Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Metagenomic Next-Generation Sequencing in Diagnosis of a Case of Pneumocystis jirovecii Pneumonia in a Kidney Transplant Recipient and Literature Review

Background Despite the increasing incidences of Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP) in renal transplant recipients, diagnosis of PCP remains challenging due to its nonspecific clinical presentation and the inadequate performance of conventional diagnostic methods. There is a need for novel diagnostic methods. Case Presentation A 27-year-old woman developed acute pneumonia 4 months after renal transplantation. Blood tests revealed a low CD4 count, a normal 1,3-beta-D-glucan level and other changes typical of inflammatory responses. Chest imaging showed bilateral diffuse infiltrates. Microscopic examination of stained sputum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) smear specimens did not find Pneumocystis organisms. There was also no evidence for other pathogens known to cause pneumonia in various antibody and culture tests. Direct metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) analysis of a BALF specimen identified a large number of P. jirovecii reads, allowing to confirm the diagnosis of PCP. Following treatment with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole for two weeks, the patient was cured and discharged. Conclusion This case report supports the value of mNGS in diagnosing PCP, highlights the inadequate sensitivity of conventional diagnostic methods for PCP, and calls for the need to add PCP prophylaxis to the current Diagnosis and Treatment Guideline of Invasive Fungal Infections in Solid Organ Transplant Recipients in China.
Gut microbiota is involved in the alleviation of loperamide‐induced constipation by honey supplementation in mice

Abstract Constipation is one of the most common functional gastrointestinal disorders accompanied with intestinal dysbiosis. Laxatives for constipation usually have side effects. Bee honey is a natural food with unique composition, antimicrobial properties, and bifidogenic effect. In order to assess whether honey can ameliorate loperamide‐induced constipation in BALB/c mice through the alteration of the gut microbiota, the present study was undertaken. Mice were given Jarrah honey (7.5 g/kg body weight) by gavage once per day for 5 days. Fecal water content, intestinal transit rate together with the colon concentrations of substance P (SP), vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), and serotonin (5‐hydroxytryptamine; 5‐HT) were evaluated. Furthermore, we determined the effect of honey treatment on gut microbiota in mice using stool genomic 16S rRNA sequencing. As a result, honey showed an obvious improvement in fecal water content and alleviated constipation by modulating the microbial composition of the microbiota, and this was highly associated with a proportional decrease in gut Desulfovibrio. In addition, we found that the colon level of neurotransmitters SP and VIP was significantly related to microbial variations. Our results indicate that gut microbiota is involved in the alleviation of loperamide‐induced constipation by honey supplementation in mice, and it could be considered as an evaluating parameter in constipation therapy strategies.
High Coverage and Low Utilization of the Double Fortified Salt Program in Uttar Pradesh, India: Implications for Program Implementation and Evaluation

ABSTRACT Background Double fortified salt (DFS) is efficacious in addressing iron deficiency, but evidence of its effectiveness is limited. The few published evaluations do not include details on program implementation, limiting their utility for programmatic decisions. Objectives We sought to characterize the coverage of a DFS program implemented through the Public Distribution System (PDS) in Uttar Pradesh, India, and understand the drivers of DFS adherence. Methods After 8 mo of implementation, we surveyed 1202 households in 5 districts and collected data on sociodemographic characteristics, asset ownership, food security, and regular PDS utilization. We defined DFS program coverage as the proportion of PDS beneficiaries who had heard of and purchased DFS, and we defined DFS adherence as DFS use reported by households. We used principal component analysis to create an asset-based index of relative wealth, and we categorized households into higher/lower relative wealth quintiles. We conducted path analyses to examine the drivers of DFS adherence, particularly the mediated influence of household wealth on DFS adherence. The evaluation is registered with 3ie's Registry for International Development Impact Evaluations (RIDIE‐STUDY‐ID‐58f6eeb45c050). Results The DFS program had good coverage: 83% of respondents had heard of DFS and 74% had purchased it at least once. However, only 23% exclusively used DFS. Respondents had low awareness about DFS benefits and considered DFS quality as poor. Being in a lower household wealth quintile and being food insecure were significant drivers of DFS adherence, and regular PDS utilization acted as a mediator. Adherence was lower in urban areas. Conclusions We observed significant heterogeneity in DFS implementation as reflected by high coverage and low adherence. Findings from this process evaluation informed the design of an adaptive impact evaluation and provided generalizable insights for ensuring that the potential for impact is realized. Efforts are needed to increase awareness, improve product quality, as well as mitigate against the sensory challenges identified.
Leaf‐footed bugs possess multiple hidden contrasting color signals, but only one is associated with increased body size

Abstract Antipredatory displays that incorporate hidden contrasting coloration are found in a variety of different animals. These displays are seen in organisms that have drab coloration at rest, but when disturbed reveal conspicuous coloration. Examples include the bright abdomens of mountain katydids and the colorful underwings of hawk moths. Such hidden displays can function as secondary defenses, enabling evasion of a pursuant predator. To begin to understand why some species have these displays while others do not, we conducted phylogenetic comparative analyses to investigate factors associated with the evolution of hidden contrasting coloration in leaf‐footed bugs. First, we investigated whether hidden contrasting coloration was associated with body size because these displays are considered to be more effective in larger organisms. We then investigated whether hidden contrasting coloration was associated with an alternative antipredatory defense, in this case rapid autotomy. We found that leaf‐footed bugs with hidden contrasting coloration tended to autotomize more slowly, but this result was not statistically significant. We also found that the presence of a body size association was dependent upon the form of the hidden color display. Leaf‐footed bugs that reveal red/orange coloration were the same size, on average, as species without a hidden color display. However, species that reveal white patches on a black background were significantly larger than species without a hidden color display. These results highlight the diversity of forms that hidden contrasting color signal can take, upon which selection may act differently.
Effect of Adding Curcumin on the Properties of Linseed Oil Organogels Used as Fat Replacers in Pâtés

Beeswax-based organogels were formulated with linseed oil and curcumin according to a statistical design to increase the oxidative stability of spreadable meat products (pâté) where these organogels (OGCur) were incorporated as fat substitutes. The organogels obtained under optimal conditions (9.12% beeswax, 0.54% curcumin) showed a mechanical strength similar to pork backfat determined by back extrusion and high oil binding capacity (OBC; over 90%). The incorporation of curcumin at this concentration did not lead to any change in the arrangement of the crystal network, OBC, and mechanical, thermal, or rheological properties of the organogels. Beeswax organogels with and without curcumin, with a β’ orthorhombic subcell structure, showed a predominant elastic behavior and a melting event wider and shifted to lower temperatures than pure beeswax, suggesting a plasticizer effect of the oil in the wax crystals. The oxidative stability of the organogels under accelerated oxidation conditions increased due to the incorporation of curcumin. A decrease in the curcumin content was found from day 4 at 60 °C, together with a significantly lower formation of both peroxides and malonaldehyde. When pork backfat was partially or totally replaced by OGCur in pâtés, a noticeable protective effect of curcumin against lipid oxidation was found during chilled storage
Nomogram Predicting Overall Survival of Resected Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer Patients with Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy

Purpose The overall survival (OS) of resected locally advanced rectal cancer patients who underwent neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) was significantly different, even among patients with the same tumor stage. The nomogram was designed to predict OS of rectal cancer with nCRT and divide the patients into different risk groups. Materials and Methods Based on materials from 911 rectal cancer patients with nCRT, the multivariable Cox regression model was carried out to select the significant prognostic factors for overall survival. And then, the nomogram was formulated using these independent prognostic factors. The discrimination of the nomogram was assessed by concordance index (C-index), calibration curves and time-dependent area under curve (AUC). The patients respective risk scores were calculated through the nomogram. The best cut-off risk score was calculated to stratify the patients. The survival curves of the two different risk cohorts were performed, which assessed the predictive ability of the nomogram. Results Age, cT stage, pretreatment CEA, pretreatment CA19-9, surgery, posttreatment CEA, posttreatment CA19-9, pT stage, pN stage and adjuvant chemotherapy were selected for the construction of the nomogram. And then the nomogram was constructed with independent prognostic factors. The C-index of the nomogram was 0.724, which showed the nomogram provided good discernment. The acceptable agreement between the predictions of nomogram and actual observations was illustrated by calibration plots for 3-, 5- and 10-year OS in the cohort. Time-dependent AUC with 6-fold cross-validation also showed consistent results of the nomogram. Risk group stratification confirmed that the nomogram had great capacity for distinguishing the prognosis. Conclusion The nomogram was developed and validated to predict overall survival of resected locally advanced rectal cancer patients with nCRT. The proposed nomogram might help clinicians to develop individualized treatment strategies. However, further studies are warranted to optimize the nomogram by finding out other unknown prognostic factors, and more external validation is still required.
The role of adiponectin in ischemia-reperfusion syndrome: a literature review

ABSTRACT Adiponectin, among other diverse adipokines, is produced in greater quantity and has an effect on the adipose tissue and other tissues in the body. Adiponectin plays three main roles: regulatory metabolic and sensitizing function of insulin in the liver and muscles; it acts as an anti-inflammatory cytokine and in vascular protection, besides important cardiac protection in the presence of ischemia-reperfusion syndrome. Since many situations resulting from traumatic accidents or pathologies are due to cell damage caused by ischemia-reperfusion syndrome, it is relevant to study new therapeutic alternatives that will contribute to reducing these lesions. The objective of this study is to carry out a literature review on the role of adiponectin in ischemia-reperfusion syndrome.
Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Jinka University Students About Yellow Fever, Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background Yellow fever (YF) is endemic in South Omo area of Ethiopia. Although Jinka University (JKU) is located in South Omo Zone, there is no information regarding the level of knowledge, attitude, and practice of students toward YF. The current study aimed to assess knowledge, attitude, and practice of JKU students toward YF and factors associated with the overall knowledge and attitude about the disease. Methods In this cross-sectional study, a semi-structured self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data from randomly selected regular program JNU students. Data were analyzed using SPSS. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to investigate associations of socio-demographic factors with overall knowledge and attitude scores. Results A total of 322 students (61.2% males, mean age of 20.7 years) participated in this study. Of these, 94.1% joined the University from places other than South Omo area and 86.0% (277/322) ever heard about YF. 9.6% were found to have a high level of overall knowledge about YF. High overall knowledge of YF was associated with being born and grown up in South Omo area (AOR=3.91; 95% CI: 1.28, 11.98) and being a student of a social science discipline (AOR=3.52; 95% CI: 1.22, 10.13). 48.8% of the participants had favorable overall attitude toward YF. Being a second-year student (AOR=1.96; 95% CI: 1.14–3.37), being born and grown up in South Omo area (AOR=5.13; 95% CI: 1.32–19.98), and having high overall knowledge of YF (AOR=13.24; 95% CI: 3.69, 47.44) were associated with favorable overall attitude toward YF. On the other hand, only 5.8% of the participants reported that they were vaccinated for YF. Conclusion The low level of knowledge and low vaccination coverage of JKU students to YF, especially among those students from other parts of the country, calls for urgent awareness creation during admission and making vaccination available.
3D Biomimetic Porous Titanium (Ti6Al4V ELI) Scaffolds for Large Bone Critical Defect Reconstruction: An Experimental Study in Sheep

Simple Summary The authors propose a new reconstructive technique that proved to be suitable to reach this purpose through the use of a custom-made biomimetic porous titanium scaffold. An in vivo study was undertaken where a complete critical defect was experimentally created in the diaphysis of the right tibia of twelve sheep and replaced with a five-centimeter porous scaffold of electron beam melting (EBM)-manufactured titanium alloy or a porous hydroxyapatite scaffold. Our results show that EBM-formed titanium devices, if used to repair critical bone defects in a large animal model, can guarantee immediate body weight-bearing, a rapid functional recovery, and a good osseointegration. The porous hydroxyapatite scaffolds proved to be not suitable in this model of large bone defect due to their known poor mechanical properties. Abstract The main goal in the treatment of large bone defects is to guarantee a rapid loading of the affected limb. In this paper, the authors proposed a new reconstructive technique that proved to be suitable to reach this purpose through the use of a custom-made biomimetic porous titanium scaffold. An in vivo study was undertaken where a complete critical defect was experimentally created in the diaphysis of the right tibia of twelve sheep and replaced with a five-centimeter porous scaffold of electron beam melting (EBM)-sintered titanium alloy (EBM group n = 6) or a porous hydroxyapatite scaffold (CONTROL group, n = 6). After surgery, the sheep were allowed to move freely in the barns. The outcome was monitored for up to 12 months by periodical X-ray and clinical examination. All animals in the CONTROL group were euthanized for humane reasons within the first month after surgery due to the onset of plate bending due to mechanical overload. Nine months after surgery, X-ray imaging showed the complete integration of the titanium implant in the tibia diaphysis and remodeling of the periosteal callus, with a well-defined cortical bone. At 12 months, sheep were euthanized, and the tibia were harvested and subjected to histological analysis. This showed bone tissue formations with bone trabeculae bridging titanium trabeculae, evidencing an optimal tissue-metal interaction. Our results show that EBM-sintered titanium devices, if used to repair critical bone defects in a large animal model, can guarantee immediate body weight-bearing, a rapid functional recovery, and a good osseointegration. The porous hydroxyapatite scaffolds proved to be not suitable in this model of large bone defect due to their known poor mechanical properties.
miR-137-3p Modulates the Progression of Prostate Cancer by Regulating the JNK3/EZH2 Axis

Background Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the most common cancers in men worldwide. Early detection of prostate cancer by prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening still has limitations. The discovery of new candidates is urgent and can provide insights into the mechanism involved in prostate cancer tumorigenesis. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study involving prostate cancer cell lines and clinical samples. qPCR and IHC were used to evaluate the expression of miR-137-3p/JNK3/EZH2. Furthermore, cell growth, migration, invasion, cell cycle and apoptosis were analyzed to describe the function of this axis. Moreover, xenograft models, pathology platforms and TCGA data were generated to confirm the role of the miR-137-3p/JNK3/EZH2 axis. Results In this study, we determined that miR-137-3p was significantly reduced in prostate cancer, and low expression of miR-137-3p was correlated with tumor stage . The overexpression of miR-137-3p suppressed cell proliferation, migration and invasion in prostate cancer by enhancing cell apoptosis. We also validated JNK3 (MAPK10) as a direct target gene of miR-137-3p. Down-regulation of JNK3 in prostate cancer also inhibited cell proliferation and invasion and promoted apoptosis. Moreover, JNK3 expression was up-regulated and negatively correlated with miR-137-3p in prostate cancer tissues. Furthermore, JNK3 modulated EZH2 expression, which is a key oncogene in prostate cancer. Survival data indicated that patients with high levels of JNK3 and EZH2 had a worse prognosis. Conclusion Collectively, the identification of miR-137-3p and the JNK3/EZH2 pathway might facilitate the development of biomarkers and therapeutic targets for prostate cancer.
May Measurement Month 2018: an analysis of blood pressure screening campaign results in India

Abstract Hypertension (HTN) is the greatest attributable risk factor for cardiovascular disease in India. Recent studies have reported the crude prevalence of HTN in India to be 25.3%. In the May Measurement Month (MMM) screening campaign of 2017 conducted in India, 31.8% had HTN. In order to ratify earlier results, and further understand the awareness and control levels of HTN in India, organizations that participated in MMM 2017 decided to participate in the MMM global screening initiative of the International Society of Hypertension for a 2nd consecutive year. A total of 345 234 individuals were screened in MMM 2018. There were more than 1000 screening locations that included hospitals, clinics, workplaces, and special health camps organized across the country. After applying multiple imputation, a total of 111 462 (32.3%) individuals had HTN of whom 63 415 (55.6%) were aware of HTN and 61 646 (55.3%) were on antihypertensive medicines, out of which 15 583 (25.3%) were uncontrolled. Overall 57 864 (41.3%) hypertensives were uncontrolled. About half (44.7%) of hypertensive population in India were not on treatment. Around two-thirds (65.7%, n = 226 924) had not measured their blood pressure (BP) in last 12 months and 64% measured their BP for the first time in their life during the campaign, which strongly indicates the need for large scale awareness drives. This study suggests that opportunistic periodic public health screening at a national level is needed to increase HTN detection, treatment, control, and countrywide awareness in highly populated nations like India.
Characterization of a pair of interacting genes, unc-112 and dim-1, that affect sarcomere development and organization

This dissertation focuses on two genes, unc-112 and dim-1, that affect bodywall muscle differentiation in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. A characterization of these two genes and their gene products will contribute to answering a fundamental question: how does a nematode make a collection of muscle proteins organize into a structure capable of movement? The roles that the unc-112 and dim-1 gene products play in the assembly, organization and contraction of sarcomeres in the various subtypes of muscle were examined using genetic, cytological, and molecular techniques. Two phenotypic classes of unc-112 alleles are known (116,123 and P. Anderson, per. comm.). The viable class allele unc-112(r367) demonstrates the importance of this gene in larval development and maintenance of sarcomeres in the gonad arms and muscle cells. The lethal class allele unc-112(st562) demonstrates that unc-112 function in embryonic muscle cells is essential (123). In order to discover the function of UNC112 protein, I cloned and sequenced several cDNAs associated with polymorphisms in two unc-112 intragenic revertant strains. The cDNA pUNC112-1 is derived from the gene ZC376.2 and identifies a tandem cluster of five highly similar genes covering 19 kb of cosmids T02B5 and ZC376. The predicted proteins of the five gene family share considerable similarity with the cholinesterase subfamily of serine proteases. Maximum parsimony analysis of this gene family with other members of the cholinesterase subfamily from C. elegans and other species indicate an ancient origin and perhaps unique function for this gene cluster. Mutations in a new gene, dim-1, have been isolated as suppressors of unc-112 paralysis. The null mutation dim-1(ra102) completely suppresses unc-112(r367) single sarcomere muscle defects and partially suppresses bodywall muscle defects. This indicates that dim-1 interaction with unc-112 is indirect. In addition, the dim-1 alleles exhibit a unique muscle phenotype of nested chevrons in some muscle cells. The distribution of mutant versus wild type muscle components have been compared and show that dense body and M-line proteins assemble and remain intact in the mutant strains but are improperly distributed across the cell membrane. A model is proposed showing how unc-112 and dim-1 may function in a signaling pathway governing sarcomere patterning in muscle cell membranes. TABLE OF CONTENTS ABSTRACT . II