Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Infective Endocarditis With Oral Bacteria: Association With Findings During Oral Infection Screening

Background: Oral streptococci represent the causing microorganism for infective endocarditis (IE) in many patients. The impact of oral infections is questioned, and it has been suggested that bacteraemia due to daily routines may play a bigger part in the aetiology of IE. The aim of this study was to examine the association between oral health and infective endocarditis caused by oral viridans streptococci. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted at Haukeland University Hospital (HUH) from 2006- 2015. All consecutive adult patients admitted to hospital for treatment of IE and subjected to an oral focus screening including orthopantomogram, were included. The clinical, radiological and laboratory characteristics of the patients, collected during oral infectious focus screening, were analysed. Patient survival was calculated using Kaplan-Meier and mortality rates were compared using Cox-regression. Results: A total of 208 patients were included, 77% (n=161) male patients and 23% (n=47) female, mean age was 58 years. A total of 67 (32%) had IE caused by viridans streptococci. No statistically significant correlation could be found between signs of oral infection and IE caused by viridans streptococci. The overall mortality at 30 days was 4.3 % (95% CI: 1.6-7.0). There was no statistical difference in mortality between IE caused by viridans streptococci or S. aureus (HRR=1.16, 95% CI: 0.57-2.37, p=0.680). Conclusion: The benefit of oral infection screening and elimination in patients admitted with IE seems uncertain. Based on this study it cannot be concluded that oral conditions and oral infection influence the overall mortality for patients with endocarditis.
Measuring Perceived Attributes of the Interactive Whiteboard for the Mathematics Class

Abstract The main purpose of the current study was to develop and validate a scale of perceived attributes of the interactive whiteboard (IW) for the mathematics class. Rogers’ Diffusion of Innovations Theory served as the theoretical framework. Two groups of participants in Turkey were employed in this study. The first group consisted of 350 middle school students (177 female, 173 male). The second group consisted of 557 high school students (288 female, 269 male). The results of confirmatory factor analysis supported construct validity. However, not enough evidence was available to support its convergent and discriminant validity. The results of multigroup analysis supported measurement invariance across two schools—one middle school and one high school. The perceptions of students toward IW were generally positive. We believe that the scale developed for this study can be used in schools in which IW has been implemented and may contribute to educational technology reform efforts by providing metrics for the degree of success in implementing IW specifically and possibly other forms of instructional technology.
Duration of Hepatitis B Vaccine-Induced Protection among Medical Students and Healthcare Workers following Primary Vaccination in Infancy and Rate of Immunity Decline

Since the introduction of hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccines, the numbers of HBV infections and complications have significantly decreased. However, the evidence on whether primary vaccination of infants confers lifelong immunity varies. We aimed to assess long-term immunity among healthcare workers and medical students, and the rate of decline of HBV surface antigen antibodies (anti-HBs). Hepatitis B status among participants born after 1 January 1992 was reviewed at Chulabhorn Royal Academy, Thailand. Participants were stratified by intervals since primary vaccination. HBV immunity was determined and analyzed as anti-HBs decline rate in participants with multiple follow-ups. A total of 464 participants were analyzed, with a median age of 23. Protective immunity against HBV (anti-HBs ≥ 10 mIU/mL) at 16–20, 21–25 and 26–28 years post-primary vaccination was 28%, 51.7% and 60%, respectively. The overall declining rate of anti-HBs was −42.39 mIU/mL per year. Participants with anti-HBs levels of >100–1000 mIU/mL at baseline had a faster decline rate than those with anti-HBs levels of 10–100 mIU/mL. Primary vaccination may not provide lifelong protection since HBV immunity deteriorates over time. Individuals with higher initial HBV immunity levels may experience a faster decline rate.
Numerical Calculation of Flow Noise of Submarine with Full Appendages

A method combined the computational fluid dynamics(CFD)with the boundary element method(BEM)was used to predict the flow noise of submarine with full appendages.The total sound pressure level at typical measured point and acoustic directivity of the submarine were obtained.Firstly,a geometric model was established for the submarine with full appendages and the flow field's computational region discretization was carried out by using structural grid.Then,the steady flow performance of the submarine was calculated by adopting Reynolds time-averaged method(RANS). The obtained resistance and pressure coefficient along the hull coincides better with the experiment data in references.After that,taken the calculation results for the steady flow as initial values,the unsteady flow performance of the submarine was calculated to obtain the sound dipole sources which were used as the input parameters of the boundary element calculation.Finally,the acoustic far-field was calculated by solving Ffowcs Williams-Hawkings(FW-H)equation in frequency domain.Through these calculations,the surface sound sources of the submarine and the sound directivities of the 3D sound field were analyzed.The results show that the greatest noise area comes from the transition region in flow.
Chemometrics-based evaluation on effect of sonication, contact time and solvent-to-solid ratio on total phenolics and flavonoids, fatty acids and antibacterial potency of Carica papaya seed against S. enteritidis, B. cereus, V. vulnificus and P. mirabilis

This study was aimed on extraction optimization of antibacterial agent from Carica papaya seed against S. enteritidis, B. cereus, V. vulnificus and P. mirabilis as affected by sonication-assisted extraction (SAE), contact time (CT) and solid-to-solvent ratio (SSR). The principal component analysis (PCA) and individual evaluation approaches identified that no SAE, 8 CT and 1:10 SSR was the best treatment with the highest antibacterial potency. The PCA identified no SAE, 8 CT, and 1:5 SSR as the second-beat treatment. The yield, total phenolic compound (TPC), C18:1n9t and C16:1 fatty acids (FAs) in no SAE, 8 CT and 1:10 SSR treatment inhibited the growth of B. cereus, V. vulnificus and P. mirabilis while C21:0 and C15:0 in 30 min SAE, 8 CT and 1:2 SSR inhibited the S. enteritidis growth. The yield, TPC, C18:1n9t and C16:1 FAs, and C6:0 and C24:1n9, C20:1, C4:0 and C20:0 FAs had antagonistic effects on B. cereus, V. vulnificus and P. mirabilis growths. The C21:0, C15:0, C6:0 and C13:0, and C23:0, C20:0 and C11:0 FAs had antagonistic effects on S. enteritidis growth. The PCA also denoted that the MIC50 and MIC0 had a higher variation than MIC; hence, the former variables were better to use in PCA.
Ants are effective pollinators of common buckwheat Fagopyrum esculentum

Proper management of wild pollinators of agricultural crops requires identification of effective pollinator species. Although non‐bee pollinators are gaining increasing attention, small ground‐dwelling insects such as ants are often deemed ineffective. However, our previous study found a positive correlation between ant visitations to flowers and seed set in the distylous crop common buckwheat, suggesting a potential role of ants as effective pollinators. In this study, we aimed to confirm the effectiveness of ant pollination by conducting ant‐exclusion experiments in the field. In addition, as evidence that ants can transfer pollen, we also counted the number of pollen grains attached to the body surface of two abundant flower‐visiting ant species, Formica japonica and Camponotus japonicus. Under the ant‐exclusion treatment, the buckwheat plants showed a significant reduction (30% on average) in seed set compared with control plants, and this effect was consistent across both flower morphs (pin and thrum) and two seasons (summer and autumn). Moreover, pollen grains of each flower morph were found on both ant species visiting both types of flower, suggesting a potential contribution to seed set in buckwheat. The results of this study suggest that ants may be an underappreciated pollinator of common buckwheat.
Biocompatible Chitosan-Based Hydrogels for Bioabsorbable Wound Dressings

Supramolecular hydrogels based on chitosan and monoaldehydes are biomaterials with high potential for a multitude of bioapplications. This is due to the proper choice of the monoaldehyde that can tune the hydrogel properties for specific practices. In this conceptual framework, the present paper deals with the investigation of a hydrogel as bioabsorbable wound dressing. To this aim, chitosan was cross-linked with 2-formylphenylboronic acid to yield a hydrogel with antimicrobial activity. FTIR, NMR, and POM procedures have characterized the hydrogel from a structural and supramolecular point of view. At the same time, its biocompatibility and antimicrobial properties were also determined in vitro. Furthermore, in order to assess the bioabsorbable character, its biodegradation was investigated in vitro in the presence of lysosome in media of different pH, mimicking the wound exudate at different stages of healing. The biodegradation was monitored by gravimetrical measurements, SEM microscopy and fractal analyses of the images. The fractal dimension values and the lacunarity of SEM pictures were accurately calculated. All these successful investigations led to the conclusion that the tested materials are at the expected high standards.
The Effects of Zinc and Vitamin C Supplementation on the Glycemic Profile in Type 2 Diabetic Patients

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is the most common endocrine disorder and one of the highly progressive diseases which is indicated by high blood sugar (hyperglycemia). The present study aims to study the effects of treatment with zinc and vitamin C on glycemic profile [fasting blood sugar (FBS), glycated haemoglobin (HbA1C), and insulin hormone level] in type 2 diabetic patients. The study included 56 diabetic patients [30 without foot ulcers (15 without zinc and vitamin C supplements, 15 with zinc and vitamin C supplements) and 26 with foot ulcers (15 without zinc and vitamin C supplements, 11 with zinc and vitamin C supplements)]. Also, 15 healthy persons were used as a control group. The patients were enrolling to Azadi Teaching Hospital and Kirkuk General Hospital/ Kirkuk city/ Iraq; their ages ranged from 30 to 60 years and weights ranged from 70 to 90 kilogram. Blood samples were collected from the studied subjects to determine fasting blood sugar (FBS) concentration, glycated haemoglobin (HbA1C) level, and insulin hormone level. Zinc and vitamin C supplements were used for four weeks by a group of the patients. The results showed highly significant (P≤0.01) decreases in the values of FBS, HbA1C, and insulin in diabetic patients treated with supplements (both with and without foot ulcers) compared with diabetic patients without supplements (both with and without foot ulcers). It can be concluded that zinc and vitamin C supplements have improving impacts on patients with diabetes mellitus by improving glycemic profile parameters, such as FBS, HbA1C, and insulin.
Impact of β-Amyloids Induced Disruption of Ca2+ Homeostasis in a Simple Model of Neuronal Activity

Alzheimer’s disease is characterized by a marked dysregulation of intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis. In particular, toxic β-amyloids (Aβ) perturb the activities of numerous Ca2+ transporters or channels. Because of the tight coupling between Ca2+ dynamics and the membrane electrical activity, such perturbations are also expected to affect neuronal excitability. We used mathematical modeling to systematically investigate the effects of changing the activities of the various targets of Aβ peptides reported in the literature on calcium dynamics and neuronal excitability. We found that the evolution of Ca2+ concentration just below the plasma membrane is regulated by the exchanges with the extracellular medium, and is practically independent from the Ca2+ exchanges with the endoplasmic reticulum. Thus, disruptions of Ca2+ homeostasis interfering with signaling do not affect the electrical properties of the neurons at the single cell level. In contrast, the model predicts that by affecting the activities of L-type Ca2+ channels or Ca2+-activated K+ channels, Aβ peptides promote neuronal hyperexcitability. On the contrary, they induce hypo-excitability when acting on the plasma membrane Ca2+ ATPases. Finally, the presence of pores of amyloids in the plasma membrane can induce hypo- or hyperexcitability, depending on the conditions. These modeling conclusions should help with analyzing experimental observations in which Aβ peptides interfere at several levels with Ca2+ signaling and neuronal activity.
Exploratory surveys in Taiwan of the roseau cane scale Nipponaclerda biwakoensis Kuwana (Hemiptera: Aclerdidae) and its associated parasitoids

Roseau cane (Phragmites australis (Cav). Trin. ex Steud. ) is the dominant plant species of the Mississippi River Delta in Louisiana, USA, and protects the coastline from erosion and storm‐related impacts, maintaining shipping channels and oil infrastructure. Widespread dieback and thinning of P. australis were noted in the Mississippi River Delta in the fall of 2016. Invasive populations of the roseau cane scale (Nipponaclerda biwakoensis Kuwana), which is native to Asia, were found at outbreak levels in the stands. Subsequent research implicated N. biwakoensis in the diebacks. As a safe, cost‐effective and long‐term approach for managing this invasive scale, classical (importation) biological control methods are being considered. As the first step to developing biological control, research evaluating the natural enemies of the N. biwakoensis in the native range is necessary. This study investigated the population dynamics of N. biwakoensis and its associated parasitoids on P. australis in Taiwan from July to November 2019 at five study sites. Scale densities across sites increased over the growing season, peaking in September at 85.77 ± 6.36 scales/stem, which is half as dense as found in Louisiana. Mean parasitism of adult female scales across sites and season was 14.00%, while parasitism on immature scales was lower (3.00%). Four parasitoid wasp species were reared from the scale—Asytymachus lasallei Noyes and Higashiura, Boucekiella depressa Hoffer, Neastymachus japonicus Tachikawa and Aprostocetus sp. Westwood. Neastymachus japonicus was the dominant species parasitizing adult female scales, while A. lasallei was the dominant wasp species parasitizing immature scales. Astymachus lasallei and B. depressa were frequently reared from the same individual host, suggesting multiparasitism or hyperparasitism. Overall, this study provides important information on the identity and role of parasitoids of N. biwakoensis in its native range, which will aid in developing a classical biological control programme for the invasive N. biwakoensis.
Casino proximity, visit frequency, and gambling problems

ABSTRACT The geospatial impact of casinos on gambling problems is poorly understood, despite its importance to policy decisions. In this study, we propose a conceptual model to describe how access relates to gambling problems and we test whether access convenience increases risk. We collect a large sample of Canadian gamblers (n = 6,234) and geolocate each individual relative to domestic casino locations (N = 110), using their home addresses. Our analysis suggests that nearby casinos increase risk for residents. We further find that frequency of play mediates the relationship, implying an indirect link between access convenience and gambling problems. The results are robust to several estimation strategies that address endogeneity issues found in the empirical literature.
Enterotoxins as a molecular marker of water quality

Safety of improved water supplies using enterotoxins as a molecular marker is evaluated. Water samples were collected from 248 households and tested for enterotoxins using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The relationships between the presence of at least one enterotoxin and independent variables were investigated using Chi-square (χ2), Fisher's exact test and binary logistic regression. Some 156 enterotoxin biomarkers were detected, 39% of samples had at least one, and 17% had multiple varieties. EAST1 was detected in the highest proportion of samples 33% and Sta in the lowest 2%. Shallow groundwater sources yielded 18% less enterotoxins than water from piped systems, a statistically significant result (P=0.031). A lower proportion of enterotoxins was detected in relation to those who did not know and use cloth filters than those with knowledge of them, and the negative association is statistically significant (P=0.017). It was shown that water samples in which TC colonies were detected were more likely to contain enterotoxins than those without (P=0.001). It is concluded that enterotoxin molecular markers can be used to monitor water safety.
The Role of Thyroid Disorders, Obesity, Diabetes Mellitus and Estrogen Exposure as Potential Modifiers for Pulmonary Hypertension

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a progressive disorder characterized by a chronic in-crease in pulmonary arterial pressure, frequently resulting in right-sided heart failure and potentially death. Co-existing medical conditions are important factors in PH, since they not only result in the genesis of the disorder, but may also contribute to its progression. Various studies have assessed the impact of thyroid disorders and other endocrine conditions (namely estrogen exposure, obesity, and diabetes mellitus) on the progression of PH. The complex interactions that hormones may have with the cardiovascular system and pulmonary vascular bed can create several pathogenetic routes that could explain the effects of endocrine disorders on PH development and evolution. The aim of this review is to summarize current knowledge on the role of concomitant thyroid disorders, obesity, diabetes mellitus, and estrogen exposure as potential modifiers for PH, and especially for pulmonary arterial hypertension, and to discuss possible pathogenetic routes linking them with PH. This information could be valuable for practicing clinicians so as to better evaluate and/or treat concomitant endocrine conditions in the PH population.
Impact of Ultra-High Pressure Homogenization on the Structural Properties of Egg Yolk Granule

Ultra-high pressure homogenization (UHPH) is a promising method for destabilizing and potentially improving the techno-functionality of the egg yolk granule. This study’s objectives were to determine the impact of pressure level (50, 175 and 300 MPa) and number of passes (1 and 4) on the physico-chemical and structural properties of egg yolk granule and its subsequent fractions. UHPH induced restructuration of the granule through the formation of a large protein network, without impacting the proximate composition and protein profile in a single pass of up to 300 MPa. In addition, UHPH reduced the particle size distribution up to 175 MPa, to eventually form larger particles through enhanced protein–protein interactions at 300 MPa. Phosvitin, apovitellenin and apolipoprotein-B were specifically involved in these interactions. Overall, egg yolk granule remains highly stable during UHPH treatment. However, more investigations are needed to characterize the resulting protein network and to evaluate the techno-functional properties of UHPH-treated granule.
Deep incorporation of corn straw benefits soil organic carbon and microbial community composition in a black soil of Northeast China

‘Deep incorporation of corn straw’ (CSDI) is to concentrate the burial of corn straw into the subsurface soil layer (20–40 cm) and to break the plough pan, thereby creating a loosened plough layer (0–20 cm) and a fertile subsurface soil layer. However, its impacts on soil organic carbon (SOC) and the microbial community remain poorly understood. A field experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of 1‐year CSDI (CD1), 3‐year CSDI (CD3) and 5‐year CSDI (CD5) on soil aggregates and aggregate‐associated SOC, as well as bacterial and fungal community characteristics (examined by the high‐throughput gene sequencing method). The results demonstrated that SOC and soil fungal diversity were decreased by CD1, but increased by CD3 and CD5. Compared with the control, CD5 promoted 2–0.25 mm soil macroaggregation, significantly increased SOC by 8.94% and aggregate‐associated SOC by 5.96%–8.84%, consequently improving the physical protection of SOC by soil aggregates. CD3 and CD5 enhanced the richness and diversity of soil bacteria and fungi, and altered community composition. For soil bacteria, the relative abundance of Acidobacteria and Chloroflexi was increased, while that of Firmicutes, Gemmatimonadetes, Sphingomonas and Bacillus was decreased. For soil fungi, the relative abundance of Ascomycota, Zygomycota, Mortierella and Fusarium was greatly improved, but that of Basidiomycota was reduced. These obvious variations in microbial community structure were beneficial to straw degradation and SOC accumulation. Overall, the optimization of microbial community with CSDI plays a positive role in promoting soil organic matter, nutrient cycling and carbon sequestration, and thus improving soil fertility.
Possible causes and treatment strategies for the estrus and ovulation disorders in dairy cows

The reproductive performance of dairy cows has declined, along with an increase in their milk yield. First-service conception rates in lactating dairy cows are often lower than 50%. The precise detection of estrus is an important factor in the reproductive management of dairy cows for successful fertilization and pregnancy. However, estrus expression has been decreasing in modern dairy cows, affecting the detection rate of estrus. In addition to estrus, a high incidence of ovulation disorders affects the fertility of dairy cows. To address these problems, it is necessary to understand the changes in the endocrine functions that underlie estrus and ovulation disorders, and to develop effective treatment strategies. Recent studies have revealed that neurokinin B and neurokinin 3 receptor signaling play important roles in the regulation of the secretion of gonadotropin-releasing and luteinizing hormones, suggesting a potential clinical avenue for the stimulation of gonadal function. In this review, I have discussed the problems in estrus and ovulation disorders in modern dairy cows as well as the possible applications of neurokinin 3 receptor agonists in the treatment of these disorders.