Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of higher concentration of dietary vitamin E supplementation on growth, immune competence and antioxidant status in broilers

An experiment was conducted to study the effect of higher levels of vitamin E supplementation on growth, immune competence and antioxidant status in broiler chickens. One hundred and forty four-day old broiler chicks were randomly distributed into 4 dietary groups with 6 replicates of 6 chicks each. They were housed in stainless steel battery brooder cages with raised wire floor under uniform managemental conditions. A basal diet based on maize-soybean meal was formulated. Subsequently, another four test diets were prepared by supplementing vitamin E to contain 10, 30, 150 and 300 IU vitamin E per kg diet. Each diet was fed ad-libitum to 6 replicates of 6 chicks each during the experimental period of 0–6 weeks. The body weight gain was significantly lower in the chicks fed diet containing 10IU vitamin E per kg diet. Increasing the vitamin E supplementation to 30IU per kg diet significantly increased the weight gain; however no further improvement in weight gain could be noticed on higher levels of supplementation (150 or 300 IU per kg diet). The cell mediated immune response as measured by phytohaemaglutinin-P inoculation and humoral immune response against sheep red blood cells injection was significantly higher in the birds fed 150IU vitamin E per kg diet compared to those fed either 10 or 30 IU. The antioxidant parameters such as lipid peroxidase decreased whilst glutathione peroxidase increased linearly with the level of vitamin E supplementation. Lowest and highest concentration of lipid peroxidase and glutathione peroxidase respectively, was observed in the diet containing 300IU vitamin E per kg. From the results of the study, it is concluded that vitamin E requirement for better immunity and antioxidant status is higher than growth.
Principle and application of atomic force microscopy (AFM) for nanoscale investigation of metal corrosion

Abstract In this paper, the principle and application of atomic force microscopy (AFM) are reviewed and discussed in detail. Several scientific papers are used to find out data about AFM. The obtained scientific results are summarized to get a better understanding of the method and its application. The application of AFM for corrosion study is discussed in detail, and the possible conclusion is made based on the results of several articles. It is summarized that AFM is an important method to determine the surface phenomena of metal corrosion.
A mixture of Lactobacillus sp. modulates the expression of inflammatory molecules, signalling kinases and nuclear receptors in LPS-treated Caco-2 cell culture model

Abstract The treatment of intestinal inflammation pathologies (also known as Inflammatory Bowel Diseases, IBD) has included a large variety of strategies, from pharmaceutical to traditional medicine and dietary therapies. In the last years, numerous efforts were undertaken to demonstrate the health promoting activities of probiotics in intestinal inflammation and more other pathologic conditions. The aim of our study was to evaluate the effects of a probiotic mixture of Lactobacillus sp. on the inflammatory mediators and signalling pathways as well as nuclear receptors in colonic Caco-2 cells. Human adenocarcinoma Caco-2 cells were challenged in vitro with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) for 4 hours for the induction of inflammation. The LPS-treated cells were cultured for additional 24 hours in the presence of Lactobacillus (Lb) mixture (3 x108 CFU/mL total Lb). Genomic and proteomic array approaches were used to analyse the profile expression of 18 key genes and their proteins involved in intestinal inflammatory response (chemokines, adhesion molecules, growth factors and matrix metalloproteinases inhibitors) as well as signalling markers (Akt, GSK) and nuclear receptors (NF-kB/RELA, Nrf2, AhR). Our study demonstrated that the probiotic Lactobacillus mixture could decrease LPS-induced inflammatory mediator expressions (chemokines, growth factors and matrix metalloproteinases inhibitor) at gene and protein level. This down-regulation exerted by Lb. mix in LPS-treated Caco-2 cells seemed to be regulated through inhibition of both the PI3K/AKT and NF-κB signalling pathways. Additionally, AhR activation induced by LPS was reduced by probiotic mixture under the level of LPS-treated cells. These beneficial effects of Lactobacillus mixture support their use as inflammatory modulators in intestinal disorders.
A STUDY ON ETIOLOGICAL PROFILE IN ADULTS WITH ACUTE FEBRILE ENCEPHALOPATHY IN A TERTIARY CARE CENTRE IN EASTERN INDIA

Background: Acute febrile encephalopathy is a common clinical syndrome across the globe with the principal cause and manifestations differing according to the demographics. In developing nations like India primary central nervous system infections is the chief culprit. Aim: To identify the etiology of acute febrile encephalopathy and to document the clinical manifestations on presentation. The patients were followed up till discharge and outcome was analyzed in relation with etiology. Materials & Methods: This observational prospective study was done among 50 patients presenting with fever and altered mental status. History, clinical examination, biochemical investigations including cerebrospinal fluid analysis and neuroimaging was done to diagnose the cases individually. The statistical software SPSS version 2.0 was used for the analysis Categorical variables were expressed as number of patients or percentage of patients and compared across the groups using Pearson’s Chi Square test for independence of attributes. Continuous variables was expressed as mean and standard deviation and compared across the groups using Kruskal Wallis Test. An alpha level of 5% was taken, i.e. if any p value is less than 0.05 it was considered as significant. Results: Out of these 50 patients 70% were due to CNS infections among which viral meningoencephalitis were the commonest cause. The other causes were leptospirosis, brain abscess, cerebral malaria, sepsis associated encephalopathy, acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, neuroleptic malignant syndrome. 14% of patients had sepsis associated encephalopathy and these patients had the highest mortality Conclusion: Acute febrile encephalopathy is a clinically heterogeneous syndrome with a number of causes. It is an important public health issue due to its steep mortality rate. Keywords: acute febrile encephalopathy, meningoencephalitis, mortality, sepsis associated encephalopathy
Identification and Functional Characterization of Powdery Mildew Effectors

The ascomycete Blumeria graminis f.sp. hordei (Bgh) is the causal agent of the powdery mildew disease of the monocot barley (Hordeum vulgare). Suppression of host defense responses and accommodation of the intracellular feeding structure (haustorium) are indispensable for this obligate biotrophic phytopathogen. To manipulate its host plant, Bgh presumably employs small, secreted effector proteins. We bioinformatically identified effector candidates from the barley powdery mildew fungus by screening publicly available EST databases for cDNAs encoding small, secreted proteins of unknown function. A subset of these effector candidates (ECs) enhanced Bgh haustorium formation upon transient expression in barley cells. EC proteins are encoded by single-copy genes, are sequence conserved among different Bgh isolates and exhibit distinct expression patterns during fungal pathogenesis. Plant interacting proteins for two of the effector candidates were identified by a yeast two-hybrid screen in a barley cDNA library. EC4 interacts with a barley thiopurine methyltransferase (HvTPMT) whereas EC6 interacts with a barley ubiquitin conjugating enzyme (HvUBC-E2). Both interactions were confirmed in planta by bimolecular fluorescence complementation, suggesting that EC4 might target the host vesicle trafficking pathway while EC6 might be involved in controlling the synthesis of a yet unknown volatile compatibility compound. We also identified a multigene family encoding putative secreted RNase-like effectors in the Bgh genome. The RNase-like proteins are highly polymorphic and fulfill the proposed criteria for Bgh effectors that are recognized by barley MLA resistance proteins (avirulence canidates (ACs)). We isolated a range of AC cDNAs from two Bgh isolates and tested a subset of them for their avirulence function. The results of these experiments do not support an avirulence function for the AC proteins so far.
Sex‐specific behavioral and neurogenic responses to cocaine in mice lacking and blocking dopamine D1 or dopamine D2 receptors

Adult neurogenesis in rodents is modulated by dopaminergic signaling and inhibited by cocaine. However, the sex‐specific role of dopamine D1 and D2 receptors (D1R, D2R) in the deleterious effect of cocaine on adult neurogenesis has not been described yet. Here, we explored sex differences in (a) cell proliferation (5′‐bromo‐2′‐deoxyuridine [BrdU]), (b) neural precursor (nestin), (c) neuronal phenotype (BrdU/β3‐tubulin), and (d) neuronal maturity (NeuN) in the subventricular zone (SVZ) of the lateral ventricles and striatum of mice with genetic deletion (D1−/−, D2−/−) or pharmacological blockage (SCH23390: 0.1 mg/kg/day/5 days; Raclopride: 0.3 mg/kg/day/5 days) of D1R and D2R, and treated (10 mg/kg/day/5 days) and then challenged (5 mg/kg, 48 hr later) with cocaine. Results indicated that hyperactivity responses to cocaine were absent in D1−/− mice and reduced in SCH23390‐treated mice. Activity responses to cocaine were reduced in D2−/− males, but absent in D2−/− females and increased in Raclopride‐treated females. D1R deletion blocked the deleterious effect of cocaine on SVZ cell proliferation in males. Cocaine‐exposed D1−/− males also had reduced neuronal phenotype of SVZ newborn cells and increased striatal neuronal maturity. D2−/− mice had lower proliferative and neural precursor responses. Cocaine in D2−/− females or coadministered with Raclopride in wild‐type females improved SVZ cell proliferation, an effect that positively correlated with plasma brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) concentrations. In conclusion, the sex‐specific D1R and D2R signaling on SVZ cell proliferation, neural progenitor and neuronal maturity is differentially perturbed by cocaine, and BDNF may be required to link D2R to neuroplasticity in cocaine addiction in females.
Comparison of Catalyzing Properties of Bacterial 4-α-Glucanotransferases Focusing on Their Cyclizing Activity

A newly cloned 4-α-glucanotransferase (αGT) from Deinococcus geothermalis and two typical bacterial αGTs from Thermus scotoductus and Escherichia coli (MalQ) were investigated. Among 4 types of catalysis, the cyclization activity of αGTs that produces cycloamylose (CA), a valuable carbohydrate making inclusion complexes, was intensively studied. The new αGT, DgαGT, showed close protein sequence to the αGT from T. scotoductus (TsαGT). MalQ was clearly separated from the other two αGTs in the phylogenetic and the conserved regions analyses. The reaction velocities of disproportionation, cyclization, coupling, and hydrolysis of three αGTs were determined. Intriguingly, MalQ exhibited more than 100-fold lower cyclization activity than the others. To lesser extent, the disproportionation activity of MalQ was relatively low. DgαGT and TsαGT showed similar kinetics results, but TsαGT had nearly 10-fold lower hydrolysis activity than DgαGT. Due to the very low cyclizing activity of MalQ, DgαGT and TsαGT were selected for further analyses. When amylose was treated with DgαGT or TsαGT, CA with a broad DP range was generated immediately. The DP distribution of CA had a bimodal shape (DP 7 and 27 as peaks) for the both enzymes, but larger DPs of CA quickly decreased in the DgαGT. Cyclomaltopentaose, a rare cyclic sugar, was produced at early reaction stage and accumulated as the reactions went on in the both enzymes, but the increase was more profound in the TsαGT. Taken together, we clearly demonstrated the catalytic differences between αGT groups from thermophilic and pathogenic bacteria that and showed that αGTs play different roles depending on their lifestyle.
Return to competition after anterior cruciate ligament injuries in world class judoka

ABSTRACT Objectives The purpose of this study was to quantify how the return to competition after an anterior cruciate ligament rupture in Judo is perceived by athletes as compared to doctors and physiotherapists. Is there a difference between the perspectives of doctors and physiotherapists and athletes regarding surgery, time loss due to injury, or the level of performance after the injury? Which functional tests are used to define when or if athletes are ready for the return to competition? Methods A survey-based retrospective study design with two surveys regarding the treatment methods of an anterior cruciate ligament rupture was established: one version for athletes and one for doctors and physiotherapists. Surveys were equivalent for both populations despite the athletes’ individual data. Variance analysis was applied to assess if statistically meaningful differences exist between the two groups. Results From 232 judoka interviewed during the Junior World Judo Championships 2017, 23 suffered an anterior cruciate ligament rupture in the last 2 years. As high as 52% underwent surgery. According to doctors and physiotherapists, 82% of athletes underwent reconstructive surgeries. Athletes returned to competition after 5.5 months, whereas doctors and physiotherapists assumed a time loss of 8.4 months. Only 44% of the doctors and physiotherapists used functional tests like hop tests for defining return to competition and 22% used mental tests. When asking athletes, the use of hop tests (8%) and mental tests (0%) was even lower. Conclusion The study demonstrated for the first time significant discrepancies between the medical treatment regarding the recommendations of doctors and physiotherapists compared to athletes behavior. To support a conclusive statement, we should encourage the doctors and physiotherapists to use functional test batteries for the decision-making process regarding return to competition.
Assessing multiple score functions in Rosetta for drug discovery

Rosetta is a computational software suite containing algorithms for a wide variety of macromolecular structure prediction and design tasks including small molecule protocols commonly used in drug discovery or enzyme design. Here, we benchmark RosettaLigand score functions and protocols in comparison to results of other software recently published in the Comparative Assessment of Score Functions (CASF-2016). The CASF-2016 benchmark covers a wide variety of tests including scoring and ranking multiple compounds against a target, ligand docking of a small molecule to a target, and virtual screening to extract binders from a compound library. Direct comparison to the score functions provided by CASF-2016 results shows that the original RosettaLigand score function ranks among the top software for scoring, ranking, docking and screening tests. Most notably, the RosettaLigand score function ranked 2/34 among other report score functions in CASF-2016. We additionally perform a ligand docking test with full sampling to mimic typical use cases. Despite improved performance of newer score functions in canonical protein structure prediction and design, we demonstrate here that more recent Rosetta score functions have reduced performance across all small molecule benchmarks. The tests described here have also been uploaded to the Rosetta scientific benchmarking server and will be run weekly to track performance as the code is continually being developed.
Treatment Outcomes and Adverse Drug Effects of Ethambutol, Cycloserine, and Terizidone for the Treatment of Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis in South Africa

Treatment outcomes among multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) patients receiving ethambutol, cycloserine, or terizidone as part of a standardized regimen were compared, determining occurrence of serious adverse drug events (SADEs). Newly diagnosed adult MDR-TB patients were enrolled between 2000 and 2004, receiving a standardized multidrug regimen for 18 to 24 months, including ethambutol, cycloserine, or terizidone. Cycloserine and terizidone were recorded individually. SADEs and factors associated with culture conversion and unfavorable treatment outcomes (default, death, treatment failure) were determined. ABSTRACT Treatment outcomes among multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) patients receiving ethambutol, cycloserine, or terizidone as part of a standardized regimen were compared, determining occurrence of serious adverse drug events (SADEs). Newly diagnosed adult MDR-TB patients were enrolled between 2000 and 2004, receiving a standardized multidrug regimen for 18 to 24 months, including ethambutol, cycloserine, or terizidone. Cycloserine and terizidone were recorded individually. SADEs and factors associated with culture conversion and unfavorable treatment outcomes (default, death, treatment failure) were determined. Of 858 patients, 435 (51%) received ethambutol, 278 (32%) received cycloserine, and 145 (17%) received terizidone. Demographic and baseline clinical data were comparable. Successful treatment occurred in 56%, significantly more in patients receiving cycloserine (60%) and terizidone (62%) than in those receiving ethambutol (52% [P = 0.03]). Defaults rates were 30% in ethambutol patients versus 15% and 11% for cycloserine and terizidone patients, respectively. Terizidone was associated with fewer unfavorable outcomes (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 0.4; P = 0.008; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.2 to 0.8). Patients receiving cycloserine were more likely to achieve culture conversion than those receiving ethambutol or terizidone (AOR, 2.2; P = 0.02; 95% CI, 1.12 to 4.38). Failure to convert increased the odds of unfavorable outcomes (AOR, 23.7; P < 0.001; 95% CI, 13 to 44). SADEs were reported in two patients receiving ethambutol, seven patients receiving cycloserine, and three receiving terizidone (P = 0.05). Ethambutol was associated with high culture conversion and default rates. Cycloserine achieved higher culture conversion rates than terizidone. Fewer patients on terizidone experienced SADEs, with lower default rates. The differences that we observed between cycloserine and terizidone require further elucidation.
The importance of organizational commitment in rural nurses' intent to leave

Abstract Aims To examine determinants of intention to leave a nursing position in rural and remote areas within the next year, for Registered Nurses or Nurse Practitioners (RNs/NPs) and Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs). Design A pan‐Canadian cross‐sectional survey. Methods The Nursing Practice in Rural and Remote Canada II survey (2014–2015) used stratified, systematic sampling and obtained two samples of questionnaire responses on intent to leave from 1,932 RNs/NPs and 1,133 LPNs. Separate logistic regression analyses were conducted for RNs/NPs and LPNs. Results For RNs/NPs, 19.8% of the variance on intent to leave was explained by 11 variables; and for LPNs, 16.9% of the variance was explained by seven variables. Organizational commitment was the only variable associated with intent to leave for both RNs/NPs and LPNs. Conclusions Enhancement of organizational commitment is important in reducing intent to leave and turnover. Since most variables associated with intent to leave differ between RNs/NPs and LPNs, the distinction of nurse type is critical for the development of rural‐specific turnover reduction strategies. Comparison of determinants of intent to leave in the current RNs/NPs analysis with the first pan‐Canadian study of rural and remote nurses (2001–2002) showed similarity of issues for RNs/NPs over time, suggesting that some issues addressing turnover remain unresolved. Impact The geographic maldistribution of nurses requires focused attention on nurses' intent to leave. This research shows that healthcare organizations would do well to develop policies targeting specific variables associated with intent to leave for each type of nurse in the rural and remote context. Practical strategies could include specific continuing education initiatives, tailored mentoring programs, and the creation of career pathways for nurses in rural and remote settings. They would also include place‐based actions designed to enhance nurses' integration with their communities and which would be planned together with communities and nurses themselves.
Development and screening of EMS mutants with altered seed oil content or fatty acid composition in Brassica napus.

Brassica napus is an important oilseed crop in the world and the mechanism of seed oil biosynthesis in B. napus remains unclear. In order to study the mechanism of oil biosynthesis and generate germplasms for breeding, an EMS mutant population with ~100,000 M2 lines was generated using Zhongshuang 11 as the parent line. The EMS-induced genome-wide mutations in M2-M4 plants were assessed. The average number of mutations including single nucleotide polymorphisms and insertion/deletion in M2-M4 was 21,177, 28,675 and 17,915, respectively. The effects of the mutations on gene function were predicted in M2-M4 mutants, respectively. We screened the seeds from 98,113 M2 lines and 9,415 seed oil content and fatty acid mutants were identified. We further confirmed 686 mutants with altered seed oil content and fatty acid in advanced generation (M4 seeds). Five representative M4 mutants with increased oleic acid were re-sequenced and the potential causal variations in FAD2 and ROD1 genes were identified. This study generated and screened a large scale of B. napus EMS mutant population and the identified mutants could provide useful genetic resources for the study of oil biosynthesis and genetic improvement of seed oil content and fatty acid composition of B. napus in the future. Supporting Information.
Occupational exposures to hazardous chemicals and agents among healthcare workers in Bhutan.

BACKGROUND Occupational exposures to hazardous chemicals among healthcare workers can result in long-term adverse health outcomes. Research on such exposures from low- and middle-income countries is limited. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of exposures to a range of chemicals used in healthcare settings among Bhutanese healthcare workers. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted among healthcare workers (n = 370) working in three hospitals in the western region of Bhutan. Demographic and occupational information was collected, and exposures to asthmagens, carcinogens, ototoxic and other agents were assessed using a web-based tool. The prevalence of exposure to these chemicals was calculated and the circumstances resulting in such exposures were examined. RESULTS The prevalence of exposure to one or more asthmagen, carcinogen, and ototoxic agent was 98.7%, 28.1%, and 7.6%, respectively; and was 6.2% for anesthetic gases and 2.2% for antineoplastic drugs. The most common exposures were to latex, and cleaning and disinfecting agents in the asthmagens group; formaldehyde in the carcinogens group; and p-xylene among ototoxic agents. The circumstances resulting in exposures were using latex gloves, using bleach and chlorhexidine for cleaning, using formaldehyde as a disinfectant and in the laboratory, and using p-xylene in the laboratory. CONCLUSIONS The results indicate that a large proportion of Bhutanese healthcare workers are occupationally exposed to chemicals linked to chronic diseases, with exposure prevalence higher than in high-income countries. The study provides information that can be used to formulate policies and to implement control measures to protect healthcare workers.