Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
β-lactam resistance associated with β-lactamase production and porin alteration in clinical isolates of E. coli and K. pneumoniae

β-lactam resistance represents a worldwide problem and a serious challenge for antimicrobial treatment. Hence this research was conducted to recognize several mechanisms mediating β-lactam resistance in E. coli and K. pneumoniae clinical isolates collected from Mansoura University hospitals, Egypt. A total of 80 isolates, 45 E. coli and 35 K. pneumoniae isolates, were collected and their antibiotic susceptibility was determined by the Disc diffusion method followed by phenotypic and genotypic detection of extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs), AmpC β-lactamase, carbapenemase enzymes. The outer membrane protein porins of all isolates were analyzed and their genes were examined using gene amplification and sequencing. Also, the resistance to complement-mediated serum killing was estimated. A significant percentage of isolates (93.8%) were multidrug resistance and showed an elevated resistance to β-lactam antibiotics. The presence of either ESBL or AmpC enzymes was high among isolates (83.75%). Also, 60% of the isolated strains were carbapenemase producers. The most frequently detected gene of ESBL among all tested isolates was blaCTX-M-15 (86.3%) followed by blaTEM-1 (81.3%) and blaSHV-1 (35%) while the Amp-C gene was present in 83.75%. For carbapenemase-producing isolates, blaNDM1 was the most common (60%) followed by blaVIM-1 (35%) and blaOXA-48 (13.8%). Besides, 73.3% and 40% of E. coli and K. pneumoniae isolates respectively were serum resistant. Outer membrane protein analysis showed that 93.3% of E. coli and 95.7% of K. pneumoniae isolates lost their porins or showed modified porins. Furthermore, sequence analysis of tested porin genes in some isolates revealed the presence of frameshift mutations that produced truncated proteins of smaller size. β-lactam resistance in K. pneumoniae and E. coli isolates in our hospitals is due to a combination of β-lactamase activity and porin loss/alteration. Hence more restrictions should be applied on β-lactams usage to decrease the emergence of resistant strains.
Fast Periodic Auditory Stimulation Reveals a Robust Categorical Response to Voices in the Human Brain

Abstract Voices are arguably among the most relevant sounds in humans’ everyday life, and several studies have suggested the existence of voice-selective regions in the human brain. Despite two decades of research, defining the human brain regions supporting voice recognition remains challenging. Moreover, whether neural selectivity to voices is merely driven by acoustic properties specific to human voices (e.g., spectrogram, harmonicity), or whether it also reflects a higher-level categorization response is still under debate. Here, we objectively measured rapid automatic categorization responses to human voices with fast periodic auditory stimulation (FPAS) combined with electroencephalography (EEG). Participants were tested with stimulation sequences containing heterogeneous non-vocal sounds from different categories presented at 4 Hz (i.e., four stimuli/s), with vocal sounds appearing every three stimuli (1.333 Hz). A few minutes of stimulation are sufficient to elicit robust 1.333 Hz voice-selective focal brain responses over superior temporal regions of individual participants. This response is virtually absent for sequences using frequency-scrambled sounds, but is clearly observed when voices are presented among sounds from musical instruments matched for pitch and harmonicity-to-noise ratio (HNR). Overall, our FPAS paradigm demonstrates that the human brain seamlessly categorizes human voices when compared with other sounds including musical instruments’ sounds matched for low level acoustic features and that voice-selective responses are at least partially independent from low-level acoustic features, making it a powerful and versatile tool to understand human auditory categorization in general.
Thermophysical Properties of Imidazolium-Based Ionic Liquids: The Effect of Aliphatic versus Aromatic Functionality

In this work, a series of imidazolium-based ionic liquids with varying functionalities from aliphatic to aromatic groups and a fixed anion, bis[(trifluoromethane)sulfonyl]amide, were investigated. The imidazolium cations included 1-heptyl-3-methylimidazolium, 1-(cyclohexylmethyl)-3-methylimidazolium, 1-benzyl-3-methylimidazolium, 1,3-dibenzylimidazolium, and 1-(2-naphthylmethyl)-3-methylimidazolium. Structure–property relationships were investigated regarding the substituent effects on the imidazolium cation, including n-alkyl versus cycloalkyl and aromatic versus aliphatic, as well as the effects of cation symmetry and larger aromatic polycyclic functionalities. Thermophysical properties investigated include density, thermal transition temperatures, and decomposition temperatures. The densities of the ionic liquids are governed by the substituents on the cation: n-alkyl < cycloalkyl < aromatic. The group contribution method is applicable for the density estimation of ionic liquids, and the volume paramet.
Factors Associated with Readmission in the US Following Hospitalization with COVID-19

Abstract Background Patients hospitalized for COVID-19 may experience complications following hospitalization and require readmission. This analysis estimates the rate and risk factors associated with COVID-19-related readmission and inpatient mortality. Methods This is a retrospective cohort study utilizing deidentified chargemaster data from 297 hospitals across 40 US states on patients hospitalized with COVID-19 February 15-June 09, 2020. Demographics, comorbidities, acute conditions, and clinical characteristics of first hospitalization are summarized. Mulitvariable logistic regression was used to measure risk factor associations with 30-day readmission and in-hospital mortality. Results Among 29,659 patients, 1,070 (3.6%) were readmitted. Readmitted patients were more likely to have diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease (CVD), chronic kidney disease (CKD) vs those not readmitted (p<0.0001) and to present on first admission with acute kidney injury (15.6% vs. 9.2%), congestive heart failure (6.4% vs. 2.4%), and cardiomyopathy (2.1% vs. 0.8%) (p<0.0001). Higher odds of readmission were observed in patients age >60 vs. 1840 (odds ratio [OR]=1.92, 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.48, 2.50), and admitted in the Northeast vs. West (OR=1.43, 95% CI=1.14, 1.79) or South (OR=1.28, 95% CI=1.11, 1.49). Comorbidities including diabetes (OR=1.34, 95% CI=1.12, 1.60), CVD (OR=1.46, 95% CI=1.23, 1.72), CKD stage 1-5 (OR=1.51, 95% CI=1.25,1.81) and stage 5 (OR=2.27, 95% CI=1.81, 2.86) were associated with higher odds of readmission. 12.3% of readmitted patients died during second hospitalization. Conclusions Among this large US population of patients hospitalized with COVID-19, readmission was associated with certain comorbidities and acute conditions during first hospitalization. These findings may inform strategies to mitigate risks of readmission due to COVID-19 complications.
Suicide along the Australian coast: Exploring the epidemiology and risk factors

Suicide is an increasing global concern with multiple risk factors, yet location-based understanding is limited. In Australia, surf lifesavers (SLS) and lifeguards patrol the coast, performing rescues and assisting injured people, including people who suicide. This study is a descriptive epidemiological analysis of Australian coastal suicide deaths. The results will be used to inform training and support surf lifesaving personnel and suicide prevention organisations. This is a population-based cross-sectional study of suicide deaths at Australian coastal locations (between 1 January 2005 and 31 December 2019). Data were sourced from the National Coronial Information System and SLS Australia’s Incident Report Database. Analyses explored decedent, incident, and risk factors by sex and method. Across the study period, there were 666 coastal suicide deaths (71.0% male, 43.4% jumping from high places [X80]). Males were more likely to suicide by other means (hanging, self-poisoning, firearm discharge; n = 145, 83.8%), compared to females who were more likely to suicide by drowning ([X71]; n = 77, 37.7%). In one third (n = 225, 38.3%) toxicology was a contributing factor. The risk of coastal suicides was 10.3 times higher during the seven-days prior to their birthday (p<0.001). Evidence of mental ill health was reported in 61.4% (n = 409) of cases and evidence of suicidal behaviour was reported for 37.4% of decedents (n = 249), more prevalent in females. SLS responded in 10.7% (n = 71) of coastal suicides (most jumps from high places; n = 36, 50.7%). Coastal suicides differ to national trends suggesting that location-based differences should be considered during development of preventative and protective measures, especially at a community level. Accessibility, availability, perceived lethality and symbolic qualities are proposed to influence suicide location decisions. These results will guide support and education strategies for surf lifesaving personnel, contributes to established, ongoing suicide surveillance efforts (including hot-spot identification) and add to the limited literature exploring place-based suicide.
Celecoxib reduces inflammation and angiogenesis in mice with adenomyosis.

OBJECTIVE This study aimed to explore the effect of COX-2 selective inhibitor (celecoxib) on adenomyosis and its mechanism. METHODS By establishing a mouse model of adenomyosis and using celecoxib to treat adenomyosis, newly born female mice were randomly divided into a control group, adenomyosis model group, and celecoxib group. Hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining was used to observe the depth of endometrial infiltration of mouse adenomyosis. RT-PCR (reverse transcription PCR) and western blot were used to detect the expression of Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), Vascular growth factor (VEGF), Nerve growth factor (NGF), and Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) mRNA and protein in mice before and after celecoxib treatment. RESULTS After treatment with celecoxib, the depth of endometrial infiltration of mouse adenomyosis was reduced. COX-2 and VEGF decreased significantly after celecoxib inhibited expression of COX-2 (P<0.001), but there was no significant difference in the expression of NGF or CRH (P>0.05). CONCLUSION This study indicated that COX-2 may be an important factor related to the pathogenesis of adenomyosis, and it may become an important molecular target for the treatment of adenomyosis.
Association of fibroblast growth factor 21 with metabolic syndrome and endothelial function in children: a prospective cross-sectional study on novel biomarkers

Purpose Metabolic and cardiovascular disease prevention starting in childhood is critical for reducing morbidity later in life. In the present study, the association of novel biomarkers with metabolic syndrome (MS) and vascular function/structure indices of early atherosclerosis in children was investigated. Methods This was a prospective study of 78 children (8–16 years of age) grouped based on the presence or absence of MS. The serum biomarkers investigated included fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21), leptin, adiponectin, and insulinlike growth factor binding protein-1 (IGFBP1). Endothelial function and carotid atherosclerosis were assessed based on brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD) and carotid intima-media thickness, respectively. Results Children with MS (n=12) had higher levels of FGF21 (median [interquartile range]: 128 [76–189] pg/mL vs. 60 [20–98] pg/mL, P=0.003) and leptin (18.1 [11–34.8] pg/mL vs. 7.5 [1.9–16.5] ng/mL, P=0.003), and lower levels of IGFBP1 (1.5 [1.2–2.1] ng/mL vs. 2.3 [1.5–6] ng/mL, P=0.028) compared with children without MS. FMD inversely correlated with FGF21 (Spearman rho= -0.24, P=0.035) and leptin (rho= -0.24, P=0.002) in all children. The best cutoff value of FGF21 levels for MS diagnosis was above 121.3 pg/mL (sensitivity/specificity, 58/86%). Only FGF21 was significantly associated with the presence of MS after adjustment for body mass index, age, and sex (odds ratio per 10 pg/mL increase: 1.10 [95% confidence interval, 1.01–1.22]; P=0.043). Conclusions Increased FGF21 levels were associated with the presence of MS and worse endothelial function in children. Larger studies are needed to evaluate the potential value of FGF21 as a biomarker that could predict future metabolic/cardiovascular disease at an early stage.
Elevated procalcitonin concentrations in severe Covid-19 may not reflect bacterial co-infection

Background The variability of Covid-19 severity between patients has driven efforts to identify prognosticating laboratory markers that could aid clinical decision-making. Procalcitonin is classically used as a diagnostic marker in bacterial infections, but its role in predicting Covid-19 disease severity is emerging. We aimed to identify the association between procalcitonin and Covid-19 disease severity in a critical care setting and whether bacterial co-infection is implicated. Methods We retrospectively reviewed Covid-19 patients with procalcitonin concentrations measured in a critical care setting at our institution between February and September 2020. Laboratory markers including peak procalcitonin values and a range of bacterial culture results were analysed. Outcomes were the requirement and duration of invasive mechanical ventilation as well as inpatient mortality. Results In total, 60 patients were included; 68% required invasive mechanical ventilation and 45% died as inpatient. Univariate analysis identified higher peak procalcitonin concentrations significantly associated with both the requirement for invasive mechanical ventilation (OR: 3.2, 95% CI 1.3–9.0, P = 0.02) and inpatient mortality (OR: 2.6, 95% CI 1.1–6.6, P = 0.03). Higher peak procalcitonin concentrations was an independent predictor of mortality on multivariate analysis (OR 3.7, 95% CI 1.1–12.4, P = 0.03). There was a significant positive correlation between increased peak procalcitonin concentrations and duration on invasive mechanical ventilation. No significant difference was found between peak procalcitonin concentrations of patients with positive and negative bacterial cultures. Conclusions Elevated procalcitonin concentrations in Covid-19 patients are associated with respiratory failure requiring prolonged invasive mechanical ventilation and inpatient mortality. This association may be independent of bacterial co-infection.
Prevalence of common mental disorders and associated factors among adults with Glaucoma attending University of Gondar comprehensive specialized hospital tertiary eye care and training center, Northwest, Ethiopia 2020

Purpose This study aimed to assess the prevalence of common mental disorders and associated factors among adults with glaucoma at Gondar university comprehensive specialized hospital tertiary eye care and training center. Glaucoma predisposes patients to common mental problems and leads to wasteful, costly and inefficient use of medical services and complications of the diagnoses. So, determining the level and factors associated with common mental disorders among glaucoma patient would help to improve and integrate comprehensive ophthalmic services which address common mental disorder in a follow-up visit. Methods An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 495 glaucoma patients selected by using systematic random sampling. Data were collected through face-to-face interview and chart review. Self-reported questionnaire (SRQ-20) was used to assess the presence of common mental disorders. Binary logistic regression analysis was done to identify factors associated with common mental disorders. Variables with P<0.05 were considered as factors significantly associated with common mental disorders. Result Four hundred sixty-eight patients were included in this study with a response rate of 94.54%. The mean age of the participant was 58 ± 14.11 years. The prevalence of common mental disorders was found to be 29.5% (95% CI 25.4–33.3). Female sex (AOR = 3.79, 95% CI: 1.66–8.62) (p-value = 0.001), average monthly income of less than 1200 birr (AOR = 6.05 95% CI: 2.26–16.22) (p-value = 0.001), poor level of social support (AOR = 17.39 95% CI: 7.79–38.82) (p-value = 0.001), moderate and high risk of alcohol use (AOR = 10.42 95%CI: 2.74–39.54) (p-value = 0.001), presence of chronic medical illness (AOR = 3.85 95% CI: 2.07–7.16) (p-value = 0.001), receiving both drug and surgical treatment (AOR = 2.50, 95%CI: 1.30–4.83) (p-value = 0.006) and presence of systemic carbonic anhydrase inhibitors use (AOR = 3.16, 95%CI: 1.65–6.06) (p-value = 0.001) were significantly associated with increased level of common mental disorders. Conclusion Significant numbers of glaucoma patients have CMD and found significantly associated with socio-economic, ocular and systemic clinical factors. Therefore, the integration of psychosocial care into the current treatment of patients with glaucoma would have a significant advantage to help these patients.
Inertial sensing of step kinematics in ambulatory patients with ALS and related motor neuron diseases

Abstract Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive disorder which impairs gait and elevates the risk for falls. Current methods of assessing gait in these patients are infrequent and subjective. The goal of this study was to evaluate wearable-based methods for assessing gait to facilitating better monitoring of ambulatory health and ultimately lessen fall risk. Thirty ambulatory patients seen in ALS clinic were guided by a physical therapist on a short walk, during which inertial sensors recorded their movement. Two methods, utilising sensors at the waist or foot, were used independently to estimate gait parameters. Decreased stride length, increased stride duration and decreased walking speed were associated with lower functional walking scores, and the presence of a cane or walker. Overall, there was no group-wide mean walking speed differences between methods, though the waist method overestimated stride length and walking speed in those with more significant gait dysfunction compared to the foot method. Reconstruction of movement using the foot-based sensor resulted in route segments that were 94 ± 1% standard error of the mean (SEM) the length of a centre-to-centre hallway reference vector, with an angular error of 0.66 ± 0.28° SEM.
Genetic and Epidemiologic Analyses of an Outbreak of Pneumocystis jirovecii Pneumonia among Kidney Transplant Recipients in the United States.

BACKGROUND Pneumocystis jiroveciii is an opportunistic fungus that causes Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) in immunocompromised hosts. Over an 11-month period, we observed a rise in cases of PCP among kidney-transplant recipients (KTR), prompting an outbreak investigation. METHODS Clinical and epidemiologic data were collected for KTR diagnosed with PCP between July 2019 and May 2020. Pneumocystis strain typing was performed using restriction fragment length polymorphism analyses and multilocus sequence typing in combination with next-generation sequencing. A transmission map was drawn, and a case-control analysis was performed to determine risk factors associated with PCP. RESULTS Nineteen cases of PCP in KTR were diagnosed at a median of 79 months post-transplantation; eight received monthly belatacept infusions. Baseline characteristics were similar for KTR on belatacept versus other regimens; the number of clinic visits was numerically higher for the belatacept group during the study period (median 7.5 vs 3). Molecular typing of respiratory specimens from nine patients revealed coinfection with up to seven P. jirovecii strains per patient. A transmission map suggested multiple clusters of interhuman transmission. In a case-control univariate analysis, belatacept, lower absolute lymphocyte count, non-White race, and more transplant clinic visits were associated with an increased risk of PCP. In multivariate and prediction power estimate analyses, frequent clinic visits was the strongest risk factor for PCP. CONCLUSION Increased clinic exposure appeared to facilitate multiple clusters of nosocomial PCP transmission among KTR. Belatacept was a risk factor for PCP, possibly by increasing clinic exposure through the need for frequent visits for monthly infusions.
Circulating SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine Antigen Detected in the Plasma of mRNA-1273 Vaccine Recipients

Abstract SARS-CoV-2 proteins were measured in longitudinal plasma samples collected from 13 participants who received two doses of mRNA-1273 vaccine. 11 of 13 participants showed detectable levels of SARS-CoV-2 protein as early as day one after first vaccine injection. Clearance of detectable SARS-CoV-2 protein correlated with production of IgG and IgA.
Prevalence of Screen Time Among Children Aged 2 to 5 Years in Chandigarh, a North Indian Union Territory

This article has supplementary material on the web site: www.jdbp. org. ABSTRACT: Objective: To estimate the prevalence of screen time (ST) and its associated effects, including emotional and behavioral changes, sleep disturbances, and physical activity levels, in children aged 2 to 5 years. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study among 400 randomly selected children aged 2 to 5 years in Chandigarh, North India. We used a validated, pretested, semistructured digital-screen exposure and physical activity questionnaire; an abbreviated standard Child Sleep Habit Questionnaire; and a standard Preschool Child Behavior Checklist. We considered ST as excessive if it was more than 1 hour per day as per the American Academy of Pediatrics 2016 guidelines. IBM SPSS Statistics for Macintosh, version 25.0, was used to perform linear regression model analysis and stepwise binary multivariate logistic regression. Results: Approximately 59.5% of children (mean age 3.5 ± 0.9 years) had excessive ST. ST was higher on weekdays (58.5%) compared with the weekends (56.8%). Higher ST correlated positively with the mother's level of education (r = +0.219) and higher per capita family income (r = +0.227). Screen time was also positively correlated with attending daycare centers (adjusted odd's ratio [aOR] = 1.82, confidence interval [CI] = 1.18–2.81), caregivers ST of more than 2 hours (aOR = 1.68, CI = 1.12–2.56), and the absence of digital-media rules at home (aOR = 3.3, CI = 0.92–11.65). It was negatively correlated (i.e., protective) with lower mother's education (i.e., up to middle school) (aOR = 0.62, CI = 0.41–0.96) and watching educational digital-media content (aOR = 0.53, CI = 0.33–0.87). Conclusion: We observed a high prevalence of excessive ST among children aged 2 to 5 years. Screen time was significantly associated with being in daycare centers, higher caregivers' ST, lower mothers' educational status, and educational digital content.
Priapism from myeloid sarcoma of the sacral canal in a 6-year-old patient

Sarah Salou, Ursula Feige, Evangelia Antoniou, and Christian Flotho Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; Department of Neuroradiology, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; AMLBFM Study Group, Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Freiburg, Germany; German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany