Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Title: BIOSYNTHESIS OF SILVER NANOPARTICLES AND POLYHYDROXYBUTYRATE NANOCOMPOSITES OF INTEREST IN ANTIMICROBIAL APPLICATIONS

This study deals with the optimization and scaling up of the production of poly(3hydroxybutyrate), PHB, nanocomposites containing biosynthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) to generate materials with antimicrobial performance. First, a comparative study of the chemical and biological synthesis of AgNPs during the fermentation process of Cupriavidus necator at shake flask-scale was carried out. These experiments demonstrated the inherent capacity of C. necator to reduce the silver salt and produce AgNPs without the need for adding a reducing agent and, that the method of synthesis AC CE PT ED M AN US CR IP T (with or without reducing agent) affects the dispersion of the AgNPs and their antimicrobial performance. Finally, the process was scaled-up to a 10 liters bioreactor and the relevant physical properties of the PHB-AgNPs nanocomposites pressed into films were determined. From the characterization work, the AgNPs were found to be well dispersed and distributed into the polymer matrix, having a maximum frequency of particles with average diameter of 76-95 nm. Moreover, the presence of AgNPs did not cause any effect on the thermal properties of the biopolymer, although a slight reduction in crystallinity was seen. The developed materials presented a strong antimicrobial activity against the food-borne pathogens Salmonella enterica and Listeria monocytogenes, which makes them potentially suitable for active coatings and packaging applications. Complete biodisintegration of the samples occurred during composting conditions within the first 40 days. Interestingly, the presence of the AgNPs did not impair the profile of biodegradation of the microbial polymer.
Further results on mathematical models of vehicle localized impact

In this paper, we propose a method of modeling for vehicle crash systems based on viscous and elastic properties of the materials. This paper covers an influence of different arrangement of spring and damper on the models' response. Differences in simulating vehicle - to - rigid barrier collision and vehicle - to - pole collision are explained. Comparison of the models obtained from wideband (unfiltered) acceleration and filtered acceleration is done. At the end we propose a model which is suitable for localized collisions simulation.
Changes in the Tartrate-resistant Acid Phosphatase Cell Population in Dental Follicles and Bony Crypts of Rat Molars during Tooth Eruption

It was the aim of this study to determine the cellular changes that occur in the enamel organ, dental follicle, and surrounding bony crypt of the rat molar prior to and during tooth eruption. By use of light microscope histochemistry to detect cells containing tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP), it was seen that TRAP-positive mononuclear cells were present in the dental follicle prior to the onset of eruption (e.g., three days postnatal age) and then declined in number during eruption. Concurrently, TRAP-positive osteoclasts were initially present in large numbers on the surface of the bony crypt surrounding the molars (three days postnatal age) and then declined in number as eruption progressed. Electron microscopy confirmed that these were mononuclear cells and osteoclasts. The results suggest that the mononuclear cells are either precursors of the osteoclasts or perhaps release cytokines that affect osteoclast formation or activity. Staining for alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity indicated that at an early postnatal age (secretory stage of amelogenesis), ALP was detected only in the stratum intermedium of the enamel organ, whereas at a later age (maturation phase of amelogenesis), it was present only in the ameloblasts. These results, combined with a survey of the literature, strongly suggest that ALP moves from the base of the enamel organ to the enamel itself over a period of time ranging from pre- to post-eruption. Rat molars are teeth of limited eruption, and the cellular events that occur in eruption appear comparable with what is seen in dog and human dentition, especially in terms of the cellular events seen in the dental follicle prior to and during eruption. Thus, because rat molars are often more amenable to experimental protocol, they may be a suitable choice for answering questions pertaining to tooth eruption in the dog and in humans.
High serum levels of pro-matrix metalloproteinase-3 are associated with greater radiographic damage and the presence of the shared epitope in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

OBJECTIVE To determine if there is a relationship between serum pro-matrix metalloproteinase-3 (proMMP-3) levels and radiographic damage in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and to investigate whether high levels are associated with presence of the HLA-DRB1 shared epitope (SE). METHODS Serum proMMP-3 levels were measured by ELISA on 45 RA patients with early disease and 292 with established disease. Early RA was arbitrarily defined as disease duration <3 years. Clinical and laboratory measures of disease activity and severity were obtained. Radiographic damage was assessed by scoring radiographs of the hands and feet using the method of Larsen. HLA-DRB1 typing was performed by sequence-specific oligonucleotide probing. Data were analyzed by multiple regression analysis. RESULTS In all patients, there was a correlation (r = 0.318, p<0.0001) between serum proMMP-3 levels and Larsen scores. Other correlations were found with Health Assessment Questionnaire score (r = 0.261, p<0.0001) and C-reactive protein (CRP) (r = 0.357, p<0.0001) levels. ProMMP-3 levels were significantly higher in SE+/+ patients than in those completely lacking the SE, with the highest levels in patients carrying an HLA-DRI+/DR4+ phenotype. The greatest difference in proMMP-3 levels between SE+/+ and SE-/- patients was in those with a disease duration <3 years (381.6 vs. 71.7 ng/ml; p = 0.02). CONCLUSION Our data indicate that there is a significant relationship between radiographic damage and serum levels of proMMP-3. As well, higher circulating levels of proMMP-3 are found in patients positive for the SE, particularly in early RA, and this may partly explain the association between the SE and more erosive disease.
Occurrence of Soil Transmitted Helminth Among Pupils of Community Primary Schools in Nkpor and Mgbodohia, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Rivers State, Nigeria

Soil transmitted helminthes (STHs) are common public health concern among children in Sub saharan Africa. A study to determine the prevalence and intensity of these parasites among pupils of two primary schools in Nkpor and Mgbodohia communities, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Rivers State, Nigeria was conducted. The formo-ether concentration technique was used to concentrate and separate the eggs and cysts from the faeces. Out of 107 pupils (56 males and 51 females) investigated, 81 (75.7 %) were positive for at least one gastrointestinal helminth. The parasites identified included Ascaris lumbricoide(58.0%), Hookworms (28.4%), Trichirus trichiura (13.6%) and A. lumbricoide + T. trichiura (6.3%). Ascaris lumbricoide was significantly (P 0.05) difference in the prevalence in relation to sex. Of the 44 males infected, 24 (54.5%), 5 (11.4%), 13 (29.5%) and 2 (4.5%) haboured A. lumbricoide, T. trichiura, Hookworms and mixed infection (A. lumbricoide + T. trichiura) repectively. Out of the 37 females infected, 21 (56.8%), 3 (8.1%), 10 (27.0%) and 3 (8.1%) haboured A. lumbricoide, T. trichiura, Hookworms and mixed infection (A. lumbricoide + T. trichiura) respectively. There was no significance difference in the prevalence of A. lumbricoide and Hookworms between males (54.5%) and females (56.8%). There was significant difference in prevalence among two major age groups (5-10years-45% and 11-15years-41.9%). Children within the age group of 16-20 years had the least infection (9.9%). The intensities of A. lumbricoide, T. trichiura and hookworm were 246.5, 107.5 and 187 Epg respectively. The intensity of A. lumbricoide was significantly difference than other parasites identified. Soil transmitted helminthes remain a public health concern among children in the study area. Provision of portable water, toilet facilities, good education on the epidemiology of STHs and regular de-worming will enhance control measures.
Alarming Prevalence of Fetal Alcohol Exposure in a Mediterranean City

The prevalence of gestational ethanol exposure and subsequent fetal exposure has been assessed in a cohort of mother-infant dyads in a Mediterranean city (Barcelona, Spain) by meconium analysis of fatty acid ethyl esters (FAEEs) after showing in this population a high prevalence of meconium opiates (8.7%), cocaine (4.4%), and cannabis (5.3%). Of the 353 meconium samples analyzed for FAEEs, 159 (45%) contained a total amount of seven FAEEs equal or above 2 nmol/g meconium, the cutoff internationally accepted to differentiate heavy maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy from occasional use or no use at all. No parental sociodemographic differences or maternal features differentiated exposed from unexposed newborns. The prevalence of gestational consumption of ethanol was similar between women using and not using drugs of abuse during pregnancy (45.7% and 44.7% of samples with total FAEEs equal or higher than 2 nmol/g meconium, respectively). Meconium samples from newborns exposed in utero to ethanol, and positive for at least one illicit drug (cocaine, opiates, or cannabis), had total FAEEs and five of nine individual FAEEs statistically higher than the meconium samples that were negative for the most frequently used illicit drugs of abuse. Among the most prevalent FAEEs, oleic acid ethyl ester showed the best correlation to total FAEE concentration followed by palmitoleic acid ethyl ester. This study, which highlights a 45% ethanol consumption during pregnancy in a low socioeconomic status cohort, may serve as an eye opener for Europeans that gestational alcohol exposure is not endemic only in areas outside of Europe.
Die Wahrheit ist auf dem Feld: Eine Wissensgeschichte der deutschen Landwirtschaft

There are few areas of German society that have been more profoundly affected by innovations in science and technology than agriculture. A pre-modern agrarian society in which hunger was a constant threat has been transformed by industrial production methods which produce an abundance of food but also lead to serious environmental problems. Frank Uekötter examines the developments in agricultural practices since the nineteenth century as well as the debates and conflicts to which they have given rise. (Text adapted from Vandenhoeck & Ruprecht )
Lipids of potato tubers. 3. Effect of growth and storage on lipid content of the potato tuber.

The effect of physiological changes on the lipid content of six varieties of potato tubers was studied. No significant varietal differences were observed. A marked decrease occurred in the amount of total lipid and fatty acids during the initial weeks of growth, followed by a levelling off during maturation and subsequent storage at 5 oC. After 6 months' storage, the early maturing varieties revealed a large degree of sprouting with an accumulation in both total lipid and fatty acid content. Palmitic, linoleic and linolenic acids represented 95% of the fatty acids and throughout these studies the relative proportions of the major fatty acids remained constant. Chromatographic analysis demonstrated very little change in the polar lipids, but minor trends among the neutral lipid classes were detected. In the early stages of growth of the tuber the triglyceride level fell rapidly, but later, following the break of dormancy in the stored tuber, there was a regeneration of triglyceride accompanied by a noticeable rise in sterol and carotenoid content.
Effects of different implant surfaces and designs on marginal bone-level alterations: a review.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this review was to evaluate the effect of different implant surfaces and designs on marginal bone-level (MBL) alterations. MATERIAL AND METHODS A MEDLINE search (PubMed) was performed to identify clinical, prospective and controlled studies using a sufficient sample size (>10 subjects) and with a follow-up time of > or =3 years. RESULTS Ten publications fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Two studies evaluated the influence of implant surface characteristics and two studies reported on the effect of implant design on MBL changes. Six publications analyzed the combined effect of different implant surfaces and designs on MBL alterations. As revealed from available studies, there is no evidence that modified surfaces are superior to non-modified implant surfaces in marginal bone preservation. One study reported on significantly improved MBL preservation for implants with a conical and micro-threaded marginal collar than implants with a cylindrical and non-threaded marginal portion after 3 years in function. No implant system was found to be superior in marginal bone preservation.
Ethical concerns of visiting nurses caring for older people in the community

Background: An understanding of the ethical concerns encountered by visiting nurses in the community is needed. Yet, there is a lack of research on this topic. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to explore the ethical concerns that visiting nurses experience when caring for vulnerable older people living in a community. Design and sample: A qualitative thematic analysis was used to explore the nature of the ethical issues experienced by visiting nurses (N = 13) who care for vulnerable older people, over 65 years of age, in a South Korean community. Methods: In-depth interviews were conducted with visiting nurses. Qualitative thematic analysis was used to explore the main themes of the phenomenon. Ethical considerations: This study was approved by the Institutional Review Board of Chung-Ang University Bioethics Committee in South Korea. Results: Four ethical themes emerged from the qualitative data: (a) quantitative performance rather than quality care, (b) clients being invisible, (c) tuning the level of the relationship with clients, and (d) facing the visiting nurses’ own limitations. Conclusion: This study provides a theoretical basis to understand the ethical aspects of visiting nurses’ interactions with clients, which should facilitate the development of ethical guidelines for visiting nurses to use in making ethical decisions in their practice.
Predictors of subjective outcome evaluation findings in a positive youth development program in Hong Kong

Abstract This study attempted to examine correlates of subjective outcome evaluation findings amongst Chinese junior secondary students from 216 schools who joined in a positive youth development program in Hong Kong. With individual students as the unit of analysis, results revealed that three factors (perceived program quality, perceived instructor quality, and perceived effectiveness) were extracted from a 36-item client satisfaction scale. Significant grade differences in the subjective outcome evaluation findings were found, although the effect size was small. Multiple regression analyses revealed that perceived qualities of the program and the program implementers positively predicted perceived effectiveness of the program. The findings suggest that the use of schools vs. individuals as units of analyses would yield different results on the determinants of subjective outcome evaluation.
Dexamethasone Alleviates Meconium‐Induced Airway Hyperresponsiveness and Lung Inflammation in Rabbits

The effects of dexamethasone on in vitro airway reactivity associated with lung inflammation were investigated in rabbits with meconium aspiration. Oxygen‐ventilated adult rabbits received an intratracheal bolus of 4 ml/kg body weight of saline (Sal, n = 4) or human meconium (25 mg/ml). Thirty minutes later, meconium‐instilled animals intravenously received 0.5 mg/kg of dexamethasone (Dexa, n = 6), or were left without treatment (Meco, n = 5). The animals were ventilated for a further 5 hr and then sacrificed. The left lungs were lavaged with saline, and the white blood cell (WBC) count was estimated. Tracheal and right‐lung tissue strips were placed into organ chambers with Krebs‐Henseleit solution. Cumulative doses of histamine (10−8–10−3 mol/l) and acetylcholine (10−8–10−3 mol/l) were added to the chambers, and recordings of contractions were made after a 30‐min loading phase with a tension of 4 grams, and another 30‐min adaptation phase with a tension of 2 g. Tracheal smooth muscle in vitro reactivity to histamine was higher in the Meco than in the Sal group, and dexamethasone decreased the reactivity compared to the Meco group (P < 0.05). Lung tissue in vitro reactivity to histamine was slightly higher in the Meco than in the Sal group (P > 0.05), and dexamethasone decreased the reactivity compared to both the Meco and Sal groups (P < 0.05). No between‐group differences were observed in tracheal or lung in vitro reactivity to acetylcholine (P > 0.05). In the Meco group, blood WBC (P > 0.05) and neutrophil (P < 0.05) counts were lower than in the Sal and Dexa groups. Lung neutrophils and eosinophils were higher in both the Meco and Dexa groups than in the Sal group (P < 0.01). Dexamethasone decreased neutrophils (P < 0.05) compared to the Meco group. Meconium‐induced airway hyperreactivity to histamine and lung inflammation were alleviated by dexamethasone. Pediatr Pulmonol. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Clinical Genetic Analysis of Retinitis Pigmentosa in Indian Population

Abstract Four hundred families affected with Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP), from 16 different states of India were analysed to ascertain segregation pattern of RP and to study the association of clinical variables like “age of onset” and “rate of progression” with the different clinical subtypes of RP. Families were categorized on the basis of clinical types and inheritance pattern. Segregation analysis, based on the maximum likelihood estimate, was carried out on 426 sibships from 400 families. 75% of the cases were autosomal recessive (AR), 10% autosomal dominant (AD) and 1% X-linked. In the remaining 14%, the inheritance pattern was not clear. Segregation analysis of the sibship data showed good agreement with respect to the AR cases, with a segregation value of 0.23. Penetrance was relatively low (42%) in AD cases. Segregation analysis of AR cases, with the inclusion of simplex cases, indicated that these cases might be having an underlying recessive mode of inheritance. High frequency of recessive cases could be attributed to inbreeding and consanguinity in families. Statistically significant differences with respect to “age of onset” and “rate of progression” were observed among different clinical types of RP, which could be of importance in counseling.
Prevalence of Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Diseases Among Men and Women in an Arab Gulf Community

A cross-sectional study was conducted to estimate the prevalence of major risk factors for cardiovascular diseases (CVD) among the adult population in Bahrain, an Arab Gulf country. A total sample of 516 subjects aged 30–79 years was selected proportionally from all geographical areas of Bahrain. Findings revealed that current smokers represented 32% of men and 20% of women (P<0.001). However, a relatively high percentage of women were exposed to inhalation of other family member tobacco smoking compared to men (29% and 44% among men and women, respectively). Obesity, hypertension and diabetes were highly prevalent and significantly more reported among women than men. Of women, 79.6% were overweight or obese compared to 56% of men. Sedentary lifestyle patterns (Lack of physical exercise and daily watching of television) were also highly reported. About 12.1% of men and 15.7% of women did not consume fresh fruits. The corresponding percentages for fresh vegetables were 8.4% and 5.5%, respectively. The prevalence of well established risk factors for CVD such as smoking, obesity, inactivity, diabetes and hypertension were high and indicates the need for a national health policy to prevent and control the CVD.
Safety, tolerability and immunogenicity of a recombinant hepatitis B vaccine manufactured by a modified process in healthy young adults

Background: Merck has developed a manufacturing process modification for RECOMBIVAX HB™. Three lots of modified process hepatitis B vaccine (mpHBV) were studied in a randomized, blinded trial to demonstrate similarity of the 3 lots of mpHBV and noninferiority to RECOMBIVAX HB™ (control vaccine) with regard to immunogenicity. Methods: Healthy 20- to 35-year-old subjects (N=860) received a 1-mL intramuscular dose (10 mcg hepatitis B surface antigen [HBsAg]) of mpHBV from 1 of 3 lots or control at Day 1, and Months 1 and 6. Serum antibody to HBsAg (anti-HBs) was assayed Predose 1 and 1 month Postdose 3 (Month 7) using a quantitative hepatitis B antibody assay (Ortho VITROS ECi assay). Anti-HBs geometric mean titers (GMTs) and seroprotection rates (SPRs) (% of subjects with an anti-HBs titer ≥10 mIU/mL) were compared at Month 7. After each dose, injection-site adverse experiences (AEs) and oral temperature were recorded for 5 days; systemic AEs were recorded for 15 days. Results: Month 7 SPRs for the mpHBV groups ranged from 97.8 to 98.9% (98.2% for the mpHBV groups combined). The SPR for the control group was 98.5%. The estimated GMT was 1761 mIU/mL for the mpHBV groups combined and 1108 mIU/mL for the control group. The GMT ratio (mpHBV/control) was 1.6 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.2 to 2.1), indicating superiority of mpHBV compared with control. The percentages of subjects reporting any AE, injection-site AEs, or systemic AEs were similar across the 4 vaccination groups. There were no serious AEs. Conclusions: The SPRs for the mpHBV groups and the control group were high; responses were consistent across the mpHBV groups. The mpHBV and control vaccines were generally well tolerated.
Upregulation of antiphospholipid antibodies following cyclophosphamide therapy in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.

OBJECTIVE We have observed several cases of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) who developed antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) or full blown antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) after being successfully treated with cyclophosphamide (CYC). To further evaluate the significance of this phenomenon we undertook a retrospective study of our patient population with SLE. METHODS The charts of 320 patients with SLE, either CYC treated (n = 117) or non-treated (n = 203), were reviewed. The disease activity over time was evaluated using the European Consensus Lupus Activity Measurement (ECLAM) scoring system, as well as initial and cumulative anti-dsDNA antibody titers and C3, C4 complement levels. aPL titers (IgG and IgM) were documented for all patients. Seroconversion was defined as the de novo appearance of aPL antibodies at a titer higher than the 99th percentile of 100 normal sera, tested on 2 occasions 12 weeks apart. RESULTS Seroconversion occurred in 22 out of 117 patients treated with CYC as compared with 2 out of 203 non-CYC treated patients [odds ratio (OR) = 23.27, 95% confidence interval (CI) 5.36-101.01]. Six patients from the seroconverted CYC treated group were diagnosed with APS compared to none in the non-CYC treated group. The association between seroconversion and CYC remained significant after adjustment for ECLAM score after treatment, prednisone dose and disease duration (OR = 13.4, 95% CI 2.67-67.50). Seroconversion occurred despite successful disease remission as judged by significant decrease of: anti-dsDNA antibody titers (p < 0.01), ECLAM scores (p < 0.01), and C3 (p < 0.01) and C4 levels (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION Our data suggest that CYC therapy might be associated with upregulation of aPL and development of antiphospholipid syndrome despite suppression of SLE activity.