Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
UTILIZATION OF ROOT NODULATING BACTERIA (RNB) AS POTENTIAL PLANT GROWTH PROMOTING RHIZOBACTERIA (PGPR) FOR NON-LEGUMINOUS CROPS

The beneficial effect of Rhizobium and Bradyrhizobium on legumes in terms of nitrogen fixation are well known. However, recent reports indicate that these symbiotic bacteria may have a potential to perform as PGPR with non-legumes. Four root nodulating bacteria were isolated from cowpea, pigeonpea, chickpea and soybean which were short rods and gram negative. All four isolates showed positive for the Rhizobium in plant infection test. Bradyrhizobium japonicum and Bradyrhizobium sp (c) produced maximum water and alkali stable polysaccharides. Bradyrhizobium japonicum and Bradyrhizobium sp (c) solubilized phosphorous in both Sperber’s and Pikovskaya’s medium. Bradyrhizobium japonicum and Bradyrhizobium sp (c) produced HCN on YEMA with picric acid and none of the cultures produced siderophores on CAS agar. Bradyrhizobium japonicum and Bradyrhizobium sp (c) produced maximum amounts of IAA, Zeatin and GA. Only Mesorhizobium (Cicer) produced ABA. Greenhouse experiments revealed that maximum biomass, root and shoot P and more of chlorophyll content were observed in seeds inoculated with Bradyrhizobium strains which was statistically on par to inoculation effects of Pseudomonas fluorescens. Among three carrier materials used liquid formulations performed better than lignite and broth. The presence of nutrients shown superior results than the absence of nutrients. Field experiments revealed that inoculation of Bradyrhizobium strains also produced the same effect as inoculation of standard PGPR Pseudomonas fluorescens in terms of shoot N and P concentrations and grain yield in ragi and sunflower and fruit yield in tomato. The results of these studies indicated that Bradyrhizobium strains may be used as PGPR for growth and enhanced production of non-legumes. Statistically, results obtained from rhizobial inoculation were on par with standard PGPR i. e Pseudomonas fluorescens. Among the inoculant formulations liquid formulation, was better than lignite and broth. Department of Agricultural Microbiology G. P. Brahmaprakash UAS, GKVK, Bangalore Major Advisor
The Role of Proinflammatory Cytokines on Pancreatic Cell Plasticity

Diabetes mellitus is a complex and heterogeneous group of metabolic diseases characterized by a disruption in blood glucose homeostasis. This could result from an autoimmune destruction of insulin-producing pancreatic beta cells or insulin resistance with subsequent beta cell dysfunction. Thus, a major goal of diabetes research is developing strategies to replenish beta cells. One emerging and promising strategy is harnessing pancreatic plasticity—the ability of pancreatic cells to undergo cellular interconversions— and numerous studies implicate this phenomenon in diverse states of physiological stress or pancreatic injury. In this study, we investigated the effect of inflammatory cytokine stress on the differentiation potential of ductal cells in a human cell line in vitro; on mouse ductal cells by pancreatic intraductal injection in vivo; and throughout the progression of autoimmune diabetes in the non-obese diabetic (NOD) mouse model. We demonstrate that inflammatory cytokine insults stimulate epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) as well as the endocrine program in human pancreatic ductal cells via STAT3-dependent NGN3 activation. Furthermore, we show that inflammatory cytokines activate ductal cell proliferation as well as ductal-to-endocrine cell reprogramming in vivo independently of hyperglycemic stress. Together, our findings provide novel evidence of inflammatory cytokines in directing ductalto-endocrine cell differentiation and have significant implications for diabetes and cytokinedriven beta cell regeneration.
Repurposing Drugs for COVID-19: Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacogenomics of Chloroquine and Hydroxychloroquine

Background A new coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 has been identified as the etiological agent of the severe acute respiratory syndrome, COVID-19, the source and cause of the 2019–20 coronavirus pandemic. Hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine have gathered extraordinary attention as therapeutic candidates against SARS-CoV-2 infections. While there is growing scientific data on the therapeutic effect, there is also concern for toxicity of the medications. The therapy of COVID-19 by hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine is off-label. Studies to analyze the personalized effect and safety are lacking. Methods A review of the literature was performed using Medline/PubMed/Embase database. A variety of keywords were employed in keyword/title/abstract searches. The electronic search was followed by extensive hand searching using reference lists from the identified articles. Results A total of 126 results were obtained after screening all sources. Mechanisms underlying variability in drug concentrations and therapeutic response with chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine in mediating beneficial and adverse effects of chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine were reviewed and analyzed. Pharmacogenomic studies from various disease states were evaluated to elucidate the role of genetic variation in drug response and toxicity. Conclusion Knowledge of the pharmacokinetics and pharmacogenomics of chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine is necessary for effective and safe dosing and to avoid treatment failure and severe complications.
Volumetric parameters derived from FLT-PET performed at completion of treatment predict efficacy of Carbon-ion Radiotherapy in patients with locally recurrent Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma

The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of 3'-deoxy-3'-[18F]fluorothymidine (FLT)-PET for predicting the outcome of patients with locally recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma (LR-NPC) treated by carbon-ion radiotherapy (CIRT). Patients received FLT-PET/CT scan one-week prior to or after completion of CIRT were enrolled in the study. All patients were from prospective trials or treated using a standardized protocol. Time-dependent receiver operator characteristics (ROC) were used to determine the optimal cutoff values for FLT-PET parameters. Univariable and multivariable analyses of local progression-free survival (LPFS) were performed using Cox regression, to examine the prognostic value of FLT-PET parameters, including SUVmax, metabolic tumor volume (MTV) and total lesion thymidine (TLT). A total of 41 patients were enrolled. Elevated MTV and TLT were significantly associated with worse LPFS, in both univariable and multivariable analyses. ROC analysis revealed that both an MTV value higher than 8.6 and a TLT value higher than 14.9 were predictive of increased risk of developing local recurrence, the adjusted HRs were 5.59 (p=0.009) and 7.76 (p=0.002), respectively. In conclusion, FLT-PET was found to be a promising prognostic tool for LR-NPC patients and might play a role in the treatment guidance.
Influence of Cinnamon on Glycemic Control in Individuals With Prediabetes: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract Context The identification of adjunct safe, durable, and cost-effective approaches to reduce the progression from prediabetes to type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a clinically relevant, unmet goal. It is unknown whether cinnamon’s glucose-lowering properties can be leveraged in individuals with prediabetes. Objective The objective of this work is to investigate the effects of cinnamon on measures of glucose homeostasis in prediabetes. Design, Setting, Participants, and Intervention This double-blind, placebo-controlled, clinical trial randomly assigned adult individuals meeting any criteria for prediabetes to receive cinnamon 500 mg or placebo thrice daily (n = 27/group). Participants were enrolled and followed at 2 academic centers for 12 weeks. Main Outcome Measures Primary outcome was the between-group difference in fasting plasma glucose (FPG) at 12 weeks from baseline. Secondary end points included the change in 2-hour PG of the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), and the change in the PG area under the curve (AUC) derived from the OGTT. Results From a similar baseline, FPG rose after 12 weeks with placebo but remained stable with cinnamon, leading to a mean between-group difference of 5 mg/dL (P < .05). When compared to the respective baseline, cinnamon, but not placebo, resulted in a significant decrease of the AUC PG (P < .001) and of the 2-hour PG of the OGTT (P < .05). There were no serious adverse events in either study group. Conclusions In individuals with prediabetes, 12 weeks of cinnamon supplementation improved FPG and glucose tolerance, with a favorable safety profile. Longer and larger studies should address cinnamon’s effects on the rate of progression from prediabetes to T2D.
The treatment of mental illness in faith-based and traditional healing centres in Ghana: perspectives of service users and healers

Abstract Background The maltreatment of people with mental illness in Ghana's traditional and faith-based healing centres, including shackling, flogging, and forced fasting, has been documented by numerous sources. Such treatment is potentially traumatising and may exacerbate mental health problems. Despite widespread use, few studies have focused on experiences and characteristics of people who seek traditional healing for mental illness or healers' perspectives treatment of these conditions. Method Purposeful sampling was used to recruit 82 individuals who were treated in healing centres and 40 traditional healers; all took part in semi-structured interviews. Those treated were asked about experiences in centres and assessed for prior trauma exposure, posttraumatic stress, and functional impairment. Healers were asked about beliefs and practices related to the treatment of mental illness. Results Individuals treated in centres and healers generally believed that mental illness has a spiritual cause. Approximately 30.5% of those treated in centres were exposed to maltreatment; despite this, half would return. Individuals with a history of trauma were more likely to report maltreatment in the centre and had higher symptoms of posttraumatic stress. Most participants had impaired functioning. Healers who used practices like shackling believed they were necessary. Most healers were willing to collaborate with the official health structure. Conclusion Results provide insight into the treatment of mental illness by traditional healers in Ghana and the need for trauma-informed mental health services. Findings also highlight the importance of considering cultural beliefs when attempting to implement mental health interventions in the region.
Diagnostic accuracy and economic impact of three work-up strategies identifying risk groups in endometrial cancer, fully incorporating sentinel lymph node algorithm

Background According to the European Society for Medical Oncology/ European Society of Gynaecological Oncology/European Society for Radiotherapy and Oncology (ESMO/ESGO/ESTRO) Consensus Conference, the role of preoperative risk groups (RGs) in endometrial cancer (EC) is to direct surgical nodal staging. We compared diagnostic accuracy and economic impact of three work-up strategies to identify RGs. Methods A retrospective multicentre study including patients with early-stage EC. The three different work-up strategies were as follows: -Mondovì Hospital: transvaginal ultrasonography, pelvic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI); frozen section examination of the uterus in case of imaging discordance. High-risk patients underwent abdominal computed tomography. -Gemelli Hospital: transvaginal ultrasonography, MRI, One-Step Nucleic Acid Amplification (OSNA) of sentinel lymph node (SLN); frozen section examination of the uterus in case of imaging discordance. -Negrar Hospital: positron emission tomography (PET), frozen section examination of the uterus and of SLN. For statistical purposes patients were assigned, preoperatively and postoperatively, to two groups: group A (high-risk) and group B (not high-risk). Results Three hundred eighty-five patients were included (93 Mondovì, 215 Gemelli, 77 Negrar). Endometrial biopsy errors led to 47.3% misclassifications. Test accuracy of Mondovì, Gemelli and Negrar strategies was 0.83 (95%CI 0.734-0.901), 0.95 (95%CI 0.909-0.975) and 0.94 (95%CI 0.866-0.985), respectively. Preoperative work-up mean cost per patient in group A was €514.5 at Mondovì, €868.5 at Gemelli, and €1212.8 at Negrar hospital (p-value < 0.001), while in group B was €378.8 at Mondovì, €941.2 at Gemelli, and €1848.4 at Negrar hospital (p-value < 0.001). Conclusions In our study, work-up strategies with more relevant economic impact showed a better diagnostic accuracy. Upcoming guidelines should specify recommendations about the gold standard work-up strategy, including the role of SLN.
A systematic review on the effects of endometriosis on sexuality and couple’s relationship

Background Endometriosis is likely to affect sexuality and intimate relationships but the effect endometriosis has on partners remains overlooked and the existing studies show conflicting results. The effect of the disease and its treatment on the couple may be pronounced given the absence of an obvious cause or cure, the likelihood of chronic recurring symptoms, and the potential impact on both sex and fertility. Materials and methods We followed the PRISMA guidelines to conduct this systematic review, which involved a database search of published available research related to the effects of endometriosis treatment on sexual function, couple’s relationship and on the partner published between 2000 and 2020. Results The studies considered revealed that women with endometriosis report a significant effect of the disease on sexuality and relationship. Also, most of the published studies suggest that the impact on partners may be profound, affecting many life domains including sex, intimacy and the relationship in general. Conclusions Data suggests that male partners should not be overlooked in the treatment of endometriosis and that psychosocial support including sexual and couple therapy might be beneficial.
Prevalence of Active Trachoma and Associated Factors in Areka Town, South Ethiopia, 2018

Background Globally, 1.2 billion people live in trachoma endemic areas, 40.6 million people are suffering from active trachoma, and 48.5% of the global burden of active trachoma is distributed in five countries including Ethiopia. However, there is no evidence or no conducted survey/research data or document regarding trachoma prevalence in Areka Town. We, therefore, did a study to assess the prevalence of active trachoma and associated factors in Areka Town in South Ethiopia. Methods A community-based cross-sectional study was employed. A total of 586 children aged 1–9 years were involved. We compiled a structured questionnaire from the relevant literature and pretested before use. A range of data was collected on the sociodemographic, facility, and service-related, and environmental factors. The outcome variable was measured by using frequencies, cross-tabulation, and percent. Multivariate logistic regression was applied to control potential confounders and to identify the predictors. Results This study revealed that 37.9% of children aged 1–9 years have active trachoma (95% CI: 34%–42%). Households without latrine (AOR = 6.88; 95% CI: 2.13–22.18), openly disposing domestically produced waste (AOR = 4.62; 95% CI: 2.41–8.83), cooking in the same room (AOR = 5.13; 95% CI: 2.21–11.88), and using the cooking room without a window (AOR = 2.28; 95% CI: 1.11–4.69) were more likely to have their children develop active trachoma. Similarly, children with caretakers having inadequate knowledge about trachoma (AOR = 8.10; 95% CI: 2.04–32.17) were more likely to develop active trachoma. However, households consuming more than 20 liters of water per day were 82% (AOR = 0.18; 95% CI: 0.07–0.44) less likely to have their children develop active trachoma while compared to those consuming less than the figure. Conclusions The prevalence of active trachoma in the children aged 1–9 years in the study area was found to be high, and it is much higher than the WHO elimination threshold.
Hepatocyte and Islet Cell Cotransplantation on Poly-L-Lactide Matrix for the Treatment of Liver Cirrhosis

The human autologous hepatocyte matrix implant is a promising alternative procedure to counter liver damage. We assessed the outcome of human hepatocytes isolation from cirrhotic liver compared to the clinical and histological scores of disease severity. A total of 11 patients with various clinical scores (CTP and MELD) and histological score (Metavir, fibrosis) of liver cirrhosis were included in the hepatocyte matrix implant clinical phase I study. The liver segment and pancreatic tissue were harvested from each patient, and hepatocytes and cells of islets of Langerhans were isolated. The freshly isolated human hepatocytes were coseeded with the islet cells onto poly(l-lactic acid) (PLLA) scaffolds, cultured, and transplanted back into the patient. Human hepatocytes were isolated from 11 cirrhotic liver specimens with a resulting yield of 1.4 ± 0.5 × 106 cells per gram of the liver specimen and a viability rate of 52 ± 13%. It was found that the yield and viability of the liver cells were not correlated with the clinical and histological scores of the liver cirrhosis. A correlation was found between the hepatocyte yield obtained and the average number of hepatocytes counted in 10 microscopic fields of view. More viable cells were obtained from cirrhotic livers caused by chronic hepatitis B as compared to chronic hepatitis C in the same MELD score range. There was no correlation between the clinical and histological disease severity scores of liver cirrhosis and the outcome of hepatocytes isolation. It seems that the yield could depend on the type of hepatitis underlying the cirrhotic tissue. The study was registered at www.clinicaltrial. gov with the study identifier: NCT01335568.
Species turnover in Amazonian frogs: low predictability and large differences among forests

The factors explaining species turnover at different spatial scales have been intensively studied, but most work in Amazonia has mainly focused on plants. For animals, it is not as obvious which environmental variables most affect differences in species composition among sites. We sought to identify what causes anuran turnover in Amazonian terra firme forests, and how the effectiveness of these factors varies among regions and across spatial scales. We sampled frogs in 56 plots along ponds and streams distributed over three terra firme forest areas in Eastern Amazonia. Using multiple regressions on distance matrices, we partitioned the variation in species turnover into components explained by variation in environmental and spatial distances. This was done in parallel for each area separately, and for all areas together, to assess the consistency of results between scales and across areas at the same scale. Each community seemed to respond to a set of factors specific to that area, and the identity of the variables that emerged as significant differed among areas and scales. Both geographical distances and environmental differences had larger explanatory power at the regional scale than at the local scale. The large differences among results from different areas caution against making broad generalizations about species turnover patterns from a single community, as real differences may exist among areas.
Measuring More Than Exposure: Does Stress Appraisal Matter for Black–White Differences in Anxiety and Depressive Symptoms Among Older Adults?

Abstract Background and Objectives Prior research and theory suggest that exposure to objectively stressful events contributes to mental health disparities. Yet, blacks report higher cumulative stress exposure than whites but lower levels of common psychiatric disorders. In order to understand why blacks bear disproportionate stress exposure but similar or better mental health relative to whites, we need to consider race differences in not only stress exposure, but also stress appraisal—how upsetting stress exposures are perceived to be. Research Design and Methods We examine whether race differences in the number of reported chronic stressors across 5 domains (health, financial, residential, relationship, and caregiving) and their appraised stressfulness explain black–white differences in anxiety and depressive symptoms. Data come from 6019 adults aged older than 52 from the 2006 Health and Retirement Study. Results Older blacks in this sample experience greater exposure to chronic stressors but appraise stressors as less upsetting relative to whites. In fully adjusted models, stress exposure is related to higher levels of anxiety and depressive symptoms, and perceiving stress as upsetting is associated with higher symptomology for whites and blacks. We also find that blacks report greater anxiety symptoms but fewer depressive symptoms with more stress exposure relative to whites. Stress appraisal partially explains race differences in the association between stress exposure and anxiety symptoms and fully explains race differences in the association between exposure and depressive symptoms. Discussion and Implications The relationship between race, chronic stress exposure, and mental health is mediated by stress appraisal. Stress appraisal provides insight on important pathways contributing to black–white mental health disparities in older adulthood.
Distinct Expression Patterns of Apoptosis and Autophagy-Associated Proteins and Genes during Postnatal Development of Spiral Ganglion Neurons in Rat

Autophagy and apoptosis have a complex interplay in the early embryo development. The development of spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs) in addition to Corti's organ in the mammalian cochlea remains crucial in the first two-week postnatal period. To investigate the roles of apoptosis and autophagy in the development of SGNs, light microscopy was used to observe the morphological changes of SGNs. The number of SGNs was decreased from P1 to P7 and plateaued from P10 to P14. Immunohistochemistry results revealed positive expression of cleaved-caspase3, bcl-2, microtubule-associated protein light chain 3-II (LC3-II), Beclin1, and sequestosome 1 (SQSTM1/P62) in SGNs. The apoptotic bodies and autophagosomes and autolysosomes were also identified by transmission electron microscopy at P1 and P7. Real-time PCR and western blotting results revealed that the apoptotic activity peaked at P7 and the autophagy activity was gradually upregulated along with the development. Taken together, our results for the first time showed that autophagy and apoptosis in SGNs play distinct roles during specific developmental phases in a time-dependent manner.