Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Value of C-reactive protein in differentiating viral from bacterial aetiologies in patients with non-malaria acute undifferentiated fever in tropical areas: a meta-analysis and individual patient data study.

C-reactive protein (CRP) is used to discriminate common bacterial and viral infections, but its utility in tropical settings remains unknown. We performed a meta-analysis of studies performed in Asia and Africa. First, mean CRP levels for specific tropical infections were calculated. Thereafter, individual patient data (IPD) from patients with non-malarial undifferentiated fever (NMUF) who were tested for viral and bacterial pathogens were analysed, calculating separate cut-off values and their performance in classifying viral or bacterial disease. Mean CRP levels of 7307 patients from 13 countries were dengue 12.0 mg/l (standard error [SE] 2.7), chikungunya 41.0 mg/l (SE 19.5), influenza 15.9 mg/l (SE 6.3), Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever 9.7 mg/l (SE 4.7), Salmonella 61.9 mg/l (SE 5.4), Rickettsia 61.3 mg/l (SE 8.8), Coxiella burnetii 98.7 mg/l (SE 44.0) and Leptospira infections 113.8 mg/l (SE 23.1). IPD analysis of 1059 NMUF patients ≥5 y of age showed CRP <10 mg/l had 52% sensitivity (95% confidence interval [CI] 48 to 56) and 95% specificity (95% CI 93 to 97) to detect viral infections. CRP >40 mg/l had 74% sensitivity (95% CI 70 to 77) and 84% specificity (95% CI 81 to 87) to identify bacterial infections. Compared with routine care, the relative risk for incorrect classification was 0.64 (95% CI 0.55 to 0.75) and the number needed to test for one extra correctly classified case was 8 (95% CI 6 to 12). A two cut-off value CRP test may help clinicians to discriminate viral and bacterial aetiologies of NMUF in tropical areas.
Consumption of bitter apricot seeds affects lipid and endocrine profile in women

Abstract Natural products have been attracting increasing attention in human diet, both due to the possible negative effects of synthetic food additives on human health and the increased consumer perception. Apricot seeds contain a wide variety of bioactive components and their consumption is associated with a reduced risk of chronic diseases. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of consumption of bitter apricot seeds on blood lipid and endocrine profile in Slovak women (n = 18, 41.60 ± 11.28 years) of reproductive age. Volunteers consumed 60 mg.kg−1 of body weight of bitter apricot seeds divided into 8-12 doses daily for 42 days. During the experiment, three blood collections were carried out (at the beginning of the experiment - day 0, and after 21 and 42 days of consumption apricot seeds). Lipid profile was measured in terms of – total cholesterol (T-C, enzymatic photometric method), low-density cholesterol (LDL-C, calculated using the Friedewald equation), high-density cholesterol (HDL-C, direct clearance method), triglycerides (TG, enzymatic colorimetric method) whereas endocrine profile - follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), prolactin (PRL), progesterone (P4), 17β-estradiol (E2), testosterone, and androstenedione was assessed by ELISA. The blood levels of T-C, HDL-C and T-C did not change significantly (P > 0.05), however, the level of LDL-C decreased significantly (P < 0.05) after 42 days. On the other hand, there was a significant (P < 0.05) increase of T-C and TG after 21 days. The blood level of FSH, testosterone and androstenedione increased significantly (P < 0.05) although the levels of LH, PRL, P4 and E2 did not change (P > 0.05) after 42 days. The level of PRL and testosterone significantly (P < 0.05) increased and E2 significantly decreased after 21 days of apricot seeds consumption. The study suggests that daily consumption of apricot seeds may affect plasma lipid and endocrine profile in women of reproductive age.
Effects of surface morphology of ZnAl 2 O 4 ceramic materials on osteoblastic cells responses

Ceramic scaffolds are widely studied in the tissue engineering field due to their potential inmedical applications as bone substitutes or as bone-filling materials. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of surface morphology of nanostructure thin films of ZnAl2O4 prepared by spray pyrolysis and bulk pellets of polycrystalline ZnAl2O4 prepared by chemical coprecipitation reaction on the in vitro cell adhesion, viability, and cell-material interactions of osteoblastic cells. Our result showed that cell attachment was significantly enhanced from 60 to 80% on the ZnAl2O4 nanostructured material surface when compared with bulk ceramic surfaces. Moreover, our results showed that the balance of morphological properties of the thin film nanostructure ceramic improves cell-material interaction with enhanced spreading and filopodia with multiple cellular extensions on the surface of the ceramic and enhancing cell viability/proliferation in comparison with bulk ceramic surfaces used as control. Altogether, these results suggest that zinc aluminate nanostructured materials have a great potential to be used in dental implant and bone substitute applications.
Delirium documentation in hospitalized pediatric patients with cancer

Abstract Objective Screening tools for delirium are being used more consistently in pediatric critical care. However, screening is not universal, and delirium may be underdiagnosed, misdiagnosed, or undocumented in hospitalized patients. We evaluated the identification and documentation of delirium in pediatric oncology and bone marrow transplant patients. Method A retrospective chart review on all hospitalized pediatric oncology and bone marrow transplant patients admitted to an Academic Cancer center between 2013 and 2016. Patients aged less than 21 years of age with active cancer were included. Patients with major psychiatric conditions, developmental delays, or autism were excluded. Data were collected to characterize documentation concerning the identification and diagnosis of delirium. Results Of 201 hospitalization records, 54 (26.9%) admissions from 109 unique patients had documentation of delirium. The overall documented incidence of delirium was 3.2% of hospitalizations or 8.2% of unique patients. Patients prescribed opioids and benzodiazepines were more likely to have documentation of delirium. ICD coding under-reported delirium while physician documentation was inaccurate in 26% (53/201) when compared with the chart review. Significance of results Delirium was frequently undocumented or miscoded. Implementing a validated, universal screening tool for delirium may improve identification and clinical outcomes.
Biomass Pyrolysis in an Argon/Hydrogen Plasma Reactor

This paper presents the experimental results of biomass pyrolysis in a laboratory argon/hydrogen plasma reactor. The samples tested were wood and rice husk. The gaseous product was found to contain mainly H2, CO, C2H2 and CH4. The conversion of carbon and oxygen from the biomass feed to gaseous product can reach up to 79 % and 72 %, respectively. The results indicate that plasma pyrolysis of biomass may be a useful way for gaseous fuel production.
ECG Parameters and Exposure to Carbon Ultrafine Particles in Young Healthy Subjects

The mechanisms underlying the association between air pollution and cardiovascular morbidity and mortality are unknown. This study aimed to determine whether controlled exposure to elemental carbon ultrafine particles (UFP) affects electrocardiogram (ECG) parameters describing heart rate variability; repolarization duration, morphology, and variability; and changes in the ST segment. Two separate controlled studies (12 subjects each) were performed using a crossover design, in which each subject was exposed to filtered air and carbon UFP for 2 hours. The first protocol involved 2 exposures to air and 10 μg/m3 (∼ 2× 106 particles/cm3, count median diameter ∼25 nm, geometric standard deviation ∼1.6), at rest. The second protocol included 3 exposures to air, 10, and 25 μg/m3 UFP (∼ 7× 106 particles/cm3), with repeated exercise. Each subject underwent a continuous digital 12-lead ECG Holter recording to analyze the above ECG parameters. Repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compare tested parameters between exposures. The observed responses to UFP exposure were small and generally not significant, although there were trends indicating an increase in parasympathetic tone, which is most likely also responsible for trends toward ST elevation, blunted QTc shortening, and increased variability of T-wave complexity after exposure to UFP. Recovery from exercise showed a blunted response of the parasympathetic system after exposure to UFP in comparison to air exposure. In conclusion, transient exposure to 10–25 μ g/m3 ultrafine carbon particles does not cause marked changes in ECG-derived parameters in young healthy subjects. However, trends are observed indicating that some subjects might be susceptible to air pollution, with a response involving autonomic modulation of the heart and repolarization of the ventricular myocardium.
Effect of polymer type on the colonization of plastic pellets by marine bacteria.

Plastic is omnipresent in the oceans and serves as surface for biofilm-forming microorganisms. Plastic debris comprises different polymers, which may influence microbial colonization and here, we evaluated if polymer type affects bacterial biofilm formation. Quantifying the biofilm on polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP) or polystyrene (PS) pellets by six marine bacterial strains (Vibrio, Pseudoalteromonas, Phaeobacter) demonstrated that each strain had a unique colonization behavior with either a preference for PS or PP over the other polymer types or no preference for a specific plastic type. PE, PP, and PS pellets were exposed to natural seawater microbiota using free-living or total communities as inoculum. Microbial assembly as determined by 16S rRNA (V4) amplicon sequencing was affected by the composition of the initial inoculum and also by the plastic type. Known polymer and hydrocarbon degraders such as Paraglaciecola, Oleibacter, and Hydrogenophaga were found in the plastic biofilms. Thus, on a community level, bacterial colonization on plastic is influenced by the microorganisms as well as the polymer type, and also individual strains can demonstrate polymer-specific colonization.
β2 and α2 adrenergic receptors mediate the proneurogenic in vitro effects of norquetiapine

Positive modulation of adult hippocampal neurogenesis may contribute to the therapeutic effects of clinically relevant antidepressant drugs, including atypical antipsychotics. Quetiapine, an antipsychotic which represents a therapeutic option in patients who are resistant to classical antidepressants, promotes adult hippocampal neurogenesis in preclinical studies. Norquetiapine, the key active metabolite of quetiapine in humans, has a distinctive receptor profile than the parent compound. The drug is indeed a high affinity norepinephrine transporter inhibitor and such activity has been proposed to contribute to its antidepressant effect. At present, no information is available on the effects of norquetiapine on adult neurogenesis. We extensively investigated the activity of quetiapine and norquetiapine on adult murine neural stem/progenitor cells and their progeny. Additionally, selective antagonists for β2/α2 adrenergic receptors allowed us to evaluate if these receptors could mediate quetiapine and norquetiapine effects. We demonstrated that both drugs elicit in vitro proneurogenic effects but also that norquetiapine had distinctive properties which may depend on its ability to inhibit norepinephrine transporter and involve β2/α2 adrenergic receptors. Animal care and experimental procedures were approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committees (IACUC) at University of Piemonte Orientale, Italy (approval No. 1033/2015PR) on September 29, 2015.
Antioxidant Activity of Alhagi camelorum Phenolics Extracted by Automated and Standard Extraction Techniques

Two extraction techniques, automatic soxtherm apparatus and conventional ultrasonic extraction, were compared in terms of yield, composition, and with special focus on antioxidant activity. In the DPPH test automated extraction showed higher antioxidant potential with IC50 value of 7.5 mg/mL as compared to that of ultrasonic extraction which is 12.5 mg/L, whereas combining both was found to be relatively better. A similar trend in total phenolic and total flavonoid contents was observed. HPLC analysis of both extracts revealed the presence of gallic acid, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, caffeic acid, syringic acid rutin, and ferrulic acid with significant difference in their profile.
Adhesion strength of sodium dodecyl sulfate-modified soy protein to fiberboard

Thermal and rheological properties of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS)-modified soy protein isolate (SPI) adhesives were studied using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and rheometry. The ordered structure of native SPI was denatured as SDS concentration increased, and thermal stability of native SPI decreased at high SDS concentration. The enthalpy of SPI denaturation decreased significantly with increasing SDS concentration. Apparent viscosity of the SPI adhesives increased as SDS concentration increased. The SPI adhesives modified by high concentrations of SDS exhibited characteristics of a Newtonian-type flow. The SDS-modified SPI adhesives were applied to fiberboard, and effects of SDS concentration, press conditions, and assembly time on bond strength were investigated. Shear strength of the SPI adhesives increased with SDS concentration, reaching its maximum value at 3 wt% of SDS, and then decreased significantly. The shear strength increased as press time and/or press temperature increased. High press temperature (100 °C) and long press time (5 min) are needed to achieve relatively good adhesion properties. The shear strength also increased as assembly time increased. The shear strength of the SDS-modified SPI adhesives decreased after soaking in water for 24 h.
The distribution of stereochemical configurations in polystyrene as observed with 13C NMR

13C NMR configurational assignments are made for an amorphous polystyrene sample examined at 25.2 MHz and 120°C. The assignments are based strictly on a one-parameter Bernoullian fit that was in satisfactory agreement with the nine observed methylene relative intensities. The methylene regions of the 13C NMR spectra of a polystyrene were examined before and after hydrogenation of the side-chain phenyl substituents. It was concluded that ring current effects have influenced the 13C methylene chemical shifts substantially and are limited largely to contributions from adjacent phenyl substituents. In addition, aromatic substituent parameters are reported that can be used in conjunction with the Grant and Paul parameters for calculating chemical shifts in aromatic hydrocarbons and polymers. Finally, it is concluded that free-radical and n-butyllithium-prepared polystyrenes have essentially atactic structures with meso additions favored over racemic additions by approximately 55/45.
Meeting the (Trans)parent: Test of Parasocial Contact with Transgender Characters on Reducing Stigma toward Transgender People

ABSTRACT This study examined the role parasocial contact with a transgender character on an online TV show (Transparent) may play in reducing prejudice toward transgender people. An experiment was conducted with participants randomly assigned to view either a video depicting a transgender character, or a non-transgender character portrayed by the same actor. Results were consistent with predictions derived from the intergroup contact mediation model for explaining how intergroup contact reduces prejudice toward an outgroup. Critical to reduction of prejudice toward transgender people is the quality of the parasocial interaction with the transgender character. Poor quality of parasocial contact may have unintended negative effects on prejudice toward transgender people based on the data. Limitations and implications of the study for the use of entertainment media to reduce stigma toward transgender people are discussed.
Feeling for Our Robot Overlords: Perceptions of Emotionally Expressive Social Robots in Initial Interactions

ABSTRACT Human-to-human scripting accounts for a user’s tendency in human-robot interactions (HRI) to utilize scripts just as they would if talking to another person. Can a robot’s emotional verbal expression, however, impact perceptions and further elicit human-to-human scripting? The present study examines the effects of a robot’s emotional expression of joy and sorrow on participant perceptions of anthropomorphism, animacy, likability, perceived intelligence, credibility, social presence, and uncertainty in an initial interaction. Results indicated that robot expressions of joy were rated significantly more likable, intelligent, credible, and socially present than expressions of sorrow. Implications for future research are discussed in light of our findings related to participant impressions of emotional robots and human-to-human scripting.
Effect of composition of agricultural wastes and biochar as a growing media on the growth of potted Stock (Matthiola incana) and Geranium (Pelargonium spp)

Abstract The reuse of organic wastes in agriculture is an appropriate method for environment management and providing nutrients to the plants. The objective of this study is to utilize possibility of agricultural waste as component of growing media and comparative evaluation of best potting media for flower production. The research was conducted at Floriculture Research Area, Institute of Horticultural Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad. There were total four treatments (garden soil, biochar + peat moss + leaf compost, leaf compost + soil, peanut shell compost + soil, rice straw + soil). Each treatment was replicated three times, having 10 plants each. Different agricultural waste materials such as leaf compost, peanut shell compost, rice straw and biochar were used as source for quality growth of Stock and Geranium. Physio-chemical analysis (N, P, K, pH, EC) were best in the growing media comprising biochar + peat moss + leaf compost. The experiment was arranged according to Completely Randomized Design (CRD) under factorial arrangement. The results regarding maximum plant height (57.4 cm), number of leaves per plant (62.5), root length (43.1 cm), number of flowers (31.6), flower diameter (4.8 cm), evapotranspiration rate (7.38 mol/m2/s), transpiration rate (46.4 mmol/m2/s) and leaf total chlorophyll contents (81.0 SPAD) were recorded in biochar + peat moss + leaf compost media while maximum leaf area (46.58 cm2), photosynthetic rate (2.11 μmol m2/s), stomatal conductance (1.73 mol/m2/s), respiration rate (416.67), internal CO2 (375.67) and minimum days to first flower emergence (43.8) were observed in peanut shell + soil media. Statistically all the parameters were positively correlated with each other.
The Truth-Default and Video Clips: Testing the Limits of Credulity

ABSTRACT Truth-default theory posits that absent a trigger, people passively accept communication content as truthful and honest. Most often, the idea that some communication might be deceptive does not come to mind. The current research exposed participants to one of six video clips that varied in credibility and credulity. The clips included educational lectures, political speeches, an investigative news report, and an over-the-top satirical investigative news report. Participants completed a thought-listing task about the video they watched. Automated word searches for deception-relevant terms were used to assess the frequency of expressions of skepticism and attributions of deception. Consistent with strong truth-default predictions, except for the satirical video, little evidence of incredulity was observed. The results suggest that the truth-default holds for a variety of online video content, but also that it has its limits. Extreme implausibility most often, but not always, overcomes the truth-default.
Review of the Genus Pseudiberus Ancey, 1887 (Eupulmonata: Camaenidae) in Shandong Province, China

ABSTRACT The genus Pseudiberus Ancey, 1887, in Shandong, China, distributed in the mid to the south mountainous areas of the province, represents the largest terrestrial mollusks in this region. By molecular phylogenetic inference and genetic distance comparison based on ITS2 + 16S sequences, P. tectumsinense tectumsinense (Martens, 1873), P. tectumsinense zenonis (Gredler, 1882), P. tectumsinense anderssoni (Odhner, 1925) and P. tectumsinense depressus (Yen, 1935), are confirmed to be subspecies under P. tectumsinense (Martens, 1873). Pseudiberus tectumsinense pingi, new subspecies, is proposed to be new based on shell morphology, anatomy, and evidence of molecular phylogeny. Pseudiberus futtereri (Andreae, 1900) is removed from the species list of Shandongese Pseudiberus. The proximal accessory sac, observed in all the anatomically known Pseudiberus from Shandong, is described for the first time in dart sac apparatus from the bradybaenine snails. The variations and patterns of the proximal accessory sac among Pseudiberus tectumsinense subspecies and P. chentingensis distributed east to the Taihangshan Mountain Chain are examined. The close relationship among Shandong's Pseudiberus might be indicative of their rather recent evolutionary divergence, which was possibly driven by allopatric isolation of populations confined to refugial habitats like isolated mountain tops surrounded by extensive flood plains.
Intraspecific Variation in the Common Pea Clam, Pisidium casertanum (Poli, 1791) (Bivalvia: Sphaeriidae): A Geometric Morphometric Analysis

ABSTRACT The morphological plasticity of bivalve species may impair their correct identification. Pisidium species (Sphaeriidae) are difficult to distinguish, notably the common pea clam, Pisidium casertanum (Poli, 1791), which is a polymorphic species, often misidentified and confused with other Pisidium species. This is especially true since this species is the most euryecious of the genus, being able to colonize very different habitats. In this study, elliptic Fourier Analysis, a geometric morphometric method, was used to assess intraspecific variation in P. casertanum. Sampling of specimens was done in three habitat types – springs, lakes and streams – in the Mediterranean biodiversity hotspot region, using the Sebou basin in Morocco as a study area. In addition to the geometric morphometric method, linear measurements of the shell were used to assess growth patterns. Results revealed differences in the hinge plate, which is broader in shells collected from lakes, whereas it is higher in shells of springs. The geometric morphometric method clearly showed shape differences between individuals of the three habitats. Specimens of lakes were the most distinguishable, presenting more elongated shells than those from springs and streams, which are shorter but higher. Individuals from the three habitat types presented a negative allometric growth pattern whereby the shell of animals grows more slowly in height than in length. The use of linear and geometric morphometric methods led to conclude that the morphology of P. casertanum is, in fact, highly influenced by its environment, in particular, its habitat type.