Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Colloid Carcinoma of the Pancreas with a Series of Radiological and Pathological Studies for Diagnosis: A Case Report

Pancreatic colloid carcinoma is an uncommon and unique malignancy possessing a significantly more favorable prognosis than that of ordinary pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Accurate diagnosis of this rare entity is thus important for leading the ensuing optimal treatment. Herein we report a case of colloid carcinoma of the pancreas with a series of imaging findings and pathologic assessments. Being familiar with these radio-pathological features makes early diagnosis possible prior to operation.
Molecular identification of Malassezia species isolated from neonates hospitalized in Neonatal intensive care units and their mothers

Background and Purpose: Given the important role of Malassezia spp. in skin diseases and other associated infections in neonates, this study aimed to investigate the presence and frequency of Malassezia spp. in the skin of neonates hospitalized in neonatal intensive care units and their mothers using culture and accurate molecular-based methods. Materials and Methods: In total, 205 samples were collected from 130 neonates (>4-day-old) and 75 mothers. Isolation of Malassezia spp. from the skin was performed using Leeming-Notman agar and modified Dixon agar media. To compare the Malassezia microflora on the skin of the neonates and their mothers, a polymerase chain reaction-sequencing method was performed for spp. identification of 92 isolates obtained from neonates and their mothers. Moreover, possible associated risk factors for the colonization of Malassezia spp. on the skin were recorded. Results: Cultures from 62.3% of neonates and 77.3% of mothers were positive for Malassezia spp. growth. Malassezia globosa was the most prevalent isolated spp. found in the skin of the study population. It is noteworthy that a rare Malassezia spp. , Malassezia arunalokei, was isolated from the skin of one neonate. There was a 76% similarity between the mother-neonate isolate sequences results. The statistical analysis showed that the type of feeding is a significant (P<0.001) associated factor for Malassezia skin colonization. Conclusion: The findings support the hypothesis that the colonization of Malassezia in neonates is significantly influenced by that of the mother, and this may be associated with breastfeeding.
Phyto-Capped Ag Nanoparticles: Green Synthesis, Characterization, and Catalytic and Antioxidant Activities

Using a simple approach, silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) were synthesized from green coffee bean extract. The optical color change from yellowish to reddish-brown of the green-produced Ag NPs was initially observed, which was confirmed by the UV-Visible spectrophotometer’s surface plasmonic resonance (SPR) bands at 329 and 425 nm. The functional groups of green coffee-capped Ag NPs (GC-capped Ag NPs) were studied using a Fourier transform infrared spectrometer, revealing that Ag NPs had been capped by phytochemicals, resulting in excellent stability, and preventing nanoparticle aggregation. The presence of elemental silver is confirmed by energy dispersive X-ray analysis. In addition to the measurement of the zeta potential of the prepared GC-capped Ag NPs, the size distribution is evaluated by the dynamic light scattering. Depending on the nano-morphological study, the particle diameter of Ag NPs is 8.6 ± 3.5 nm, while the particle size of GC-capped Ag NPs is 29.9 ± 4.3 nm, implying the presence of well-dispersed nanospheres with an average capsulation layer of thickness 10.7 nm. The phyto-capped Ag NPs were found to be crystalline, having a face-centered cubic (FCC) lattice structure and Ag crystallite size of ~7.2 nm, according to the XRD crystallographic analysis. The catalytic performance of phyto-capped Ag NPs in the removal of methylene blue dye by sodium borohydride (NaBH4) was investigated for 12 min to reach a degradation efficiency of approximately 96%. The scavenging activities of 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radicals are also examined in comparison to previously reported Ag-based nano-catalysts, demonstrating a remarkable IC50 of 26.88 µg/mL, which is the first time it has been recorded.
Multiscale Soft Surface Instabilities for Adhesion Enhancement

Soft polymeric gels are susceptible to buckling-induced instabilities due to their great compliance to surface deformations. The instability patterns at soft interfaces have great potential in engineering functional materials with unique surface properties. In this work, we systematically investigated how swelling-induced instability patterns effectively improved the adhesive properties of soft polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) gels. We directly imaged the formations of the surface instability features during the relaxation process of a swollen gel substrate. The features were found to greatly increase the adhesion energy of soft gels across multiple length scales, and the adhesion enhancement was associated with the variations of contact lines both inside the contact region and along the contact periphery. We expect that these studies of instability patterns due to swelling will further benefit the design of functional interfaces in various engineering applications.
An Active Peptide-Based Packaging System to Improve the Freshness and Safety of Fish Products: A Case Study

Fresh fish are highly perishable, owing mainly to their moisture content, high amount of free amino acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids. Microorganisms and chemical reactions cause the spoilage, leading to loss in quality, human health risks and a market value reduction. Therefore, the fishing industry has always been willing to explore new technologies to increase quality and safety of fish products through a decrease of the microbiological and biochemical damage. In this context, antimicrobial active packaging is one such promising solution to meet consumer demands. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of an active polypropylene-based packaging functionalized with the antimicrobial peptide 1018K6 on microbial growth, physicochemical properties and the sensory attributes of raw salmon fillets. The results showed that application of 1018K6-polypropylene strongly inhibited the microbial growth of both pathogenic and specific spoilage organisms (SSOs) on fish fillets after 7 days. Moreover, salmon also kept its freshness as per volatile chemical spoilage indices (CSIs) during storage. Similar results were obtained on hamburgers of Sarda sarda performing the same analyses. This work provides further evidence that 1018K6-polymers have good potential as antimicrobial packaging for application in the food market to enhance quality and preserve the sensorial properties of fish products.
USING THE FILTER PAPER BRIDGE TECHNIQUE FOR THE INITIATION OF IN VITRO CULTURES OF MAIZE

Alongside wheat, maize is one of the most important species of cereals used for food and feed as well as in the bioethanol industry. As a result of this fact, maize is today the spotlight of many researchers, constantly trying to increase the productivity of this species, particularly important i from the economic point of view. The main aim of this article is to investigate the efficiency of the Blidar type filter-paper bridges (BFPB) in initiating the maize in vitro cultures for liquid culture media, in comparison with the conventional agarized culture media - solid culture media. In these experiments a modified Murashige-Skoog culture media (1962) (free of AIA and amino acids) supplemented or not with agar, were used. The inocula consisted in caryopsis of Zea mays L. (hybrid Kiskun 4255) and based on the results of these experiments it can be underlined that growth increases for the cultivated vitroplants on liquid culture media provided with filter-paper bridges compared with those conventianlly cultivated on an agarized culture media, as following 5.34% for dry weight and 356.09% for leafs length.
A Case of Gastric Volvulus in the Emergency Department

Gastric Volvulus (GV) is a rare condition characterized by rotation of the stomach 180° around its axis [1]. GV can be either acute or chronic and can lead to various complications including GI obstruction and strangulation. Approximately one third of patients present with acute symptoms [2]. Acute GV is considered a surgical emergency and, if left untreated, has a high rate of mortality. Acute GV is classically characterized by Borchardt’s Triad which consists of unproductive retching, epigastric pain, and inability to pass a Nasogastric (NG) tube [3]. Postprandial vomiting can also be seen. Diagnoses are commonly made with imaging (plain radiograph or CT). In adults, GV is commonly due to diaphragmatic defects. We present a patient with a case of acute gastric volvulus in a 74-year-old female with history of hiatal hernia. The patient was diagnosed via imaging and subsequently underwent surgical reduction of the volvulus and hernia repair.
A comparative study of temporalis fascia and fascia lata graft in type-1 tympanoplasty

Background: Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media (CSOM) is most commonly faced otological condition by ENT surgeons. Tympanoplasty is the established surgical management for tympanic membrane perforation. In this study we are comparing temporalis fascia and fascia lata as graft material in type-1 tympanoplasty to compare the graft taken up and post-op hearing improvement.Methods: A retrospective study over 80 patients with CSOM of mucosal type, dry ear for more than 6-8 weeks and the age of 15-60 years enrolled in the study. The patients who underwent the surgery for randomly assigned into 2 groups: group-1: tympanoplasty operated with temporalis fascia graft, group-2: tympanoplasty operated with fascia lata graft. All surgeries done under general anesthesia. The patients were evaluated post operatively in terms of graft taken up and hearing status.Results: In our study post op tympanoplasty graft taken up with temporalis fascia was 86.36% whereas fascia lata graft contributed 88.88%. Hearing gain on an average with temporalis fascia graft was 11.46 dB while with fascia lata graft was 10.09 dB. Statistical data proved that there was no significant difference between two groups. So both groups had their own merits and demerits.Conclusions: Overall graft uptake rate and hearing gain with temporalis fascia and fascia lata in type 1 tympanoplasty are almost equal. There was no significant difference in both groups so ultimately it is surgeon choice and level of expertise that decides use of graft material in tympanoplasty.
Forest–atmosphere exchange of reactive nitrogen in a remote region – Part I: Measuring temporal dynamics

Abstract. Long-term dry deposition flux measurements of reactive nitrogen based on the eddy covariance or the aerodynamic gradient method are scarce. Due to the large diversity of reactive nitrogen compounds and high technical requirements for the measuring devices, simultaneous measurements of individual reactive nitrogen compounds are not affordable. Hence, we examined the exchange patterns of total reactive nitrogen (ΣNr) and determined annual dry deposition budgets based on measured data at a mixed forest exposed to low air pollution levels located in the Bavarian Forest National Park (NPBW), Germany. Flux measurements of ΣNr were carried out with the Total Reactive Atmospheric Nitrogen Converter (TRANC) coupled to a chemiluminescence detector (CLD) for 2.5 years. The average ΣNr concentration was 3.1 µg N m−3. Denuder measurements with DELTA samplers and chemiluminescence measurements of nitrogen oxides (NOx) have shown that NOx has the highest contribution to ΣNr (∼51.4 %), followed by ammonia (NH3) (∼20.0 %), ammonium (NH4+) (∼15.3 %), nitrate NO3- (∼7.0 %), and nitric acid (HNO3) (∼6.3 %). Only slight seasonal changes were found in the ΣNr concentration level, whereas a seasonal pattern was observed for the contribution of NH3 and NOx. NH3 showed highest contributions to ΣNr in spring and summer, NOx in autumn and winter. We observed deposition fluxes at the measurement site with median fluxes ranging from −15 to −5 ngNm-2s-1 (negative fluxes indicate deposition). Median deposition velocities ranged from 0.2 to 0.5 cm s−1. In general, highest deposition velocities were recorded during high solar radiation, in particular from May to September. Our results suggest that seasonal changes in composition of ΣNr, global radiation (Rg), and other drivers correlated with Rg were most likely influencing the deposition velocity (vd). We found that from May to September higher temperatures, lower relative humidity, and dry leaf surfaces increase vd of ΣNr. At the measurement site, ΣNr concentration did not emerge as a driver for the ΣNrvd. No significant influence of temperature, humidity, friction velocity, or wind speed on ΣNr fluxes when using the mean-diurnal-variation (MDV) approach for filling gaps of up to 5 days was found. Remaining gaps were replaced by a monthly average of the specific half-hourly value. From June 2016 to May 2017 and June 2017 to May 2018, we estimated dry deposition sums of 3.8 and 4.0 kgNha-1a-1, respectively. Adding results from the wet deposition measurements, we determined 12.2 and 10.9 kgNha-1a-1 as total nitrogen deposition in the 2 years of observation. This work encompasses (one of) the first long-term flux measurements of ΣNr using novel measurements techniques for estimating annual nitrogen dry deposition to a remote forest ecosystem.
Average Operation Time of Bundle Protocol in Delay/Disruption-Tolerant Networks

Performance analysis of the Bundle Protocol (BP) in Delay/ disruption-Tolerant Networks (DTN) has gained much interest. The analytic work of the average operation time (AOT) in BP, for different channel conditions and system parameters, though critical to understanding performance and designing system, is still incomplete. Existing results, such as the average file delivery time (AFDT), provide reasonably close estimates in some cases but exhibit large discrepancies in other cases. In this paper, we provide a holistic probabilistic analysis of the BP process, particularly in the number of error bundles and the position of the last error bundle in each and the last rounds of transmission. We provide, for the first time, an exact solution for the AOT of the BP process. The derivation works for both symmetric and asymmetric channels and is in general for any given maximum number of transmissions rounds. When the unlimited number of transmission rounds is considered, AOT becomes AFDT. The results are further utilized to select the optimal bundle size that gives the minimum file delivery time. Validation via simulations and comparison with existing work are also provided.
The Static and Cyclic Behavior of UHMWPE and PEEK Orthopaedic Polymers in the Presence of Mild Stress Risers

By Michael Sobieraj For over four decades, ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) has been used as one-half of the metalor ceramic-on-plastic bearing couple in total joint replacement (TJR) components. In 2004, over 700,000 total hip and total knee replacements were performed. In the absence of severe wear, gross fracture of total joint replacement components tends to originate from stress concentrations such as fillets, undercuts, and grooves. Recently, PEEK has become the subject of interest with regard to its suitability as composite matrix material for bearing surfaces. Therefore, it is of interest to study the behavior of both UHMWPE and PEEK in the presence of a stress concentration. Several formulations of clinically relevant UHMWPE (conventional, moderately crosslinked, and highly crosslinked) were investigated. Their monotonic stress-strain behavior in the presence of a notch was examined using a custom developed video based system, under physiologically relevant conditions. It was found that both an elevation of yield stress and a truncation of orientation hardening took place. Additionally these changes were found to be material and elastic stress concentration factor dependent. Examination of the crystallinity and lamellar thickness distributions revealed that their evolution is stress-state dependent. The micromechanism of fracture was also shown to change drastically in UHMWPEs and PEEK upon notching.
Control of Suddenly Expanded Flows with Micro-Jets

The results of an experimental investigation carried out to control the base pressure in a suddenly expanded axi-symmetric passage are presented in this paper. Active control in the form of micro-jets was employed to control the base pressure. Air injection at four locations at the base, symmetric to the nozzle axis was used as the active control. The jet Mach numbers at the entry to the suddenly expanded duct, studied were 1.87, 2.2 and 2.58. The length-to-diameter ratio of the suddenly expanded duct was varied from 10 to 1. Nozzles generating the above jet Mach numbers were operated with nozzle pressure ratio (NPR) in the range 3 to 11. In addition to base pressure, wall pressure field along the enlarged duct length was also studied. It is found that the active control in the form of blowing through small orifices (micro-jets) are effective in controlling the base pressure field. As high as 95 per cent increase in base pressure was achieved for certain combination of parameters of the present study. From the present investigation it is evident that for a given Mach number and NPR one can identify the L/D which will result in maximum increase/decrease of base pressure.
Magnetic field-induced phase transformation and power harvesting capabilities in magnetic shape memory alloys

Magnetic Field-Induced Phase Transformation and Power Harvesting Capabilities in Magnetic Shape Memory Alloys. (December 2009) Burak Basaran, B.S., Osmangazi University, Eskisehir, Turkey; M.S., Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey; M.S., Texas A&M University, Chair of Advisory Committee: Dr. Ibrahim Karaman Magnetic Shape Memory Alloys (MSMAs) combine shape-change/deformationrecovery abilities of heat driven conventional shape memory alloys (SMA) and magnetic field driven magnetostrictives through martensitic transformation. They are promising for actuator applications, and can be employed as sensors/power-harvesters due to their capability to convert mechanical stimuli into magnetic response or vice versa. The purpose of the present work was to investigate magneto-thermo-mechanical (MTM) response of various MSMAs, under simultaneously applied magnetic field, heat and stress. To accomplish this, two novel testing systems which allowed absolute control on magnetic field and stress/strain in a wide and stable range of temperature were designed and manufactured. MTM characterization of MSMAs enabled us to determine the effects of main parameters on reversible magnetic field-induced phase transformation (FIPT), such as magnetocrystalline anisotropy energy, Zeeman energy, stress hysteresis, thermal hysteresis, critical stress to start stress induced phase transformation and crystal orientation. Conventional SMA characteristics of single crystalline Ni2MnGa and NiMnCoIn and polycrystalline NiMnCoAl and NiMnCoSn MSMAs were investigated using the macroscopic MTM testing system to reveal how these conventional properties were linked to magnetic-field-induced actuation. An actuation stress of 5 MPa and a work output of 157 kJm were obtained by the field-induced martensite variant
Differential Expression of Genes Involved in Metabolism and Immune Response in Diffuse and Intestinal Gastric Cancers, a Pilot Ptudy

Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the major causes of cancer-related mortality worldwide. The vast majority of GC cases are adenocarcinomas including intestinal and diffuse GC. The incidence of diffuse GCs, often associated with poor overall survival, has constantly increased in USA and Europe The molecular basis of diffuse GC aggressivity remains unclear. Using mRNA from diffuse and intestinal GC tumor samples of a Western cohort, this study reports the expression level of the immunomodulatory aryl-hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), and genes involved in immune suppression (PD1, PD-L1, PD-L2) and the early steps of tryptophan metabolism (IDO1, IDO2, TDO2). Strongly increased expression of IDO1 (p < 0.001) and PD1 (p < 0.003) was observed in the intestinal sub-type. The highest expression of IDO1 and PDL1 correlated with early clinical stage and absence of lymphatic invasion (×25 p = 0.004, ×3 p = 0.04, respectively). Our results suggest that kynurenine, produced by tryptophan catabolism, and AhR activation play a central role in creating an immunosuppressive environment. Correspondingly, as compared to intestinal GCs, expression levels of IDO1-TDO2 and PD-L1 were less prominent in diffuse GCs which also had less infiltration of immune cells, suggesting an inactive immune response in the advanced diffuse GC. Confirmation of these patterns of gene expression will require a larger cohort of early and advanced stages of diffuse GC samples.
Association Between Helicobacter pylori Eradication and Kidney Function in Patients With Chronic Gastritis: A Retrospective Single-Center Study

Background Helicobacter pylori (HP) is a common bacterium that globally infects humans. The significance of HP infection and eradication of kidney impairment remain ambiguous. Moreover, little is known about whether elimination of the bacteria has any consequence on kidney function. This study aimed to explore the relationship between HP eradication and kidney function in patients with chronic gastritis (CG). Methodology We retrospectively reviewed the records of all CG patients with eradicated HP at King Abdulaziz University Hospital between June 2002 and June 2021. All patients older than 18 years, diagnosed with CG in whom HP had been eradicated, were included. Out of 1,936 patients’ records, only 46 met the criteria. Results The mean age of the study sample was 48 years; in addition, 58.7% of the patients were obese. There was no significant difference in serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, and glomerular filtration rate after HP eradication (P-values of 0.414, 0.112, and 0.300, respectively). Conclusions We found no relationship between the eradication of HP and improvement in renal function. However, prospective population-based studies must be conducted to assess an association between HP eradication and renal function, as well the future risk of nephropathy with the persistence of HP. As such, we recommend a multicenter study that includes a representative sample size.
The Apoptosis Paradox in Cancer

Cancer growth represents a dysregulated imbalance between cell gain and cell loss, where the rate of proliferating mutant tumour cells exceeds the rate of those that die. Apoptosis, the most renowned form of programmed cell death, operates as a key physiological mechanism that limits cell population expansion, either to maintain tissue homeostasis or to remove potentially harmful cells, such as those that have sustained DNA damage. Paradoxically, high-grade cancers are generally associated with high constitutive levels of apoptosis. In cancer, cell-autonomous apoptosis constitutes a common tumour suppressor mechanism, a property which is exploited in cancer therapy. By contrast, limited apoptosis in the tumour-cell population also has the potential to promote cell survival and resistance to therapy by conditioning the tumour microenvironment (TME)—including phagocytes and viable tumour cells—and engendering pro-oncogenic effects. Notably, the constitutive apoptosis-mediated activation of cells of the innate immune system can help orchestrate a pro-oncogenic TME and may also effect evasion of cancer treatment. Here, we present an overview of the implications of cell death programmes in tumour biology, with particular focus on apoptosis as a process with “double-edged” consequences: on the one hand, being tumour suppressive through deletion of malignant or pre-malignant cells, while, on the other, being tumour progressive through stimulation of reparatory and regenerative responses in the TME.