Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Low sensitivity of the MPT64 identification test to detect lineage 5 of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex

Purpose. Differentiation of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBc) from non‐tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) is important for tuberculosis diagnosis and is a prerequisite for reliable phenotypic drug‐resistance testing. We evaluated the performance of the rapid MPT64 antigen identification test for the detection of Mycobacterium africanum lineage 5 (MAF L5). Methodology. Smear‐positive tuberculosis patients' sputa were included prospectively. Culture was performed on Löwenstein‐Jensen medium and, when positive, the MPT64 test and the classical para‐nitro benzoic acid susceptibility and heat‐labile catalase (PNB/catalase) identification tests were performed. The MPT64 test was repeated 14 days after an initially negative first testing. Direct spoligotyping was performed for MTBc lineage determination. Results. In total, 333 isolates were tested for all of the methods. Three hundred and twenty‐two (96.7 %) were pure MTBc, by agreement between spoligotyping and PNB/catalase, and 11 were NTM or a mixture of MTBc/NTM. The MPT64 test conducted on day zero of culture‐positivity correctly identified most of the pure MTBc isolates (93.2 %, 300/322), but it failed to detect 24 % of the L5 isolates (18/75) versus 2 % (4/202) of the L4 ones [OR=15.6 (5.3‐45.8), P<0.0001], with improved sensitivity for L5 detection on repeat testing after 14 days. The L5‐wide non‐synonymous single‐nucleotide polymorphism in the mpt64 gene may explain the poor performance of the MPT64 test for L5. Conclusion. The MPT64 test has a lower sensitivity for detecting L5 isolates of the MTBc, and can be considered as a first‐screening test that should be confirmed by another identification method when it produces negative results in countries with L5. Given the microbiological bias in both the isolation and identification of MAF lineages, diagnostics with high sensitivity for direct testing on clinical material are preferable.
Enhancing Systems Thinking for Undergraduate Nursing Students Using Friday Night at the ER.

BACKGROUND The complexity of health care systems requires cooperation between system stakeholders, structures, and functions. Nurses need an understanding of systems thinking to work effectively in this complex environment. METHOD Nurse educators used the Friday Night at the ER simulation game with undergraduate nursing students to simulate complex problem solving and assess their learning. RESULTS Students had significantly higher scores on the Systems Thinking Scale and reported increased self-perceived proficiency with the quality improvement Quality and Safety Education for Nurses competency after participating in the game. CONCLUSION Nurse educators should consider incorporating complex problem-solving exercises, such as Friday Night at the ER, into their undergraduate curriculum to challenge and strengthen students' critical and systems thinking. Hospital nurse educators should also consider this intervention to assist practicing nurses in bolstering their critical and systems thinking. [J Nurs Educ. 2018;57(11):687-689. ].
Optimization of prostate cancer cell detection using multiplex tyramide signal amplification

Approximately 29 000 men die of prostate cancer (PCa) each year in the United States, and 90% to 100% of them are due to incurable bone metastasis. It is difficult to determine (1) when PCa disseminates in the natural history of the disease; (2) where cancer cell disseminates before becoming overt metastatic lesions; and (3) which tumors are aggressive and which are indolent. Tumor tissue and liquid (blood and bone marrow) biopsies provide important information to answer these questions, but significant limitations exist for immunostaining strategies that assess protein expression in these tissues. Classic immunohistochemistry (IHC) assays can typically assess expression of one or two proteins per tissue section. We have developed a novel immunofluorescence staining protocol to detect a panel of seven proteins on PCa tissue from primary tumor biopsies and metastatic lesion autopsy tissue, as well as cancer cells from liquid biopsies. We used a tyramide‐based system to amplify the true signal and optimized the protocol to reduce background signal, thereby boosting the signal‐to‐noise ratio. Any protein‐specific antibody in this protocol can be exchanged for a different validated antibody. This protocol therefore, represents a highly informative and flexible assay that can be used to provide important information about cancer tissue for the purpose of improving detection, diagnosis, and treatment.
The Role of Employer-provided Sick Pay in Britain and Norway

Higher replacement rates often imply higher levels of absenteeism, yet even in generous welfare economies, employers provide sick pay in addition to the public sick pay. Using comparative population-representative workplace data for Britain and Norway, we show that close to 50% of private sector employers in both countries provide sick pay in excess of statutory sick pay. However, the level of statutory sick pay is also much higher in Norway than in Britain. In both countries, private sick pay as well as other benefits provided by employers are chosen by employers in a way that maximizes profits having accounted for different dimensions of labor costs. Several health-related privately provided benefits are often bundled. In both countries easy-to-train workers, high turnover and risky work are linked to less extensive employer provision of extended sick leave and sick pay in excess of statutory sick pay. In contrast, the presence of a trade union agreement is strongly correlated with both the provision of private sick pay and extended sick leave in Britain but not in Norway. We show that the sickness absence rate is much higher in Norway than in Britain. However, the higher level of absenteeism in Norway compared to Britain relates to the threshold for statutory sick pay in the Norwegian public sick pay legislation. When we take this difference into account, no significant difference remains.
Evaluating Native Wheatgrasses for Restoration of Sagebrush Steppes

Frequent droughts, past overgrazing practices, subsequent weed invasions, and increased wildfire frequency have severely degraded the natural landscapes of the Intermountain West (Northwestern United States), leading to a decrease in theabundance of native vegetation. Pseudoroegneriaspicata and Elymus wawawaiensis are two nativeperennial bunchgrasses of this region that are usedfor restoration of these landscapes. Being formerlywidespread throughout the region, P. spicata is oneof the favorite restoration species. While, E.wawawaiensis, with a restricted distribution, isoften used as a restoration surrogate for P. spicata.However, since the use of native plant material maybe more desirable than a surrogate, the use of E.wawawaiensis as a restoration plant material has beensomewhat controversial. The main goal of thisresearch was to identify plant materials and planttraits with superior seedling growth, droughttolerance, and defoliation tolerance that maycontribute to enhanced ecological function inrestored rangeland plant communities. The studies show that E. wawawaiensis has advantages as a restoration species for the Intermountain West.
Can I talk about your health

Received: September 21, 2018; Accepted: September 28, 2018; Published: October 01, 2018 Obesity is a global epidemic, and its prevalence is increasing in every part of the world.1 In 2014, more than 2.1 billion people were overweight or obese, with an economic burden of $2.0 trillion or 2.8% of the gross domestic product (GDP) globally [1]. Obesity is rather like a packaged deal; where we see obesity, we see the concurrent rise in health conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, stroke, osteoarthritis, renal diseases, cancer and so forth. Obesity threatens quality-of-life and causes disabilities. While advances have led to the development of new medications and complex surgical techniques that promote weight loss, it is awareness of healthy eating habits and dietary education that remain the most important factors in helping control body weight.
Circulating adiponectin levels are paradoxically associated with mortality rate. A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Context Some studies have surprisingly indicated that serum adiponectin is positively related to mortality rate, thus casting doubts on its role as a therapeutic target for cardiovascular disease. Objective To summarize evidence about direction, strength and modulators of this controversial association. Data Sources MEDLINE, Web of Science, CINHAL, Cochrane Library and Scopus from inception through June 2018. Study Selection English-language prospective studies reporting the association between adiponectin and all-cause or cardiovascular mortality. Data Extraction Two investigators independently extracted data and assessed study quality using standard criteria following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses and The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale, respectively. Pooled hazard ratios (HRs) (95% confidence intervals-CIs) were derived using a fixed or random effects models when appropriated and were expressed for one standard deviation (SD) increment of adiponectin. Data Synthesis We identified fifty-five (n=61,676 subjects) and twenty-eight (n=43,979 subjects) studies for all-cause and cardiovascular mortality, respectively. Pooled HRs, were 1.24 (1.17-1.31) and 1.28 (1.19-1.37) for all-cause and cardiovascular mortality, respectively. Similar results were obtained also for High Molecular Weight adiponectin. When meta-analyses were restricted to studies reporting data on natriuretic peptides a 43% and 28% reduction on a log scale of these associations were observed after natriuretic peptides adjustment. Conclusions Our results strongly points to a paradoxical association between high adiponectin levels and increased mortality rate, which is partly modulated by natriuretic peptides.
Comparison of diagnostic efficacy of mrcp and ercp in the management of choledocholithiasis

Aim: We compared the accuracy of MRCP and ERCP findings in the management of suspected common bile duct stones. Material and Methods: Between September and December 2017, 104 patients underwent MRCP and then ERCP to explain the etiology of cholestasis and elevated liver enzymes and / or the bilirubin levels. Laboratory values and MRCP were compared with ERCP findings for the accuracy and reliability of laboratory and radiological findings. Results: The one-hundred four patients underwent MRCP and then ERCP. Of these, 49 (47.1%) were males. The mean age of the patients was 60.7 Â± 16.4 years. When compared MRCP and ERCP findings, the sensitivity of MRCP was 71%, specificity was 35%, negative predictive value (NPV) was 31% and positive predictive value(PPV) was 75%. The accuracy rate was calculated as 61% Conclusion: The diagnosis of choledocholithiasis, should have been done with primarily MRCP and EUS should be used in cases when MRCP is inadequate. ERCP should be used for only in therapeutic procedures.
Perspectives on the Measles, Mumps and Rubella Vaccination among Somali Mothers in Stockholm

Background: Vaccination hesitancy and skepticism among parents hinders progress in achieving full vaccination coverage. Swedish measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine coverage is high however some areas with low vaccination coverage risk outbreaks. This study aimed to explore factors influencing the decision of Somali parents living in the Rinkeby and Tensta districts of Stockholm, Sweden, on whether or not to vaccinate their children with the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine. Method: Participants were 13 mothers of at least one child aged 18 months to 5 years, who were recruited using snowball sampling. In-depth interviews were conducted in Somali and Swedish languages and the data generated was analysed using qualitative content analysis. Both written and verbal informed consent were obtained from participants. Results: Seven of the mothers had not vaccinated their youngest child at the time of the study and decided to postpone the vaccination until their child became older (delayers). The other six mothers had vaccinated their child for MMR at the appointed time (timely vaccinators). The analysis of the data revealed two main themes: (1) barriers to vaccinate on time, included issues surrounding fear of the child not speaking and unpleasant encounters with nurses and (2) facilitating factors to vaccinate on time, included heeding vaccinating parents’ advice, trust in nurses and trust in God. The mothers who had vaccinated their children had a positive impact in influencing other mothers to also vaccinate. Conclusions: Fear, based on the perceived risk that vaccination will lead to autism, among Somali mothers in Tensta and Rinkeby is evident and influenced by the opinions of friends and relatives. Child Healthcare Center nurses are important in the decision-making process regarding acceptance of MMR vaccination. There is a need to address mothers’ concerns regarding vaccine safety while improving the approach of nurses as they address these concerns.
γ‐Aminobutyric acid receptor alpha 1 subunit loss of function causes genetic generalized epilepsy by impairing inhibitory network neurodevelopment

In humans, mutations of the γ‐aminobutyric acid receptor subunit 1 (GABRA1) cause either mild or severe generalized epilepsy. Although these epilepsy‐causing mutations have been shown to disrupt the receptor activity in vitro, their in vivo consequences on brain development and activity are not known. Here, we aim at unraveling the epileptogenesis mechanisms of GABRA1 loss of function.
Factors influencing the hunting success of an African wild dog pack

Abstract Abstract. The success of a pack of African wild dogs, Lycaon pictus, hunting Thomson's gazelles, Gazella thomsoni, and blue wildebeest, Connochaetes taurinus, in Serengeti National Park, Tanzania, was influenced by the age of the prey and the number of dogs hunting together, but not by the amount of cover available, the size of prey groups, or the distance at which prey groups fled. The study suggested two ways in which wild dogs may benefit from communal hunting. First, it increased the range of prey species available to the pack. Although single dogs regularly killed both immature and adult Thomson's gazelles, they were not observed to kill wildebeest calves, and groups of two did not hunt adult wildebeest successfully. Larger groups were more successful than smaller ones. Second, hunting in groups reduced interspecific competition from spotted hyaenas, Crocuta crocuta , through improved defence of carcasses.
Biodistribution, Tumor Detection, and Radiation Dosimetry of 18F-5-Fluoro-2′-Deoxycytidine with Tetrahydrouridine in Solid Tumors

In preclinical studies, 5-fluoro-2′-deoxycytidine (FdCyd), an inhibitor of DNA methyltransferase and DNA hypermethylation, has shown treatment efficacy against multiple malignancies by suppressing epigenetic hypermethylation in tumor cells. Several ongoing clinical trials are using FdCyd, and although some patients may respond to this drug, in most patients it is ineffective. Thus, establishing a noninvasive imaging modality to evaluate the distribution of the drug may provide insight into the variable responses. A novel experimental radiopharmaceutical, 18F-labeled FdCyd, was developed as a companion imaging agent to the nonradioactive form of the drug, FdCyd. We present the first-in-humans radiation dosimetry results and biodistribution of 18F-FdCyd, administered along with tetrahydrouridine, an inhibitor of cytidine/deoxycytidine deaminase, in patients with a variety of solid tumors undergoing FdCyd therapy. Methods: This phase 0 imaging trial examined the 18F-FdCyd biodistribution and radiation dosimetry in 5 human subjects enrolled in companion therapy trials. In each subject, 4 sequential PET scans were acquired to estimate whole-body and individual organ effective dose, using OLINDA/EXM, version 1.0. Tumor-to-background ratios were also calculated for the tumor sites visualized on PET/CT imaging. Results: The average whole-body effective dose for the experimental radiopharmaceutical 18F-FdCyd administered in conjunction with tetrahydrouridine was 2.12E−02 ± 4.15E−03 mSv/MBq. This is similar to the radiation dose estimates for 18F-FDG PET. The critical organ, with the highest absorbed radiation dose, was the urinary bladder wall at 7.96E−02 mSv/MBq. Other organ doses of note were the liver (6.02E−02mSv/MBq), kidneys (5.26E−02 mSv/MBq), and gallbladder (4.05E−02 mSv/MBq). Tumor target-to-background ratios ranged from 2.4 to 1.4, which potentially enable tumor visualization in static PET images. Conclusion: This phase 0 imaging clinical trial provides evidence that 18F-FdCyd administered in conjunction with tetrahydrouridine yields acceptable individual organ and whole-body effective doses, as well as modest tumor-to-background ratios that potentially enable tumor visualization. Dose estimates for 18F-FdCyd are comparable to those for other PET radiopharmaceuticals, such as 18F-FDG. Further studies with larger study populations are warranted to assess 18F-FdCyd imaging as a predictor of FdCyd treatment effectiveness.
NADP-MALIC ENZYME 1 Affects Germination after Seed Storage in Arabidopsis thaliana

Aging decreases the quality of seeds and results in agricultural and economic losses. The damage that occurs at the biochemical level can alter the seed physiological status. Although loss of viability has been investigated frequently, little information exists on the molecular and biochemical factors involved in seed deterioration and loss of viability. Oxidative stress has been implicated as a major contributor to seed deterioration, and several pathways are involved in protection against this. In this study, we show that seeds of Arabidopsis thaliana lacking a functional NADP-MALIC ENZYME 1 (NADP-ME1) have reduced seed viability relative to the wild type. Seeds of the NADP-ME1 loss-of-function mutant display higher levels of protein carbonylation than those of the wild type. NADP-ME1 catalyzes the oxidative decarboxylation of malate to pyruvate with the simultaneous production of CO2 and NADPH. Upon seed imbibition, malate and amino acids accumulate in embryos of aged seeds of the NADP-ME1 loss-of-function mutant compared with those of the wild type. NADP-ME1 expression is increased in imbibed aged as compared with non-aged seeds. NADP-ME1 activity at testa rupture promotes normal germination of aged seeds. In seedlings of aged seeds, NADP-ME1 is specifically active in the root meristematic zone. We propose that NADP-ME1 activity is required for protecting seeds against oxidation during seed dry storage.
The Social Brain Automatically Predicts Others' Future Mental States

Social life requires people to predict the future: people must anticipate others' thoughts, feelings, and actions to interact with them successfully. The theory of predictive coding suggests that the social brain may meet this need by automatically predicting others' social futures. If so, when representing others' current mental state, the brain should already start representing their future states. To test this hypothesis, we used fMRI to measure female and male human participants' neural representations of mental states. Representational similarity analysis revealed that neural patterns associated with mental states currently under consideration resembled patterns of likely future states more so than patterns of unlikely future states. This effect manifested in activity across the social brain network and in medial prefrontal cortex in particular. Repetition suppression analysis also supported the social predictive coding hypothesis: considering mental states presented in predictable sequences reduced activity in the precuneus relative to unpredictable sequences. In addition to demonstrating that the brain makes automatic predictions of others' social futures, the results also demonstrate that the brain leverages a 3D representational space to make these predictions. Proximity between mental states on the psychological dimensions of rationality, social impact, and valence explained much of the association between state-specific neural pattern similarity and state transition likelihood. Together, these findings suggest that the way the brain represents the social present gives people an automatic glimpse of the social future. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT When you see a ball in flight, your brain calculates, not just its static visual features such as size and shape, but also predicts its future trajectory. Here, we investigated whether the same might hold true in the social world: when we see someone flying into a rage, does our brain automatically predict their social trajectory? In this study, we scanned participants' brain activity while they judged others' mental states. We found that neural activity associated with a given state resembled activity associated with likely future states. Additionally, unpredictable sequences of states evoked more brain activity than predictable sequences, consistent with monitoring for, and updating from, prediction errors. These results suggest that the social brain automatically predicts others' future mental states.
Inner City Children: Health-as-Choice-to-Care

In an elementary school in the South Bronx, children are sheltered for a time from an environment which offers few comforts. Caring for and about the child has led to the development of a human science approach aimed at the child’s caring about his/her self. The intrapersonal aspect of self-care is the implicit focus, while the explicit focus is Health as Choice to Care. Interventions which provide information while focusing directly on recognizing choices empower the child. Children who live in compromised environments are often viewed as having limited choices, but every day children make choices about what to eat, with whom to play, or whether to wear eyeglasses. Becoming aware of choices even within finite limitations, conveys the sense of power to change one’s experience. Begun as children, the caring for self by enhanced awareness of choice and information will, it is hoped, produce healthy, proud adults who can change the environment which they have endured.
A Systems-Level Analysis of Mechanisms of Platycodon grandiflorum Based on A Network Pharmacological Approach

Platycodon grandiflorum (PG) is widely used in Asia for its various beneficial effects. Although many studies were conducted to understand the molecular mechanisms of PG, it is still unclear how the combinations of multiple ingredients work together to exert its therapeutic effects. The aim of the present study was to provide a comprehensive review of the systems-level mechanisms of PG by adopting network pharmacological analysis. We constructed a compound–target–disease network for PG using experimentally validated and machine-leaning-based prediction results. Each target of the network was analyzed based on previously known pharmacological activities of PG. Gene ontology analysis revealed that the majority of targets were related to cellular and metabolic processes, responses to stimuli, and biological regulation. In pathway enrichment analyses of targets, the terms related to cancer showed the most significant enrichment and formed distinct clusters. Degree matrix analysis for target–disease associations of PG suggested the therapeutic potential of PG in various cancers including hepatocellular carcinoma, gastric cancer, prostate cancer, small-cell lung cancer, and renal cell carcinoma. We expect that network pharmacological approaches will provide an understanding of the systems-level mechanisms of medicinal herbs and further develop their therapeutic potentials.