Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Detection of Extended Spectrum β-Lactamase Producing Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli in Two Hospitals in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nigeria

In this study, the prevalence of Extended Spectrum Beta-lactamase (ESBL) producing Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli isolates from the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital and the National Hospital was determined. A total of two hundred and fifteen (215) clinical isolates were examined, of which 60% were E. coli and 40% K. pneumoniae respectively. The isolates were collected from various samples namely: Stool, Urine, Pus, High Vagina Swab, Sputum and Wound swab. Out of these isolates, 54 of K. pneumoniae were screened to be ESBL negative and 32 as ESBL positive isolates, while 88 and 40 E. coli were also screened as ESBL negative and ESBL positive isolates respectively. These represent 37.9% of all K. pneumoniae isolates and 31.25% of E. coli isolates respectively. The prevalence of ESBL among the species was not however statistically different (p > 0.05). Multiple resistance in these isolates was common and there is the need for routine screening of ESBL in our hospitals to guide rational and effective use of antibiotics.
Dietary Cancer Chemoprevention: An Overview

Abstract Cancer is a major cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. The majority of cancers are reported to be caused by environmental carcinogenic agents, occupational environment and dietary habits. Dietary habits are one of the major contributory factors for the genesis of cancer. The optimal way of dealing with any disease is by prevention, this is particularly relevant for cancer. Despite decade of basis and clinical research and trial of promising new therapy, overall cancer survival has only improved marginally. Molecular targeted agents are currently being studied in all treatment settings including chemoprevention, which is defined as the use of natural or synthetic agents to interrupt the process of carcinogenesis and to prevent or delay tumor growth. Epidemiological and experimental studies have indicated that dietary fat has an influence on carcinogenesis process. However, it has been observed that individuals who consume relatively large amounts of vegetables and fruits are at decrease risk of cancer of many organs. Several epidemiological studies suggest that consumption of cruciferous vegetables may be particularly effective in reducing cancer risk. Glucosinolates in crucifers are converted to isothiocyanates by plant myrosinase and gastrointestinal microflora, these are potent inducer of phase II proteins and is effective to block chemical carcinogenesis in animal models. Some dietary constituents are reported to act as naturally occurring cancer prevention agents and may explain some of the differences in cancer incidence seen in populations with varying dietary intake. Long term supplementation of the diet with folate, seems to lower the risk of colorectal cancer. Curcumin in the spice turmeric, genistein in soya, and catechins in tea have tumor-suppressing properties in rodent models of carcinogenesis. Although the results of clinical interventions trials of β-carotene to prevent lung cancer, and of dietary augmentation with fiber or fruits and vegetables to reduce the occurrence of colonic polyps have so far been negative, a structured path for the development of diet-derived constituents as cancer chemoprevention is emerging. By applying chemoprevention approaches from the use of single nutrients to multiple dietary constituents and functional foods, the scope of future cancer prevention strategies will be broadened. A new paradigm for diet, nutrient and cancer prevention can be developed using a multidisciplinary approach that includes lifestyle and environmental changes, dietary modification and physical activities consciousness to reduce the burden of cancer.
Simple maximum likelihood estimates of efficacy in randomized trials and before-and-after studies, with implications for meta-analysis

Efficacy, which we define as the effect of receiving intervention on health outcomes among a group of subjects, is the quantity of interest for many investigators. In contrast, intent-to-treat analyses in randomized trials and their analogue for observational before-and-after studies compare outcomes between randomization groups or before-and-after time periods. When there is switching of interventions, estimates based on intent-to-treat are biased for estimating efficacy. By constructing a model based on potential outcomes, one can make reasonable assumptions to estimate efficacy under ‘all-or-none’ switching of interventions in which switching occurs immediately after randomization or at the start of the time period. This paper reviews the basic methodology, with emphasis on simple maximum likelihood estimates that arise with completely observed outcomes, partially missing binary outcomes, and discrete-time survival outcomes. Particular attention is paid to estimating efficacy in meta-analysis, where the interpretation is much more straightforward than with intent-to-treat analyses.
Distinct Revocable Data Hiding In Ciphered Image

This scheme proposes an authenticated and secure reversible data hiding in cipher images. Nowadays, more attention is paid to reversible data hiding in encrypted images, as the original cover can be reversibly recovered after embedded data is retrieved. In the first stage, the content owner encrypts the original image using an encryption key. Then, a data hider compresses the least significant bits (LSB's) of the encrypted image using a data hiding key to create space to store some additional data. Then, if a receiver has the data hiding key, he can extract the additional data from the encrypted image though he is unaware of the image content. If the receiver has the encryption key with him, then he can decrypt the data to obtain an image similar to the original image. If the receiver has both the data hiding key as well as the encryption key, then he can extract the additional data as well as he can recover the original content.
Computed Tomography Angiography: Principles and Clinical Applications

&NA; Clinical applications of computed tomography (CT) angiography have increased with the improved technology of multidetector CT systems. Adequate contrast enhancement and the timing of image acquisition are key elements in producing technically adequate CT angiograms. This review article provides guidelines and protocols for four‐, eight‐ and 16‐channel multidetector systems in studies of the thoracoabdominal aorta, aortoiliac, and abdominal visceral vasculature, abdominal and extremity run‐off studies, and carotid/cerebral CT anglography.
Building Benchmarks For Use Cases

This paper presents how the use-cases benchmark has been built and how it can be applied by researchers. Set of 16 industrial projects (with 524 use cases in total) has been analysed in order to obtain quantitative and qualitative profile of a typical use-case-based requirements specification. Based on the analysis, two types of referential use-case-based requirements specifications have been created, one taking only quantitative data into account and second considering qualitative data. Researchers who analyse use cases can utilise these specifications in order to validate their methods and tools before applying them to real projects. Moreover, such referential specification can be used as a benchmark and allows comparing accuracy and efficiency of tools for use-case analysis.
Computational Phase Constrast Magnetic Resonance Imaging based on Legendre Polynomials

One of the most exciting modern developments in Magnetic Reso- nance Imaging (MRI) is the non invasive and non radiation measurements of tissue metabo lism in patients. However, different tissue have different hemody- namic respon ses, which may not be accurately reflected by the general linear model often used in MRI phase contrast measurements or Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS). In this study, we have derived analytical expressions for the NMR transverse magnetizations in terms of Legendre Polynomials. We de- fine the orbital angular momentum quantum number as the ratio of the spin lat- tice relaxation time and the spin-spin relation time. This enables the computa- tion of hemodynamic responses from different tissue quantum mechanically by designating angular momentum states to each biological tissue.
Identification, Characterization, Cloning, and Expression of Apolipoprotein C-IV, a Novel Sialoglycoprotein of Rabbit Plasma Lipoproteins (*)

We have identified and characterized a novel proline- and arginine-rich protein component of lipoproteins, present in up to five sialylated isoforms, in rabbit blood plasma. The pI of the desialylated protein is 5.7. Based upon its N-terminal sequence, a complete cDNA sequence of 555 nucleotides was cloned from rabbit liver. The synthesized protein is predicted to contain 124 amino acids, including a typical signal peptide of 27 residues. The mature protein of 97 amino acids, designated apolipoprotein C-IV, is associated with the lipoproteins of blood plasma, primarily very low density and high density lipoproteins. It contains two potential amphipathic helices characteristic of plasma apolipoproteins and forms discoidal micelles with phosphatidylcholine. Northern analysis shows a single 0.6-kilobase apolipoprotein C-IV mRNA, detected only in the liver, and Southern analysis suggests a single copy gene. Sialylated apolipoprotein C-IV is secreted from transfected mammalian cells. Nucleotide sequence comparisons demonstrate a strong homology to portions of the upstream regions of the mouse and human apolipoprotein C2 genes, within each of which a distinct gene has recently been identified. The nucleotide sequences and the predicted amino acid sequences, as well as corresponding cDNA sequences in the rat and monkey, indicate that the apolipoprotein C4 gene has been highly conserved during mammalian evolution.
Liver transplant recipient survival benefit with living donation in the model for endstage liver disease allocation era

Receipt of a living donor liver transplant (LDLT) has been associated with improved survival compared with waiting for a deceased donor liver transplant (DDLT). However, the survival benefit of liver transplant has been questioned for candidates with Model for Endstage Liver Disease (MELD) scores <15, and the survival advantage of LDLT has not been demonstrated during the MELD allocation era, especially for low MELD patients. Transplant candidates enrolled in the Adult‐to‐Adult Living Donor Liver Transplantation Cohort Study after February 28, 2002 were followed for a median of 4.6 years. Starting at the time of presentation of the first potential living donor, mortality for LDLT recipients was compared to mortality for patients who remained on the waiting list or received DDLT (no LDLT group) according to categories of MELD score (<15 or ≥15) and diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Of 868 potential LDLT recipients (453 with MELD <15; 415 with MELD ≥15 at entry), 712 underwent transplantation (406 LDLT; 306 DDLT), 83 died without transplant, and 73 were alive without transplant at last follow‐up. Overall, LDLT recipients had 56% lower mortality (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.44, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.32‐0.60; P < 0.0001). Among candidates without HCC, mortality benefit was seen both with MELD <15 (HR = 0.39; P = 0.0003) and MELD ≥15 (HR = 0.42; P = 0.0006). Among candidates with HCC, a benefit of LDLT was not seen for MELD <15 (HR = 0.82, P = 0.65) but was seen for MELD ≥15 (HR = 0.29, P = 0.043). Conclusion: Across the range of MELD scores, patients without HCC derived a significant survival benefit when undergoing LDLT rather than waiting for DDLT in the MELD liver allocation era. Low MELD candidates with HCC may not benefit from LDLT. (HEPATOLOGY 2011;54:1313–1321)
An in vitro 96-well plate assay of the mitogen-activated protein kinase cascade.

Mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) family are activated in response to many growth and differentiation factors as well as some oncogenes. ERK activation follows phosphorylation by a class of specific upstream MAP kinase/ERK kinase (MEK) exemplified by MEK-1. Activated ERKs control many short- and long-term changes in cell function through phosphorylating a number of intracellular target substrates which include stathmin, a phosphoprotein regulating microtubule stability. We report here the development of a simple, 96-well plate, quantitative in vitro assay measuring purified ERK2 catalytic activation by a constitutive MEK-1 mutant (S218E S222E). Enzymatic activity was detected by 33P phosphorylation of purified biotinylated stathmin captured on streptavidin-coated scintillation proximity assay beads which eliminates the need for wash steps. The assay was optimized and the K0.5 value for ATP was found to be 0.9 microM and the Km for stathmin was determined to be 16 microM. The assay was also used to determine IC50 values for the protein kinase inhibitors PD98059 and staurosporine. This simple assay allows several hundred quantitative measurements of MEK1-dependent ERK2 activation to be performed in a day.
Results of the 2004 National Worksite Health Promotion Survey.

OBJECTIVES We examined worksite health promotion programs, policies, and services to monitor the achievement of the Healthy People 2010 worksite-related goal of 75% of worksites offering a comprehensive worksite health promotion program. METHODS We conducted a nationally representative, cross-sectional telephone survey of worksite health promotion programs stratified by worksite size and industry type. Techniques appropriate for analyzing complex surveys were used to compute point estimates, confidence intervals, and multivariate statistics. RESULTS Worksites with more than 750 employees consistently offered more programs, policies, and services than did smaller worksites. Only 6.9% of responding worksites offered a comprehensive worksite health promotion program. Sites with a staff person dedicated to and responsible for health promotion were significantly more likely to offer a comprehensive program, and sites in the agriculture and mining or financial services sector were significantly less likely than those in other industry sectors to offer such a program. CONCLUSIONS Increasing the number, quality, and types of health promotion programs at worksites, especially smaller worksites, remains an important public health goal.
Introduction of lanthanide(III) chelates to oligopeptides on solid phase.

The synthesis of oligopeptide building blocks for the introduction of nonluminescent and luminescent lanthanide(III) chelates to the oligopeptide structure on the solid phase is described. The oligopeptide conjugates synthesized were used in DELFIA-based receptor binding assay (motilin) as well as in LANCE time-resolved fluorescence quenching assay (caspase-3).
A 2.5-GHz 860μW charge-recycling fractional-N frequency synthesizer in 130nm CMOS

A 1.2 V 2.5 GHz 860 muW fractional-N synthesizer is implemented in 130 nm CMOS. It employs charge recycling technique for implicit DC-DC conversion without using any voltage regulators, and achieves -77dBc/Hz and -113.5 dBc/Hz of phase noise at 100 kHz and 1MHz offset, respectively. Self-biased divider and VCO enables robust operation of the proposed circuit.
Identifying Negative Exemplars in Grounded Language Data Sets

There has been substantial work in recent years on grounded language acquisition, in which paired language and sensor data are used to create a model of how linguistic constructs apply to the perceivable world. While powerful, this approach is hindered by the difficulty of obtaining unprompted negative examples of natural language annotations. In this paper, we describe an initial pilot of a system that uses natural language similarity metrics to automatically select negative examples from a paired corpus of perceptual and linguistic data.
Development and evaluation of lipid microbubbles targeted to alpha(v)beta(3)-integrin via biotin–avidin bridge

This work was to report preparation and quality control of targeted microbubbles (MBt) via biotin–avidin bridge, specifically verification of the “biotin–avidin–biotin” sandwich structure. (1) Lipid microbubbles filled with sulphur hexafluoride were produced by sonication and compared with commercially available microbubbles. (2) MBt were produced via biotin–avidin bridge. Specifically, the “biotin–avidin–biotin” sandwich structure on the surface of MBt was verified in vitro using fluorescence. (3) Adhesion of alpha(v)beta(3)-integrin targeted MBt (MBαvβ3) to human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) was tested using the parallel plate flow chamber (PPFC). “Biotin–avidin” is a reliable method to attach molecular probe onto the surface of microbubbles.
Quantitative assessment of cell viability based on flow cytometry and microscopy

We compare flow cytometric and microscopic determination of cell viability by fluorescence labeling using calcein acetoxy‐methyl‐ester and ethidium homodimer‐1 as live and dead stain, respectively. Peripheral blood monocytes served as model system and were accumulated applying density gradients. Subsequently, monocytes were further enriched by magnetic‐activated or fluorescence‐activated cell sorting (MACS, FACS) targeting the antigen CD14. Identical samples were used for flow cytometric and microscopic analysis to allow direct comparison of both analysis methods. More than 1,000 cells were measured for each sample to minimize the measurement uncertainty caused by counting statistics. We observed good agreement of flow cytometric and microscopic viability measurements. On average, the difference in viability measured by flow cytometry and microscopy amounted to (2.7 ± 1.4)% for live staining and (1.7 ± 1.2)% for dead staining. These deviations were similar to the uncertainty of measurement for cell viability, thus demonstrating that both methods delivered equal results. Besides monocytes, comparison of flow cytometric and microscopy viability for MACS enriched CD34‐positive cells also showed consistent results. © 2012 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Slot spiral detector array for broadband THz imaging1

Medical imaging applications of THz signals typically employ a mechanical raster scan using a single detector to acquire two-dimensional images of excised tissues [1] [2]. This approach involves mechanical parts and the generation of a simple THz image can take tens of minutes. Such a long acquisition and processing time is a major bottleneck in the widespread utilization of THz imaging in the medical arena as well as for various military and civilian applications. Nonetheless, the promise of THz signals (200GHz-1THz) for ex-vivo imaging and identification, particularly of malignant tissues, appears to be a viable and promising tool due to the high contrasts and resolutions achievable by the sub-millimeter wavelengths.
Oxalate-induced ceramide accumulation in Madin-Darby canine kidney and LLC-PK1 cells.

BACKGROUND Oxalate exposure produces oxidant stress in renal epithelial cells leading to death of some cells and adaptation of others. The pathways involved in these diverse actions remain unclear, but appear to involve activation of phospholipase A2 (PLA2) and redistribution of membrane phospholipids. The present studies examined the possibility that oxalate actions may also involve increased accumulation of ceramide, a lipid-signaling molecule implicated in a variety of pathways, including those leading to apoptotic cell death. METHODS Ceramide accumulation was examined in renal epithelial cells from pig kidney (LLC-PK1 cells) and from dog kidney [Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK cells)] using the diacylglycerol kinase assay. Sphingomyelin degradation was assessed by monitoring the disappearance of 3H-sphingomyelin from cells that had been prelabeled with [3H]-choline. The effects of oxalate were compared with those of other oxidants (peroxide, xanthine/xanthine oxidase), other organic acids (formate and citrate), and a known activator of sphingomyelinase in these cells [tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha)]. Separate studies determined whether oxalate-induced accumulation of ceramide could be blocked by pretreatment with antioxidants [Mn (III) tetrakis (1-methyl-4-pyridyl) porphyrin (Mn TMPyP, a superoxide dismutase mimetic) or N-acetylcysteine (NAC; an antioxidant)], with an inhibitor of ceramide synthase [fumonisin B1 (FB1)] or with an inhibitor of PLA2 [arachidonyl trifluoromethylketone (AACOCF3)]. RESULTS Oxalate exposure produced a significant time- and concentration-dependent increase in cellular ceramide. A reciprocal decrease in 3H-sphingomyelin was observed under these conditions. Increases in cellular ceramide levels were also observed after treatment with other oxidants (hydrogen peroxide, and xanthine/xanthine oxidase), activators of sphingomyelinase (TNF-alpha), exogenous sphingomyelinase, or arachidonic acid. Formate produced similar (albeit smaller) effects, and citrate did not. The oxidant-induced increases in ceramide were attenuated by pretreatment with NAC (a glutathione precursor) and MnTMPyP (a superoxide dismutase mimetic), suggesting a role for cellular redox states. The oxalate-induced increase in ceramide was also attenuated by pretreatment with AACOCF3, suggesting a role for PLA2. Pretreatment with FB1 produced a small but statistically insignificant attenuation of the response to oxalate. CONCLUSIONS Oxalate exposure produces a marked accumulation of ceramide in renal epithelial cells by a process that is redox sensitive and mediated in part by activation of PLA2. Since cellular sphingomyelin decreased as ceramide increased, it seems likely that oxalate actions are mediated, at least in part, by an increase in sphingomyelinase activity, although alterations in ceramide synthase are also possible. Further study is required to define the steps involved in oxalate actions and to determine the extent to which ceramide signaling mediates oxalate actions.
Expression of CD133-1 and CD133-2 in ovarian cancer

Cancer stem cells have been isolated from several solid tumors including prostate, colon, liver, breast, and ovarian cancer. Stem cells isolated from nervous system and prostate express CD133 antigen, which is widely used to isolate hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells. The aims of this study were to investigate the expression of the CD133-1 and CD133-2 epitopes in primary ovarian tumors and to biologically characterize CD133+ ovarian cancer cells, also according to clinicopathologic parameters. Tissue specimens were obtained at primary surgery from 41 ovarian carcinomas; eight normal ovaries and five benign ovarian tumors were also collected. Flow cytometry with monoclonal antibodies against CD133-1 and CD133-2 epitopes was employed. FACS (fluorescence activated cell sorting) analysis enabled the selection of CD133+ cells, whose epithelial origin was confirmed by immunofluorescence analysis with monoclonal anti-cytokeratin 7. CD133+ cells gave rise to a 4.7 ± 0.9-fold larger number of colonies than that documented in CD133− population (P< 0.001). Moreover, CD133+ cells showed an enhanced proliferative potential compared to CD133− cells. The percentages of CD133-1- and CD133-2-expressing cells were significantly lower in normal ovaries/benign tumors with respect to those in ovarian carcinoma. Both the percentages of CD133-1- and CD133-2-expressing cells were significantly lower in omental metastases than in primary ovarian cancer (P= 0.009 and 0.007 for CD133-1- and CD133-2-expressing cells, respectively). There seems not to be any difference in the distribution of the percentage of CD133-1- and CD133-2-expressing cells according to clinicopathologic parameters and response to primary chemotherapy. CD133-1 and CD133-2 may be useful in order to select and enrich the population of CD133+ ovarian tumor cells, which are characterized by a higher clonogenic efficiency and proliferative potential.