Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Probiotic Characteristics of Lactobacillus plantarum FH185 Isolated from Human Feces

Lactobacillus plantarum FH185 was isolated from the feces of healthy adults. In our previous study, L. plantarum FH185 was demonstrated that it has anti-obesity effect in the in vitro and in vivo test. In order to determine its potential for use as a probiotic, we investigated the physiological characteristics of L. plantarum FH185. The optimum growth temperature of L. plantarum FH185 was 40℃. L. plantarum FH185 showed higher sensitivity to novobiocin in a comparison of fifteen different antibiotics and showed higher resistance to polymyxin B and vancomycin. It also showed higher β-galactosidase and N-acetyl-β-glucosaminidase activities. Moreover, it was comparatively tolerant to bile juice and acid, and inhibited the growths of Salmonella Typhimurium and Staphylococcus aureus with rates of 44.76% and 53.88%, respectively. It also showed high adhesion activity to HT-29 cells compared to L. rhamnosus GG.
Virtual reality-based technique for stress therapy

Stress is a response that often make patients become un-stabled physically and mentally. Until recently, various types of treatment are practiced by physiologists to remedy stress problems. Virtual reality (VR) technology that is able to create an immersive 3D environment can be a better treatment therapy in comparison to existing techniques particularly to an imaginary technique. In this paper, we propose an immersive VR-based stress therapy that includes typical Malaysian environment in 3D, zikr, which is an Islamic ritual prayer and soothing audio. In order to prove the effectiveness of the VR-based stress treatment, comparative studies between VR-based and imaginary techniques was conducted and analysed.
Expression of bone morphogenetic proteins in human metastatic prostate and breast cancer.

AIM To analyze the expression of bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) in prostate and breast cancers with established metastasis in bone, where prostate cancer causes osteoblastic metastases, and breast cancer osteolytic metastases. METHODS Primary tumor specimens from 20 patients with prostate cancer and 15 with breast cancer were studied for BMP-2/4, -3, -5, -6 and -7 immunohistochemistry. All patients had multiple bone metastases proven by bone scan. We also examined BMPs expression in normal prostate and breast tissues. BMPs expression was compared with clinicopathological and biochemical parameters. RESULTS Cytoplasmic BMPs immunostaining was observed in both prostate cancer and normal prostate tissue. Expression of BMP-2/4, -5, -6, and -7 proteins was detected in all normal prostate samples, with the predominance of BMP-2/4 (87.8-/+11.4% positive cells) and BMP-7 (94.6-/+0.9% positive cells). In prostate cancer tissues, we found variable expression of all BMPs. BMP-2/4 (83-/+11.6% positive cells) was predominantly expressed in prostate carcinoma, whereas the expression of BMP-7 (24.3-/+19.2% positive cells) was significantly lower than in the normal prostate. In all breast cancers tissues, we found nuclear staining only for BMP-7. In normal breast tissue, the BMP expression was not detectable. The percent of BMP-7 positive cells in breast cancer (86.4-/+7.3%) was higher than in prostatic cancer. Comparing BMP expression levels and clinicopathological parameters, we did not find statistical difference, except for serum alkaline phosphatase, which was significantly higher in patients with prostate cancer. CONCLUSION The expression of BMPs differs between prostate and breast cancer cells. Identifying the BMP proteins in cancers may be useful for monitoring the tumor status with reference to metastases.
Linking freshwater fishery management to global food security and biodiversity conservation

Significance Freshwaters rarely factor into global prioritization of fishery resources, partly because available spatial data on inland fisheries are coarse. Here, we develop a map of the world’s riverine fisheries and compare catches to fish diversity, ecosystem threats, and nutritional dependence. Fish species richness and ecoregional catches are positively but not causally correlated. Intensive harvests from the most biodiverse rivers raise conservation concerns, and numerous other stressors also threaten high-yield river fisheries. In human terms, poor nations depend far more on freshwater fisheries than aquaculture or marine sources. This intersection of poverty, food insecurity, biodiversity, and ecosystem threats suggests an urgent need to improve fishery management for the benefit of both humans and fishes. Fisheries are an essential ecosystem service, but catches from freshwaters are often overlooked. Hundreds of millions of people around the world benefit from low-cost protein, recreation, and commerce provided by freshwater fisheries, particularly in regions where alternative sources of nutrition and employment are scarce. Here, we derive a gridded global map of riverine fisheries and assess its implications for biodiversity conservation, fishery sustainability, and food security. Catches increase with river discharge and human population density, and 90% of global catch comes from river basins with above-average stress levels. Fish richness and catches are positively but not causally correlated, revealing that fishing pressure is most intense in rivers where potential impacts on biodiversity are highest. Merging our catch analysis with nutritional and socioeconomic data, we find that freshwater fisheries provide the equivalent of all dietary animal protein for 158 million people. Poor and undernourished populations are particularly reliant on inland fisheries compared with marine or aquaculture sources. The spatial coincidence of productive freshwater fisheries and low food security highlights the critical role of rivers and lakes in providing locally sourced, low-cost protein. At the same time, intensive fishing in regions where rivers are already degraded by other stressors may undermine efforts to conserve biodiversity. This syndrome of poverty, nutritional deficiency, fishery dependence, and extrinsic threats to biodiverse river ecosystems underscores the high stakes for improving fishery management. Our enhanced spatial data on estimated catches can facilitate the inclusion of inland fisheries in environmental planning to protect both food security and species diversity.
Predictors of health anxiety among older and young adults

ABSTRACT Background: Many older adults have at least one chronic disease and experience greater health problems than young adults. However, little is known about factors other than health that account for health anxiety (HA) among older adults. The overall objective of the present study was to develop a better understanding of HA among older and young adults. Methods: We examined how anxiety-related constructs (anxiety sensitivity, intolerance of uncertainty, anxiety control, and emotion regulation) predict two core components of HA described in the cognitive–behavioral model of HA (illness likelihood and negative consequences) in older and young adults. We also examined the extent to which the predictor variables differentially account for HA in both age groups. Older and young adult participants completed several self-report surveys. Results: Young adults reported higher levels of HA than older adults. Anxiety sensitivity and reappraisal predicted illness likelihood for older and young adults. Intolerance of uncertainty predicted negative consequences in both age groups. Anxiety sensitivity predicted negative consequences for older adults only. Anxiety control did not predict illness likelihood or negative consequences for either age group. Conclusions: Results suggest that anxiety sensitivity and intolerance of uncertainty may predispose older and young adults to HA, which is influenced by reappraisal. Implications for the cognitive–behavioral model of HA in both age groups are discussed.
Determinants of physical activity maintenance: a systematic review and meta-analyses

Abstract The aim of this study was to identify the psychosocial and socio-demographic determinants of physical activity maintenance (PAM) among adults by examining baseline differences between individuals who did and did not maintain physical activity participation over time (Part-I) and by examining how well combinations of psychosocial constructs and socio-demographic characteristics predict PAM (Part-II). Longitudinal and experimental studies (sample mean age 18–64 years) published between 1980 and 2010 were included. Independent data extraction was performed by two reviewers. All pooled effect sizes were calculated with the inverse-variance method under the random-effects model assumption. A total of 31 and 22 studies met all inclusion criteria and were included in Part-I and Part-II meta-analysis, respectively. Maintainers had higher [standard mean difference (95%CI)] self-efficacy (0.62 [0.49, 0.76]) and intention (0.65 [0.52, 0.79]) compared with relapsers. Health status directly affected PAM and moderated the relationship between BMI, education as well as perceived negative consequences and PAM. The overall model adjusted R 2 [95%CI] for the prediction of PAM was 0.20 [0.14, 0.27]. The present findings suggest that beliefs about capabilities and motivation and goals are among the strongest variables associated with PAM. However, other variables rarely investigated so far (e.g., post-intentional constructs/self-regulatory processes) may also influence PAM.
Incorporation of the HIV-1 Microbicide Cyanovirin-N in a Food Product

AbstractAn urgent need exists for HIV-1 microbicides. Here, we describe the in vivo testing of lactic acid bacteria bioengineered to secrete cyanovirin-N. We fed pigtail macaques a yogurt formulation that used bioengineered strains as a starter culture. Cyanovirin-N expression could be detected in the rectal vault during and immediately after feeding. Ex vivo viral challenge of rectal tissue biopsies revealed that peak viral burden was significantly lower in tissue obtained from experimental animals compared with control animals. Formulation of candidate compounds in lactic acid bacteria and their oral administration seems to be a feasible strategy for mucosal delivery of microbicides.
Sensorimotor aspects of unilateral neglect: A single case analysis

Abstract A patient with neglect for the left half of space was studied using a manual pointing task to visual targets located in the left and right hemifields. Reaction and transport times were analysed for pointing movements made with each hand and initiated from left or right initial positions. The same task was repeated using an attentional cue to the location of the visual targets. The main finding of this study is that, in both the neutral and cue conditions, the difference in R.T. between left and right targets is dependent upon response conditions. The discussion addressed the issue of the determinants of spatial information processing for goal-directed movements in the pericorporal field.
Iranian Journal of Basic Medical Sciences the Comparison of Proteins Elaborated by Streptococcus Mutans Strains Isolated from Caries Free and Susceptible Subjects

which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Objective(s): The oral streptococci especially mutans Streptococci are related with the development of caries in humans. However, they are commonly distributed not only in populations with moderate or high caries incidence but also in populations having no or low caries experience. So, in this study, the differences between protein profiles of Streptococcus mutans from different sources were compared. Materials and Methods: Twelve S. mutans strains were isolated from caries-susceptible, caries-free subjects and also S. mutansATCC35668. Total proteins of the strains were extracted , and were analyzed through SDS-PAGE technique with coomassie staining. Results: The protein profiles of caries-susceptible subjects were different from those of caries-free subjects. The major protein bands of SDS-PAGE analysis were observed 26-100kDa and 45-57kDa in caries-susceptible and caries-free subjects, respectively. The major protein bands of SDS-PAGE analysis of S.mutans ATCC35668 were between 35-100kDa. Major significant differences between the protein patterns of two subject groups and interestingly, non-significant differences between the strains of each group were also found. The significant differences between the protein band number of S.mutansATCC35668 and caries-free isolates were also observed; while, there were no significant differences between S.mutansATCC35668 and caries-susceptible subject isolates. The analysis of clusters by Hierarchical cluster method confirmed the clear distinction between S.mutans strains of two groups. Also, there was a clear distinction between the strain of S.mutansATCC35668 and caries free strains Conclusion: The less protein bands and diversity in caries-free rather than caries-susceptible isolates may be the less cariogenicity it may cause. It is also revealed that the protein pattern analysis of S.mutans strains can be the suitable way for differentiation of them.
Evaluating expression and potential diagnostic and prognostic values of survivin in bladder tumors: a preliminary report.

INTRODUCTION Survivin, an inhibitor of apoptosis (IAP), has been reported to be capable of regulating both cellular proliferation and apoptotic cell death. Survivin expression has been described during embryonic development and in adult cancerous tissues, with greatly reduced expression in adult normal differentiated tissues, particularly if their proliferation index is low. In the present study, the expression and potential diagnostic and prognostic value of survivin in bladder tumors was evaluated. MATERIALS AND METHODS Primary and recurrent bladder tumor specimens were obtained from patients referred to the Shaheed Labbafinejad Medical Center in Tehran, Iran. Total RNA was isolated from frozen tissues, reverse transcribed and amplified by means of a nested polymerase chain reaction technique. RESULTS Survivin was detected in 3 cases of primary tumors (42.8%) and 6 cases of recurrent tumors of bladder (60%). Survivin-DeltaEx3 expression was seen in 41.2% of the 17 cases with bladder cancer. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that the expression of survivin and survivin-DeltaEx3 is well associated with invasive and more-aggressive forms of bladder cancer. Our data also indicate that the presence of survivin-DeltaEx3 is better correlated with tumorigenesis of bladder cancer compared with survivin expression.
Guest Editorial: Unpacking Diversity, Grasping Inequality: Rethinking Difference Through Critical Perspectives

[Zanoni, Patrizia] Hasselt Univ, SEIN Ident Divers & Inequal Res, Fac Business Econ, B-3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium. [Zanoni, Patrizia; Janssens, Maddy] Katholieke Univ Leuven, Fac Business & Econ, Res Ctr Org Studies, B-3000 Louvain, Belgium. [Benschop, Yvonne] Radboud Univ Nijmegen, Inst Management Res, NL-6500 HK Nijmegen, Netherlands. [Nkomo, Stella] Univ Pretoria, Fac Econ & Management Sci, Dept Human Resource Management, ZA-0002 Pretoria, South Africa. patrizia.zanoni@uhasselt.be; maddy.janssens@econ.kuleuven. be; Y.Benschop@fm.ru. nl; stella.nkomo@up.ac. za
Historical Trends in Violent Crime: A Critical Review of the Evidence

Recent historical scholarship suggests that the post-1960 increase in violent crime in most Western societies was preceded by a much longer period of decline. In Britain the incidence of homicide has fallen by a factor of at least ten to one since the thirteenth century and the recent tripling of the rate is small by comparison. Evidence of long-term trends in the United States is obscured by the occurrence of three great surges of violent crime which began ca. 1850, 1900, and 1960. The last two upsurges are largely attributable to sharply rising homicide rates among blacks. A number of other Western societies show evidence of nineteenth-century declines in violent crime. The long-term declining trend evidently is a manifestation of cultural change in Western society, especially the growing sensitization to violence and the development of increased internal and external controls on aggressive behavior. Empirical studies of the correlates of violent crime point toward several general factors which help account for the historically temporary deviations from the downward trend in interpersonal violence: warfare, which evidently tends to legitimate individual violence; the stresses of the initial phases of rapid urbanization and industrialization; economic prosperity and decline; and changes in the demographic structure.
‘Building a Platform for Our Voices to be Heard’: Migrant Women's Networks as Locations of Transformation in the Republic of Ireland

Several migrant women's organisations have been set up in Ireland over the last decade. This article surveys three such groups: NOUR (Al Huda Women's Group), a Dublin independent Muslim women's group; WOMB (Women of Multi-Culture Balbriggan), a suburban multi-ethnic women's network; and AkiDwA, the African and Migrant Women's Network. In the second part of the article we focus in more depth on the evolution of the first two—NOUR and WOMB—both very different associations. Using the concept of network and focusing on the networking practices of these groups, we argue that migrant women's networks attest not only to women's agency and resourcefulness in transforming their lives but also to the nature of contemporary Irish society. We also suggest that, while the resilience and flexibility of networking embody a culture of global gendered resistance, networking also bespeaks the contradictions that migrant women face in Ireland, showing the everyday experiences of belonging and living in the margins and in-between social locations.
CT-based quantitative SPECT for the radionuclide 201Tl: experimental validation and a standardized uptake value for brain tumour patients

Abstract We have previously reported on a method for reconstructing quantitative data from 99mTc single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) images based on corrections derived from X-ray computed tomography, producing accurate results in both experimental and clinical studies. This has been extended for use with the radionuclide 201Tl. Accuracy was evaluated with experimental phantom studies, including corrections for partial volume effects where necessary. The quantitative technique was used to derive standardized uptake values (SUVs) for 201Tl evaluation of brain tumours. A preliminary study was performed on 26 patients using 201Tl SPECT scans to assess residual tumour after surgery and then to monitor response to treatment, with a follow-up time of 18 months. Measures of SUVmax were made following quantitative processing of the data and using a threshold grown volume of interest around the tumour. Phantom studies resulted in the calculation of concentration values consistently within 4% of true values. No continuous relation was found between SUVmax (post-resection) and patient survival. Choosing an SUVmax cut-off of 1.5 demonstrated a difference in survival between the 2 groups of patients after surgery. Patients with an SUVmax <1.5 had a 70% survival rate over the first 10 months, compared with a 47% survival rate for those with SUVmax >1.5. This difference did not achieve significance, most likely due to the small study numbers. By 18 months follow-up this difference had reduced, with corresponding survival rates of 40% and 27%, respectively. Although this study involves only a small cohort, it has succeeded in demonstrating the possibility of an SUV measure for SPECT to help monitor response to treatment of brain tumours and predict survival.
Senescent Changes and Topography of the Dark-Adapted Multifocal Electroretinogram

Purpose To investigate the topographic changes of the dark-adapted multifocal electroretinogram (mfERG) across adulthood in the central retina and compare the topography between macular versus extramacular, nasal versus temporal, and inferior versus superior retinal areas. Methods Sixty-five subjects (18–88 years) received a comprehensive dilated eye examination to ensure the health of their retina and were tested with a dark-adapted mfERG protocol using a 61-hexagon pattern. The lens absorption of each subject was also estimated using a heterochromatic flicker photometry (HFP) paradigm. Results The response amplitude and latency of the dark-adapted mfERG showed a significant change with age, which was best described with a linear model. All the retinal areas examined demonstrated similar aging effects. The extramacular and temporal retina showed higher response amplitude and faster response latency when compared with the macular and nasal retinae, respectively. No difference was found in response amplitude and latency between the inferior and superior retina. The HFP results also showed a significant correlation with age, consistent with senescent increases in short wavelength absorption by the crystalline lens. However, the change in lens absorption did not exceed the magnitude of the change in response amplitude and latency. Discussion Our results indicate that there is a decline in dark-adapted retinal activity as measured with the mfERG. These aging processes affect rods and rod-bipolar cells. Their decrease in response can be attributed to both optical and neural factors.
Supporting operating system kernel data disambiguation using points-to analysis

Generic pointers scattered around operating system (OS) kernels make the kernel data layout ambiguous. This limits current kernel integrity checking research to covering a small fraction of kernel data. Hence, there is a great need to obtain an accurate kernel data definition that resolves generic pointer ambiguities, in order to formulate a set of constraints between structures to support precise integrity checking. In this paper, we present KDD, a new tool for systematically generating a sound kernel data definition for any C-based OS e.g. Windows and Linux, without any prior knowledge of the kernel data layout. KDD performs static points-to analysis on the kernel's source code to infer the appropriate candidate types for generic pointers. We implemented a prototype of KDD and evaluated it to prove its scalability and effectiveness.
Analysis of role conflict and role ambiguity in a structural equations framework

In this study a confirmatory methodology was implemented to analyze a model that uses the Rizzo, House, and Lirtzman (1970) scales of role conflict (RC) and role ambiguity (RA; i.e., the Bedeian and Armenakis, 1981, model). The validity of the RC and RA scales were examined through structural equations analysis, and a nested models approach was used to compare the Bedeian and Armenakis model with a model suggesting a more parsimonious representation of the data. Furthermore, path estimates from models incorporating random measurement error were compared with estimates from a model not incorporating the effects of random measurement error
Cubic ZnS under pressure: Optical-absorption edge, phase transition, and calculated equation of state.

We have measured the effect of pressure on the energy of the direct-optical-absorption edge (${\mathit{E}}_{0}$ gap, ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Gamma}}}_{15}^{\mathit{v}}$\ensuremath{\rightarrow}${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Gamma}}}_{1}^{\mathit{c}}$) of cubic ZnS, covering the full stability range (0\char21{}15 GPa) of the tetrahedral phase. The ${\mathit{E}}_{0}$ gap exhibits a sublinear increase under pressure, with the corresponding (linear) gap deformation potential being -5.0(2) eV. X-ray diffraction shows the high-pressure phase of ZnS to have the NaCl-type structure for pressures up to at least 27 GPa. In contrast to earlier reports, this phase is not metallic but shows a broad optical-absorption edge with onset near 2 eV, which is characteristic of an indirect-gap material. Experimental results for the equation of state and band-gap deformation potential are compared with ab initio calculations based on local-density theory and the relativistic linear-muffin-tin-orbital method.