mean, 21.8%) went on to develop radiographic PTOA. The meta-analysis demonstrated a significantly greater rate of PTOA after ACLR using a TT technique compared with an AM technique overall (49.3% vs 25.4%, respectively; P < .001) and when studies were stratified by 5- to 10-year (53.7% vs 14.2%, respectively; P < .001) and greater than 10-year (45.6% vs 31.2%, respectively; P < .0001) follow-up. Conclusion: TT ACLR was associated with higher overall rates of radiographic PTOA compared with the AM ACLR approach. The rates of radiographic PTOA after ACLR with a TT approach were also significantly higher than using an AM approach when stratified by length of follow-up (5- to 10-year and >10-year follow-up).
Comparative Analysis of Two Clinical Diagnostic Methods of the Corneoscleral Geometry

Purpose: To compare the sagittal height (SH) measurements and best fit sphere (BFS) scleral curvature obtained with two different diagnostic technologies. Methods: Prospective, nonrandomized, and comparative study analyzing 23 healthy eyes of 23 patients (age, 14–52 years) was conducted. A complete eye examination was performed including a corneoscleral topographic analysis with the Scheimpflug camera–based system Pentacam (Oculus GmbH, Wetzlar, Germany) and afterward with the Fourier domain profilometer Eye Surface Profiler (ESP) (Eaglet-Eye, Houten, the Netherlands). Differences between devices in temporal SH (TSH), nasal SH (NSH), and mean SH (MSH) measurements at 13- and 15-mm chord length and in scleral BFS were analyzed. Results: Statistically significant differences were found in TSH, NSH, and MSH obtained with Pentacam and ESP (P≤0.017), with a range of agreement from 0.21 to 1.28 mm, and a clear trend of the Pentacam system to provide higher SH measurements. Significant differences were found between Pentacam scleral BFS and ESP outer BFS (P<0.001) (range agreement, 3.57 mm). Significant correlations were found between spherical equivalent and differences between devices in 15-mm TSH (r=0.485; P=0.048), as well as between the difference between devices for some SH measurements and the magnitude of such SH values (r≥0.504; P≤0.014). Conclusion: Sagittal height and scleral BFS measurements obtained with the two devices are not interchangeable, with an increased difference in SH measures between devices in eyes with less myopic refractive error and increased SH values.
Efficacy and Safety of Domperidone and Metoclopramide in Breastfeeding: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Objectives: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of domperidone and metoclopramide used by breastfeeding women. Methods: A systematic literature search retrieved citations from PubMed, Embase, The Cochrane Library, Medline, EBSCO, Web of Science, ClinicalTrials.gov (from inception to January, 2021) and bibliographies of known articles. Randomized controlled trials exploring the effects of domperidone and metoclopramide in breastfeeding women with term and preterm infants experiencing adequate or low milk supply were identified. Human milk volume and maternal side effects were presented as mean difference (MD) or relative risks (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results: Sixteen trials involving 729 women were included in the qualitative analysis and 14 trials involving 607 women were included in the meta-analysis. In mothers of preterm infants with low milk supply, domperidone demonstrated a significant increase in daily human milk volume (MD = 90.53 mL/day, 95% CI [65.42 to 115.64], I2 = 9%). However, metoclopramide did not show significant difference in daily human milk volume in women with preterm infants (MD = -1.14 mL/day, 95% CI [-31.42 to 29.14], I2 = 0%). No differences in maternal side effects were noted with domperidone (RR = 1.20, 95% CI [0.74 to 1.97], I2 = 0%) or metoclopramide (RR = 1.05, 95% CI [0.52 to 2.11], I2 = 27%) in women with preterm infants. Regarding the women with term infants, there were insufficient data in the current review. Conclusions: Domperidone can be used to treat low milk supply in women with preterm infants without significant side effects based on the current review. More evidence exploring the efficacy and safety of domperidone and metoclopramide are still needed for breastfeeding women in the future.
Influence of Thermal Decomposition on the Mechanical Properties of Magnesia‐Stabilized Cubic Zirconia

Cubic magnesia-stabilized zirconia was decomposed by isothermal heat treatment at 1100°C. The mechanical properties, including strength, fracture toughness, and hardness, were measured at various stages during the decomposition process. The strength initially decreased with aging but then recovered almost to its initial value. This strength decrease was associated with cracking of islands of the cubic phase in the matrix of monoclinic zirconia. The fracture toughness followed the strength although it was found that the monoclinic phase exhibited stable crack growth during notched beam fracture experiments or R-curve behavior. Measurements of the hardness indicated that the cubic phase was much harder than the monoclinic phase. In addition, X-ray diffraction, optical, and transmission electron microscopy studies were made of the decomposition process.