Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Characterization and antibiogram profile of Enteroaggregative Escherichia Coli isolated from calves with diarrhoea and environmental sources in Ernakulam, Kerala

Enteroaggregative E. coli (EAEC) is an emerging enterovirulent pathogen that causes infection in humans and animals. The present study focussed on the occurrence of EAEC in calves and its associated environmental sources in Ernakulam. A total of 180 samples (60 calves’ diarrhoeic faecal samples, 60 water and 60 soil samples) were collected from two panchayats of Ernakulam. All the samples were subjected to isolation of E. coli through conventional culture techniques. Out of 180 samples, E. coli was isolated from 101 samples (51 calves, 19 soil and 31 water). Further E. coli isolates were subjected to PCR for the detection of EAEC virulence genes viz., astA, Pic, aggR and fimA genes. On analysis 21.57, 5.89, 5.89 and 15.69 per cent of the E.coli isolates from calves carried the astA, pic, aggR and fimA genes. From water and soil samples of calves rearing areas seven E.coli isolates carried virulence genes. To study the biofilm forming ability, EAEC isolates were subjected to quantitative biofilm assay through which it was inferred that more than 85 per cent of the isolates were low biofilm producers. On antibiotic sensitivity study, from different sources showed more than 80 per cent sensitivity to nitrofurantoin and meropenem. Cent per cent sensitivity against imipenem and >75 per cent of the isolates showed resistance against ampicillin, tetracyclin, cefotaxime and azithromycin. From the study it was concluded that EAEC is an emerging threat to the public health. because of its ability to form biofilm and increasing antibiotic resistance towards commonly used antibiotics.
Supporting Information to: “3’-5’ crosstalk contributes to transcriptional bursting”

Massimo Cavallaro, 2, 3, ∗ Mark D. Walsh, Matt Jones, James Teahan, Simone Tiberi, Bärbel Finkenstädt, and Daniel Hebenstreit ∗ School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK Department of Statistics, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK Mathematics Institute and Zeeman Institute for Systems Biology and Infectious Disease Epidemiology Research, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK Department of Chemistry, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK Institute of Molecular Life Sciences and Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
Protective effect of sirolimus against renal fibrosis via blockage of mTOR in rat model and its mechanism

Objective To investigate the protective effects of sirolimus on unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) induced renal fibrosis by blockage of mTOR and its mechanism. Methods Forty-two female rats were randomized to 3 groups: UUO group, sirolimus group (Sir group), and control group. UUO rats underwent unilateral ureteral ligation to reproduce renal fibrosis model. Sir group received sirolimus 2mg/kg wt per day (0.4ml, intragastric administration) from one day before the UUO procedure to the end of study. The control group underwent surgery but without ureteral ligation. Obstructed kidneys were harvested on 7th and 14th day, and histological examination was performed for observing and comparing the degree of renal and renal tubule expansion. The concentrations of sodium, potassium and calcium ion in the urine obtained from the pelvis of the kidneys with ligated ureters were determined. At the same time, the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and apoptosis were observed with immunohistochemical method and TUNEL respectively. MicroRNAs quantities (mir-29c, mir-143, and mir-155) were assayed by quantitative PCR. Results At abovementioned two time-points, swollen kidneys and expanded renal tubules were observed in UUO and Sir groups as compared to control group, however, kidney in Sir group showed significantly less swelling and than that in UUO group (P < 0.01). Histological observation found tubular injury, cellular infiltration, and fibrosis were more marked in UUO group as compared to Sir group. Na+, K+ and Ca2+ of retention urine were significantly lower in Sir group than in UUO group (P < 0.05). PCNA-positive cell ratio and apoptosis ratio were higher in UUO group than in Sir and control groups (P < 0.01). No significant difference in expression of miR-155 or miR-143 was found between 3 groups, however, miR-29c expression in UUO group was down-regulated and significantly lower than that in control or Sir group (P < 0.01). Conclusion With obstruction of the ureter, blocking mTOR pathways by sirolimus can attenuate fibrosis in the affected kidney.
Analysis of heart rate variability from 24-hour ambulatory electrocardiographic recordings : significance of preprocessing of R-R interval time series

Heart rate variability (HRV) is used in the assessment of cardiovascular health. However, often contradictory results have impeded the efficient use of HRV in clinical practice. HRV signals can contain artifacts leading to errors in the interpretation of HRV results. Various methods have been used for artifact editing, but there is relatively little information on how the actual editing can influence the HRV measures. The main aim of this thesis was to improve the reliability of HRV analysis by concentrating on the HRV signal preprocessing methods. The effects of three editing methods on the HRV of short (512 R-R) and long-term (24-hour) R-R interval data were studied with non-edited and edited data from healthy subjects (n=10) and patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) (n=10). The effects of ectopic beats on short (α1) and long-term (α2) fractal scaling exponents were studied by inserting artificial ectopic beats into the HRV signals of 20 healthy subjects and 20 AMI patients. The prognostic significance of edited and non-edited α1 and α2 was studied in random elderly (n=84) and post-AMI (n=84) populations. A new method to quantify respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) was developed based on the HRV signals of 13 healthy subjects. A new measure, the RSA index, was defined to evaluate the risk to sudden cardiac death (SCD) in 1631 AMI patients. Lastly, a new algorithm was developed in order to edit heart rate (HR) turbulence occurring immediately after a ventricular premature beat (VPB). The effects of HR turbulence editing on the HRV analysis were studied in 267 AMI patients. Editing had distinct effects on the HRV analysis depending on the editing method and data type. Deletion editing was found to be unsuitable for the HRV spectrum analysis. There was no universal editing method for the time and frequency domain HRV analyses. Unedited ectopic beats increased the randomness of short-term R-R interval dynamics, especially in AMI patients. However, unedited α1 differed significantly between survivors and those who died during the follow-up. Ectopic beats do not necessarily need to be edited if fractal analysis is used in the risk evaluation. A depressed RSA index was found to be a strong predictor of SCD but a weak predictor of non-SCD in AMI patients. Editing of HR turbulence affected differently the various HRV measures. ULF and VLF components were most clearly influenced by HR turbulence removal. The amount of VBPs had an important impact on the results. When the VBPs/hour were >50, ULF and VLF were >30% lower after turbulence removal. The results of this thesis highlight the importance of editing the erroneous or irrelevant R-R interval oscillation in an HRV analysis. The careful choice of preprocessing method is essential if one wishes to obtain reliable HRV analyses for clinical purposes.
Macrophages Regulate Smooth Muscle Differentiation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells via a Prostaglandin F2α−Mediated Paracrine Mechanism

Objective—Mesenchymal stem cells are useful for vascular regeneration of injured tissues. Macrophages are involved in acute or chronic inflammatory diseases, and interleukin-1β (IL-1β), a proinflammatory cytokine, plays a key role in the activation of macrophages within injured tissues. To explore the role of macrophages on mesenchymal stem cell–mediated vascular regeneration, we examined the effects of IL-1β–activated macrophages on differentiation of human adipose tissue–derived mesenchymal stem cells (hASCs) to smooth muscle cells (SMCs) and the vascular regenerative capacity of the differentiated SMCs in a hindlimb ischemia animal model. Methods and Results—We demonstrate that IL-1β–conditioned medium from RAW 264.7 macrophages induces differentiation of human adipose tissue–derived mesenchymal stem cells to α-smooth muscle actin–positive SMCs, and the differentiated SMCs exhibited increased contractility in response to KCl and carbachol treatment. Transplantation of the differentiated SMCs attenuated.
Cryo-EM structure of CVA10 mature virus

Coxsackievirus A10 (CVA10), a human type-A Enterovirus (HEV-A), can cause diseases ranging from hand-foot-and-mouth disease to polio-myelitis-like disease. CVA10, together with some other HEV-As, utilizing the molecule KREMEN1 as an entry receptor, constitutes a KREMEN1-dependent subgroup within HEV-As. Currently, there is no vaccine or antiviral therapy available for treating diseases caused by CVA10. The atomic-resolution structure of the CVA10 virion, which is within the KREMEN1-dependent subgroup, shows significant conformational differences in the putative receptor binding sites and serotype-specific epitopes, when compared to the SCARB2-dependent subgroup of HEV-A, such as EV71, highlighting specific differences between the sub-groups. We also report two expanded structures of CVA10, an empty particle and uncoating intermediate at atomic resolution, as well as a medium-resolution genome structure reconstructed using a symmetry-mismatch method. Structural comparisons coupled with previous results, reveal an ordered signal transmission process for enterovirus uncoating, converting exo-genetic receptor-attachment inputs into a generic RNA release mechanism.
Critical Review: What are the Clinical Outcomes Associated with PEG Tube Feeding in Patients with Advanced Dementia?

This critical review examines the evidence regarding the negative and positive outcomes of implementing percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) feeding in individuals who have advanced dementia. Two observational controlled cohort studies and two systematic reviews were used in this review. Overall, the majority of evidence gathered for this review suggests that PEG tube feeding is not associated with improved survival in patients with advanced dementia. Published empirical work using observational data remains highly consistent in finding a lack of benefit for tube feeding in this population.
Evidence of transcription at polyT short tandem repeats

Background Using the Cap Analysis of Gene Expression technology, the FANTOM5 consortium provided one of the most comprehensive maps of Transcription Start Sites (TSSs) in several species. Strikingly, ~72% of them could not be assigned to a specific gene and initiate at unconventional regions, outside promoters or enhancers. Results Here, we probe these unassigned TSSs and show that, in all species studied, a significant fraction of CAGE peaks initiate at short tandem repeats (STRs) corresponding to homopolymers of thymidines (T). Additional analyse confirm that these CAGEs are truly associated with transcriptionally active chromatin marks. Furthermore, we train a sequence-based deep learning model able to predict CAGE signal at T STRs with high accuracy (~81%) Extracting features learned by this model reveals that transcription at T STRs is mostly directed by STR length but also instructions lying in the downstream sequence. Excitingly, our model also predicts that genetic variants linked to human diseases affect this STR-associated transcription. Conclusions Together, our results extend the repertoire of non-coding transcription associated with DNA tandem repeats and complexify STR polymorphism. We also provide a new metric that can be considered in future studies of STR-related complex traits.
Avances en el diagnóstico y tratamiento de las infecciones por levaduras: papel de los nuevos antifúngicos

La candidiasis invasiva se ha convertido en un problema de salud publica debido a las altas tasas de morbimortalidad asociadas. Al igual que otras infecciones sistemicas, es esencial realizar un diagnostico lo mas certero y precoz posible. A pesar de su escasa sensibilidad (50%), el hemocultivo sigue siendo la mejor tecnica para el diagnostico de la candidemia. Para aumentar el rendimiento diagnostico se han comercializado nuevas tecnicas independientes del cultivo, entre las que destacan la deteccion de anticuerpos antimicelio y la de antigeno (1-3)-β-D-glucano. La combinacion de 2 tecnicas que detecten antigeno, anticuerpos, (1-3)-β-D-glucano o ADN parece ser la mejor alternativa para optimizar el diagnostico de la candidiasis invasiva. El fluconazol y, en ocasiones, la anfotericina B, continuan siendo los antifungicos de eleccion para el tratamiento de las candidiasis. En los ultimos anos se han introducido nuevos antifungicos con el objetivo de mejorar el pronostico de algunas formas clinicas de esta enfermedad. Las equinocandinas y los triazoles de segunda generacion tienen una actividad antifungica superior al fluconazol, y en los ensayos clinicos de candidiasis de diferentes localizaciones han mostrado un excelente perfil de eficacia y seguridad. Las posibles interacciones medicamentosas de alguno de estos compuestos son relevantes. La aportacion de los nuevos antifungicos para la terapeutica de las candidiasis se ha de definir en los proximos anos.
Nanoscale mapping of chromatin dynamics in living cells

Principles of genome folding and their relationship to function depend on understanding conformational changes of the chromatin fiber in real-time. However, bulk chromatin motion has not been analysed at high resolution. We developed Hi-D, a method to quantitatively map dynamics of chromatin and abundant nuclear proteins for every pixel simultaneously over the entire nucleus from fluorescence image series. Hi-D combines reconstruction of chromatin motion using computer vision and classification of local diffusion processes by Bayesian inference. We discovered that DNA dynamics in the nuclear interior are spatially partitioned into 0.3 – 3 µm domains in a mosaic-like manner which is uncoupled from chromatin compaction. This pattern was remodeled in response to transcriptional activity accompanied by global reduction of DNA dynamics. In contrast, we found that RNA polymerase II dynamics are, compared to actively transcribing cells, reduced in quiescent cells and when elongation was inhibited. Our results strengthen the hypothesis that chromatin dynamics are dictated by interchromatin contacts, rather than chromatin density. Hi-D can be applied to any dense and bulk structures opening new perspectives towards understanding motion of nuclear molecules in the context of nuclear architecture.
A STUDY OF GENDER DIFFERENCES IN TREATMENT OF CRITICALLY ILL NEWBORNS IN NICU OF KRISHNA HOSPITAL, KARAD, MAHARASHTRA

Introduction: Sex ratio in India is adverse for girl. Gender-based health disparities are prevalent in India but very little data are available on care-seeking patterns for newborns. An attempt had been made to study gender differences in treatment of critically ill newborns in tertiary hospital. Methods: Study includes total deliveries, NICU admissions and patients leaving against medical advice in NICU and neonates who were not admitted in spite of need for NICU admission. A study of various socio-demographic parameters and its correlation to denial of health care were also studied. Result: A total of 191 babies were taken against medical advice, 134 (70.15%) females and 57 (29.84%) males. 141 babies in the NICU of which 94 (65.27%) were girls and 50 (34.72%) were boys. Families of 47 babies who needed NICU admission refused of which 40 (85.10%) were girls and 7 (14.89%) were boys. The odds ratio calculated is 3.448 which signify that chances of health care denial are 3.448 times greater for a female child. Various sociodemographic parameters were studied and significance of each parameter was determined. Conclusion: Factors like previous girl child, literacy of mother and socioeconomic status play an important role in seeking health care facilities.
Health problems of Lithuanian and Latvian seamen

sed diseases: 13.8% of seamen (14.5% of Lithuanian and 13.1% of Latvian seamen) were diagnosed with various diseases. Those related to seamen’s professional group were cardiovascular (p < 0.05) and auricular (p < 0.001) diseases. Cardiovascular diseases were more frequently diagnosed among seamen of the managing (9.2%) and auxiliary (7.9%) sectors, and auditory disorders were more common among seamen of the mechanical ship services (3.1%, p < 0.05, versus deck crews – 0.6%). These diseases were least common among deck crews who, compared to the other professional groups, were more frequently diagnosed with diseases of the connective tissue and the musculo-skeletal system. They also presented better subjective evaluations of their health status.
Perkinsus sp. on Crassostrea gigas performance cultivated in the southeastern Gulf of California

We studied the relation between the presence of Perkinsus sp. with growth performance (shell height, SH, and body weight, BW), condition index, and biochemical composition (triglycerids, proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates) of the oyster Crassostrea gigas cultivated in two farms from Sinaloa’s state, Mexico. Perkinsus sp. was detected in both farms throughout 13 months (June 2013 to June 2014). The oysters had diverse degrees of prevalence fluctuating from 26.66 to 83.33%. According to the Mackin’s scale, the intensity of infection was light to very light (0.13 to 1.2). There were not significant correlations between the prevalence with all studied parameters. Oyster survival at both farms was not affected by the presence of the protozoan. Intensity of Perkinsus infection was positively correlated with the biochemical composition of oyster. The influence of environmental parameters on the incidence the parasite in C. gigas is discussed. The overall results suggest that the presence of Perkinsus sp. in C. gigas from the two farms did not affect the health of the cultivated oysters, however, periodic monitoring of this pathogen in the farms should be continued.
ABILITY OF THE ORDINARY SECONDARY SCHOOL CURRICULUM TO EQUIP STUDENTS WITH EMPLOYABLE SKILLS IN TANZANIA.

he study assessed the ordinary secondary school curriculum ability to enhance acquisition of employable skills among graduates in Tanzania. The study was conducted in five ordinary secondary schools within Iringa Municipality in Iringa region southern part of Tanzania. A total of 120 respondents were included in the study consisting students and teachers. Through questionnaire, interviews, documentary analysis and observation the required data were obtained. The collected data were subjected to content analysis (qualitative) and SPSS computer software (quantitative). The findings indicate that the planned curriculum integrates a variety of productive work skills for students to join the world of work soon after school. However it was further found that the school programmes has not been planned and equipped with facilities for implementation of the work skills hence students learned much theoretical part and not practicing. Therefore theoretical learning limits students' ability to acquire employable skills. Against these findings the study recommends that ordinary schools should be well equipped with essential facilities for each student to engage in productive work activities (practice) so as to acquire employable skills as planned in the official or planned curriculum.
Critical Review: Behavioural Intervention for Pill Swallowing: Children and Adolescents with Medical Diagnoses

This critical review examines whether behavioural intervention is an effective method for teaching children and adolescents with medical conditions to swallow oral medication (pill form). Eight studies, four single subject research designs and five case studies, were reviewed. Overall, research provides a suggestive level of evidence for the use of behavioural techniques in teaching children and adolescents to swallow pills. Methodological limitations and clinical implications for Speech-Language Pathologists are discussed.
Anthropometric Sexual Dimorphism of Hand Length, Breadth and Hand Indices of University of Port-Harcourt Students

Forensic anthropometry incorporates most of the techniques originating from the analysis of human skeletal material from archaeological sites . Hand index which is derived from hand dimensions can be used to estimate differences related to sex, age and race in forensic and legal sciences. This study estimated the sex of Nigerian student from hand measurements. Three hundred students (150 males and 150 females) from University of Port-Harcourt Nigerian with age ranges of 18-30 years were used . The hand breadth and length of these subjects were measured using an automatic sliding caliper. The hand index was calculated as percentage of hand breadth over the hand length . The statistical analysis of the data obtained showed that male hand dimension was significantly higher than those of the females at p ＜ 0.05. In general the left hand length was obviously higher than the right hand length while in the breadth there was a reverse. The male data revealed a mean right hand length and breadth of 19.02 ± 0.08 and 8.58 ± 0.03, with a mean left hand length and breadth of 19.09 ± 0.07 and 8.43 ± 0.03. On the other hand, the female mean right hand length and breadth was 17.62 ± 0.07 and 7.69 ± 0.03 with a mean left hand length and breadth of 17.69 ± 0.07and 7.58 ± 0.03. The hand index obtained showed higher value for male than female with right and left mean value of 45.16 ± . 19 and 44.21 ± . 17 as compared to female mean right and left hand index of 43.68 ± 0.19 and 42.90 ± 0.19. The average hand indices of left and right hand for both male and female are 44.68 ± 0.13 and 43.29 ± 0.14, respectively. The results of the hand index suggest that the population studied belong to two groups of hand dimension, the dolichocheir and the mesocheir group.
Type II Alveolar Cell

Type II alveolar cells, recognized by their characteristic lamellar inclusion bodies, synthesize and secrete pulmonary surface-active material (1-3). In 1954, Macklin (4) postulated that these cells, which he called "granular pneumonocytes," secrete material that provides low surface tension at the air-liquid interface, enhances clearance of inhaled particles, is bacteriostatic, and helps prevent transudation of interstitial fluid into the alveolar space. Macklin (4) also reported that these cells proliferate after injury of the lung by osmium tetroxide fumes. Thus, the potential functions of type II alveolar cells were outlined more than 20 years ago, but we are now just beginning to examine these functions in detail. The recent development of techniques for isolating and culturing type II cells enables investigators to study these cells directly and should provide a more complete understanding of their biochemical and cellular physiologic features (2, 5-13). In this report, we describe the possible functions of type II cells and some recent studies on phospholipid synthesis by primary cultures of type II cells. We conclude with some cautionary