Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The type IV pilin PilA couples surface attachment and cell-cycle initiation in Caulobacter crescentus

Significance Pili are dynamic, long proteinaceous appendages found on the surface of many bacteria to promote adhesion. Here, we provide systems-level findings on a molecular signal transduction pathway that interlinks surface sensing with cell-cycle initiation. We propose that surface attachment induces depolymerization of pili filaments. The concomitant increase in pilin subunits within the inner membrane function as a stimulus to activate the second messenger cyclic di-GMP and trigger cell-cycle initiation. Furthermore, we show that the provision of a 17-amino acid synthetic peptide corresponding to the membrane portion of the pilin subunit mimics surface sensing, activates cell-cycle initiation, and inhibits surface attachment. Thus, synthetic peptide mimetics of pilin represent promising chemotypes to control biofilm formation and treat bacterial infections. Understanding how bacteria colonize surfaces and regulate cell-cycle progression in response to cellular adhesion is of fundamental importance. Here, we use transposon sequencing in conjunction with fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) microscopy to uncover the molecular mechanism for how surface sensing drives cell-cycle initiation in Caulobacter crescentus. We identify the type IV pilin protein PilA as the primary signaling input that couples surface contact to cell-cycle initiation via the second messenger cyclic di-GMP (c-di-GMP). Upon retraction of pili filaments, the monomeric pilin reservoir in the inner membrane is sensed by the 17-amino acid transmembrane helix of PilA to activate the PleC-PleD two-component signaling system, increase cellular c-di-GMP levels, and signal the onset of the cell cycle. We termed the PilA signaling sequence CIP for “cell-cycle initiating pilin” peptide. Addition of the chemically synthesized CIP peptide initiates cell-cycle progression and simultaneously inhibits surface attachment. The broad conservation of the type IV pili and their importance in pathogens for host colonization suggests that CIP peptide mimetics offer strategies to inhibit surface sensing, prevent biofilm formation and control persistent infections.
Claudin-12 deficiency causes nerve barrier breakdown, mechanical hypersensitivity and painfulness in polyneuropathy

Peripheral nerves and their axons are shielded by the blood-nerve and the myelin barrier, but understanding of how these barriers impact nociception is limited. Here, we identified a regulatory axis of the tight junction protein claudin-12, sex-dependently controlling perineurial and myelin barrier integrity. In nerve biopsies, claudin-12 in Schwann cells was lost in male and postmenopausal female patients with painful but not painless polyneuropathy. Global Cldn12 gene-knockout selectively increased perineurial/myelin barrier leakage, damaged tight junction protein expression and morphology, increased proinflammatory cytokines and induced mechanical hypersensitivity in naïve and neuropathic male mice, respectively. Other barriers and neurological function remained intact. In vitro transfection studies documented claudin-12 plasma membrane localisation without interaction with other tight junction proteins or intrinsic sealing properties. Rather, claudin-12 had a regulatory tight junction protein function on the myelin barrier via the morphogen SHH in vivo in Cldn12-KO and after local siRNA knockdown. Fertile female mice were completely protected. Collectively, these studies reveal the critical role of claudin-12 maintaining the myelin barrier and highlight restoration of the claudin-12/SHH pathway as a potential target for painful neuropathy.
Morphological and Molecular Identification of Some Intestinal Helminths Infesting the Domestic Pigeon (Columba livia domestica) at Ismailia, Egypt

The study identified helminths infecting the domestic pigeon, Columba livia domestica using conven-tional methods (Light and Environmental scanning electron microscopes) as well as the newly introduced molecular biology methods. 120 pigeons were purchased from Ismailia, Egypt during the period from December, 2015 to November, 2016. Light and Environmental scanning electron microscopes were used to study the general morphology and the surface features of the recovered parasites. The identification of the recovered helminths was confirmed using molecular biology techniques. Four helminths were recorded; one nematode (Ascaridia columbae) and three cestodes (Cotugnia polyacantha, Raillietina beveridgei and Raillietina echinobothrida). The total helminths prevalence was 58.3%. Parasites DNA sequence data was used in Blast test, in order to confirm the identities of recovered cestodes. The phylogenetic tree of C. polyacantha picked only one sequence belong to Cotugnia sp. from India, in turn, this may be the first time for C. polyacantha 18S rRNA to be submitted to GenBank from Egypt. Also, PCR reaction positively identified our nematode as A. columbae. Therefore, it is recommended to use molecular technique in helminths identification as the main methodology for correct identification especially in closely related species.
Gallbladder Polyps Are Associated with Proximal Colon Polyps

Background The association between gallbladder (GB) disease and colorectal precancerous lesions remains elusive. This study sought to explore the association between GB disease and colorectal neoplasms at different locations. Methods Patients who received general health checkup from January to December 2008 were included and subgrouped into three groups by polyp location: proximal, distal, and whole colon. GB disease and other known risk factors for colon cancer were compared and analyzed. Different types of polyps at different locations were further investigated. Results Of a total of 3136 patients (1776 men and 1360 women; mean age, 49.3 years) who had colon polyps, 212 (6.8%) had GB stone and 512 (16.3%) had GB polyps. Patients in the proximal colon polyp group had higher rates of GB polyps and stones. GB polyps were independently associated with proximal colon polyps, including both hyperplastic polyps (odds ratio, 1.523; P = 0.034) and adenomatous polyps (odds ratio, 1.351; P = 0.048). No relationship between GB polyps and distal or any colon polyps was observed. Irrespective of the polyp location (i.e., proximal, distal, or any part of the colon), GB stone did not show any association with colon polyp. Conclusions We suggested that GB polyps are associated with proximal colon polyps. Colonoscopy may be a more effective strategy for screening proximal precancerous lesions among patients with GB polyps. The association between GB disease and colon polyps demands further prospective investigation.
Prevalencia de la resistencia bacteriana en heridas quirúrgicas en el Hospital Central Militar

Recibido: Octubre 29, 2014 Aceptado: Diciembre 12, 2014 RESUMEN Introducción. En este trabajo se realizó un análisis de prevalencia de la resistencia bacteriana en heridas quirúrgicas infectadas en el Hospital Central Militar. Objetivo. Determinar mediante un análisis estadístico si la prevalencia de la resistencia bacteriana en HQI en el Hospital Central Militar son las mismas que las documentadas en la literatura médica a nivel nacional e internacional. Material y métodos. El estudio se realizó durante el periodo enero-octubre 2011 en las instalaciones del Laboratorio de Microbiología del Hospital Central Militar, con resultados de cultivos microbiológicos de secreciones de HQI con un total de 523 pruebas, identificando la bacteria y realizando el antibiograma de manera automatizada por medio del equipo de identificación y sensibilidad microbiana Walk Away®; se obtuvo una base de datos, se elaboró un análisis estadístico descriptivo para conocer la prevalencia bacteriana con la fórmula de Prevalencia de periodo: PP(to, t) = C(to,t)/N; y un análisis estadístico de porcentaje para conocer la prevalencia de la resistencia bacteriana a los antibióticos más empleados. Resultados. La prevalencia bacteriana de periodo fue de 37.28% en HQI, reportando bacterias Gram-negativas por encima de las Gram-positivas, predominando Staphylococcus aureus con 35.38% siguiendo Escherichia coli con 20%. La resistencia bacteriana en Gram-positivos fue a la ampicilina y penicilina con 86.32%, eritromicina y oxacilina con 68.42%, en cambio se observó mayor sensibilidad hacia vancomicina con 90.53%. Las Gram-negativas mostraron alta resistencia al cefepime con 88.54%, ciprofloxacino con 80.21%, en cambio se observó mayor sensibilidad hacia meropenem con 80.21%.
Diabetes Disease Prediction using Neural Network

: This project aims in assisting doctors to predict diabetes disease in prior based on present health parameters like blood plasma, age ,insulin level, pregnancy, body mass, skin thickness, paediatric conditions and blood pressure. Machine learning tools have huge impact in medical field day by day. It is quite difficult to make correct decisions in future prediction of disease. But this project uses convolution neural network system to make efficient classification. Here classification happens as Diabetic or Non-Diabetic based on the health parameters. The results obtained has an accuracy level of 84% and further the accuracy can be enhanced by more interesting deep neural networks, which is a further improvement step for this project. Multilayer perceptron neural network is the algorithm used for binary classification of diabetes. It involves feature analysis of all those 8 parameters and their reflection on being diabetic or not. This is a computer aided system, which doesn’t require frequent blood tests of patients in order to make predictions. Henceforth, saves both time and money making the hospital system efficient. The GUI is developed to fetch the data to send it for backend analysis. The dataset used here is Pima Indian Diabetes Dataset which is a collection of 768 patients’ health records.
The role of native species as biome resistance factors on molasses grass (Melinis minutiflora Beauv.) invasion in rupestrian fields in Minas Gerais State, Brazil

13 Introduction . 14 Material and methods . 16 Study area . 16 Experimental design . 17 Estimative of native species distribution . 17 Data analysis . 18 Results and discussion . 18 Acknowledgements . 25 References . 25 Chapter 2 The role of Periandra mediterranea (Vell.) Taub. over invasion of molasses Grass (Melinis minutiflora Beauv.) on rupestrian fields: nitrogen biogeochemical cycling implications Abstract . 32 Introduction . 33 Material and methods . 36 Study area . 36 Experimental design . 37 Field sampling and analysis . 38 Results and discussion . 39 Acknowledgements . 49 References . 49. 32 Introduction . 33 Material and methods . 36 Study area . 36 Experimental design . 37 Field sampling and analysis . 38 Results and discussion . 39 Acknowledgements . 49 References . 49
Handbook of Occupational Safety and Health

Legal Labour Protection Legal Labour Protection, B. Krzyskow Psychophysical Capabilities of Humans in the Working Environment The Physiology of Work, J. Bugajska Selected Issues of Occupational Biomechanics, D. Roman-Liu Psychosocial Risk in the Workplace and Its Reduction, M. Widerszal-Bazyl The Physiology of Stress, M. Konarska Basic Hazards in the Work Environment Harmful Chemical Agents in the Work Environment, M. Posniak and J. Skowron Dusts, E. Jankowska Vibroacoustic Hazards, Z. Engel, D. Koradecka, D. Augustynska, P. Kowalski, L. Morzynski, and J. Zera Electromagnetic Hazards in the Workplace, J. Karpowicz and K. Gryz Static Electricity, Z.J. Grabarczyk Electric Current, M. Dzwiarek Electric Lighting for Indoor Workplaces and Workstations, A. Wolska Noncoherent Optical Radiation, A. Wolska and W. Dybczynski Laser Radiation, G. Owczarek and A. Wolska Ionising Radiation, K. A. Pachocki Thermal Loads at Workstations, A. Bogdan and I. Sudol-Szopinska Atmospheric Pressure (Increase and Decrease), W.G. Kowalski Mechanical Hazards, K. Myrcha and J. Gierasimiuk Biological Agents, J. Dutkiewicz The Effects of Hazards on Work Processes Occupational Diseases, K. Marek and J. Bugajska Accidents at Work, R. Studenski, G. Dudka, and R. Bojanowski Major Industrial Accidents, J.S. Michalik Basic Directions for Shaping Occupational Safety and Ergonomics Occupational Risk Assessment, Z. Pawlowska Work-Related Activities: Rules and Methods for Assessment, D. Roman-Liu Shift Work, K. Zunewicz Personal Protective Equipment, K. Majchrzycka, G. Bartkowiak, A. Stefko, W. Kaminska, G. Owczarek, P. Pietrowski, and K. Baszczynski Shaping the Safety and Ergonomics of Machinery in the Process of Design and Use, J. Gierasimiuk and K. Myrcha Basic Principles for Protective Equipment Application, M. Dzwiarek Methods, Standards, and Models of Occupational Safety and Health Management Systems, D. Podgorski Education in Occupational Safety and Ergonomics, S.M. Kwiatkowski and K. Swider Index
AstroDot – a new method for studying the spatial distribution of mRNA in astrocytes

ABSTRACT Astrocytes are morphologically complex and use local translation to regulate distal functions. To study the distribution of mRNA in astrocytes, we combined mRNA detection via in situ hybridization with immunostaining of the astrocyte-specific intermediate filament glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). mRNAs at the level of GFAP-immunolabelled astrocyte somata, and large and fine processes were analysed using AstroDot, an ImageJ plug-in and the R package AstroStat. Taking the characterization of mRNAs encoding GFAP-α and GFAP-δ isoforms as a proof of concept, we showed that they mainly localized on GFAP processes. In the APPswe/PS1dE9 mouse model of Alzheimer's disease, the density and distribution of both α and δ forms of Gfap mRNA changed as a function of the region of the hippocampus and the astrocyte's proximity to amyloid plaques. To validate our method, we confirmed that the ubiquitous Rpl4 (large subunit ribosomal protein 4) mRNA was present in astrocyte processes as well as in microglia processes immunolabelled for ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule 1 (Iba1; also known as IAF1). In summary, this novel set of tools allows the characterization of mRNA distribution in astrocytes and microglia in physiological or pathological settings. Summary: AstroDot is a new method for studying the spatial distribution of mRNA ex vivo in complex brain cells, such as astrocytes and microglia, in physiological and pathological conditions.
Multifractal analysis of volatility for detection of herding and bubble: evidence from CNX Nifty HFT

This study delves into the herding and bubble detection in the volatility domain of a capital market underlying. Furthermore, it focuses on creating heuristics, so that common investors find it relatively easy to understand the state of the market volatility. Hence, it can be termed that this study is focused on the specific financial innovation regarding bubble and herding detection coupled with investor awareness. The traces of possible volatility bubble emerge when it is positioned against its own lags (both lag1 and lag2). The volatility trigger indicated clear traces of herding and an embedded parabola function. Continuous and repetitive parabola function hinted at a subtle presence of “fractals”. Firstly, the detrended fluctuation analysis has been used with its multifractal variant. Secondly, the regularized form of Hurst calculation and analysis have been used. Both tests reveal the traces of nascent bubble formation owing to prominent herding in CNX Nifty HFT environment. They also indicate a clear link with Hausdorff topological patterns. These patterns would help to create heuristics, enabling investors to be aware of possible bubble and herd situations.
Healthcare professionals’ perceptions of learning communication in the healthcare workplace: an Australian interview study

Objectives The literature focuses on teaching communication skills in the ‘classroom’, with less focus on how such skills are informally learnt in the healthcare workplace. We grouped healthcare work based on the cure:care continuum to explore communication approaches based on work activities. This study asks: 1) How do healthcare professionals believe they learn communication in the workplace? 2) What are the differences (if any) across the ‘type of work’ as represented by the cure:care continuum? Design This qualitative study used semi-structured individual interviews. Setting Community care and acute hospitals in Australia (Victoria and New South Wales). Participants Twenty qualified healthcare professionals (medicine n=4, nursing n=3, allied health n=13) from various clinical specialties (eg, acute, rehabilitation, surgery, palliative care) participated. Methods Data were analysed using framework analysis, which involved the development of a thematic coding framework. Findings were mapped to participants’ descriptions of work using the cure:care continuum. Results Three themes were identified that varied across the cure:care continuum: professional discourse—tying communication approaches to work activities; personal identities—the influence of personal identities on healthcare communication and role modelling—the influence of others in the socially bound context of healthcare work. Conclusions This study highlights the influence of professional, personal and social factors on the learning of healthcare communication in the workplace. Our study illuminates differences in communication practice related to work activities, as conceptualised by the cure:care continuum. The results call for further examination of the ‘nature’ of work activities and the concomitant influence on developing healthcare communication.
Clinical and Educational Efficacy of a University-Based Biofeedback Therapy Clinic.

This study is a qualitative analysis and a quantitative analysis of all peripheral biofeedback client data files of the University of North Texas Biofeedback Research and Training Laboratory since its establishment in 1991 and through the year of 2002. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the clinical and educational efficacy of the BRTL. Clients' electromyography and temperature measures, self-report of homework relaxation exercises and progress, and the pre- and post-Stress Signal Checklist were reviewed and analyzed. In regard to clinical efficacy, results indicate statistically significant changes in both temperature training and muscle tension training as a whole group. When divided into subtypes based on the clients' primary presenting problem, findings indicate statistical significance in chronic pain, tension headache, and temporomandibular jaw pain on temperature training, and show statistical significance in chronic pain, tension headache, hypertension, migraine headache, stress, and temporomandibular jaw pain on muscle tension training. When analyzing the Stress Signal Checklist, only 25% of clients had complete information on both pre- and post-Stress Signal Checklist. For these 25%, 87.5% reported symptoms decreased. When reviewing the clients' self-reported progress in therapist's session notes, there is no procedure for computing a treatment success to failure ratio due to the inconsistency of therapists in recording clients' statements. This study also identifies three basic biofeedback learning curves that show how people learn self-regulation skills in biofeedback therapy: 1) steady state and trainable (low variability), 2) phasic state and trainable (high variability), and 3) phasic state and low trainable (high variability).
The Organismal Form and Function Lab-Course: A New CURE for a Lack of Authentic Research Experiences in Organismal Biology

Synopsis There are many benefits to engaging students in authentic research experiences instead of traditional style lectures and “cookbook” labs. Many Course-based Undergraduate Research Experiences (CUREs) have been developed that provide research experiences to a more inclusive and diverse student body, allow more students to obtain research experiences, and expose students to the scientific process. Most CUREs in the biological sciences focus on cellular and molecular biology, with few being developed in ecology, evolution, and organismal biology. Here, I present a one-semester CURE focused on organismal form and function. The goal of the course was to have students develop their own research questions and hypotheses in relation to invertebrate form and movement, using high-speed cinematography to collect their data. In this paper, I describe the motivation for the course, provide the details of teaching the course, including rubrics for several assignments, the outcomes of the course, caveats, and ways a similar course can be implemented at other institutions. The course was structured to use a scaffolding approach during the first half of the semester to provide the content of form–function relationships and allow students to acquire the laboratory skills to quantify animal movement. The second half of the course focused on student-driven inquiry, with class time dedicated to conducting research. As there is a push to engage more students in research, I hope this course will inspire others to implement similar classes at other universities, providing a network of collaboration on integrative organismal student-driven research.
Pathways to Adulthood and Marriage: Teenagers' Attitudes, Expectations, and Relationship Patterns. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation

In recent years, marriage patterns in the U.S. have changed dramatically, with adults spending more time unmarried, and cohabitation and nonmarital childbearing becoming increasingly common. To examine these potential precursors of changes in adult marriage patterns, this report examines teensâ€™ attitudes, expectations, and experiences associated with romantic relationships and marriage, and explores typical relationship pathways as they move into adulthood. Teensâ€™ attitudes toward marriage are generally favorable, and over 80 percent plan to marry some day.
MicroRNA‑506 regulates apoptosis in retinoblastoma cells by targeting sirtuin 1

Background MicroRNAs have been reported to participate in the initiation and progression of retinoblastoma (RB), most common malignancy in children. The refractory mechanisms of chemoresistance and the toxicity of chemotherapies hindered the treatment especially on young children. Novel RB therapies are urgently required. MiR-506 is probed to be associated with the tumorigenesis of various cancers whilst the role of this miR in RB remains unclear. Methods Here, the impact of miR-506 on RB cell survival in vitro and tumorigenesis in vivo was examined. MiR-506 expression was examined in human RB samples and cell lines as compared with healthy tissues and non-RB cells. EdU staining and colony formation assay were performed to determine the effect of miR-506 on RB cell growth. TdT-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining and flow cytometry analysis were applied to detect the apoptotic cell number after miR-506 was downregulated in RB cells. Furthermore, dual-luciferase reporter assay was utilized to confirm the direct interaction between miR-506 and SIRT1 gene. Results MiR-506 expression was upregulated in 20 human RB samples from patients as well as in human RB cell lines, WERI-Rb1 and Y79, as compared to that in healthy tissues and non-RB cells. In contrast, the expression of sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), known as NAD-dependent deacetylase, was downregulated in RB samples and cell lines. Aberrant reduced miR-506 expression impaired survival and proliferation of WERI-Rb1 and Y79 cells. The depletion of miR-506 expression promoted apoptosis of the two RB cell lines. The results of bioinformatics analysis and dual-luciferase assay exhibited that miR-506 targeted the 3ʹ-untranslated region of SIRT1 on silencing purpose. The SIRT1 silencing lessened the miR-506 inhibition on RB cell proliferation and undermined apoptosis. Conclusion The results provided an insight into the role of miR-506 during RB development and offered potential pharmaceutical strategy for RB diagnosis.