Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of Virgin Olive Oils Differing in Their Bioactive Compound Contents on Metabolic Syndrome and Endothelial Functional Risk Biomarkers in Healthy Adults: A Randomized Double-Blind Controlled Trial

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of virgin olive oils (VOOs) enriched with phenolic compounds and triterpenes on metabolic syndrome and endothelial function biomarkers in healthy adults. The trial was a three-week randomized, crossover, controlled, double-blind, intervention study involving 58 subjects supplemented with a daily dose (30 mL) of three oils: (1) a VOO (124 ppm of phenolic compounds and 86 ppm of triterpenes); (2) an optimized VOO (OVOO) (490 ppm of phenolic compounds and 86 ppm of triterpenes); and (3) a functional olive oil (FOO) high in phenolic compounds (487 ppm) and enriched with triterpenes (389 ppm). Metabolic syndrome and endothelial function biomarkers were determined in vivo and ex vivo. Plasma high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLc) increased after the OVOO intake. Plasma endothelin-1 levels decreased after the intake of the three olive oils, and in blood cell cultures challenged. Daily intake of VOO enriched in phenolic compounds improved plasma HDLc, although no differences were found at the end of the three interventions, while VOO with at least 124 ppm of phenolic compounds, regardless of the triterpenes content improved the systemic endothelin-1 levels in vivo and ex vivo. No effect of triterpenes was observed after three weeks of interventions. Results need to be confirmed in subjects with metabolic syndrome and impaired endothelial function (Clinical Trials number NCT02520739).
Influence Study of the Viscoelastic Fluids Features in Drag Reduction in Laminar Regime Flow in Pipeline

The drag reduction by polymer addition is wide interest in several areas. It has been shown that the polymer addition cushions the dissipative effects in turbulent flows. The main objective of this work is to establish a methodology for the numerical simulation of viscoelastic fluid through internal subroutines implemented in the Fluent code, via UDF. The validation of this methodology is made for the laminar flow regime case in pipeline. To describe the viscoelastic effect, it was used the Finitely Extensible Nonlinear Elastic model closing with Peterlin model. To taking in account the viscous effects 50≤Re≤2000 values were used. In addition, for the polymer concentration analysis it was used values which depend on the polymers molecular weight and the solution concentration that ranged from 0≤Cw≤20. The molecular elasticity and extensibility were maintained at constant values. The results showed that the addition of polymers regardless of their molecular weight in laminar flow regime causes no change in power dissipation. This result, which is consistent with the literature, is a significant advance in defining a credible and appropriate methodology to viscoelastic fluid flow study by UDF implementation of constituent models that characterize these fluids.
SYNTHESIS AND ANTIMICROBIAL SCREENING OF NOVEL B-DIKETONES CONTAINING 2- SUBSTITUTED 2-IMIDAZOLINE MOIETY

A series of novel β-diketones possessing 2-imidazoline moiety have been synthesized by condensation of 1-(3-Bromo-propyl)-2,4-diphenyl-4,5dihydro-1H-imidazole(IIa), 1-(3-Bromo-propyl)-2-phenyl-3a,4,5,6,7,7a-hexahydro-1H-benzoimidazole(IIb) and 1-(3-Bromo-propyl)-2-phenyl1,3a,4,5,6,6a-hexahydro-cyclopentaimidazole(IIc) with different known β-diketones (IIIa-c) in the presence of sodium methoxide. All the newly synthesized compounds were characterized by elemental analysis and spectral studies. The titled compounds were screened for qualitative (inhibition zone) and quantitative antimicrobial activity (MIC) by agar well diffusion method and micro broth dilution technology respectively. The minimum inhibitory concentration represents the concentration of antimicrobial at which there is complete inhibition of growth of organism. The synthesized compounds were tested for their antibacterial activity at lower concentration against Staphylococcus aureus, Micromonospora (grampositive), Escherichia coli, Zymomonas mobilis (gram-negative) and antifungal activity against Fusarium culmorum, Phanerochaete chrysosporium, Penicillium chrysogenum and Alternaria solani.
Infectious and congenital syphilis in Canada, 2010-2015.

Background Syphilis is the third most commonly reported notifiable sexually transmitted infection (STI) in Canada, following chlamydia and gonorrhea, respectively. Rates of this STI have been rising rapidly in Canada since 2001. Objective To summarize trends observed in syphilis rates for 2010 to 2015 in Canada. Methods Laboratory-confirmed cases of infectious syphilis and early congenital syphilis were reported to the Public Health Agency of Canada by all of the Canadian provinces and territories. National infectious syphilis rates were computed, as were rates per sex, age group and province/territory. Rates of congenital syphilis were also calculated. Results From 2010 to 2015, the rate of infectious syphilis in Canada increased by 85.6%, from 5.0 to 9.3 cases per 100,000 population. In 2015, a total of 3,321 cases of infectious syphilis were reported, mainly in males (93.7%), among whom the rate was 17.5 cases per 100,000 males versus 1.2 per 100,000 females. The rate also rose faster among males in 2010-2015, a 90.2% increase versus 27.8% among females. Individuals aged 20-39 years had the highest rates. Across the provinces and territories, the highest rates of infectious syphilis were in Nunavut, British Columbia and Manitoba. ​: The rate of congenital syphilis decreased from 2010 to 2014 (1.6 to 0.3 cases per 100,000 live births) before increasing to 1.5 cases per 100,000 live births in 2015, which corresponds to six reported cases. Conclusion Rates of syphilis continue to rise in Canada, especially among young men, and this is consistent with trends in the United States of America and European Union. Based on data from Canada and from these regions, the sexual behaviour of men who have sex with men (MSM) is thought to be a major risk factor for syphilis.
Significant Feeding Deterrent of Berberine from Tali kuning(Tinospora dissitiflora Diels) Against Two Subterranean Termites Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki and Reticulitermes speratus Kolbe

Antifeedant activities of berberine isolated from the chloroform fraction of Tali kuning ( Tinospora dissitiflora Diels) were evaluated against two subterranean termites, Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki and Reticulitermes speratus Kolbe, respectively. The chloroform fraction of methanol extracts of Tali kuning and authentic berberine chloride were used for comparison. Three replicates and levels of concentrations, 12.5, 25, and 50 mg/ml, respectively, were employed. Filtepapers treated with three chemical substances were used to evaluate the mass losses of the filter paper consumed by the termites, and filter papers treated only with MeOH were used for control. Mass loss (MS), termite mortality (TM) and antifeedant index (AFI) were used to determine the antifeedant variables. The results indicated that regardless of three chemical substances tested, the MS recorded from C. formosanus Shiraki were 2.87 times higher than those of R. speratus Kolbe, and among three levels concentration, 50 mg/ml gave the lowest MS (2.13%). Authentic berberine chloride gave the highest TM (99%), followed by chloroform fraction (88%) and berberine (73%). Interestingly, all antifeedant variables employed in this study gave AFI values less than 20%, indicating significant feeding deterrent activity against two subterranean termites.
Foraging behaviour of bank cormorants in Namibia: implications for conservation

We studied the foraging and diving behaviour of male bank cormorants Phalacrocorax neglectus at Mercury Island, Namibia, during the 2007-2008 breeding season. The island hosts the world's largest breeding colony of this endangered species. Population numbers are currently stable at Mercury Island, whereas numbers at other colonies in Namibia are decreasing, including those at formerly important colonies. This trend is presumably due to reduced food availability. At Mercury Island, bank cormorants foraged inshore (ca. 2 km off the coast) in close vicinity to their breeding site (ca. 3 km off the colony) and dived to an average depth of 30 m. Diet at Mercury Island was domi- nated by demersally occurring pelagic goby Sufflogobius bibarbatus. Our findings suggest that bank cormorants are benthic feeders along their entire range and that their foraging behaviour in Namibia does not differ from that suspected in South Africa. Further studies, extending to other breeding sites, are needed to explain the different population trends and how these may be influenced by food avail- ability. The identification of important foraging sites will play a crucial role in the management of Namibia's first Marine Protected Area and will contribute towards the protection of this species.
Characteristics of 250 reproductive-aged polycystic ovary syndrome Thai women at Siriraj Hospital.

OBJECTIVE To determine the clinical characteristics of reproductive-aged polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) Thai women. STUDY DESIGN Cross sectional study SETTINGS Gynecologic Endocrinology Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital. SUBJECTS 250 PCOS Thai women who registered at the Siriraj PCOSprojectfrom May 2007 to January 2009. PCOS were diagnosed using Revised Rotterdam 2003 criteria. Women who were taking medications affecting sex hormones or lipid metabolism within 3 months before registration were excluded from the present study. MATERIAL AND METHOD Patients were interviewed and examined for weight, height, waist circumference, blood pressure, presence of acanthosis nigricans, and signs of hyperandrogenism. Ovarian ultrasonography was examined using vaginal probe inserting into the vagina or rectum. Venous blood sample of each patient was drawn during 8.00-10.00 o'clock after 12-hour fasting. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Clinical characteristics and laboratoryprofiles in PCOS Thai women. RESULTS Of all participants, 62% were 20-29.9 years old, 30% had high blood pressure, 57% were overweight to obese, 49% had central obesity, and 27% had acanthosis nigricans. Clinical hyperandrogenism was found in 15.6% of the patients. Approximately 7% of PCOS women had impaired fasting glucose and one third had dyslipidemia. Prevalence of the PCOS criteria presenting in the population were oligomenorrhea and/or amenorrhea (98.4%), hyperandrogenism (49 2%), and ultrasonographic polycystic ovary (97.2%). Of all participants, 44% had three components of diagnostic criteria. Among those who had two components, presence of abnormal menstrual cycle plus polycystic ovary was the most common finding. CONCLUSION Menstrual problem was the most common presenting symptom among the presented participants. Hyperandrogenism/ -emia adds only a little value on making PCOS diagnosis. Most of the PCOS Thai women have menstrual problem. In these patients, ovarian ultrasonography has high value to diagnose PCOS; addition of androgen blood test can diagnose only 3% more PCOS cases. Although the presented PCOS Thai women are stillyoung, approximately 50% already have some parameters of health risk. It is suggested to provide preventive measures for these patients to prevent long term medical problems.
Disparities in Initiation of Direct-Acting Antiviral Agents for Hepatitis C Virus Infection in an Insured Population

Objectives: The cost of direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs) for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection may contribute to treatment disparities. However, few data exist on factors associated with DAA initiation. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of HCV-infected Kaiser Permanente Northern California members aged ≥18 during October 2014 to December 2016, using Poisson regression models to evaluate demographic, behavioral, and clinical factors associated with DAA initiation. Results: Of 14 790 HCV-infected patients aged ≥18 (median age, 60; interquartile range, 53-64), 6148 (42%) initiated DAAs. DAA initiation was less likely among patients who were non-Hispanic black (adjusted rate ratio [aRR] = 0.7; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.7-0.8), Hispanic (aRR = 0.8; 95% CI, 0.7-0.9), and of other minority races/ethnicities (aRR = 0.9; 95% CI, 0.8-1.0) than among non-Hispanic white people and among those with lowest compared with highest neighborhood deprivation index (ie, a marker of socioeconomic status) (aRR = 0.8; 95% CI, 0.7-0.8). Having maximum annual out-of-pocket health care costs >$3000 compared with ≤$3000 (aRR = 0.9; 95% CI, 0.8-0.9) and having Medicare (aRR = 0.8; 95% CI, 0.8-0.9) or Medicaid (aRR = 0.7; 95% CI, 0.6-0.8) compared with private health insurance were associated with a lower likelihood of DAA initiation. Behavioral factors (eg, drug abuse diagnoses, alcohol use, and smoking) were also significantly associated with a lower likelihood of DAA initiation (all P < .001). Clinical factors associated with a higher likelihood of DAA initiation were advanced liver fibrosis, HCV genotype 1, previous HCV treatment (all P < .001), and HIV infection (P = .007). Conclusions: Racial/ethnic and socioeconomic disparities exist in DAA initiation. Substance use may also influence patient or provider decision making about DAA initiation. Strategies are needed to ensure equitable access to DAAs, even in insured populations.
Evaluation of stressors in intensive care units.

Objective Physical and psychological stressors adversely affect the treatment and length of stay of patients in intensive care units. In this study, we aimed to describe environmental and psychological stressors affecting intensive care unit patients and to determine their priorities. Material and Methods In this study, the 40-item Intensive Care Unit Environmental Stressor Scale was administered to patients in the General Surgery Intensive Care Unit and the Anesthesiology and Reanimation Intensive Care Unit. The patients' age, gender, marital status, educational status, cause of hospitalization, and intensive care unit length of stay were questioned and recorded. Acute Physiology And Chronic Health Evaluation II scores were determined for intensive care unit patients. Results A total of 98 patients, 80 in the General Surgery Intensive Care Unit and 18 in the Anesthesiology and Reanimation Intensive Care Unit, were included in the study between May 1, 2015 and October 31, 2015. Fifty-six of the patients were male (57.1%) and 42 were female (42.9%). The mean age of the patients was 55.1±15.1 years. The mean intensive care unit length of stay was 3.4±1.6 days. The median Acute Physiology And Chronic Health Evaluation II score of the patients was 6 (0 to 17). The patients were most affected by thirst (mean 2.44). The second most stressful stress factor was the presence of tubes in the mouth and nose (mean 2.25). The least stressful factor for the patients was the presence of nurses constantly performing activities around the bed. Although 51% of the patients were postoperative, pain was ranked 5th among stress factors. Conclusion The environmental and psychological factors affecting intensive care unit patients varied according to age, sex, and educational and surgical status. These factors had adverse effects on the patients. The elimination or modification of these factors would contribute positively to the treatment of intensive care unit patients and shorten their length of stay in the intensive care unit.
Vitamin D intake and survival and recurrence in head and neck cancer patients

With an unacceptably low 5‐year survival rate and few identified modifiable factors that affect head and neck cancer (HNC) outcomes, HNC survival remains an important public health problem. Vitamin D has been shown to be associated with immune reactivity and improved outcomes for some cancer sites, but findings are mixed, and few studies have examined vitamin D in relation to HNC. This study aimed to assess the association between vitamin D intake and survival outcomes in HNC patients.
Pre-clinical activity of targeting the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway in Burkitt lymphoma

Though outcomes for pediatric Burkitt lymphoma (BL) have improved significantly in recent decades with intensive multi-agent chemotherapy and the addition of rituximab, chemotherapy resistance remains a significant impediment to cure following relapse. Activation of the PI3K/AKT pathway has been implicated in Burkitt lymphomagenesis and increased PI3K/AKT activation has been associated with worse outcomes in adults with aggressive B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (B-NHL). Inhibitors of the PI3K/AKT pathway have been approved for the treatment of refractory indolent B-NHL and continue to be investigated for treatment of aggressive B-NHLs. We investigated the activation of the PI3K/AKT pathway in a cell line model of resistant BL and the ability to target this pathway with small molecule inhibitors in BL cell lines. We found that cell lines resistant to rituximab and chemotherapy exhibited increased activation of PI3K/AKT and that inhibition of AKT or PI3K results in in vitro anti-lymphoma activity. To investigate the role of PI3K/AKT activation on the efficacy of cytotoxic chemotherapy, we exposed cells to inhibitors in combination with chemotherapy and noted a synergistic increase in response to chemotherapy. Overall these findings highlight the role of PI3K/AKT in chemotherapy resistance in BL cells and may represent a tractable therapeutic target.
Standard methods for Apis mellifera propolis research

Propolis is one of the most fascinating honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) products. It is a plant derived product that bees produce from resins that they collect from different plant organs and with which they mix beeswax. Propolis is a building material and a protective agent in the bee hive. It also plays an important role in honey bee social immunity, and is widely used by humans as an ingredient of nutraceuticals, over-the-counter preparations and cosmetics. Its chemical composition varies by geographic location, climatic zone and local flora. The understanding of the chemical diversity of propolis is very important in propolis research. In this manuscript, we give an overview of the available methods for studying propolis in different aspects: propolis in the bee colony; chemical composition and plant sources of propolis; biological activity of propolis with respect to bees and humans; and approaches for standardization and quality control for the purposes of industrial application.
Toward more realistic projections of soil carbon dynamics by Earth system models

Soil carbon (C) is a critical component of Earth system models (ESMs), and its diverse representations are a major source of the large spread across models in the terrestrial C sink from the third to fifth assessment reports of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Improving soil C projections is of a high priority for Earth system modeling in the future IPCC and other assessments. To achieve this goal, we suggest that (1) model structures should reflect real‐world processes, (2) parameters should be calibrated to match model outputs with observations, and (3) external forcing variables should accurately prescribe the environmental conditions that soils experience. First, most soil C cycle models simulate C input from litter production and C release through decomposition. The latter process has traditionally been represented by first‐order decay functions, regulated primarily by temperature, moisture, litter quality, and soil texture. While this formulation well captures macroscopic soil organic C (SOC) dynamics, better understanding is needed of their underlying mechanisms as related to microbial processes, depth‐dependent environmental controls, and other processes that strongly affect soil C dynamics. Second, incomplete use of observations in model parameterization is a major cause of bias in soil C projections from ESMs. Optimal parameter calibration with both pool‐ and flux‐based data sets through data assimilation is among the highest priorities for near‐term research to reduce biases among ESMs. Third, external variables are represented inconsistently among ESMs, leading to differences in modeled soil C dynamics. We recommend the implementation of traceability analyses to identify how external variables and model parameterizations influence SOC dynamics in different ESMs. Overall, projections of the terrestrial C sink can be substantially improved when reliable data sets are available to select the most representative model structure, constrain parameters, and prescribe forcing fields.
INTERPERSONAL RELATIONS AND GROUP PROCESSES Culture and Social Hierarchy: Self- and Other-Oriented Correlates of Socioeconomic Status Across Cultures

Current theorizing on socioeconomic status (SES) focuses on the availability of resources and the freedom they afford as a key determinant of the association between high SES and stronger orientation toward the self and, by implication, weaker orientation toward others. However, this work relies nearly exclusively on data from Western countries where self-orientation is strongly sanctioned. In the present work, we predicted and found that especially in East Asian countries, where other-orientation is strongly sanctioned, high SES is associated with stronger other-orientation as well as with self-orientation. We first examined both psychological attributes (Study 1, N 2,832) and socialization values (Study 2a, N 4,675) in Japan and the United States. In line with the existent evidence, SES was associated with greater self-oriented psychological attributes and socialization values in both the U.S. and Japan. Importantly, however, higher SES was associated with greater other orientation in Japan, whereas this association was weaker or even reversed in the United States. Study 2b (N 85,296) indicated that the positive association between SES and self-orientation is found, overall, across 60 nations. Further, Study 2b showed that the positive association between SES and other-orientation in Japan can be generalized to other Confucian cultures, whereas the negative association between SES and other-orientation in the U.S. can be generalized to other Frontier cultures. Implications of the current findings for modernization and globalization are discussed.