Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Mycobacterium tuberculosis adaptive response to DNA methylation stress

Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused by the micro-organism Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) that currently represents a global health emergency with around 9 million people affected and nearly 2 million deaths each year (1). The present therapeutic treatment for TB consists in the use of multiple anti-mycobacterial drugs such as rifampicin and isoniazid. This treatment is carried out for a long time leading to the onset of drug- and multidrug-resistant strains of MTB. Therefore new therapeutic models are needed to overcome this problem (2). During MTB infection, the host antimicrobial response generates several metabolically activated DNA alkylating agents leading to severe DNA-damaging injuries on MTB cells (3, 4). Protection of the DNA molecule from chemical damages then strictly depends on the MTB repair mechanisms. Recent studies identified an adaptive response mechanism in MTB homologous to that already described in E.coli (5). Being the adaptive response a fundamental biological process for MTB viability whereas it is missing in human, this process may represent a putative therapeutic target to explore in search for new TB treatments. Previous studies in MTB identified four genes which encode the proteins constituent of the adaptive response mechanism homologous to the same process already defined in E. coli. Exposure of E. coli to sublethal concentrations of alkylating agents induces the expression of four genes (ada, alkA, alkB and aidB). The activation of these genes increases the resistance to the cytotoxic and mutagenic effects of alkylating molecules (6). Unlike E. coli, the DNA repair/protection systems in MBT have not been investigated and it is still largely unknown. Aims This thesis project focuses on the investigation of the adaptive response to DNA methylation stress in MTB, in order to identify possible innovative therapeutic targets against tubercular infection. A non-pathogenic, reference strain of Mycobacteria, M. smegmatis, was used to perform all the experiments. The effect of methylating molecules on M. smegmatis was evaluated using MMS, a common laboratory methylating molecule. Moreover, Busulfan was chosen as methylating reference drug. First the effect of alkylating agents was investigated on M. smegmatis cells by evaluating the effect of MMS on cell survival, DNA alkylation and on the global proteomic response. Second, structural and functional characterization of the recombinant Ada-Alka and Ogt proteins was carried out because of their involvement in the cellular response to alkylating agents. Finally, functional proteomic experiments on M.smegmatis Ogt protein was performed in order to shine a light on its biological function through the identification of its protein partners in vivo.
Arterial and Venous Cerebral Blood Flow Velocities and Their Correlation in Healthy Volunteers and Traumatic Brain Injury Patients

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text. Background: Few studies have explored the cerebral venous compartment or the correlation between venous and arterial cerebral blood flows. We aimed to correlate cerebral blood flow velocities in the arterial (middle cerebral artery) and venous (straight sinus) compartments in healthy volunteers and traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients. In addition, we determined the normative range of these parameters. Materials and Methods: A total of 122 healthy volunteers and 95 severe TBI patients of both sexes were included and stratified into 3 age groups as follows: group 1 (aged, 18 to 44 y); group 2 (aged, 45 to 64 y); group 3 (older than 65 y). Transcranial Doppler systolic cerebral blood flow velocity, diastolic cerebral blood flow velocity, and mean cerebral blood flow velocity (FVs, FVd, FVm, respectively) were measured in the middle cerebral artery and peak cerebral venous blood flow velocity (FVVs) was measured in the straight sinus. The arteriovenous correlation was assessed on the basis of a positive relationship between FVs and FVVs. Results: There was an arteriovenous correlation (FVs vs. FVVs) in healthy volunteers (R=0.39, P<0.0001). We found no arteriovenous correlation in the TBI cohort overall, but FVs and FVVs were correlated in age group 1 (R=0.28, P=0.05) and in males (R=0.29, P=0.01). In healthy volunteers, FVs and FVm were significantly higher in males compared with females; and FVs, FVm, FVd, FVVs all increased across the age spectrum. There were no significant differences in any of these parameters in TBI patients. Conclusions: There are age and sex differences in arterial and venous cerebral blood flow velocities in healthy volunteers. Arteriovenous correlation is present in healthy volunteers but absent in TBI patients.
Brood development and nest parasitism of Xylocopa (Neoxylocopa) augusti Lepeletier (Hymenoptera: Apidae), a promising crop pollinator in Argentina

Pollination of passion fruit and other crops by species of carpenter bees of the genus Xylocopa Latreille significantly increases both the quality and the quantity of fruits. To enhance pollination services, bee nests are either introduced into the crop area or females are encouraged to nest using trap nests. Thus, knowledge of trap‐nest preference, brood development and nest parasitism is essential for effective and sustainable nest management practices. Xylocopa (Neoxylocopa) augusti Lepeletier is a promising pollinator in some areas of Argentina because of its high abundance, ability to buzz‐pollinate and easy acceptance of trap nests. However, limited information is available on the biology of this pollinator. Herein, we provide detailed information on its nesting cycle, brood development and parasitism from trap nests at an urban area in Buenos Aires province, Argentina. Our study indicates that X. augusti is a solitary and likely univoltine species that shares some nesting and developmental features with other species in the subgenus Neoxylocopa, which might facilitate the adoption of existing management techniques developed for other species and regions. Biological information on Physocephala wulpi Camras (Diptera: Conopidae), a parasitoid of X. augusti, is also given for the first time.
Evaluation of the Acute and Sub-Acute Toxic Effects of 80% Methanol Rhizome Extracts of Rumex abyssinicus jacq. (Plygonaceae) on Histopathology of Liver, Kidney and Some Blood Parameters in Swiss Albino Mice

Engidaw Fentahun Enyew1*, Abebe Muche Moges1, Abyot Endale Gurumu2 and Bahiru Tenaw Gosh1 Background: Rumex abyssinicus jacq (polygonaceae) is common medicinal plants used in Ethiopia for various complaints such as wound healing, anti-inflammatory activities, hypertension, liver disease, amoeba and intestinal parasites. So, several studies support the use of this plant for different disease, the toxicity profile was not evaluated yet. Therefore, the aim of the present study was carried out to assess the acute and sub-acute toxicity Rumex abyssinicus of rhizome extract on some blood parameters and histopathology of liver and kidney in Swiss albino mice. Method: Rhizomes of Rumex abyssinicus were collected from Gondar area, Northwest Ethiopia. The dried roots extracted with 80% methanol. 25 40g weight and 8 12 weeks age Swiss albino female mice were randomly divided into one control and three experimental groups. The control group was orally given 0.5 ml of distilled water and treatment groups were given extract by intragastric tube at the doses of 100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg body weight once a day for 4 weeks and then sacrificed. Blood sample was collected from each mouse and examined for hematological and biochemical parameters. Liver and kidney were removed, stained and examined for histopathological effects. Result: The methanol rhizome extract of Rumex abyssinicus was tested for toxicity study. Female Swiss albino mice were randomly divided into control and treatment groups. The doses for acute toxicity study were single doses of 2, 000 mg/kg body weight and sub-acute toxicity study daily administration doses of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg of extract were used for 28 consecutive days. Hematological parameters and microscopic examination of liver and kidney tissue and body weight of mice were evaluated the test period as well recording the signs of toxicity. Acute toxicity study did not tell any signs of toxicity; that’s why the LD50 was higher than 2, 000 mg/kg. There was no significant change (p > 0.05) in general body weight and most of evaluated hematological and biochemical parameters after 28 days of sub-acute treatment. The kidneys and liver of treatment group appear normal in their texture, shape, size or color compared to the control in gross and histopathological examination. The findings revealed that the 80% methanol rhizome extract of Rumex abyssinicus relatively safe in mice.
Erosive Plaques with Excessive Granulation Tissue on the Scalp: A Quiz

Journal Compilation © 2020 Acta Dermato-Venereologica. doi: 10.2340/00015555-3567 A 75-year-old man, whose main medical history was surgical removal of a basal cell carcinoma on the vertex 5 years ago, presented 3 large dome-shaped plaques that had emerged several weeks earlier. Bowen’s disease was suspected and he was treated with cryotherapy, without success. Physical examination revealed 2 well-defined erosive plaques with excessive granulation tissue localized on the forehead and parietal scalp (Fig. 1a, b). The lesion on his forehead also had peeling epidermis on the posterior part (Fig. 1a, white arrow). The vertex lesion was a well-defined hyperkeratotic plaque (Fig. 1a, black arrows). There was no Nikolsky’s sign. The lesions were neither itchy nor painful. There were no other skin lesions and no mucosal involvement. The patient did not report any other somatic symptoms, and the results of standard laboratory tests were normal. A punch biopsy in the centre of the forehead erosive plaque revealed non-specific erosion without malignancy (Fig. 1c). Direct immunofluorescence assay of peripheral erosive skin tissue was performed (Fig. 1d).
Modeling of airgap flux density for the study of stator core vibration in low speed synchronous machines

This paper aims to develop models and simulations focused on the prediction of electromagnetic forces acting on the stator core of a synchronous machine. It contributes to the study of stator core vibrations. ,An analytical model based on the rotating fields’ theory including the damper winding contribution was developed. Such model allows the comprehension of airgap magnetic field distribution and the consequent pressure distribution. Focus was given to the pressure sub-harmonics due to the usual fractional winding configuration of low speed machines. A comparative numerical model was also developed and applied to an example laboratory machine. Partial validation measurements were performed. ,The paper provides the predicted electromagnetic forces and the relative influences of damper winding and teeth tangential forces on each pressure harmonic. It is shown by how much such effects can influence the amplitude of pressure sub-harmonics from a fractional stator winding. ,The performed validation measurements were based on the airgap field distribution, but the resulting core vibration at load was not measured. Therefore, researchers are encouraged to perform additional tests for improved validation. ,The obtained models and results are of great importance for the design phase of new generators and for the diagnosis process of existing machines with core vibration problems. ,As a contribution of this paper, the magnitude of indirect effect of tangential forces and the effect of damper winding are comparatively quantified for each pressure harmonic. The given approach contributes to the relative evaluation of these effects especially on the sub-harmonics from the fractional stator winding.
Enhancement of Ni-63 planar source efficiency for betavoltaic batteries

Source efficiency in planar betavoltaic batteries is drastically reduced by self-absorption and directional loss. In this paper, we present a technique for improving source efficiency by the use of beta particles reflectors based on metals. A metallic layer with a high atomic number is an effective electron reflector, capable of reflecting up to 50% of the escaping energy from the backside of a source and they are more efficient for thinner radioactive layers. The obtained results show that the design of separate planar one-sided sources with electron reflectors could be optimized to reach high efficiency before assembly with semiconductor converters. Using a Pb reflector for a 200 nm thick Ni-63 source, 38.5% of the directional lost energy could be recovered. They can lead to cost-effective technology compared to sandwiched, porous, or three-dimension microstructure designs.
Hydrochar mitigates salt toxicity and oxidative stress in maize plants

ABSTRACT This experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of hydrochar addition to soil (i.e., non-hydrochar, 20, 50, 70 and 100 g kg−1 soil) on different nutrients contents (sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, and zinc), enzymatic (catalase, peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase) and non-enzymatic antioxidants (phenolic compounds, ascorbic acid, and α-tocopherol) activities and growth of Zea mays (cv. KC-S 260) under different levels of salinity (i.e., non-saline, 5 and 10 dS m−1 NaCl). The application of hydrochar in different rates decreased sodium uptake and increased non-enzymatic antioxidants in plant tissues and consequently reduced the generation of oxygen radicals, hydrogen peroxide, lipid peroxidation, and enzymatic activities of antioxidants under salt stress. Hydrochar enriched the plant tissues (leaf and root) by potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, and zinc which caused to improve the plant growth under saline and non-saline conditions. Hydrochar application at the rate of 70 and 100 g kg−1 soil alleviated salinity effects more than other rates. Increasing iron and zinc contents by hydrochar treatments in plant tissues had the most important role in improving shoot growth of maize plants. The results supported that hydrochar can help to protect maize against salt toxicity by mitigating oxidative stress and maintaining ionic balance.
Severe Hypercalcemia in an Adolescent with New-Onset Diabetes Mellitus and Diabetic Ketoacidosis

Severe hypercalcemia in diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) among children is rare and can be life-threatening. Its exact etiology is not clear and several mechanisms related to dehydration and metabolic acidosis have been proposed. Rigorous hydration with the correct fluid choice usually corrects the hypercalcemia in those without other underlying causes of hypercalcemia such as hyperparathyroidism. Specific medications to treat the hypercalcemia may be avoided. We present a 13-year-old girl with new type 1 onset diabetes mellitus in DKA with unusually severe and persistent hypercalcemia and severe hypernatremia that gradually responded to rigorous intravenous hydration with Plasmalyte A (Baxter International Inc., Deerfield, Illinois).
Public-Key Encryption In The Standard Model Against Strong Leakage Adversary

Over the years, security against adaptively chosen-ciphertext attacks (CCA2) is considered as the strongest security definition for public-key encryption schemes. With the uprise of side-channel attacks, new security definitions are proposed, addressing leakage of secret keys together with the standard CCA2 definition. Among the new security definitions, security against continuous and after-the-fact leakage-resilient CCA2 can be considered as the strongest security definition, which is called as security against (continuous) adaptively chosen-ciphertext leakage attacks (continuous CCLA2). In this paper, we present a construction of a public-key encryption scheme, namely LR-PKE, which satisfies the aforementioned security definition. The security of our public-key encryption scheme is proven in the standard model, under decision BDH assumption. Thus, we emphasize that our public-key encryption scheme LR-PKE is (continuous) CCLA2-secure in the standard model. For our construction of LR-PKE, we have used a strong one-time signature scheme and a leakage-resilient refreshing protocol as underlying building blocks. The leakage bound is $0.15n\log p -1$ bits per leakage query, for a security parameter $k$ and a statistical security parameter $n$, such that $\log p \geq k$ and $n$ is a function of $k$. It is possible to see that LR-PKE is efficient enough to be used for real-world usage.
Haemoproteus sp. infected Collared Scops-Owl (Otus lettia): Parasite Morphology, Morphometry, Ultrastructure and Phylogeny

Collared scops-owl (Otus lettia) is very common resident in Thailand and Myanmar. Haemoproteus sp. is a common blood parasite infected in birds, but it has a few reports of this parasite from raptors in Thailand. Blood samples from 2 adult collared scops-owls (male and female) in Kasetsart University Raptors Rehabilitation Unit were prepared for parasite morphology and morphometry. EDTA samples were processed for electron microscopy, genomic DNA extraction and partial cytochrome b gene amplification by specific primer. The mature gametocytes encircled the erythrocyte’s nucleus to form halteridial and microhalteridial shaped appearance. Cytoplasm contained grouped yellow-brown to black pigmented granules or scatter granules with a mean of 9 per parasite in KU127 and 10 granules per parasite in KU181. Infected red blood cells (n=60) had significantly greater area (72.9±5.4 µm 2 ) than non-infected red blood cells (67.1±5.7 µm 2 ). Ultrastructurally, gametocytes were in parasitophorous vacuole membrane and contained ribosome, mitochondria and small dense granules. The partial cytochrome b gene sequence analysis of blood samples from both collared scops-owls revealed that Haemoproteus sp. from KU127 was 98.6% similar to Haemoproteus sp. isolated from KU181. However, Haemoproteus sp. isolated from KU127 and KU181, owls in order Strigiformes and birds in order Passeriformes were similar between 90.7 to 95.7 percentages. The results of this study provide more information of morphology, morphometry, ultrastructural characteristics, and phylogeny of Haemoproteus sp. in collared scops-owls.
PROBIOTICS AND THEIR ATTRIBUTES IN HUMAN HEALTH THERAPY: REVIEW

There is a strong correlation between diet and human health. Research shows that a number of disease and disorders can be prevented/regulated by the use of probiotic microorganisms. Probiotics are used in the management of illnesses/disorders such as intestinal pathogenic infections, helicobacter pylori infections, urogenital infection, cancer, obesity, Type 2 diabetes, GIT, IBD and lactose intolerance among others. Probiotics may also have a direct or indirect influence to the human health by the elimination of toxins, protection against enteric microorganisms and boosting the body immune system. These benefits among others have led to the in-depth studies aiming at the understanding of specific probiotics and the mechanism involved in disease therapy. Some commonly used probiotic strains in the dairy industry include among others Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium longum, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus reuteri, and S. boulardii. Although the mechanisms used by probiotics in disease treatment is not specifically clear, its reported that the modification of the intestinal microbiota, production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) hence maintenance of the pH in digestive system, production of bacteriocin and vitamins could be among the possible mechanisms. The aim of this review paper is to highlight the benefits of probiotics in human health & infections control through the consumption of probiotic products and some mechanism involved.
Disturbance as a factor in the distribution of sugar maple and the invasion of Norway maple into a modified woodland.

Disturbances have the potential to increase the success of bi ological invasions. Norway maple {Acer platanoides), a common street tree native to Europe, is a foreign invasive with greater tolerance and more effi cient resource utilization than the native sugar maple (Acer saccharum). This study examined the role disturbances from a road and path played in the invasion of Norway maple and in the distribution of sugar maple. Disturbed areas on the path and nearby undisturbed areas were surveyed for both species along transects running perpendicular to a road. Norway maples were present in greater number closer to the road and on the path, while the number of sugar maples was not significantly associated with either the road or the path. These results suggest that human-caused disturbances have a role in facili tating the establishment of an invasive species.
Infection of filamentous phytoplankton by fungal parasites enhances herbivory in pelagic food webs

Chytrid fungal parasites are ubiquitous in aquatic ecosystems and infect a wide array of aquatic organisms, including all phytoplankton groups. In addition to their role as parasites, chytrids serve as food to zooplankton, thereby establishing an alternative trophic link between primary and secondary production in pelagic food webs, the so‐called mycoloop. We hypothesized that, in addition to the mycoloop, chytrid infection facilitates grazing of filamentous phytoplankton by rendering it more edible to zooplankton consumers through infection‐induced fragmentation. We undertook grazing assays to compare the ability of the key zooplankter Daphnia to graze on a filamentous cyanobacterium in the presence or absence of chytrid infection. A near doubling in mean clearance rates was consistently recorded when Daphnia were fed with infected cultures of the cyanobacterium as compared to uninfected ones. Infected filaments were shorter than noninfected ones, indicating that infection‐induced fragmentation undermines resistance of filamentous phytoplankton to grazing. We propose an extended conceptualization of the mycoloop that includes both direct effects (i.e., transfer via grazing of chytrid zoospores) and indirect effects (i.e., trophic upgrading and facilitated grazing on phytoplankton via fragmentation) of chytrid infection on trophic transfer at the base of pelagic food webs.
Non‐random distribution of deleterious mutations in the DNA and protein‐binding domains of IRF6 are associated with Van Der Woude syndrome

The development of the face occurs during the early days of intrauterine life by the formation of facial processes from the first Pharyngeal arch. Derangement in these well‐organized fusion events results in Orofacial clefts (OFC). Van der Woude syndrome (VWS) is one of the most common causes of syndromic cleft lip and/or palate accounting for 2% of all cases. Mutations in the IRF6 gene account for 70% of cases with the majority of these mutations located in the DNA‐binding (exon 3, 4) or protein‐binding domains (exon 7–9). The current study was designed to update the list of IRF6 variants reported for VWS by compiling all the published mutations from 2013 to date as well as including the previously unreported VWS cases from Africa and Puerto Rico.
Dynamic array PIN:A novel approach to secure NFC electronic payment between ATM and smartphone

ABSTRACT Near Field Communication (NFC) technology has been used recently for electronic payment between an Automated Teller Machine (ATM) and a Smartphone. It is threatened by several attacks that can steal the user personal data like the password or the Personal Identification Number (PIN). In this paper, we present Dynamic Array PIN (DAP), a novel approach for user authentication on a Smartphone that uses NFC electronic payment with an ATM. Our analysis and experimentation prove that this technique protects against thirteen different attacks and is cost-effective in terms of required hardware, authentication time, computing power and storage space.