Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Candida albicans Antifungal Resistance and Tolerance in Bloodstream Infections: The Triad Yeast-Host-Antifungal

Candida albicans represents the most frequent isolated yeast from bloodstream infections. Despite the remarkable progress in diagnostic and therapeutic approaches, these infections continue to be a critical challenge in intensive care units worldwide. The economic cost of bloodstream fungal infections and its associated mortality, especially in debilitated patients, remains unacceptably high. Candida albicans is a highly adaptable microorganism, being able to develop resistance following prolonged exposure to antifungals. Formation of biofilms, which diminish the accessibility of the antifungal, selection of spontaneous mutations that increase expression or decreased susceptibility of the target, altered chromosome abnormalities, overexpression of multidrug efflux pumps and the ability to escape host immune defenses are some of the factors that can contribute to antifungal tolerance and resistance. The knowledge of the antifungal resistance mechanisms can allow the design of alternative therapeutically options in order to modulate or revert the resistance. We have focused this review on the main factors that are involved in antifungal resistance and tolerance in patients with C. albicans bloodstream infections.
Inter-Individual Nectar Chemistry Changes of Field Scabious, Knautia arvensis

Nectar is crucial to maintain plant-pollinator mutualism. Nectar quality (nutritional composition) can vary strongly between individuals of the same plant species. The factors driving such inter-individual variation have however not been investigated closer. We investigated nectar quality of field scabious, Knautia arvensis in different grassland plant communities varying in species composition and richness to assess whether nectar quality can be affected by the surrounding plant community. We analyzed (with high performance liquid chromatography) the content of carbohydrates, overall amino acids, and essential amino acids. Amino acid and carbohydrate concentrations and proportions varied among plant individuals and with the surrounding plant community but were not related to the surrounding plant species richness. Total and individual carbohydrate concentrations were lowest, while proportions of the essential amino acids, valine, isoleucine, leucine (all phagostimulatory), and lysine were highest in plant species communities of the highest diversity. Our results show that K. arvensis nectar chemistry varies with the composition of the surrounding plant community, which may alter the taste and nutritional value and thus affect the plant’s visitor spectrum and visitation rate. However, the strong inter-individual variation in nectar quality requires additional studies (e.g., in semi-field studies) to disentangle different biotic and abiotic factors contributing to inter-individual nectar chemistry in a plant-community context.
An IL-18-centered inflammatory network as a biomarker for cerebral white matter injury

Chronic systemic sterile inflammation is implicated in the pathogenesis of cerebrovascular disease and white matter injury. Non-invasive blood markers for risk stratification and dissection of inflammatory molecular substrates in vivo are lacking. We sought to identify whether an interconnected network of inflammatory biomarkers centered on IL-18 and all previously associated with white matter lesions could detect overt and antecedent white matter changes in two populations at risk for cerebral small vessel disease. In a cohort of 167 older adults (mean age: 76, SD 7.1, 83 females) that completed a cognitive battery, physical examination, and blood draw in parallel with MR imaging including DTI, we measured cerebral white matter hyperintensities (WMH) and free water (FW). Concurrently, serum levels of a biologic network of inflammation molecules including MPO, GDF-15, RAGE, ST2, IL-18, and MCP-1 were measured. The ability of a log-transformed population mean-adjusted inflammatory composite score (ICS) to associate with MR variables was demonstrated in an age and total intracranial volume adjusted model. In this cohort, ICS was significantly associated with WMH (β = 0.222, p = 0.013), FW (β = 0.3, p = 0.01), and with the number of vascular risk factor diagnoses (r = 0.36, p<0.001). In a second cohort of 131 subjects presenting for the evaluation of acute neurologic deficits concerning for stroke, we used serum levels of 11 inflammatory biomarkers in an unbiased principal component analysis which identified a single factor significantly associated with WMH. This single factor was strongly correlated with the six component ICS identified in the first cohort and was associated with WMH in a generalized linear regression model adjusted for age and gender (p = 0.027) but not acute stroke. A network of inflammatory molecules driven by IL-18 is associated with overt and antecedent white matter injury resulting from cerebrovascular disease and may be a promising peripheral biomarker for vascular white matter injury.
Conformational changes upon gating of KirBac1.1 into an open-activated state revealed by solid-state NMR and functional assays

Significance Inward rectifier K+ (Kir) channels play an important role in reestablishing the resting membrane state of the action potential of excitable cells in humans. KirBac1.1 is a prokaryotic Kir channel with a high degree of homology to human Kir channels and can be isotopically labeled in NMR quantities for structural studies. Functional assays and NMR assignments confirm that KirBac1.1 is in a constitutively conductive state. Solid-state NMR assignments further reveal alternate conformations at key sites in the protein that are well conserved through human Kir channels, hinting at a possible allosteric network between channels. These underlying sequential and structural motifs could explain abnormal conductive properties of these channels fundamental to their native gating processes. The conformational changes required for activation and K+ conduction in inward-rectifier K+ (Kir) channels are still debated. These structural changes are brought about by lipid binding. It is unclear how this process relates to fast gating or if the intracellular and extracellular regions of the protein are coupled. Here, we examine the structural details of KirBac1.1 reconstituted into both POPC and an activating lipid mixture of 3:2 POPC:POPG (wt/wt). KirBac1.1 is a prokaryotic Kir channel that shares homology with human Kir channels. We establish that KirBac1.1 is in a constitutively active state in POPC:POPG bilayers through the use of real-time fluorescence quenching assays and Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) distance measurements. Multidimensional solid-state NMR (SSNMR) spectroscopy experiments reveal two different conformers within the transmembrane regions of the protein in this activating lipid environment, which are distinct from the conformation of the channel in POPC bilayers. The differences between these three distinct channel states highlight conformational changes associated with an open activation gate and suggest a unique allosteric pathway that ties the selectivity filter to the activation gate through interactions between both transmembrane helices, the turret, selectivity filter loop, and the pore helix. We also identify specific residues involved in this conformational exchange that are highly conserved among human Kir channels.
Simulation as Staff Development for Competency in Nursing Care of Patients with Chest Tubes

There is an estimated 98,000 to 400,000 hospital errors that result in patient harm or death annually (David, Gunnarsson, Waters, Horblyuk and Kaplan, 2013; James 2013). As a member of the health care team nurses coordinate and provide continual care to the hospitalized patient (American Association of Colleges of Nursing, 2011; Parker, 2014). Patient safety is promoted when nurses are competent in their knowledge, skills, attitude, and performance related to evidence-based practice, protocols, and standards of care (; American Nurses Association, n.d; Schroeter, 2009). The purpose of this evidence-based project was to promote patent safety by developing and maintaining competency and skills performance in the nursing care of patients with respiratory compromise requiring management of chest tubes. Twenty-three Registered Nurses participated in the project and completed the simulation in nine groups. Individual chest tube knowledge was significantly increased following the simulation. Group scores showed competency in care of patients with a chest tube, and the individual satisfaction with simulation as learning modality was high. The simulation offered the participants the opportunity to increase knowledge and maintain competency in care of patients with a chest tube and offers an experience that helps to provide safe care when they are required to care for a patient with chest tubes.
AlGaN Nanowires for Ultraviolet Light-Emitting: Recent Progress, Challenges, and Prospects

In this paper, we discuss the recent progress made in aluminum gallium nitride (AlGaN) nanowire ultraviolet (UV) light-emitting diodes (LEDs). The AlGaN nanowires used for such LED devices are mainly grown by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) and metalorganic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD); and various foreign substrates/templates have been investigated. Devices on Si so far exhibit the best performance, whereas devices on metal and graphene have also been investigated to mitigate various limitations of Si substrate, e.g., the UV light absorption. Moreover, patterned growth techniques have also been developed to grow AlGaN nanowire UV LED structures, in order to address issues with the spontaneously formed nanowires. Furthermore, to reduce the quantum confined Stark effect (QCSE), nonpolar AlGaN nanowire UV LEDs exploiting the nonpolar nanowire sidewalls have been demonstrated. With these recent developments, the prospects, together with the general challenges of AlGaN nanowire UV LEDs, are discussed in the end.
An integrative cognitive rehabilitation using neurologic music therapy in multiple sclerosis

Abstract Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a demyelinating disease, affecting both the sensorimotor and cognitive systems. The typical pattern of cognitive impairment includes reduced speed of information processing, decreased phonological and semantic speech fluency, deficits in verbal and visual episodic memory, as well as attention and executive dysfunctions. We aimed to investigate the influence of the neurologic music therapy (NMT) on mood, motivation, emotion status, and cognitive functions in patients with MS. Methods: Thirty patients with MS were randomly divided in 2 groups: the control group (CG) undergoing conventional cognitive rehabilitation (CCR), 6 times a week for 8 weeks, and the experimental group (EG) undergoing CCR 3 times a week for 8 weeks plus NMT techniques, performed 3 times a week for 8 weeks. All the participants were submitted to the same amount of treatment. Each patient was evaluated before (baseline: T0) and immediately after the end of each training (T1). Main outcomes measures: We used as main outcome measure: the brief repeatable battery of neuropsychological test to assess various cognitive abilities; and the multiple sclerosis quality of life-54 (MSQoL-54). Results: Both the groups benefit from 8 weeks of CR. In particular, the EG got better results in cognitive function, with regard to selective reminding test long term storage (P < .000), long term retrieval (P = .007), and delayed recall of the 10/36 spatial recall test (P = .001), as compared with the CG. Moreover, the improvement in emotional status, motivation, mood and quality of life (with regard to the mental component; P < .000) was more evident in the EG. Conclusions: NMT could be considered a complementary approach to enhance CCR in patients affected by MS.
HtrA‐dependent adherence and invasion of Campylobacter jejuni in human vs avian cells

The aim of this study was to investigate whether HtrA is responsible for differences in adherence and invasion of Campylobacter jejuni towards human and chicken cell lines. Gentamicin protection assays were performed with either human Caco‐2 or chicken 2G4 cells using C. jejuni strain NCTC11168 to compare the adhesion and invasion rates towards these two cell types. The results revealed significant differences in the adhesion and invasion rates between the human and avian cells. Deletion of the Campylobacter htrA gene, coding for the dual function of serine protease and chaperonin with a role in pathogenesis, led to a reduction of the rates in both cell lines. Using a single‐amino acid substitution mutant (ΔhtrA/htrAS197A) that lacked protease activity, but retained chaperonin activity, we show that the first is involved in the invasion of human Caco‐2 and chicken 2G4 cells, whereas the latter mutant invaded at lower levels. Adherence towards the chicken cells is higher than towards Caco‐2 cells and this is also dependent on HtrA. Together, these data suggest that the proteolytic activity of HtrA is involved in the difference in host response of C. jejuni towards human and chicken‐derived cells.
Effect of herbal tea on glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes

Abstract Background: Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a significant health concern worldwide, and good glycemic control is the basis of avoiding disease progression. Herbal tea, as a convenient and effective medication method, has gained popularity among many diabetic patients. However, there are no systematic reviews or meta-analyses to evaluate the clinical efficacy of herbal tea on T2D. Methods: Four English electronic databases and 4 Chinese electronic databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) meeting inclusion criteria; Clinical trials were searched to explore the relevant unpublished data. Fasting blood glucose and glycated hemoglobin will be measured as primary outcomes. Secondary outcomes include 2-hour postprandial blood glucose, fasting insulin, and homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance. The heterogeneity of data will be investigated by Chi-square and I2 test; subgroup analysis and sensitivity analysis will be conducted to explore the sources of heterogeneity; funnel plot will be used to evaluate publication bias; finally, we will use grading of recommendations assessment, development, and evaluate system method to evaluate the quality of evidence. Merging analysis of data will be performed using Rev Man 5.3 software. Results: The results will be published in a peer-reviewed journal. Conclusions: The systematic review will confirm whether herbal tea consumption is benefit to the glycemic control in patients with T2D. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42019129863.
Cash transfers and women’s control over decision-making and labor supply in Egypt

Womenâ€™s control over decision-making within their family, particularly regarding the use of household income, can play an important and long-lasting role in shaping their well-being and that of their children. Cash transfer programs often target women in order to increase their control over household resources. Empirical evidence on the effectiveness of this approach is mixed and suggests the importance of local context. We present evidence on the effect of cash transfers on womenâ€™s control over decision-making in the MENA region, where little evidence is available and where cultural norms around womenâ€™s roles differ from more-studied regions. Using a regression discontinuity approach, we identify the impact of Egyptâ€™s â€œTakafulâ€ national cash transfer program on womenâ€™s control over decision-making and labor supply. Receiving cash transfers mostly reduced womenâ€™s reported ability to influence household decisions, particularly regarding child healthcare. The loss of control over decision-making was greater for women with less than primary education. Other effects of the program include a decline in womenâ€™s employment and an increase in menâ€™s involvement in spheres of decision-making usually controlled by women. These results are robust to changes in model specification. We present suggestive evidence from mediation analysis that the negative effects on womenâ€™s control over decision-making was directly related to these declines in employment and increase in menâ€™s involvement in female spheres. The negative findings are not wholly supported by complementary qualitative work in which women reported more positive perceptions of the programâ€™s impacts.
Immunoinformatics prediction for designing potential epitope-based malaria vaccine in the Aminopeptidase N1 protein of Anopheles gambiae (Diptera: Culicidae)

Vector based Malaria Transmission Blocking Vaccines target antigens present on midgut surface of Anopheles mosquitoes. Aminopeptidase N is one of the important immunogenic protein involved in parasitic infection and its development in mosquitoes. In the present study, the epitopes that can encourage cell-mediated as well as humoral immunity against Anopheles gambiae Aminopeptidase N1 have been identified using immunoinformatics approach. Potential epitopes for cytotoxic T cells (MHCI) were identified using NetCTL and IEDB server. Selected T cell epitope were further analyzed by using computational docking technique to check interactions against the HLA molecules. Linear and conformational B cell epitope was also predicted and found to satisfy the threshold scores of all the parameters of predictive tools available on IEDB server. Therefore, an effort was done to design potential epitope based malaria vaccine by in silico analysis in the Aminopeptidase N1 protein of Anopheles gambiae.
University of Southern Denmark Complications and readmissions following outpatient total hip and knee arthroplasty

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An Integrated LHS–CD Approach for Power System Security Risk Assessment with Consideration of Source–Network and Load Uncertainties

Large-scale wind power integrated into power grids brings serious uncertainties and risks for power system safe operation, and it is imperative to evaluate power system security risk pertinent to high-level of uncertainties. In this paper, a comprehensive source–network–load probabilistic model, representing the typical uncertainties penetrated in power generation transmission consumption portion, is firstly set for power system operation. Afterwards an integrated LHS–CD approach based on the Latin hypercube sampling (LHS) and Cholesky decomposition (CD) is tailored to effectively conduct the security risk assessment, in which the LHS is utilized to stratified sample the uncertainties of wind power and thermal power, transmission line outage, and load demands, while the CD part is adopted to address the correlations of uncertainties by rearranging the sampled matrix generated by LHS. Moreover, static voltage risk and transmission line overloaded risk index are properly defined for quantitatively evaluating power system operational security risk. Simulation results of a modified New England 39-bus system confirm that the proposed integrated LHS–CD approach is effective and efficient for power system security risk assessment with consideration of source–network–load demand uncertainties.
GENETIC BASIS OF ECOSYSTEMS EVOLUTION

` Background. Communities of bacteria with specific enzymes are formed in the soil with long-term organochlorine contamination. The© aim of this study was to analyze the diversity of the benA gene encoding the α-subunit of the benzoate 1,2-dioxygenase in aerobic bacterial associations isolated from the soils of the Chapayevsk-city (Samara region, Russia). Materials©and©methods. The soil samples were taken on the territory, contaminated with organochlorine compounds for a long time. As a selection factor in the enrichment cultures were used 4-chlorobenzoic acid and chlorobenzene, in the pure cultures – benzoic acid. The isolation of total DNA from bacterial associations was performed using a commercial FastDNA Spin Kit for Soil kit (USA). Amplification was performed on a MyCycler instrument (USA). Determination of the nucleotide sequence was performed on an automatic sequencer Genetic Analyzer 3500XL (USA). The search and analysis for benA gene homologs was carried out using international GenBank databases and BLAST system (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov). Results. As a result of selection, 12 associations of aerobic bacteria were obtained. Fragments of the benA gene (α-subunit of benzoate dioxygenase) were obtained with the total DNA of six bacterial associations selected on chlorobenzene and with the total DNA of three bacterial associations selected on 4-chlorobenzoate. Pure cultures of aerobic bacterial strains using benzoic acid as a carbon source were isolated from benA-positive associations. It was established that the amplified fragments with the DNA of the A1, A4, A5, B1, B2, B3, B4 and B6 association strains form a single phylogenetic cluster with the α-subunit gene of the benzoate dioxygenase of the Pseudomonas putida strain KT2440 (level of similarity is 96–98%). The amplified fragment with the DNA of strain B5-170 (association B5) forms a cluster with the gene of the α-subunit of the benzoate dioxygenase of the strain Pseudomonas sp. VLB120 (93% similarity).
POPULATION ASPECTS AND RECRUITMENT OF Odontostilbe paraguayensis (CHARACIFORMES: CHARACIDAE) IN THE PARAGUAY RIVER, PANTANAL, BRAZIL

Population dynamics allows comprehension on how population assures its success on continuity of the species and the balance of its population density. Thus, in order to analyze reproductive parameters (i.e., gonadal maturation stages, fecundity, and recruitment) and population aspects (i.e., length-weight frequency, asymptotic length, growth and mortality rates, and sex ratio) of Odontostilbe paraguayensis Eigenmann & Kennedy (1903) (Characiformes: Characidae) in the southern Pantanal of Brazil, samples were carried out from February 2009 to January 2011 along the main channel of the Paraguay River and its tributary, the Amonguija River, with seine net and a rectangular sieve (0.8 x 1.2 m). To estimate population parameters, the data of 604 individuals were recorded, and for reproductive aspects, the data of 394 individuals were recorded. The sex ratio was 3:1 (females:males). The estimated asymptotic length (L∞) was 36.67 mm. The population had high growth rate values (k = 1.3 year-1) and mortality (Z = 1.98). Longevity was estimated as 2.3 years. The mean absolute fecundity was 420.2 oocytes/female. Absolute fecundity was positively related to total weight (g) and gonad weight (mg). For females, the standard length at first maturity (L50) was 24.1 mm, and for males, it was 27.6 mm. Reproducing females were more frequent in March and April, although females with ripe gonads were recorded nearly all year long. The recruitment pattern was long with positive correlation with the average historic level of the Paraguay River, considering seasonal flooding. The lengthweight relationships were not different between the sexes, but they presented negative allometric growth. Thus, during ontogeny, the species presents more increment in length than in weight, and, consistent with the high growth rate, this may be understood as a way to reach longer lengths faster to avoid predation. The outcomes demonstrate that O. paraguayensis has a short life cycle with high growth and mortality rates. Together with the long recruitment pattern and high fecundity, the species may be considered an r-strategist.