Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Biosynthesized and Chemically Synthesized Titania Nanoparticles: Comparative Analysis of Antibacterial Activity

Green synthesis of nanoparticles using plant extract is the novel method to develop environmentally benign nanoparticles which can be used in numerous biomedical applications. In this study we have synthesized TiO2 nanoparticles from Titanium Oxysulfate solution using Hibiscus flower extract. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized using x-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and FTIR. The XRD pattern with sharp peaks describes the crystallinity and purity of titanium dioxide nanoparticles. The shape and morphology of TiO2 nanoparticles were studied by SEM analysis, the results clearly represent that the flower extract capped titanium dioxide nanoparticles were dispersed and disaggregated. FTIR spectrum discloses the information about the interaction between the functional groups of the phytochemicals in the flower extract and the TiO2. This report also explains the efficient antibacterial activity of biostabilized TiO2 nanoparticles when compared to chemically synthesized TiO2. Based on the results we confirm that the flower extract stabilized TiO2 nanoparticles may have potential biomedical applications when compared to chemically synthesized TiO2 nanoparticles.
Plant-Microbe and Abiotic Factors Influencing Salmonella Survival and Growth on Alfalfa Sprouts and Swiss Chard Microgreens

ABSTRACT Microgreens, like sprouts, are relatively fast-growing products and are generally consumed raw. Moreover, as observed for sprouts, microbial contamination from preharvest sources may also be present in the production of microgreens. In this study, two Salmonella enterica serovars (Hartford and Cubana), applied at multiple inoculation levels, were evaluated for survival and growth on alfalfa sprouts and Swiss chard microgreens by using the most-probable-number (MPN) method. Various abiotic factors were also examined for their effects on Salmonella survival and growth on sprouts and microgreens. Community-level physiological profiles (CLPPs) of sprout/microgreen rhizospheres with different levels of S. enterica inoculation at different growth stages were characterized by use of Biolog EcoPlates. In the seed contamination group, the ability of S. enterica to grow on sprouting alfalfa seeds was affected by both seed storage time and inoculation level but not by serovar. However, the growth of S. enterica on Swiss chard microgreens was affected by serovar and inoculation level. Seed storage time had little effect on the average level of Salmonella populations in microgreens. In the irrigation water contamination group, the growth of Salmonella on both alfalfa sprouts and microgreens was largely affected by inoculation level. Surprisingly, the growth medium was found to play an important role in Salmonella survival and growth on microgreens. CLPP analysis showed significant changes in the microbial community metabolic diversity during sprouting for alfalfa sprouts, but few temporal changes were seen with microgreens. The data suggest that the change in rhizosphere bacterial functional diversity was dependent on the host but independent of Salmonella contamination. IMPORTANCE Sprouts and microgreens are considered “functional foods,” i.e., foods containing health-promoting or disease-preventing properties in addition to normal nutritional values. However, the microbial risk associated with microgreens has not been well studied. This study evaluated Salmonella survival and growth on microgreens compared to those on sprouts, as well as other abiotic factors that could affect Salmonella survival and growth on microgreens. This work provides baseline data for risk assessment of microbial contamination of sprouts and microgreens. Understanding the risks of Salmonella contamination and its effects on rhizosphere microbial communities enables a better understanding of host-pathogen dynamics in sprouts and microgreens. The data also contribute to innovative preventive control strategies for Salmonella contamination of sprouts and microgreens.
Nonsurgical Treatments for Infraorbital Rejuvenation: A Review

BACKGROUND Tear trough and infraorbital region changes are one of the first signs recognizable aging. This is a common consultation for cosmetic dermatologists and there are many treatment options available. OBJECTIVE This article provides a review of the anatomy and changes that occur in the infraorbital region as we age. We also suggest the use of the osseous, color, underlying anatomy, laxity, adipose, rhytides (OCULAR) mnemonic to evaluate these changes and review the literature for treatments options. MATERIALS AND METHODS A literature search was performed through PubMed, using search terms “Tear trough,” “Infra-orbital,” “Dark-circles,” “Lower-Eyelid,” and “Midface. ” RESULTS Fillers, lasers, radiofrequency devices, chemical peels, various topicals, and botulinum toxin are available non-surgical treatment options discussed in the literature found to significantly improve and rejuvenate the infraorbital region. CONCLUSION A complete understanding of the anatomy and changes that occur with aging are of most importance when assessing the infraorbital region. Organizing these changes into the OCULAR mnemonic is one way to assess the infraorbital region and achieve optimal rejuvenation.
Role of Ryanodine Type 2 Receptors in Elementary Ca2+ Signaling in Arteries and Vascular Adaptive Responses

Cardiovascular disease is the most common cause of death worldwide, and hypertension is the major risk factor. Resistance arteries can adapt their vessel diameter independently by pressure and by flow. Ryanodine receptors (RyRs) are major Ca2+ release channels in the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) membrane of myocytes contributing to contractility. Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) exhibit three different RyR isoforms (RyR1, 2, 3), but the impact of individual RyR isoforms on vascular adaptive responses is largely unknown.
Inhibitory effects of homoharringtonine on foot and mouth disease virus in vitro

Foot‐and‐mouth disease (FMD) is a highly contagious disease that affects cloven‐hoof animals including cattle, swine, sheep, goats, and lots of wild species. Effectively control measures are urged needed. Here, we showed that homoharringtonine treatment exhibited a strong inhibitory effect against two different strains of FMDVs (O/MYA98/BY/2010 and A/GD/MM/2013) in swine kidney (IBRS‐2) cells. Further experiments demonstrated that homoharringtonine did not affect virus attachment or entry. Using time‐of‐addition assays, we found that the antiviral activity of homoharringtonine occurred primarily during the early stage of infection. These results demonstrated that homoharringtonine might be an effective anti‐FMDV drug. Further studies are required to explore the antiviral activity of homoharringtonine against FMDV replication in vivo.
Iron deficiency up-regulates iron absorption from ferrous sulphate but not ferric pyrophosphate and consequently food fortification with ferrous sulphate has relatively greater efficacy in iron-deficient individuals

Fe absorption from water-soluble forms of Fe is inversely proportional to Fe status in humans. Whether this is true for poorly soluble Fe compounds is uncertain. Our objectives were therefore (1) to compare the up-regulation of Fe absorption at low Fe status from ferrous sulphate (FS) and ferric pyrophosphate (FPP) and (2) to compare the efficacy of FS with FPP in a fortification trial to increase body Fe stores in Fe-deficient children v. Fe-sufficient children. Using stable isotopes in test meals in young women (n 49) selected for low and high Fe status, we compared the absorption of FPP with FS. We analysed data from previous efficacy trials in children (n 258) to determine whether Fe status at baseline predicted response to FS v. FPP as salt fortificants. Plasma ferritin was a strong negative predictor of Fe bioavailability from FS (P < 0·0001) but not from FPP. In the efficacy trials, body Fe at baseline was a negative predictor of the change in body Fe for both FPP and FS, but the effect was significantly greater with FS (P < 0·01). Because Fe deficiency up-regulates Fe absorption from FS but not from FPP, food fortification with FS may have relatively greater impact in Fe-deficient children. Thus, more soluble Fe compounds not only demonstrate better overall absorption and can be used at lower fortification levels, but they also have the added advantage that, because their absorption is up-regulated in Fe deficiency, they innately ‘target’ Fe-deficient individuals in a population.
δ-Ctenitoxin-Pn1a, a Peptide from Phoneutria nigriventer Spider Venom, Shows Antinociceptive Effect Involving Opioid and Cannabinoid Systems, in Rats

PnTx4(6-1), henceforth renamed δ-Ctenitoxin-Pn1a (δ-CNTX-Pn1a), a peptide from Phoneutria nigriventer spider venom, initially described as an insect toxin, binds to site 3 of sodium channels in nerve cord synaptosomes and slows down sodium current inactivation in isolated axons in cockroaches (Periplaneta americana). δ-CNTX-Pn1a does not cause any apparent toxicity to mice, when intracerebroventricularly injected (30 μg). In this study, we evaluated the antinociceptive effect of δ-CNTX-Pn1a in three animal pain models and investigated its mechanism of action in acute pain. In the inflammatory pain model, induced by carrageenan, δ-CNTX-Pn1a restored the nociceptive threshold of rats, when intraplantarly injected, 2 h and 30 min after carrageenan administration. Concerning the neuropathic pain model, δ-CNTX-Pn1a, when intrathecally administered, reversed the hyperalgesia evoked by sciatic nerve constriction. In the acute pain model, induced by prostaglandin E2, intrathecal administration of δ-CNTX-Pn1a caused a dose-dependent antinociceptive effect. Using antagonists of the receptors, we showed that the antinociceptive effect of δ-CNTX-Pn1a involves both the cannabinoid system, through CB1 receptors, and the opioid system, through μ and δ receptors. Our data show, for the first time, that δ-Ctenitoxin-Pn1a is able to induce antinociception in inflammatory, neuropathic and acute pain models.
Chronic pain in intensive care unit survivors: incidence, characteristics and side-effects up to one-year post-discharge.

BACKGROUND Intensive care unit survivors experience significant physical and psychological problems, including chronic pain following discharge. The aim of this study was to observe the incidence, anatomical sites, intensity, and interference of chronic pain in intensive care unit survivors over a 1-year period. In addition, potential predictors of chronic pain were analysed. METHODS Data were collected during an intensive care unit follow-up programme as part of a quality improvement initiative. Data from the Brief Pain Inventory and from musculoskeletal assessment were examined, alongside demographic data from the patient. Data were collected from patients at baseline and at a 1-year follow-up appointment. RESULTS Data from 47 intensive care unit survivors were included in this study. In 66% (n = 31) of the patients a "new" chronic pain that did not exist before their stay in the intensive care, was reported. Pain intensity in this patient group was "moderate"' and did not improve significantly over the 1-year period. Although pain interference with life decreased over the study period, it was still the most common cause of reduced enjoyment of life and reduced employment at 1-year follow-up. CONCLUSION Chronic pain is associated with morbidity in intensive care unit survivors. Pain interference, but not pain intensity, improved significantly in the first year after discharge. Further multi-centre research is required to elucidate the chronic pain experience.
Growth Hormone Determination in Children Using an Immunofunctional Assay in Comparison to Conventional Assays

Conventional assays for determination of growth hormone (GH) in serum measure immunoreactive molecules of a blood sample. The immunofunctional assay (IFA), on the other hand, is able to determine biologically active molecules. In our study, we evaluated GH determination in children with IFA to compare these data with clinical reliable data of conventional assay systems, since there is only insufficient data concerning the clinical use of IFA in children. The comparison of GH determinations by IFA and two immunoradiometric assays showed different results for the same serum sample. Peak and trough concentration levels determined by these three different assays were always measured at the same time, but absolute GH concentration levels varied. Statistic analysis verified a linear regression of our data and allowed a conversion of data measured by IFA to predict values of the other assays used and vice versa. The traditional cut-off level for the diagnosis of GH deficiency of 10 ng/ml was based originally on results of polyclonal radioimmunoassays. This internationally applied cut-off level has been converted based on the regression analysis for prediction of this study and we found the 95% confidence interval on the mean measurements by IFA to be between 3.11 and 3.28 ng/ml.
Linear optimization model of MPLS Traffic Engineering Fast ReRoute for link, node, and bandwidth protection

An optimization model of MPLS Traffic Engineering Fast ReRoute is proposed. The novelty of the model is that the optimization problem of load balancing at Fast ReRoute with bandwidth protection is presented in the linear form. Such a solution, in practice, reduces the computational complexity of the calculation the routing variables responsible for the formation of the primary and backup paths and ensuring a balanced load of the network links, which meets the requirements of the Traffic Engineering concept. The model provides the implementation of the link, node, and bandwidth protection schemes for MPLS Traffic Engineering Fast ReRoute. The analysis of the proposed model confirmed its functionality and efficiency from the point of view of obtaining optimal solutions for ensuring balanced load of network links and implementing the required network elements (link, node) and bandwidth protection schemes.
Is the public understanding of memory prone to widespread "myths"?

It is frequently asserted that the understanding of memory among the general public and among legal and psychological professionals is deficient, the most prominent examples being that many people appear to liken memory to a video camera, overestimate the association between accuracy and confidence, and believe in repression. The existing evidence is limited to single questionnaire items, however, and to date there has been little investigation of context effects or of the public's underlying assumptions about memory. In the first study we found that people endorse the video camera metaphor as well as several other prominent memory metaphors, but that they were more likely to agree that memory is not like a video camera when the assumptions were made explicit and alternative responses were provided. In the second study, we replicated this finding and found a context effect whereby alternatives reduced endorsement of the video camera metaphor. For the first time we identified frequent reports of naturally occurring imagery involving moving scenes and showed that drawing attention to imagery increased agreement with the video camera metaphor. In a third study, we found that nonpsychologists' beliefs about accuracy-confidence, while reflecting considerable uncertainty, were more consistent with the current evidence than those of psychologists, and that they tended to use the term repression in a way consistent with scientific evidence. Overall, lay views of memory were considerably more nuanced and in line with research than has been suggested, contradicting claims of widespread memory "myths. " (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved).
Influence of antihypertensive drugs in the subtype diagnosis of primary aldosteronism by adrenal venous sampling.

OBJECTIVES Because of the influence on the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, it is recommended to avoid, if possible, the use of angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin II type 1 receptor blockers, diuretics, β-blockers, and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists during the diagnostic period of primary aldosteronism. A laterality index more than 4 in adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-stimulated adrenal venous sampling (ACTH-AVS) is a widely used classification of the unilateral subtype that can benefit from adrenalectomy. Here, we revealed clinical features of patients taking drugs that could affect the primary aldosteronism diagnosis (DAPD) and investigated whether the classification with laterality index more than 4 in ACTH-AVS is applicable to these patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS Using a large database of primary aldosteronism patients in Japan, we analyzed 2122 patients with successful ACTH-AVS. RESULTS Patients who received any DAPD (n = 209) showed higher prevalence of comorbidity burdens and took more antihypertensive drugs compared with patients without DAPD. In patients taking DAPD, those with laterality index more than 4 had a higher prevalence of hypokalemia, a higher aldosterone-to-renin ratio and a higher prevalence of adrenal mass than those with laterality index of 4 or less. Adrenalectomy was performed in 76% patients with laterality index more than 4 and 20% with laterality index of 4 or less. Patients who underwent adrenalectomy showed biochemical cure in 89% with laterality index more than 4 and 50% with laterality index of 4 or less (P = 0.001). Multivariate regression analysis showed that laterality index more than 4 was an independent predictor of a biochemical cure. Biochemical cure rate in patients with laterality index more than 4 was consistently high, irrespective of the potential effect of individual DAPD on laterality index. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that in primary aldosteronism patients to whom DAPD were administrated due to severe clinical features, laterality index more than 4 in ACTH-AVS could accurately predict a biochemical cure after adrenalectomy.
Response to random apheresis platelets versus HLA‐selected platelets versus pooled platelets in HLA‐sensitized patients

It is unknown how pooled platelets (PPs) compare to random apheresis platelets (RAPs) when HLA‐selected platelets (PLTs) are unavailable for HLA‐sensitized patients. The aim of this study was to compare patient responses to RAPs, HLA‐selected PLTs, and PPs in HLA‐sensitized patients.
Vascular endothelial growth factor C promotes cervical cancer cell invasiveness via regulation of microRNA-326/cortactin expression

Abstract Vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGF-C) accelerates cervical cancer metastasis, while the detailed mechanism remains largely unknown. Recent evidence indicates that microRNA play a crucial role in controlling cancer cell invasiveness. In the present study, we investigated the role of miR-326 in VEGF-C-induced cervical cancer cell invasion. VEGF-C expression was higher and miR-326 was much lower in primary cervical cancer specimens than that in non-cancerous specimens, and a negative correlation between VEGF-C and miR-326 was found. On cervical carcinoma cell line SiHa cells, treatment with VEGF-C downregulated miR-326 level and increased cortactin protein expression. Transfection with miR-326 mimic reversed cortactin expression induced by VEGF-C, suggesting that VEGF-C increased cortactin via downregulation of miR-326. VEGF-C activated c-Src and c-Src inhibitor PP2 abolished VEGF-C effect on miR-326 and cortactin expression, implying that VEGF-C regulated miR-326/cortactin via c-Src signaling. VEGF-C promoted SiHa cell invasion index, which was largely inhibited by transfection with miR-326 antagonist or by siRNA against cortactin. In conclusion, our findings implied that VEGF-C reduced miR-326 expression and increased cortactin expression through c-Src signaling, leading to enhanced cervical cancer invasiveness. This may shed light on potential therapeutic strategies for cervical cancer therapy.
Shear-induced instabilities of flows through submerged vegetation

We consider the instabilities of flows through a submerged canopy and show how the full governing equations of the fluid–structure interactions can be reduced to a compact framework that captures many key features of vegetative flow. First, by modelling the canopy as a collection of homogeneous elastic beams, we predict the steady configuration of the plants in response to a unidirectional flow. This treatment couples the beam equations in the canopy to the fluid momentum equations. Subsequently, a linear stability analysis suggests new insights into the development of instabilities at the surface of the vegetative region. In particular, we show that shear at the top of the canopy is a dominant factor in determining the onset of instabilities known as monami. Based on numerical and asymptotic analysis of the quadratic eigenvalue problem, the system is shown to be stable if the canopy is sufficiently sparse.
Equivalence of (quasi-)norms on a vector-valued function space and its applications to multilinear operators

In this paper we present (quasi-)norm equivalence on a vector-valued function space $L^p_A(l^q)$ and extend the equivalence to $p=\infty$ and $0<q<\infty$ in the scale of Triebel-Lizorkin space, motivated by Fraizer-Jawerth. By applying the results, we improve the multilinear Hormander's multiplier theorem of Tomita, that of Grafakos-Si, and the boundedness results for bilinear pseudo-differential operators, given by Koezuka-Tomita.
Antimicrobial resistance in bacteria isolated from diseased horses in France.

BACKGROUND Horses are one of the potential reservoirs of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) determinants that could be transferred to human subjects. OBJECTIVE To describe the AMR patterns of major bacteria isolated from diseased horses in France. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective observational study. METHODS Data collected between 2012 and 2016 by RESAPATH, the French national surveillance network for AMR, were analysed. Only antimicrobials relevant in veterinary and human medicine for the isolated bacteria were considered. Mono- and multidrug resistance were calculated. The resistance proportions of major equine diseases were assessed and compared. Where data permitted, resistance trends were investigated using nonlinear analysis (generalised additive models). RESULTS A total of 12,695 antibiograms were analysed. The five most frequently isolated bacteria were Streptococcus spp. , Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas spp. , Staphylococcus aureus, Pantoea spp. and Klebsiella spp. The highest proportions of resistance to gentamicin were found for S. aureus (22.1%) and Pseudomonas spp. (26.9%). Klebsiella spp. and E. coli had the highest proportions of resistance to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (15.5 and 26.2%, respectively). Proportions of resistance to tetracycline were among the highest for all the bacteria considered. Resistance to third-generation cephalosporins was below 10% for all Enterobacteriaceae. The highest proportions of multidrug resistance (22.5%) were found among S. aureus isolates, which is worrying given their zoonotic potential. From 2012 to 2016, resistance proportions decreased in Pseudomonas spp. isolates, but remained the same for S. aureus. For Streptococcus spp. and E. coli, resistance proportions to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole increased. MAIN LIMITATIONS Since antibiograms are not systematic analyses, any selection bias could impact the results. CONCLUSIONS Such studies are essential to estimate the magnitude of the potential threat of AMR to public health, to design efficient control strategies and to measure their effectiveness. These findings may also guide the initial empirical treatment of horse diseases.