Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Adapting Microarray Gene Expression Signatures for Early Melioidosis Diagnosis

Melioidosis is caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei and is predominantly seen in tropical regions. The clinical signs and symptoms of the disease are nonspecific and often result in misdiagnosis, failure of treatment, and poor clinical outcome. Septicemia with septic shock is the most common cause of death, with mortality rates above 40%. Bacterial culture is the gold standard for diagnosis, but it has low sensitivity and takes days to produce definitive results. Early laboratory diagnosis can help guide physicians to provide treatment specific to B. pseudomallei. ABSTRACT Melioidosis is caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei and is predominantly seen in tropical regions. The clinical signs and symptoms of the disease are nonspecific and often result in misdiagnosis, failure of treatment, and poor clinical outcome. Septicemia with septic shock is the most common cause of death, with mortality rates above 40%. Bacterial culture is the gold standard for diagnosis, but it has low sensitivity and takes days to produce definitive results. Early laboratory diagnosis can help guide physicians to provide treatment specific to B. pseudomallei. In our study, we adapted host gene expression signatures obtained from microarray data of B. pseudomallei-infected cases to develop a real-time PCR diagnostic test using two differentially expressed genes, AIM2 (absent in melanoma 2) and FAM26F (family with sequence similarity 26, member F). We tested blood from 33 patients with B. pseudomallei infections and 29 patients with other bacterial infections to validate the test and determine cutoff values for use in a cascading diagnostic algorithm. Differentiation of septicemic melioidosis from other sepsis cases had a sensitivity of 82%, specificity of 93%, and negative and positive predictive values (NPV and PPV) of 82% and 93%, respectively. Separation of cases likely to be melioidosis from those unlikely to be melioidosis in nonbacteremic situations showed a sensitivity of 40%, specificity of 54%, and NPV and PPV of 44% and 50%, respectively. We suggest that our AIM2 and FAM26F expression combination algorithm could be beneficial for early melioidosis diagnosis, offering a result within 24 h of admission.
A peroxidase mimetic protects skeletal muscle cells from peroxide challenge and stimulates insulin signaling.

Reactive oxygen species such as hydrogen peroxide have been implicated in causing metabolic dysfunction such as insulin resistance. Heme groups, either by themselves or when incorporated into proteins have been shown to scavenge peroxide and demonstrate protective effects in various cell types. Thus, we hypothesized that a metalloporphyrin similar in structure to heme, Fe(III)tetrakis(4-benzoic acid)porphyrin (FeTBAP), would be a peroxidase mimetic that could defend cells against oxidative stress. After demonstrating that FeTBAP has peroxidase activity with reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) and NADH as reducing substrates, we determined that FeTBAP partially rescued C2C12 myotubes from peroxide-induced insulin resistance as measured by phosphorylation of AKT (S473) and insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS-1, Y612). Further, we found that FeTBAP stimulates insulin signaling in myotubes and mouse soleus skeletal muscle to about the same level as insulin for phosphorylation of AKT, IRS-1, and glycogen synthase kinase 3β (S9). We found that FeTBAP lowers intracellular peroxide levels and protects against carbonyl formation in myotubes exposed to peroxide. Additionally, we found that FeTBAP stimulates glucose transport in myotubes and skeletal muscle to about the same level as does insulin. We conclude that a peroxidase mimetic can blunt peroxide induced insulin resistance and also stimulate insulin signaling and glucose transport, suggesting a possible role of peroxidase activity in regulation of insulin signaling.
Relationship between gestational acrylamide exposure and offspring’s growth: a systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies

Abstract Objective: To estimate the current evidence regarding the association between gestational acrylamide (AA) exposure and offspring’s growth. Design: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Setting: A systematic literature search for relevant publications was conducted using PubMed, Medline, Embase, Web of Science databases from inception to 26 April 2019. The standardised mean difference (SMD) or OR with 95 % CI was selected as the effect sizes and was calculated using a random effects model. Results: Five cohort studies including 54 728 participants were identified. Offspring’s birth weight was significantly lower in high AA exposure group than in low AA exposure group (SMD –0·05, 95 % CI –0·09, –0·02, P = 0·005). There was also an association between maternal AA exposure and small for gestational age (OR 1·14, 95 % CI 1·06, 1·23, P < 0·001). In addition, pooled ORs suggested that children had a high risk of developing overweight/obesity in the future in maternal high AA exposure group (OR 1·14, 95 % CI 1·08, 1·21, P < 0·001 at age 3; OR 1·13, 95 % CI 1·07, 1·19, P < 0·001 at age 5; OR 1·09, 95 % CI 1·02, 1·16, P = 0·020 at age 8). Conclusions: These findings have important implications for conducting health education, providing guidance on maternal diet and developing an appropriate dietary strategy for pregnant women to reduce dietary AA exposure.
The GTPase Rab27b regulates the release, autophagic clearance, and toxicity of α-synuclein

α-Synuclein (αsyn) is the primary component of proteinaceous aggregates termed Lewy bodies that pathologically define synucleinopathies including Parkinson's disease (PD) and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB). αsyn is hypothesized to spread through the brain in a prion-like fashion by misfolded protein forming a template for aggregation of endogenous αsyn. The cell-to-cell release and uptake of αsyn are considered important processes for its prion-like spread. Rab27b is one of several GTPases essential to the endosomal-lysosomal pathway and is implicated in protein secretion and clearance, but its role in αsyn spread has yet to be characterized. In this study, we used a paracrine αsyn in vitro neuronal model to test the impact of Rab27b on αsyn release, clearance, and toxicity. shRNA-mediated knockdown (KD) of Rab27b increased αsyn-mediated paracrine toxicity. Rab27b reduced αsyn release primarily through nonexosomal pathways, but the αsyn released after Rab27b KD was of higher-molecular-weight species, as determined by size-exclusion chromatography. Rab27b KD increased intracellular levels of insoluble αsyn and led to an accumulation of endogenous light chain 3 (LC3)-positive puncta. Rab27b KD also decreased LC3 turnover after treatment with an autophagosome-lysosome fusion inhibitor, chloroquine, indicating that Rab27b KD induces a defect in autophagic flux. Rab27b protein levels were increased in brain lysates obtained from postmortem tissues of individuals with PD and DLB compared with healthy controls. These data indicate a role for Rab27b in the release, clearance, and toxicity of αsyn and, ultimately, in the pathogenesis of synucleinopathies.
Oxidative Stress, Endoparasite Prevalence and Social Immunity in Bee Colonies Kept Traditionally vs. Those Kept for Commercial Purposes

Commercially and traditionally managed bees were compared for oxidative stress (superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione S-transferase (GST) and malondialdehyde (MDA)), the prevalence of parasites (Lotmaria passim, Crithidia mellificae and Nosema ceranae/apis) and social immunity (glucose oxidase gene expression). The research was conducted on Pester plateau (Serbia—the Balkan Peninsula), on seemingly healthy colonies. Significant differences in CAT, GST and SOD activities (p < 0.01), and MDA concentrations (p < 0.002) were detected between commercial and traditional colonies. In the former, the prevalence of both L. passim and N. ceranae was significantly (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01, respectively) higher. For the first time, L. passim was detected in honey bee brood. In commercial colonies, the prevalence of L. passim was significantly (p < 0.01) lower in brood than in adult bees, whilst in traditionally kept colonies the prevalence in adult bees and brood did not differ significantly. In commercially kept colonies, the GOX gene expression level was significantly (p < 0.01) higher, which probably results from their increased need to strengthen their social immunity. Commercially kept colonies were under higher oxidative stress, had higher parasite burdens and higher GOX gene transcript levels. It may be assumed that anthropogenic influence contributed to these differences, but further investigations are necessary to confirm that.
Individual and Environmental Factors Associated with Tobacco Smoking, Alcohol Abuse and Illegal Drug Consumption in University Students: A Mediating Analysis

Substance abuse is a major and prevalent public health concern among university students. Tobacco smoking, risky alcohol behavior, and illegal drug consumption may lead to health problems and behavioral and academic issues. Several individual and environmental factors associate with substance abuse in this population, and the mediating effect of alcohol abuse in the relationship between tobacco smoking and drug consumption is yet to be explored. The purposes of this study were to evaluate the association of individual and environmental factors and substance use, and to analyze the relationship between tobacco smoking, alcohol abuse, and drug consumption, considering alcohol abuse as a possible mediator. A total of 550 Spanish undergraduate and postgraduate students completed several questionnaires regarding their smoking status, alcohol use, and drug consumption during the last six months. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to explore associations between factors. Direct, indirect and mediating effects were tested using a partial least squares approach (PLS-SEM). The results indicated that substance abuse is associated with being male, living with other students, and combined substance consumption. PLS-SEM showed a significant effect of tobacco smoking and alcohol abuse on drug consumption. Alcohol abuse plays a mediating role in the relationship between tobacco smoking and drug use.
Effect of aerobic exercise training on asthma in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective To evaluate the effect of aerobic exercise training on asthma control, lung function and airway inflammation in adults with asthma. Design Systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods Randomised controlled trials investigating the effect of ≥8 weeks of aerobic exercise training on outcomes for asthma control, lung function and airway inflammation in adults with asthma were eligible for study. MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, PEDro and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) were searched up to April 3, 2019. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool. Results We included 11 studies with a total of 543 adults with asthma. Participants' mean (range) age was 36.5 (22–54) years; 74.8% of participants were female and the mean (range) body mass index was 27.6 (23.2–38.1) kg·m−2. Interventions had a median (range) duration of 12 (8–12) weeks and included walking, jogging, spinning, treadmill running and other unspecified exercise training programmes. Exercise training improved asthma control with a standard mean difference (SMD) of −0.48 (−0.81–−0.16). Lung function slightly increased with an SMD of −0.36 (−0.72–0.00) in favour of exercise training. Exercise training had no apparent effect on markers of airway inflammation (SMD −0.03 (−0.41–0.36)). Conclusions In adults with asthma, aerobic exercise training has potential to improve asthma control and lung function, but not airway inflammation. In this meta-analysis, aerobic exercise training improves asthma control and lung function in adults with asthma. The results provide valuable information for healthcare professionals when providing advice regarding exercise training for asthma patients. https://bit.ly/2VrsQMv
Sorting Objects from a Conveyor Belt Using POMDPs with Multiple-Object Observations and Information-Gain Rewards †

We consider a robot that must sort objects transported by a conveyor belt into different classes. Multiple observations must be performed before taking a decision on the class of each object, because the imperfect sensing sometimes detects the incorrect object class. The objective is to sort the sequence of objects in a minimal number of observation and decision steps. We describe this task in the framework of partially observable Markov decision processes, and we propose a reward function that explicitly takes into account the information gain of the viewpoint selection actions applied. The DESPOT algorithm is applied to solve the problem, automatically obtaining a sequence of observation viewpoints and class decision actions. Observations are made either only for the object on the first position of the conveyor belt or for multiple adjacent positions at once. The performance of the single- and multiple-position variants is compared, and the impact of including the information gain is analyzed. Real-life experiments with a Baxter robot and an industrial conveyor belt are provided.
Latency characteristics in specific pathogen-free chickens 21 and 35 days after intra-tracheal inoculation with vaccine or field strains of infectious laryngotracheitis virus

ABSTRACT Latency is an important feature of infectious laryngotracheitis virus (ILTV) yet is poorly understood. This study aimed to compare latency characteristics of vaccine (SA2) and field (CL9) strains of ILTV, establish an in vitro reactivation system and examine ILTV infection in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) in specific pathogen-free chickens. Birds were inoculated with SA2 or CL9 ILTV and then bled and culled at 21 or 35 days post-inoculation (dpi). Swabs (conjunctiva, palatine cleft, trachea) and trigeminal ganglia (TG) were examined for ILTV DNA using PCR. Half of the TG, trachea and PBMC were co-cultivated with cell monolayers to assess in vitro reactivation of ILTV infection. ILTV DNA was detected in the trachea of approximately 50% of ILTV‐inoculated birds at both timepoints. At 21 dpi, ILTV was detected in the TG only in 29% and 17% of CL9- and SA2-infected birds, respectively. At 35 dpi, ILTV was detected in the TG only in 30% and 10% of CL9- and SA2-infected birds, respectively. Tracheal organ co-cultures from 30% and 70% of CL9- and SA2-infected birds, respectively, were negative for ILTV DNA at cull but yielded quantifiable DNA within 6 days post-explant (dpe). TG co-cultivation from 30% and 40% of CL9-and SA2-infected birds, respectively, had detectable ILTV DNA within 6 dpe. Latency characteristics did not substantially vary based on the strain of virus inoculated or between sampling timepoints. These results advance our understanding of ILTV latency and reactivation. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS Following inoculation, latent ILTV infection was detected in a large proportion of chickens, irrespective of whether a field or vaccine strain was inoculated. In vitro reactivation of latent ILTV was readily detected in tracheal and trigeminal ganglia co-cultures using PCR. ILTV latency observed in SPF chickens at 21 days post-infection was not substantially different to 35 days post-infection.
Improvement of Power Quality by Fuzzy Logic Controller through Four-Leg Inverter

The problems due to harmonics and reactive power losses have been pentraining from the decades. Since many methods are proposed to reduce the voltage sags, voltage swells etc. This paper mainly explains the fuzzy based four-leg voltage source inverter for power quality improvement. In recent many countries has been using this four-leg voltage source inverter for various applications like in power filters, renewable power generations, to eliminate the harmonics up to 25th level and more and also for size reduction . A detailed and simple mathematical model of this four-leg inverter, includes the effect of the equivalent power system impedance, is derived ad used to design the predictive control algorithm. The performance of this proposed fuzzy based VSI is demonstrated under steady state and transient operating conditions through MATLAB simulations.
A Study of Group Dynamics and Individual Identifications for a group of Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis) observed around North Bimini Island, Bahamas

This pilot study began an examination of the group dynamics of Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis) found on the Great Bahamas Bank, north of Bimini Island, Bahamas. A total of 126.5 hours was spent on-effort searching for dolphins inside the main survey area on trips. On 58 surveys, 70 sightings of spotted dolphins, 17 sightings of bottlenose dolphins and 6 sightings of mixed groups were recorded. Approximately 15 hours of dolphins underwater were recorded on videotape during encounters. Spotted dolphins and bottlenose dolphins were recorded on 57 encounters, 18 short encounters and 30 attempts (Table 3). Currently, 61 individual spotted dolphins have been identified. The gender of 25 spotted dolphins was documented: 17 are female and 8 are male. The age classes for these 61 identified spotted dolphins is as follows: 38 are age class 5 (adults), 5 are age class 4 (sub-adults), 17 are age class 3 (juveniles) and 2 are age class 2 (calves). Baseline data for a first season of observations on this group of Atlantic spotted dolphins will yield information for continuing to observe how dolphins respond to swimmers and boats in the waters of the Bahamas, and around Bimini Islands for this particular group of dolphins.
Clinical Parameters Are More Likely to Be Associated with Thyroid Hormone Levels than with Thyrotropin Levels: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: Though the functional states of other endocrine systems are not defined on the basis of levels of controlling hormones, the assessment of thyroid function is based on levels of the controlling hormone thyrotropin (TSH). We, therefore, addressed the question as to whether levels of thyroid hormones [free thyroxine (fT4), total triiodothyronine (TT3)/free triiodothyronine (fT3)], or TSH levels, within and beyond the reference ranges, provide the better guide to the range of clinical parameters associated with thyroid status. Methods: A PubMed/MEDLINE search of studies up to October 2019, examining associations of levels of thyroid hormones and TSH, taken simultaneously in the same individuals, with clinical parameters was performed. We analyzed atrial fibrillation, other cardiac parameters, osteoporosis and fracture, cancer, dementia, frailty, mortality, features of the metabolic syndrome, and pregnancy outcomes. Studies were assessed for quality by using a modified Newcastle–Ottawa score. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines were followed. A meta-analysis of the associations was performed to determine the relative likelihood of fT4, TT3/fT3, and TSH levels that are associated with the clinical parameters. Results: We identified 58 suitable articles and a total of 1880 associations. In general, clinical parameters were associated with thyroid hormone levels significantly more often than with TSH levels—the converse was not true for any of the clinical parameters. In the 1880 considered associations, fT4 levels were significantly associated with clinical parameters in 50% of analyses. The respective frequencies for TT3/fT3 and TSH levels were 53% and 23% (p < 0.0001 for both fT4 and TT3/fT3 vs. TSH). The fT4 and TT3/fT3 levels were comparably associated with clinical parameters (p = 0.71). More sophisticated statistical analyses, however, indicated that the associations with TT3/fT3 were not as robust as the associations with fT4. Conclusions: Thyroid hormones levels, and in particular fT4 levels, seem to have stronger associations with clinical parameters than do TSH levels. Associations of clinical parameters with TSH levels can be explained by the strong negative population correlation between thyroid hormones and TSH. Clinical and research components of thyroidology currently based on the measurement of the thyroid state by reference to TSH levels warrant reconsideration.
Anti-Acne Action of Peptides Isolated from Burdock Root—Preliminary Studies and Pilot Testing

This work aimed to study the anti-bacterial, anti-biofilm and anti-oxidant potential effects of low molecular weight (LMW) peptides (Br-p) isolated from burdock (Arctium lappa L.) roots. We conducted a preliminary study to exclude or confirm the antibiotic activity of the LMW peptides fraction of this plant. Br-p were isolated using gel filtration and a 10 kDa cut-off membrane. The obtained peptides were identified by MALDI TOF/TOF. Antibacterial activity was tested against acne strains using diffusion tests, MIC and MBC. The fibroblast cytotoxicity of Br-p was tested, and the selectivity index (SI) value was determined. The fraction of 46 Br-p peptides isolated from burdock root with a molecular weight below 5000 Da and theoretic pI (isoelectric point) of 3.67–11.83 showed a narrow spectrum of activity against Gram-positive acne bacterial strains. One of the Br-p peptides assessed on MALDI RapidDeNovo was LRCDYGRFFASKSLYDPLKKRR cationic peptide. It was analogous to that contained in A. lappa protein, and theoretically it was matched as a peptide with antibiotic nature. Br-p did not show toxicity to fibroblasts in the tested concentration up to 10 mg/mL, obtaining CC50 10 mg/mL. The SI value for the tested Propionibacterium strains ranged from 160 to 320. Finally, an active dressing based on chitosan/alginate/genipin was prepared using freeze-drying. The formed dressing was evaluated for its anti-acne activity. To sum up: preliminary biological studies confirmed the anti-acne properties of the isolated peptide fraction from burdock root and pointed to the possibility of using it to create an active dressing on the skin.