Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Nitrogen Removal from Landfill Leachate Using Biochar Derived from Wheat Straw

Landfill leachate (LLCH) disposal poses challenges due to high pollutant concentrations. This study investigates the use of biochar (BC) derived from wheat straw for nitrogen content reduction. Laboratory experiments evaluated BC’s adsorption capacity (qm) for nitrogen removal from ammonium chloride solution (NH4Cl) and LLCH, along with testing isotherm models. The results demonstrated that BC was more efficient (95.08%) than commercial activated carbon AC (93.11%), the blank, in adsorbing nitrogen from NH4Cl. This superior performance of BC may be attributed to its higher carbon content (57.74%) observed through elemental analysis. Lower results for BC/LLCH may be due to LLCH’s complex chemical matrix. The Langmuir isotherm model best described BC/NH4Cl adsorption (qm = 0.5738 mg/g). The AC/NH4Cl data also fitted into the Langmuir (R2 ˃ 0.9) with a qm of 0.9469 mg/g, and 26.667 mg/g (R2 ˂ 0.9) was obtained for BC/LLCH; the BC/LLCH also gave higher qm (R2 ˃ 0.9) using the Jovanovich model (which also follows Langmuir’s assumptions). The mean energy of the adsorption values estimated for the AC/NH4Cl, BC/NH4Cl, and BC/LLCH processes were 353.55, 353.55, and 223.61 kJ/mol, respectively, suggesting that they are all chemisorption processes and ion exchange influenced their adsorption processes. The Freundlich constant (1/n) value suggests average adsorption for BC/LLCH. The BC/LLCH data followed the Harkins–Jura model (R2: 0.9992), suggesting multilayered adsorption (or mesopore filling). In conclusion, biochar derived from wheat straw shows promising potential for landfill leachate remediation, offering efficient nitrogen removal capabilities and demonstrating compatibility with various adsorption models. This research also lays the groundwork for further exploration of other biochar-based materials in addressing environmental challenges associated with landfill leachate contamination.
Folate Receptor Beta Signaling in the Regulation of Macrophage Antimicrobial Immune Response: A Scoping Review

Abstract Introduction Folate, vitamin B9, is a water-soluble vitamin that is essential to cellular proliferation and division. In addition to the reduced folate carrier, eukaryotic cells take up folate through endocytosis mediated by one of two GPI-anchored folate receptors (FRs), FRα or FRβ. Two other isoforms of FR exist, FRγ and FRδ, neither of which support endocytic activities of FR signaling. FRβ is expressed primarily by monocytes and macrophages and highly expressed on activated macrophages. Macrophage expression of FRβ suggests a role for this receptor in modulating function of these immune sentinels, particularly as they engage in inflammatory processes. Despite several studies suggesting that folates can suppress inflammatory responses of macrophages to proinflammatory stimuli, there appears to be a lack of basic research examining the role of FRβ in modulating macrophage responses to microbial sensing. We therefore conducted a scoping review to assess evidence within the published literature addressing the question, “what is known about the extent to which FRβ regulates macrophage responses to sensing, and responding to, microorganisms? ”. Methods As a strategy for the study selection, we queried articles indexed in the research database PubMed and the search engine Google Scholar (up until August 12, 2023), including combinations of the research words: macrophage, folate receptor beta, FOLR2. Results We identified 2 relevant articles out of 153 that are worth discussing here, none of which directly addressed our research question. Conclusion There is an unmet need to better define the contribution of FRβ to regulating the macrophage response to microbes.
Bone Deformities through the Prism of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health in Ambulant Children with Cerebral Palsy: A Systematic Review

(1) Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between lower limb bone deformities and body functions, activity, and participation in ambulant children with CP and whether changing bone morphology affects outcomes in these domains. (2) Methods: A systematic literature search (PROSPERO CRD42020208416) of studies reporting correlations between measures of lower limb bone deformities and measures of body function, activity or participation, or post-surgical outcomes in these domains was conducted from 1990 to 2023 in Medline, Scopus, and Cochrane Library. We assessed study quality with the Checklist for Case Series (CCS) and a quality assessment developed by Quebec University Hospital. Meta-analysis was not possible; therefore, descriptive synthesis was performed. (3) Results: A total of 12 of 3373 screened articles were included. No studies evaluated the relationships between bone deformities and activity or participation, or the effect of isolated bone surgery on these domains. Correlations between bone deformities and body functions were poor-to-moderate. Internal hip rotation during gait improved after femoral derotation osteotomy. (4) Conclusions: A shift in paradigm is urgently required for the research and management of bone deformities in children with CP to include the activity and participation domains of the ICF, as well as consider more psychological aspects such as self-image.
The Proteome of Extracellular Vesicles Released from Pulmonary Microvascular Endothelium Reveals Impact of Oxygen Conditions on Biotrauma

The lung can experience different oxygen concentrations, low as in hypoxia, high as under supplemental oxygen therapy, or oscillating during intermittent hypoxia as in obstructive sleep apnea or intermittent hypoxia/hyperoxia due to cyclic atelectasis in the ventilated patient. This study aimed to characterize the oxygen-condition-specific protein composition of extracellular vesicles (EVs) released from human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells in vitro to decipher their potential role in biotrauma using quantitative proteomics with bioinformatic evaluation, transmission electron microscopy, flow cytometry, and non-activated thromboelastometry (NATEM). The release of vesicles enriched in markers CD9/CD63/CD81 was enhanced under intermittent hypoxia, strong hyperoxia and intermittent hypoxia/hyperoxia. Particles with exposed phosphatidylserine were increased under intermittent hypoxia. A small portion of vesicles were tissue factor-positive, which was enhanced under intermittent hypoxia and intermittent hypoxia/hyperoxia. EVs from treatment with intermittent hypoxia induced a significant reduction of Clotting Time in NATEM analysis compared to EVs isolated after normoxic exposure, while after intermittent hypoxia/hyperoxia, tissue factor in EVs seems to be inactive. Gene set enrichment analysis of differentially expressed genes revealed that EVs from individual oxygen conditions potentially induce different biological processes such as an inflammatory response under strong hyperoxia and intermittent hypoxia/hyperoxia and enhancement of tumor invasiveness under intermittent hypoxia.
A combined geophysical-pedological approach for precision viticulture in the Chianti hills

The aim of the present work was to test and develop a combination of both geophysical and pedological survey techniques devoted to the definition of a correct plan for precision viticulture. In particular, the objective of the study was to evaluate the potentiality of a combined use of these techniques to identify areas with uniform soil properties within 4 test vineyards of the “Barone Ricasoli” farm, located in the Chianti wine district (Tuscany, central Italy) and to evaluate the relationships between soil properties and wine quality. Two different geophysical methods based on the measurement of the electrical conductivity were used: an electro-magnetic induction method and electric resistivity tomographies; these were combined with detailed pedological analyses and with the evaluation of remote sensing maps. All results were compared and discussed, and finally a cluster analysis based on the evidences of geophysical tests and on pedological data was performed. For each of the identified uniform areas, a separate winemaking was successively made, and the quality of the wines is discussed and correlated to the geophysical-pedological results. The study has shown that the approach used is suitable for mapping and understanding the anomalies in soil distribution which partially reflects in the quality and effectiveness of wine production. Moreover, it was demonstrated that the geophysical data alone are not able to provide any pedological information because, in the investigated area, electrical conductivity is affected by various soil properties in a complex manner; however, these methods are very useful to integrate and complement pedological data in the aims of precision viticulture.
Endoscopic Management of Difficult Biliary Stones: An Evergreen Issue

Choledocholithiasis is one of the most common indications for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in daily practice. Although the majority of stones are small and can be easily removed in a single endoscopy session, approximately 10–15% of patients have complex biliary stones, requiring additional procedures for an optimum clinical outcome. A plethora of endoscopic methods is available for the removal of difficult biliary stones, including papillary large balloon dilation, mechanical lithotripsy, and electrohydraulic and laser lithotripsy. In-depth knowledge of these techniques and the emerging literature on them is required to yield the most optimal therapeutic effects. This narrative review aims to describe the definition of difficult bile duct stones based on certain characteristics and streamline their endoscopic retrieval using various modalities to achieve higher clearance rates.
Microbiota Alterations in Lung, Ileum, and Colon of Guinea Pigs with Cough Variant Asthma

Alterations in the microbiota composition, or ecological dysbiosis, have been implicated in the development of various diseases, including allergic diseases and asthma. Examining the relationship between microbiota alterations in the host and cough variant asthma (CVA) may facilitate the discovery of novel therapeutic strategies. To elucidate the diversity and difference of microbiota across three ecological niches, we performed 16S rDNA amplicon sequencing on lung, ileum, and colon samples. We assessed the levels of interleukin-12 (IL-12) and interleukin-13 (IL-13) in guinea pig bronchoalveolar lavage fluid using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). We applied Spearman’s analytical method to evaluate the correlation between microbiota and cytokines. The results demonstrated that the relative abundance, α-diversity, and β-diversity of the microbial composition of the lung, ileum, and colon varied considerably. The ELISA results indicated a substantial increase in the level of IL-13 and a decreasing trend in the level of IL-12 in the CVA guinea pigs. The Spearman analysis identified a correlation between Mycoplasma, Faecalibaculum, and Ruminococcus and the inflammatory factors in the CVA guinea pigs. Our guinea pig model showed that core microorganisms, such as Mycoplasma in the lung, Faecalibaculum in the ileum, and Ruminococcus in the colon, may play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of CVA. The most conspicuous changes in the ecological niche were observed in the guinea pig ileum, followed by the lung, while relatively minor changes were observed in the colon. Notably, the microbial structure of the ileum niche approximated that of the colon niche. Therefore, the results of this study suggest that CVA development is closely related to the dysregulation of ileal, lung, and colon microbiota and the ensuing inflammatory changes in the lung.
Highly Active Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis with Neurofibromatosis Type 1: Radiological Aspects and Therapeutic Challenges – Case Report

Abstract Introduction Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune neurodegenerative disease which can rarely co-exist with neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1), a neurocutaneous inherited disorder that predisposes to oncogenesis. Patients who suffer from both conditions can be challenging cases for clinicians, as clinical symptoms and radiological findings may overlap, while MS immune-modifying treatments could further increase the risk of oncogenesis. Case Presentation In this study, we describe the case of a 27-year-old woman who presented with signs and symptoms of optic neuritis and was then diagnosed with both MS and NF1. As the patient continued to experience MS relapses despite initial interferon-beta treatment, she was subsequently switched to natalizumab and responded well. Conclusion This case illustrates how MRI lesion differentiation with the co-existence of MS and NF1 can be difficult due to overlaps in lesion characteristics, while treatment decisions can be challenging mainly due to scarce data on the oncogenic risk of MS immunomodulary therapies. Therefore, clinicians need to balance out the risk of malignancy development with the risk of progressive neurological disability when treating such patients.
Technological and Safety Characterization of Coagulase-Negative Staphylococci Isolated from Sardinian Fermented Sausage Made by Ovine Meat

Ripened sheep sausages are widely consumed in Italy, particularly in Sardinia. Despite their driving role in flavor and color development, coagulase-negative staphylococci in these products have been rarely investigated. A total of 70 CoNS cultures isolated from Sardinian sheep sausages were characterized by rep-PCR and M13-RAPD typing and identified by 16S rDNA sequencing. S. xylosus and S. equorum accounted for more than 70% of the total isolates, whilst S. pasteuri (8.5%), S. succinus (2.8%), and S. haemolyticus (2.8%) were less represented. The genes encoding the synthesis of putrescine, tyramine, cadaverine, and histamine were evaluated by PCR. None of the strains hosted genes for decarboxylases, except one S. pasteuri strain that was potentially a tyramine-producer. Antibiotic resistance was evaluated, along with nitrate reductase, lipolytic, and proteolytic activity, in a pool of selected cultures. Resistance to the primary antibiotics was rather widespread. S. xylosus, S. equorum, and S. pasteuri strains were all resistant to amoxicillin and kanamycin. S. equorum strains were sensitive to all tested antibiotics. S. xylosus strains were all resistant to penicillin B. Conversely, all S. pasteuri strains were resistant to both ampicillin and penicillin B, and four out of five strains exhibited tetracycline resistance. The high variability in the production of sheep sausages makes the search for adjunct cultures of crucial relevance. According to this perspective, the characterization of the autochthonous CSN population represents the first step to approach a starter selection.
The Auto-Regulation of ATL2 E3 Ubiquitin Ligase Plays an Important Role in the Immune Response against Alternaria brassicicola in Arabidopsis thaliana

The ubiquitin/26S proteasome system is a crucial regulatory mechanism that governs various cellular processes in plants, including signal transduction, transcriptional regulation, and responses to biotic and abiotic stressors. Our study shows that the RING-H2-type E3 ubiquitin ligase, Arabidopsis Tóxicos en Levadura 2 (ATL2), is involved in response to fungal pathogen infection. Under normal growth conditions, the expression of the ATL2 gene is low, but it is rapidly and significantly induced by exogenous chitin. Additionally, ATL2 protein stability is markedly increased via chitin treatment, and its degradation is prolonged when 26S proteasomal function is inhibited. We found that an atl2 null mutant exhibited higher susceptibility to Alternaria brassicicola, while plants overexpressing ATL2 displayed increased resistance. We also observed that the hyphae of A. brassicicola were strongly stained with trypan blue staining, and the expression of A. brassicicola Cutinase A (AbCutA) was dramatically increased in atl2. In contrast, the hyphae were weakly stained, and AbCutA expression was significantly reduced in ATL2-overexpressing plants. Using bioinformatics, live-cell confocal imaging, and cell fractionation analysis, we revealed that ATL2 is localized to the plasma membrane. Further, it is demonstrated that the ATL2 protein possesses E3 ubiquitin ligase activity and found that cysteine 138 residue is critical for its function. Moreover, ATL2 is necessary to successfully defend against the A. brassicicola fungal pathogen. Altogether, our data suggest that ATL2 is a plasma membrane-integrated protein with RING-H2-type E3 ubiquitin ligase activity and is essential for the defense response against fungal pathogens in Arabidopsis.
Retrospective Analysis of Vitamin D Deficiency in an Adult Population of Arad County, Western Romania (2019–2022)

Vitamin D, a steroid hormone synthesized primarily in the skin upon exposure to ultraviolet light, is widely deficient across global populations. This study aimed to fill the data gap in Western Romania by measuring 25-hydroxy-vitamin D levels in a cohort of 7141 from Arad County. It was observed that women, younger adults (18–29 years), and older adults (70–79 years) had notably lower vitamin D levels compared to the average population. Additionally, there was a rise in vitamin D levels over the four-year span of 2018–2022, coinciding with the COVID-19 pandemic. Our research provides fresh data on those most susceptible to vitamin D deficiency and lays the groundwork for educational campaigns on vitamin D supplementation benefits.
TIGAR Deficiency Blunts Angiotensin-II-Induced Cardiac Hypertrophy in Mice

Hypertension is the key contributor to pathological cardiac hypertrophy. Growing evidence indicates that glucose metabolism plays an essential role in cardiac hypertrophy. TP53-induced glycolysis and apoptosis regulator (TIGAR) has been shown to regulate glucose metabolism in pressure overload-induced cardiac remodeling. In the present study, we investigated the role of TIGAR in cardiac remodeling during Angiotensin II (Ang-II)-induced hypertension. Wild-type (WT) and TIGAR knockout (KO) mice were infused with Angiotensin-II (Ang-II, 1 µg/kg/min) via mini-pump for four weeks. The blood pressure was similar between the WT and TIGAR KO mice. The Ang-II infusion resulted in a similar reduction of systolic function in both groups, as evidenced by the comparable decrease in LV ejection fraction and fractional shortening. The Ang-II infusion also increased the isovolumic relaxation time and myocardial performance index to the same extent in WT and TIGAR KO mice, suggesting the development of similar diastolic dysfunction. However, the knockout of TIGAR significantly attenuated hypertension-induced cardiac hypertrophy. This was associated with higher levels of fructose 2,6-bisphosphate, PFK-1, and Glut-4 in the TIGAR KO mice. Our present study suggests that TIGAR is involved in the control of glucose metabolism and glucose transporters by Ang-II and that knockout of TIGAR attenuates the development of maladaptive cardiac hypertrophy.
Repurposing mebendazole against triple-negative breast cancer leptomeningeal disease

Purpose Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive subtype that often metastasizes to the brain. Leptomeningeal disease (LMD), a devastating brain metastasis common in TNBC, has limited treatment options. We sought to test whether the common anti-helminthic drug mebendazole (MBZ) may be effective against murine TNBC LMD. Methods A small-molecule screen involving TNBC cell lines identified benzimidazoles as potential therapeutic agents for further study. In vitro migration assays were used to evaluate cell migration capacity and the effect of MBZ. For in vivo testing, LMD was introduced into BALB/c athymic nude mice through internal carotid artery injections of brain-tropic MDA-MB-231-BR or MCF7-BR cells. Tumor growth and spread was monitored by bioluminescence imaging. MBZ was given orally at 50 and 100 mg/kg doses. MBZ bioavailability was assayed by mass spectrometry. Results Bioinformatic analysis and migration assays revealed higher migratory capacity of TNBC compared to other breast cancer subtypes. MBZ effectively slowed down migration of TNBC cell line MDA-MB-231 and its brain tropic derivative MDA-MB-231-BR. In animal studies, MBZ reduced tumor growth and extended survival in the LMD model produced by MDA-MB-231-BR cells. MBZ did not have an effect in the non-migratory MCF7-BR model. Conclusions We demonstrated that MBZ is a safe and effective oral agent in an animal model of TNBC LMD. Our findings are concordant with previous efforts involving MBZ and central nervous system pathology and further support the drug’s potential utility as an alternative therapeutic for TNBC LMD.
CENTERIS 2014-Conference on ENTERprise Information Systems / ProjMAN 2014-International Conference on Project MANagement / HCIST 2014-International Conference on Health and Social Care Information Systems and Technologies User Acceptance of Health Information Technology ( HIT ) in Developing Countri

Health Information Technology (HIT) has the potential to improve the quality, efficiency, outcomes, patient safety and reduce the cost of healthcare. But HIT systems are not widely available, and even if available are not properly utilized. This paper reviewed some available HIT systems in order to have an idea on their availability. Also works on acceptance of HIT systems were reviewed so as to understand the level of research done in the area. The problems identified from this work include lack of availability of these systems especially in developing countries, insufficient works on user acceptance of HIT systems, etc. These limitations can be overcome when researchers study the factors that will affect the user acceptance of these systems, and then consider the factors while developing the systems. Finally, a conceptual model of HIT acceptance in developing countries is proposed. © 2014 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd. Peer-review under responsibility of the Organizing Committees of CENTERIS/ProjMAN/HCIST 2014
Paediatric Thoracic Imaging in Cystic Fibrosis in the Era of Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator Modulation

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is one of the most common progressive life-shortening genetic conditions worldwide. Ground-breaking translational research has generated therapies that target the primary cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) defect, known as CFTR modulators. A crucial aspect of paediatric CF disease is the development and progression of irreversible respiratory disease in the absence of clinical symptoms. Accurate thoracic diagnostics have an important role to play in this regard. Chest radiographs are non-specific and insensitive in the context of subtle changes in early CF disease, with computed tomography (CT) providing increased sensitivity. Recent advancements in imaging hardware and software have allowed thoracic CTs to be acquired in paediatric patients at radiation doses approaching that of a chest radiograph. CFTR modulators slow the progression of CF, reduce the frequency of exacerbations and extend life expectancy. In conjunction with advances in CT imaging techniques, low-dose thorax CT will establish a central position in the routine care of children with CF. International guidelines regarding the choice of modality and timing of thoracic imaging in children with CF are lagging behind these rapid technological advances. The continued progress of personalised medicine in the form of CFTR modulators will promote the emergence of personalised radiological diagnostics.