Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Inhibition of enzymatic browning in sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas(L.)) with chemical and natural anti‐browning agents

Honey, pineapple, chilli pepper, and onion extracts were investigated for their ability to inhibit enzymatic browning in sweet potatoes. Honey had the highest inhibition (41.39%–48.0%), comparable with l‐ascorbic acid. Heated onion extract increased polyphenol oxidase (PPO) inhibition by 2.5‐fold when 4‐methylcatechol was used as substrate. However, percentage inhibition decreased drastically (7.42%–19.67%) when heated pineapple extract was used. Fresh chilli pepper extract showed a higher PPO inhibition (45.97%) than that of heated extract. These natural inhibitors were also compared to synthetic inhibitors that ranked: l‐cysteine > l‐ascorbic acid > sodium chloride. l‐cysteine was the most effective chemical inhibitor which inhibited up to 70.4% PPO activity. It was found that natural inhibitors extracted from common food items are able to control the enzymatic browning of sweet potato. These natural inhibitors extracts are safe to human and would also be potentially replaced chemical inhibitors for the preservation of other fruits as well as vegetables. Practical applications Fruits and vegetables are prone to enzymatic browning. This is caused by the oxidation reaction of endogenous phenolic compounds, catalyzed by PPO. PPO oxidizes o‐diphenols to o‐quinones, which will turn into brown pigments as the o‐quinones polymerize immediately. Enzymatic browning of fruits and vegetables always take places after harvest, during the post‐harvest processing as well as storage. Thus, identification of suitable and acceptable inhibitors is important in order to prevent food browning and to increase the food marketability for food industry. This study indicated that sweet potato PPO was successfully inhibited by extracts from common food items such as honey, chilli pepper, pineapple, and onion which are safe for human consumption. Thus, these natural inhibitors could also be applied to similar food materials such as apples, star‐fruit, and normal potatoes. We expect that the inhibitors examined in this study can be isolated and identified as lead molecules for the development of natural anti‐browning food additives.
Usefulness of Fournier's gangrene severity index: a comparative study

Material y métodos: Estudio retrospectivo de expedientes de todos los pacientes identificados con gangrena de Fournier (GF) en este hospital desde 2003 a 2008. La lista de pacientes se obtuvo de los censos de hospitalización con diagnóstico de GF. El diagnóstico de GF fue establecido con criterio clínico basado en la anamnesis y la exploración física. Los abscesos perianales, periuretrales y escrotales se excluyeron del análisis si no hubo evidencia de extensión a tejidos blandos o necrosis. Para calcular el ISGF se evalúan nueve parámetros de admisión hospitalaria (temperatura, frecuencia cardiaca, frecuencia respiratoria, sodio, potasio, creatinina sérica, bicarbonato sérico, cuenta de leucocitos y hematócrito). La desviación de lo normal se graduó de 0 a 4, como lo describen Laor y colaboradores Todo el análisis estadístico se desarrolló con el software estadístico SPSS 15.
EFFECTIVENESS OF EARLY INITIATION OF PROTEASE INHIBITOR-SPARING ANTIRETROVIRAL REGIMEN IN HUMAN IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS-1 VERTICALLY INFECTED INFANTS

Each of the 17 vertically infected infants born to HIV-1-infected mothers in Belgian HIV reference centers since 1996 was treated with a combination of 3 reverse transcription inhibitors as soon as the diagnosis was established. Treatment was initiated in all patients before 66 days of life. Twelve patients, including 11/13 infants treated with the combination of zidovudine, lamivudine and nevirapine, experienced a complete viral suppression (<50 copies/mL) with their first drug regimen. At last follow-up, 12 patients were asymptomatic, 2 were CDC stage A and 3 were stage B; 15 had HIV-1 RNA levels of <50 copies/mL and 14 had ≥25% CD4 lymphocytes. These results suggest that early initiation of treatment with 3 reverse transcription inhibitors is highly effective to inhibit viral replication and to prevent clinical and immunologic progression of HIV infection in vertically infected infants.
SERO-PREVALENCE OF TOXOPLASMA GONDII IN CATTLE FROM ASSAM

Article History: Received 14, February, 2015 Received in revised form 23, February, 2015 Accepted 13, March, 2015 Published online 28, March, 2015 Prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection among cattle of Assam was determined serologically by Modified agglutination test (MAT) and Latex agglutination test (LAT). MAT showed 26.66% seroprevalence against 16.66% recorded by LAT in sera of open grazing cattle. Antibody titres in positive sera ranged from 1:25 to 1:3200 in MAT while in LAT the highest titre recorded was 1:256. Sera from farm borne stall-fed cattle were all negative in both the tests suggesting lack of their exposure to infective cat faeces.
The future of prison health care: a critical analysis

In 1999, in response to the ongoing controversy surrounding prison health care, the Home Office and the NHS Executive published The Future Organization of Prison Health Care. This article, building on interviews and field notes from research conducted in the health care centres of three local prisons, analyses and critiques the document's premises, and argues that, until the formal and informal networks of penal power are addressed, then the document's hopes for change are unlikely to be realized.
Future Wheat Yield Variabilities and Water Footprints Based on the Yield Sensitivity to Past Climate Conditions

This article analyzed the wheat yield variabilities and water footprints under projected future climate based on wheat yield sensitivity to past (1980–2017) trends of maximum temperature (Tmax), minimum temperature (Tmin), solar radiation (Rn) and rainfall (P) for the semi-arid condition of Punjab, Pakistan. The past and projected future trends of the climate variables were identical featuring prominent Tmin rise than Tmax accompanied by Rn and P declines. Based on the past influences and the projected future trends of the climate variables, Tmin was the principal driver of wheat yield decline followed by the Tmax, P and Rn. Wheat evapotranspiration and net irrigation water requirement declined due to the influence of both decrease of growing season length and Rn for the first half of 21st-century, and this trend reversed during the second half of 21st-century. These phenomena were caused by different degree of climate warming between the two-time slices. Due to future wheat yield decline and a gradual rise in green water scarcity the blue and grey water footprints rise consistently particularly during 2nd-time slices. CO2 enrichment showed limited mitigation potential of nullifying the warming-induced threats on future wheat yield and water footprints.
Oxidative Stress—the Key Mechanism of Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy

In China, there are more than one hundred million people with diabetes, among which 60% have diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). However, because of the unclear mechanism there is no effective drug for DPN. In this review, we present the current oxidative stress hypothesis and the relationship between the classical and accepted DPN mechanism pathways and oxidative stress. Furthermore, the two signal pathways are important for oxidative stress. Recent studies have focused on the intracellular oxidative stress, especially from mitochondria. As the foremost energy metabolic organelle mitochondria is affected in many aspects after hyperglycemia. Better understanding of the relationship between DPN and oxidative stress may provide insights into new drug therapies. [N A J Med Sci. 2013;6(2):87-90. DOI: 10.7156/najms.2013. 0602087]
A 4-Year Retrospective Analysis of Salivary Gland Cytopathology Using the Milan System for Reporting Salivary Gland Cytology and Ancillary Studies

The cytopathology of salivary glands presents major challenges due to the heterogeneity of benign and malignant neoplasms, which is reflected in the large range of WHO 2017 Classifications. Fine needle aspiration (FNA) of salivary gland tumours is still the favoured initial approach as it results in good sensitivity and specificity. The Milan System for Reporting Salivary Gland Cytopathology (MSRSGC) was published in 2018 and comprises seven categories. We report results from a 4-year retrospective analysis of 328 salivary gland FNAs which were reviewed and classified according to the MSRSGC. We assess the risk of neoplasm, the risk of malignancy and the contribution of ancillary studies to the diagnosis. Benign neoplasms were the most frequent diagnosis (44.2%). Malignant and suspicious for malignancy were identified in 11.3% and 4.9% of diagnosed cases, respectively. Histopathological analysis after surgery was available for 216 (65.8%) of the cases. All malignant cases were confirmed post-surgery, and 68.8% of suspicious for malignancy were confirmed as malignant tumours. Immunocytochemistry was informative in 72.3% of cases. Immunocytochemistry and FISH provided the definitive diagnosis in 23.7% and 33% of cases, respectively. In conclusion, the MSRSGC is more effective when specific features of neoplasms can be identified. Ancillary studies help to further characterise salivary gland tumours and thereby increase the accuracy of MSRSGC.
A Survey on Pharmacist Opinion about Pharmaceutical Care in Saudi Arabia

To explore opinions of pharmacist toward pharmaceutical care (PC) in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia. A descriptive, cross-sectional survey was conducted over a 3 months period (November 2012 to January 2013) in National Guard Primary Health Center, Riyadh the capital of Saudi Arabia. A 20-item questionnaire was adopted, validated and given to 100 pharmacists. The response rate was 80% where 100 respondents were approached, and 80 of them responded to our survey questionnaire. Overall Pharmacists expressed positive attitudes toward PC. A total of 73 (91%) respondents indicated that common situation regarding appropriateness of prescribing was receiving an error in prescription with incomplete information. A majority of the respondents (78.6%) disagreed or strongly disagree with the statement, that pharmacist of primary healthcare centers have insufficient knowledge/ skills to provide PC. The finding of this study revealed that pharmacists have positive attitudes toward PC overall. More attention should be given to improve pharmacists’ actual PC capabilities to extend their professional role. However, new development in Saudi hospitals would be recommended to improve health care systems.
You Should Know Me Better: Parents' Temperament-Insensitivity has Negative Motivational Effects on Bedouin and Jewish Adolescents.

OBJECTIVE We studied a recently conceptualized aspect of autonomy-support and suppression, not examined so far: Sensitivity to temperament-dispositions. Based on Self-Determination Theory, we hypothesized that, across cultures, disposition-frustrating decisions would have similar negative effects on adolescents' intrinsic-motivation to participate in decision-related activities, and these negative effects would not be mitigated in collectivist-hierarchical cultures, when parents make the decision. METHOD In Study1 (n = 570, mean age = 15.2 years) Bedouin and Jewish adolescents were presented with work-modes frustrating or supporting their shyness and sociability dispositions. For example, in one frustrating work-mode condition, shy participants expected to work with strangers. Then, participants indicated their intrinsic-motivation to participate in the activities. Study 2 (n = 278 Bedouins and Jews, mean age = 14.9 years) was an experiment using self-report and projective measures, examining the effects of temperament-supporting versus frustrating work-modes, ostensibly chosen by parents, on adolescents' intrinsic-motivation to participate in relevant activities. RESULTS Both studies showed that, across cultures, frustrating work-modes had negative effects on participants' intrinsic-motivation. These effects were not moderated by cultural background. CONCLUSIONS Results suggest that belonging to a collectivist Bedouin culture endorsing deference and obedience to parental-authority does not mitigate the negative motivational effect of parents' temperament-insensitivity, and this type of autonomy-support is important across cultures.
Expression of Salivary and Serum Malondialdehyde and Lipid Profile of Patients with Periodontitis and Coronary Heart Disease

Malondialdehyde (MAA) within a lipid pathway has been demonstrated to possess an important role in endothelial function that undergoes periodontitis and coronary heart disease (CHD) development. This study evaluated the impact of periodontitis, CHD, or a combination of both diseases (periodontitis + CHD) on salivary and serum MAA levels. The periodontal and clinical characteristics, serum, and saliva samples were collected from 32 healthy subjects, 34 patients with periodontitis, 33 patients with CHD, and 34 patients with periodontitis and CHD. Lipid profile and levels of MDA and C-reactive protein (CRP) were assessed. Patients in the periodontitis group (serum: 3.92 (3.7–4.4) µmol/L; salivary 1.81 (1–2.1) µmol/g protein, p < 0.01) and in the periodontitis + CHD (serum: 4.34 (3.7–4.8) µmol/L; salivary 1.96 (1.7–2.3) µmol/g protein, p < 0.001) group presented higher median concentrations of salivary and serum MAA compared to patients in the CHD (serum: 3.72 (3.5–4.1) µmol/L; salivary 1.59 (0.9–1.8) µmol/g protein, p < 0.01) and control group (serum: 3.14 (2.8–3.7) µmol/L; salivary 1.41 (0.8–1.6) µmol/g protein, p < 0.01). In univariate models, periodontitis (p = 0.034), CHD (p < 0.001), and CRP (p < 0.001) were significantly associated with MAA. In the multivariate model, only CRP remained a significant predictor of serum and salivary MAA (p < 0.001) MAA levels. Patients with periodontitis and with periodontitis + CHD presented higher levels of salivary and serum MAA compared to healthy subjects and CHD patients. CRP has been found to be a significant predictor of increased salivary and serum MAA levels.
Longitudinal Phenotypes Improve Genotype Association for Hyperketonemia in Dairy Cattle

Simple Summary Dairy cows have differing success in supporting their physiological functions while in energy deficit right after calving. Identification of genomic regions associated with different concentrations of non–esterified fatty acids and β–hydroxybutyrate in early postpartum Holstein cows provide insight into an animal’s genetic susceptibility to these conditions. Longitudinal phenotypes may provide a different perspective than cross-sectional phenotype variation and their association with genotypes in the study of complex metabolic diseases in dairy cows. This might allow us to reinforce preventative measures that decrease the incidence of hyperketonemia and improve genetic selection criteria. Abstract The objective of our study was to identify genomic regions associated with varying concentrations of non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA), β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), and the development of hyperketonemia (HYK) in longitudinally sampled Holstein dairy cows. Our study population consisted of 147 multiparous cows intensively characterized by serial NEFA and BHB concentrations. To identify individuals with contrasting combinations in longitudinal BHB and NEFA concentrations, phenotypes were established using incremental area under the curve (AUC) and categorized as follows: Group (1) high NEFA and high BHB, group (2) low NEFA and high BHB), group (3) low NEFA and low BHB, and group (4) high NEFA and low BHB. Cows were genotyped on the Illumina Bovine High-density (777 K) beadchip. Genome-wide association studies using mixed linear models with the least-related animals were performed to establish a genetic association with HYK, BHB-AUC, NEFA-AUC, and the comparisons of the 4 AUC phenotypic groups using Golden Helix software. Nine single-nucleotide polymorphisms were associated with high longitudinal concentrations of BHB and further investigated. Five candidate genes related to energy metabolism and homeostasis were identified. These results provide biological insight and help identify susceptible animals thus improving genetic selection criteria thereby decreasing the incidence of HYK.
Clinical, imaging features and outcome in internal carotid artery versus middle cerebral artery disease

Background Only a very few studies had compared the differences in topographic patterns of cerebral infarcts between middle cerebral artery (MCA) and internal carotid artery (ICA) disease. Besides, the comparison of clinical features and outcomes between MCA and ICA disease had rarely been reported. Objectives To compare the clinical, imaging features and outcome of MCA versus ICA disease. Methods We prospectively enrolled 1172 patients with noncardiogenic ischemic stroke in ipsilateral ICA or MCA territory. Clinical, neuroradiologic and outcome of the two groups were compared in this observational cohort study. Results The ICA group more frequently presented with decreased alertness, gaze palsy, aphasia, and neglect than the MCA group at admission, and more often had higher National Institute of Health stroke scale score at admission and discharge. Meanwhile, the ICA group more frequently had multiple acute infarcts, watershed infarcts, territorial infarct, small cortical infarct, and responsible artery stenosis ≥70%. Whereas penetrating artery infarct and parent artery occluding penetrating artery was more often associated with MCA disease. The ICA group more frequently had inhospital complications of pneumonia and deep vein thrombosis, more often had disability at discharge, and had more recurrent ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack in 1 Year. Multivariable logistic regression identified male (OR, 1.99; 95% CI, 1.30 to 3.05; P = 0.002), history of coronary heart disease (OR, 1.85; 95% CI, 1.03 to 3.32; P = 0.041), multiple acute infarcts (OR, 4.18; 95% CI, 2.07 to 8.45; P<0.0001), and territorial infarct (OR, 2.23; 95% CI, 1.52 to 3.27; P<0.0001) was more often associated with ICA territory disease. Conclusions The clinical, radiologic characteristics and outcome are distinctively different between ICA and MCA disease. Compared to MCA disease, ICA disease has more serious clinical and radiologic manifestation, and poorer outcome.
FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF ORAL FAST DISSOLVING TABLETS OF SILDENAFIL CITRARTE

Sildenafil citrate is a selective inhibitor of phosphodiesterase type 5 enzyme (PDE5) extensively used for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED). Mouth dissolving tablets of Sildenafil citrate were prepared by wet granulation and direct compression method by superdisintegrant addition. Eight batches (B1‐B8) of mouth dissolving tablets of sildenafil citrate were prepared by using crospovidone, acdisol in different concentrations. All the formulations were evaluated for weight variation, hardness, friability, drug content, in‐vitro disintegration time, wetting time, in‐vitro dissolution etc., and batch B8 shows the values within the limits. Formulation B8 with 5% crospovidone, Acdisol showed the less disintegration time (32 seconds) and less wetting time (41.5 seconds). In‐vitro dissolution studies showed 100% drug release at the end of 20 minutes. The time taken for complete drug release is significantly less when compared to the marketed product(Viagra)(45 min).
Accuracy of a Robotic Endoscopic System in Cadaver Models with Simulated Tumor Targets: ACCESS Study

Background: Bronchoscopy for the diagnosis of peripheral pulmonary lesions continues to present clinical challenges, despite increasing experience using newer guided techniques. Robotic bronchoscopic platforms have been developed to potentially improve diagnostic yields. Previous studies in cadaver models have demonstrated increased reach into the lung periphery using robotic systems compared to similarly sized conventional bronchoscopes, although the clinical impact of additional reach is unclear. Objectives: This study was performed to evaluate the performance of a robotic bronchoscopic system’s ability to reach and access artificial tumor targets simulating peripheral nodules in human cadaveric lungs. Methods: Artificial tumor targets sized 10–30 mm in axial diameter were implanted into 8 human cadavers. CT scans were performed prior to procedures and all cadavers were intubated and mechanically ventilated. Electromagnetic navigation, radial probe endobronchial ultrasound, and fluoroscopy were used for all procedures. Robotic-assisted bronchoscopy was performed on each cadaver by an individual bronchoscopist to localize and biopsy peripheral lesions. Results: Sixty-seven nodules were evaluated in 8 cadavers. The mean nodule size was 20.4 mm. The overall diagnostic yield was 65/67 (97%) and there was no statistical difference in diagnostic yield for lesions <20 mm compared with lesions measuring 21–30 mm, the presence of a concentric or eccentric radial ultrasound image, or relative distance from the pleura. Conclusions: The robotic bronchoscopic system was successful at biopsying 97% of peripheral pulmonary lesions 10–30 mm in size in human cadavers. These findings support further exploration of this technology in prospective clinical trials in live human subjects.
Effects of insoles adapted in flip-flop sandals in people with plantar fasciopathy: a randomized, double-blind clinical, controlled study

Objective: To evaluate the effects of insoles adapted into flip-flop sandals on pain and function in individuals with plantar fasciopathy (PF). Design: Randomized, double-blind controlled study. Setting: Physiotherapy clinic of the Faculty of Health Sciences of Trairi, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Santa Cruz, Brazil. Subjects: Sixty-six patients of both genders with PF were randomized into two groups: sandal insole group (SI; n = 34), which received a pair of custom flip-flop sandals with insoles covered with smooth synthetic leather; and plain sandal group (PS; n = 32), which received an identical pair of flip-flop sandals, but without the insoles. Interventions: Patients were instructed to wear the flip-flops for 12 weeks for at least 4 hours/day. Main measures: Pain (visual analogue scale—VAS) in the morning and at the end of the day were considered primary outcomes. Function (Foot Function Index—FFI and Foot and Ankle Ability Measure—FAAM) and functional capacity (6-minute walk test—6MWT) were considered secondary outcomes. The outcomes were evaluated at baseline and immediately after the intervention by a blind assessor. Results: Between-group differences were observed in terms of morning pain (mean difference (MD) = –1.82 cm; 95% confidence interval (CI) = –3.3 to −0.3; P = 0.016) and function (MD = –0.10; 95% CI = –0.19 to −0.01; P = 0.023) after the interventions with the SI group showing superior improvements in comparison to the PS group. Conclusion: The use of insoles adapted in flip-flop sandals for 12 weeks was effective at improving pain and function in individuals with PF. Level of evidence: 1b.