Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cadmium Induces Acute Liver Injury by Inhibiting Nrf2 and the Role of NF-κB, NLRP3, and MAPKs Signaling Pathway

Acute Cadmium (Cd) exposure usually induces hepatotoxicity. It is well known that oxidative stress and inflammation causes Cd-induced liver injury. However, the effect of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) in Cd-induced liver injury is not completely understood. In this study, we observed Cd-induced liver damage and the potential contribution of Nrf2, nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), Nod-like receptor 3 (NLRP3), and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) signaling pathways. Changes in serum transaminases and proinflammatory cytokines expression showed that Cd could induce acute hepatotoxicity. Moreover, Nrf2 and its downstream heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) were inhibited by Cd exposure, and Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1), the inhibitory protein of Nrf2, was increased. Furthermore, NF-κB, NLRP3, and MAPKs signaling pathways were all activated by Cd intoxication. In conclusion, the inhibition of Nrf2, HO-1, and the activation of NF-κB, NLRP3, and MAPKs all contribute to Cd-induced liver injury.
Mung Bean Protein Hydrolysates Protect Mouse Liver Cell Line Nctc-1469 Cell from Hydrogen Peroxide-Induced Cell Injury

Mung bean is nutritious and rich in protein (19.5%–33.1%). However, there are few studies on mung bean protein active peptides so the mung bean protein hydrolysates (MBPHs) were investigated for evaluating their ability to clear intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and regulating the ability of antioxidant enzymes on NCTC-1469 cells. Results showed that MBPHs, MBPHs-I (molecular weight < 3 kDa), MBPHs-II (molecular weight between 3 and 10 kDa), and MBPHs-III (molecular weight > 10 kDa) could all improve the survival rate of cells compared with the model group. MBPHs, MBPHs-I, and MBPHs-II could significantly decrease the content of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and reduce the generation of malonaldehyde (MDA) at a concentration of 0.4 mg/mL. Regarding the intracellular ROS, the result showed that MBPHs-I significantly reduced the production of ROS (from 58.3% to 26.6%) and had a dose-dependent relationship. In addition, the amino acid analysis showed that MBPHs-I had a balanced amino acid composition. MBPHs-I is rich in lysine but was deficient in cereals. Therefore, the hydrophobic and aromatic amino acids in MBPHs-I were high, which could improve its antioxidant activity. According to the results, MBPHs-I was the best and most potent natural antioxidant and it can contribute to drug development and medical application.
In Situ Construction of a MgSn(OH)6 Perovskite/SnO2 Type-II Heterojunction: A Highly Efficient Photocatalyst towards Photodegradation of Tetracycline

Using solar energy to remove antibiotics from aqueous environments via photocatalysis is highly desirable. In this work, a novel type-II heterojunction photocatalyst, MgSn(OH)6/SnO2, was successfully prepared via a facile one-pot in situ hydrothermal method at 220 °C for 24 h. The obtained heterojunctions were characterized via powder X-ray diffraction, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and ultraviolet-visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. The photocatalytic performance was evaluated for photodegradation of tetracycline solution under ultraviolet irradiation. The initial concentration of tetracycline solution was set to be 20 mg/L. The prepared heterojunctions exhibited superior photocatalytic activity compared with the parent MgSn(OH)6 and SnO2 compounds. Among them, the obtained MgSn(OH)6/SnO2 heterojunction with MgCl2·6H2O:SnCl4·5H2O = 4:5.2 (mmol) displayed the highest photocatalytic performance and the photodegradation efficiency conversion of 91% could be reached after 60 min under ultraviolet irradiation. The prepared heterojunction maintained its performance after four successive cycles of use. Active species trapping experiments demonstrated that holes were the dominant active species. Hydroxyl radicals and superoxide ions had minor effects on the photocatalytic oxidation of tetracycline. Photoelectrochemical measurements were used to investigate the photocatalytic mechanism. The enhancement of photocatalytic activity could be assigned to the formation of a type-II junction photocatalytic system, which was beneficial for efficient transfer and separation of photogenerated electrons and holes. This research provides an in situ growth strategy for the design of highly efficient photocatalysts for environmental restoration.
Modifications of Dental Implant Surfaces at the Micro- and Nano-Level for Enhanced Osseointegration

This review paper describes several recent modification methods for biocompatible titanium dental implant surfaces. The micro-roughened surfaces reviewed in the literature are sandblasted, large-grit, acid-etched, and anodically oxidized. These globally-used surfaces have been clinically investigated, showing survival rates higher than 95%. In the past, dental clinicians believed that eukaryotic cells for osteogenesis did not recognize the changes of the nanostructures of dental implant surfaces. However, research findings have recently shown that osteogenic cells respond to chemical and morphological changes at a nanoscale on the surfaces, including titanium dioxide nanotube arrangements, functional peptide coatings, fluoride treatments, calcium–phosphorus applications, and ultraviolet photofunctionalization. Some of the nano-level modifications have not yet been clinically evaluated. However, these modified dental implant surfaces at the nanoscale have shown excellent in vitro and in vivo results, and thus promising potential future clinical use.
Practical Training of Anesthesia Clinicians in Electroencephalogram-Based Determination of Hypnotic Depth of General Anesthesia

BACKGROUND: Electroencephalographic (EEG) brain monitoring during general anesthesia provides information on hypnotic depth. We hypothesized that anesthesia clinicians could be trained rapidly to recognize typical EEG waveforms occurring with volatile-based general anesthesia. METHODS: This was a substudy of a trial testing the hypothesis that EEG-guided anesthesia prevents postoperative delirium. The intervention was a 35-minute training session, summarizing typical EEG changes with volatile-based anesthesia. Participants completed a preeducational test, underwent training, and completed a posteducational test. For each question, participants indicated whether the EEG was consistent with (1) wakefulness, (2) non–slow-wave anesthesia, (3) slow-wave anesthesia, or (4) burst suppression. They also indicated whether the processed EEG (pEEG) index was discordant with the EEG waveforms. Four clinicians, experienced in intraoperative EEG interpretation, independently evaluated the EEG waveforms, resolved disagreements, and provided reference answers. Ten questions were assessed in the preeducational test and 9 in the posteducational test. RESULTS: There were 71 participants; 13 had previous anesthetic-associated EEG interpretation training. After training, the 58 participants without prior training improved at identifying dominant EEG waveforms (median 60% with interquartile range [IQR], 50%–70% vs 78% with IQR, 67%–89%; difference: 18%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 8–27; P < .001). In contrast, there was no significant improvement following the training for the 13 participants who reported previous training (median 70% with IQR, 60%–80% vs 67% with IQR, 67%–78%; difference: −3%; 95% CI, −18 to 11; P = .88). The difference in the change between the pre- and posteducational session for the previously untrained versus previously trained was statistically significant (difference in medians: 21%; 95% CI, 2–28; P = .005). Clinicians without prior training also improved in identifying discordance between the pEEG index and the EEG waveform (median 60% with IQR, 40%–60% vs median 100% with IQR, 75%–100%; difference: 40%; 95% CI, 30–50; P < .001). Clinicians with prior training showed no significant improvement (median 60% with IQR, 60%–80% vs 75% with IQR, 75%–100%; difference: 15%; 95% CI, −16 to 46; P = .16). Regarding the identification of discordance, the difference in the change between the pre- and posteducational session for the previously untrained versus previously trained was statistically significant (difference in medians: 25%; 95% CI, 5–45; P = .012). CONCLUSIONS: A brief training session was associated with improvements in clinicians without prior EEG training in (1) identifying EEG waveforms corresponding to different hypnotic depths and (2) recognizing when the hypnotic depth suggested by the EEG was discordant with the pEEG index.
The future of health behaviour change interventions: opportunities for open science and personality research

Conclusion: To summarise, understanding, predicting and changing self-regulation processes will continue to be a central concern for health psychology and related disciplines. There is a real opportunity to improve the robustness of the health behaviour change evidence base by continuing to embrace the principles of Open Science together with investigating how individual differences and personality traits interact with these interventions. Future research should adopt more open, transparent and reproducible scientific practices and explore the role of individuals differences variables such as personality in order to provide a fuller understanding of when, where and how self-regulation processes are effective.
Regulation of Nitric Oxide Metabolism and Vascular Tone by Cytoglobin.

SIGNIFICANCE Cytoglobin, Cygb, was discovered as a new addition to the globin super family and subsequently identified to have potent nitric oxide (NO) dioxygenase function. Cygb plays a critical role in the oxygen-dependent regulation of NO levels and vascular tone. CRITICAL ISSUES Cygb is a more potent NO dioxygenase than previously known globins with structural differences in heme coordination and environment, conferring it with a higher rate of reduction and more rapid process of NO dioxygenation with unique oxygen dependence. Various cellular reducing systems regenerate the catalytic oxy-ferrous Cygb species, supporting a high rate of NO dioxygenation. Recent Advances: In recent years, the mechanism of the Cygb-mediated NO dioxygenation has been studied in isolated protein, smooth muscle cell, isolated blood vessel and in vivo animal model systems. Studies in Cygb-/- mice have demonstrated that Cygb plays a critical role in regulating blood pressure and vascular tone. This review summarizes advances in the knowledge of NO dioxygenation/metabolism regulated by Cygb. Advances in measurement of NO diffusion dynamics across blood vessels and kinetic modeling of Cygb-mediated NO dioxygenation are summarized. The oxygen-dependent regulation of NO degradation by Cygb is also reviewed along with how Cygb paradoxically generates NO from nitrite under anaerobic conditions. The important role of Cygb in the regulation of vascular function and disease is reviewed. FUTURE DIRECTIONS There remains a critical need to further characterize the factors and processes that modulate Cygb-mediated NO dioxygenase function, and to develop pharmacological or other approaches to modulate Cygb function and expression.
Medicinal plants in the treatment of peptic ulcer disease: A review.

Peptic ulcer disease (PUD) is the most common disorder of the stomach and duodenum, which is associated with Helicobacter pylori infection. PUD occurs due to an imbalance between offensive and defensive factors and proton pump inhibitors (PPI), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and antibiotics are frequently used for the treatment. Recently, medicinal plants have emerged as efficacious, safe and widely available alternative therapies for PUD. The aim of this review was to study the medicinal plants and phytochemicals, which have been used for PUD treatment to evaluate the potential role of natural compounds to develop herbal remedies for PUD. Information was obtained using a literature search of electronic databases such as Web of Science, Google Scholar, PubMed, Sci Finder, Reaxys and Cochrane. Common and scientific name of the plants and keywords such as 'peptic ulcer', 'gastric ulcer', 'stomach ulcer' and 'duodenal ulcer' were used for search. Eventually, 280 plants from 89 families were identified and information on the plant families, part of the plant used, chemical constituents, extracts, ulcer model used and dosage were abstracted. The results indicated that most of the anti-PUD plants were from Asteraceae (6.78 %) and Fabaceae (6.42 %) families while flavonoids (55 %), tannins (15 %), saponins (12 %) and alkaloids (11 %) were the most common natural compounds in plants with anti-PUD activity.
Generation of models from existing models composition: An application to agrarian sciences

Mathematical models that describe gas production are widely used to estimate the rumen degradation digestibility and kinetics. The present study presents a method to generate models by combining existing models and to propose the von Bertalanffy-Gompertz two-compartment model based on this method. The proposed model was compared with the logistic two-compartment one to indicate which best describes the kinetic curve of gas production through the semi-automated in vitro technique from different pinto peanut cultivars. The data came from an experiment grown and harvested at the Far South Animal Sciences station (Essul) in Itabela, BA, Brazil and gas production was read at 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 17, 20, 24, 28, 32, 48, 72, and 96 h after the start of the in vitro fermentation process. The parameters were estimated by the least squares method using the iterative Gauss-Newton process in the software R version 3.4. 1. The best model to describe gas accumulation was based on the adjusted coefficient of determination, residual mean squares, mean absolute deviation, Akaike information criterion, and Bayesian information criterion. The von Bertalanffy-Gompertz two-compartment model had the best fit to describe the cumulative gas production over time according to the methodology and conditions of the present study.
Evaluating the Impact of Audits and Feedback as Methods for Implementation of Evidence in Stroke Rehabilitation

Introduction: This paper evaluates audits and feedback as methods to increase implementation of evidence in stroke rehabilitation. Method: The study used an action research approach and theories of knowledge translation. A sample of 22 occupational therapists participated from two Danish hospitals that admitted stroke patients. Data collection methods included audits of occupational therapy medical records, documentations of daily practice, and collaborative discussions. Active feedback and discussions of the findings took place, at a group level in four local clinical audits. Data analysis of daily self-reported recordings and audits was descriptive. Audit data were analysed using descriptive statistics. A phenomenological hermeneutical interpretive methodology was used for analysing qualitative data. Findings: Audits and feedback were based on clear standards and contextual developing action plans. Daily practice in both settings adapted to the clinical guidelines. Implementations of the standardized assessment tools seemed to be the most successful. Conclusion: The effects of audit and feedback profited from the active participation of the therapists, as well as local gatekeepers having formal responsibilities for implementing change. The process was strengthened by providing the audits and feedback more than once. The effect of audits and feedback was positively influenced by being in line with current conceptual frameworks, local policies, and values.
Subcutaneous granuloma caused by Kodamaea ohmeri in an immunocompromised patient in China

We present a case of subcutaneous granuloma caused by Kodamaea ohmeri and describe the histopathological characteristics and skin lesions caused by this pathogen. A 55‐year‐old woman, with a history of rheumatoid arthritis, presented with red, painless plaque on her forehead, persistent for 3 months; based on the histopathological and mycological findings and gene sequencing, the patient was diagnosed with subcutaneous granuloma caused by K. ohmeri. This report highlights that early identification and diagnosis and optimal regimens are vital in the management of this intractable infection.
Effects of Preventive Nutrition Interventions among Adolescents on Health and Nutritional Status in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

The objective of this review was to assess the impact of preventive nutrition interventions on health and nutritional status of adolescents aged 10–19 years in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). We searched the databases until 5 February 2019 without any restrictions on publication, date, language, or publication status. A total of 10 studies (15 papers) including 10,802 participants assessing the impact of micronutrient supplementation/fortification were included in this review. We did not find any study assessing the impact of nutrition education and counseling or macronutrient supplementation among adolescents. Among primary outcomes, we are uncertain of the effect of iron supplementation with or without folic acid on anemia (daily supplementation; relative risk (RR): 1.04, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.42, 2.57; one study; 1160 participants; low-quality evidence; weekly supplementation; RR: 1.07, 95% CI: 0.46, 2.52; one study; 1247 participants; low-quality evidence). We are also uncertain of the effect of various micronutrient supplementation/fortification on body mass index (BMI) (calcium/vitamin D supplementation; (MD: −0.01 kg/m2; 95% CI: −1.20, 1.17; two studies; 730 participants; I2 94%; very-low-quality evidence, iron supplementation with or without folic acid; MD: 0.47 kg/m2; 95% CI: −0.17, 1.11; two studies; 652 participants; I2 37%; very-low-quality evidence, zinc supplementation; MD: 0.35 kg/m2; 95% CI: −0.15, 0.85; one study; 382 participants; very-low-quality evidence) and multiple micronutrient (MMN) fortification; MD: 0.23 kg/m2, 95% CI: −0.11, 0.57; two studies; 943 participants; I2 22%; very-low-quality evidence). None of the included studies reported any other primary outcomes including morbidity or adverse effects. Among secondary outcomes, iron supplementation with or without folic acid may improve hemoglobin concentrations, and calcium/vitamin D supplementation may improve serum 25(OH)D levels, while calcium only supplementation and calcium and vitamin D supplementation may marginally improve total body bone mineral density (BMD). We are uncertain of the effect of MMN fortification on hemoglobin concentrations, calcium supplementation on total body bone mineral content (BMC), calcium + vitamin D supplementation on total body BMC, and zinc supplementation on zinc levels. There is limited evidence of micronutrient supplementation/fortification among adolescents, especially adolescent boys, on health and nutritional status in LMICs. These findings should be interpreted with caution due to the low quality and limited number of studies.
Beyond the landscape: Resistance modelling infers physical and behavioural gene flow barriers to a mobile carnivore across a metropolitan area

Urbanization affects key aspects of wildlife ecology. Dispersal in urban wildlife species may be impacted by geographical barriers but also by a species’ inherent behavioural variability. There are no functional connectivity analyses using continuous individual‐based sampling across an urban‐rural continuum that would allow a thorough assessment of the relative importance of physical and behavioural dispersal barriers. We used 16 microsatellite loci to genotype 374 red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) from the city of Berlin and surrounding rural regions in Brandenburg in order to study genetic structure and dispersal behaviour of a mobile carnivore across the urban‐rural landscape. We assessed functional connectivity by applying an individual‐based landscape genetic optimization procedure. Three commonly used genetic distance measures yielded different model selection results, with only the results of an eigenvector‐based multivariate analysis reasonably explaining genetic differentiation patterns. Genetic clustering methods and landscape resistance modelling supported the presence of an urban population with reduced dispersal across the city border. Artificial structures (railways, motorways) served as main dispersal corridors within the cityscape, yet urban foxes avoided densely built‐up areas. We show that despite their ubiquitous presence in urban areas, their mobility and behavioural plasticity, foxes were affected in their dispersal by anthropogenic presence. Distinguishing between man‐made structures and sites of human activity, rather than between natural and artificial structures, is thus essential for better understanding urban fox dispersal. This differentiation may also help to understand dispersal of other urban wildlife and to predict how behaviour can shape population genetic structure beyond physical barriers.
Exenatide induces frataxin expression and improves mitochondrial function in Friedreich ataxia.

Friedreich ataxia is an autosomal recessive neurodegenerative disease associated with a high diabetes prevalence. No treatment is available to prevent or delay disease progression. Friedreich ataxia is caused by intronic GAA trinucleotide repeat expansions in the frataxin-encoding FXN gene that reduce frataxin expression, impair iron-sulfur cluster biogenesis, cause oxidative stress, and result in mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptosis. Here we examined the metabolic, neuroprotective and frataxin-inducing effects of glucagon-like-peptide 1 (GLP-1) analogs in in vivo and in vitro models and in Friedreich ataxia patients. The GLP-1 analog exenatide improved glucose homeostasis of frataxin-deficient mice through enhanced insulin content and secretion in pancreatic β-cells. Exenatide induced frataxin and iron-sulfur cluster-containing proteins in β-cells and brain, and was protective to sensory neurons in dorsal root ganglia. GLP-1 analogs also induced frataxin expression, reduced oxidative stress and improved mitochondrial function in Friedreich ataxia patients' induced pluripotent stem cell-derived β-cells and sensory neurons. The frataxin-inducing effect of exenatide was confirmed in a pilot trial in Friedreich ataxia patients, showing modest frataxin induction in platelets over a 5-week treatment course. Taken together, GLP-1 analogs improve mitochondrial function in frataxin-deficient cells and induce frataxin expression. Our findings identify incretin receptors as a therapeutic target in Friedreich ataxia.
Cubes or Pellets in Mental-Rotation Tests: Effects on Gender Differences and on the Performance in a Subsequent Math Test

In mental rotation, males consistently outperform females in performance and confidence. Both can affect math anxiety. In the present study, 107 undergraduate students (85 female) solved a mental-rotation test either with cube (C-MRT) or pellet (P-MRT) figures as stimulus material, then reported their confidence in their ability in the test, and solved a math test. Males performed better than females in both test versions: In the C-MRT, with a large effect, and in the P-MRT, with a small effect, and reported higher scores in their confidence. In math test performance, males scored higher than females when they solved the math test after the C-MRT but not after the P-MRT. The interactions of gender and stimulus material were not significant. Correlations between confidence and math test performance were large for males and not significant for females. Stereotype threat and lift effects are discussed as possible reasons for the varying effects of the stimulus material on the MRT performance of male and female participants.