Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Hyperspectral Imaging (HSI) Technology for the Non-Destructive Freshness Assessment of Pearl Gentian Grouper under Different Storage Conditions

This study used visible/near-infrared hyperspectral imaging (HSI) technology combined with chemometric methods to assess the freshness of pearl gentian grouper. The partial least square discrimination analysis (PLS-DA) and competitive adaptive reweighted sampling-PLS-DA (CARS-PLS-DA) models were used to classify fresh, refrigerated, and frozen–thawed fish. The PLS-DA model achieved better classification of fresh, refrigerated, and frozen–thawed fish with the accuracy of 100%, 96.43%, and 96.43%, respectively. Further, the PLS regression (PLSR) and CARS-PLS regression (CARS-PLSR) models were used to predict the storage time of fish under different storage conditions, and the prediction accuracy was assessed using the prediction correlation coefficients (Rp2), root mean squared error of prediction (RMSEP), and residual predictive deviation (RPD). For the prediction of storage time, the CARS-PLS model presented the better result of room temperature (Rp2 = 0.948, RMSEP = 0.255, RPD = 4.380) and refrigeration (Rp2 = 0.9319, RMSEP = 1.188, RPD = 3.857), while the better prediction of freeze was by obtained by the PLSR model (Rp2 = 0.9250, RMSEP = 2.910, RPD = 3.469). Finally, the visualization of storage time based on the PLSR model under different storage conditions were realized. This study confirmed the potential of HSI as a rapid and non-invasive technique to identify fish freshness.
Alternative Sampling Devices to Collect Dried Blood Microsamples: State-of-the-Art

Abstract: Dried blood spots (DBS) have been used in newborn screening programs for several years. More recently, there has been growing interest in using DBS as a home sampling tool for the quantitative determination of analytes. However, this presents challenges, mainly because of the well-known hematocrit effect and other DBS-specific parameters, including spotted volume and punch site, which could add to the method uncertainty. Therefore, new microsampling devices that quantitatively collect capillary dried blood are continuously being developed. In this review, we provided an overview of devices that are commercially available or under development that allow the quantitative (volumetric) collection of dried blood (-based) microsamples and are meant to be used for home or remote sampling. Considering the field of therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM), we examined different aspects that are important for a device to be implemented in clinical practice, including ease of patient use, technical performance, and ease of integration in the workflow of a clinical laboratory. Costs related to microsampling devices are briefly discussed, because this additionally plays an important role in the decision-making process. Although the added value of home sampling for TDM and the willingness of patients to perform home sampling have been demonstrated in some studies, real clinical implementation is progressing at a slower pace. More extensive evaluation of these newly developed devices, not only analytically but also clinically, is needed to demonstrate their real-life applicability, which is a prerequisite for their use in the field of TDM.
Increased Adiponectin Levels are Associated with Higher Radiographic Scores in the Knee Joint, but not in the Hand Joint: The Dong-gu Study

Background: Several studies have evaluated the association between the serum adiponectin level and knee and hand osteoarthritis (OA); mixed results have been reported. We investigated the relationship between OA and the serum adiponectin level according to the radiographic features of knee and hand OA.Methods: A total of 2,402 subjects was recruited from the Dong-gu Study. Baseline characteristics were collected via a questionnaire, and X-rays of knee and hand joints were scored using a semi-quantitative grading system. The relationship between the serum adiponectin level and radiographic severity was evaluated by linear regression analysis.Results: Subjects in the higher serum adiponectin level tertiles were older and had a lower body mass index (BMI) than those in the lower tertiles. Regarding knee joint scores, the serum adiponectin level was positively associated with the total score (P < 0.001), osteophyte score (P = 0.003), and joint space narrowing (JSN) score (P < 0.001) after adjustment for age, gender, BMI, smoking, alcohol consumption, education, and physical activity. In terms of hand joint scores, no association was found between the serum adiponectin level and the total score, osteophyte score, JSN score, subchondral cyst score, sclerosis score, erosion score, or malalignment score after the above-mentioned adjustments.Conclusion: An increased serum adiponectin level was associated with a higher radiographic score in the knee joint, but not in the hand joint, suggesting the involvement of different pathophysiologic mechanisms in the development of OA between those joints.
Investigations into the Role of Metabolism in the Inflammatory Response of BV2 Microglial Cells

Although the hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) are amyloid beta plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, there is growing evidence that neuroinflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress play important roles in disease development and progression. A major risk factor for the development of AD is diabetes, which is also characterized by oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction along with chronic, low-grade inflammation. Increasing evidence indicates that in immune cells, the induction of a pro-inflammatory phenotype is associated with a shift from oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) to glycolysis. However, whether hyperglycemia also contributes to this shift is not clear. Several different approaches including culturing BV2 microglial cells in different carbon sources, using enzyme inhibitors and knocking down key pathway elements were used in conjunction with bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) activation to address this question. The results indicate that while high glucose favors NO production, pro-inflammatory cytokine production is highest in the presence of carbon sources that drive OXPHOS. In addition, among the carbon sources that drive OXPHOS, glutamine is a very potent inducer of IL6 production. This effect is dampened in the presence of glucose. Together, these results may provide new prospects for the therapeutic manipulation of neuroinflammation in the context of diabetes and AD.
Soil contamination assessment and potential sources of heavy metals of alpu plain Eskişehir Turkey

ABSTRACT Soil is the basic component of the biosphere and is exposed to many contaminants, including heavy metals, which are mainly affected by natural and human activities. Heavy metals in the soil are included in the food chain and pose a risk to human health. Determination of concentration and potential sources of heavy metals and evaluation of environmental and ecological risks were aimed at this study. In this study, 79 soil samples were collected from Alpu plain, located in Middle Anatolian to determine concentrations of Cadmium (Cd), Chromium (Cr), Copper (Cu), Cobalt (Co), Manganese (Mn), Nickel (Ni), Lead (Pb), and Zinc (Zn). As a result, Enrichment Factor (EF) and Geoaccumalation Index (Igeo), average values of Ni and Cd showed moderate enrichment and pollution. Similarly, Cd was found as the considerably potential ecological risk. Principal component and Pearson correlation analysis proved that while Pb, Cr, Cu, Zn, Ni, Co, and Mn are primarily from natural sources, Cd is mainly from anthropogenic activities.
The Role of Past Suicidal Behavior on Current Suicidality: A Retrospective Study in the Israeli Military

Past suicide attempts are a significant risk factor for future suicidality. Therefore, the present military-based study examined the past suicidal behavior of soldiers who recently made a severe suicide attempt. Our sample consisted of 65 active-duty soldiers (61.5% males), between the ages of 18 and 28 years old (M = 20.4, SD ± 1.3). The inclusion criterion was a recent severe suicide attempt, requiring at least a 24 h hospitalization. This sample was divided into two groups, according to previous suicidal behavior, namely whether their first suicide attempt was before or after enlistment (n = 25; 38.5% and n = 40; 61.5%, respectively). We then examined the lethality and intent of the recent event in regard to this division. Four measures were used to assess the subjects’ suicidal characteristics: the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale, the Self-Harm Behavior Questionnaire, the Suicidal Behaviors Questionnaire-Revised, and the Beck Scale for Suicide Ideation. No significant difference in the severity of the suicide attempts (either actual or potential severity) were found between those who had suicide attempts before enlistment and those who had their first attempt in the service. As a matter of fact, most of the suicide attempts that occurred for the first time during military service had used a violent method (58.3%, n = 21). Finally, using multivariate analyses, we found that current thoughts and behavior, rather than past suicidality, was the strongest predictor for the lethality of suicide attempts.
Changes in the Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome and Its Components as Well as in Relevant Preventive Medication between 2006 and 2018 in the Northeast Hungarian Population

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a worldwide problem with severe health consequences. In this study, we examine the changes in the prevalence of MetS and its components in two disadvantaged counties of Northeastern Hungary. Two health examination surveys were performed in the Hungarian population aged 20–64 years in 2006 (n = 450) and 2018 (n = 397) and the data were compared to each other. It was found that the prevalence of MetS increased significantly in the period examined (from 34.9% to 42.2%, p = 0.035) due to the increased prevalence of raised blood pressure (from 45.6% to 57.0%, p = 0.002) and raised fasting glucose concentration (13.2% vs. 24.8%, p < 0.001). The increase mainly affects the younger (20–34 years old) age group (12.1% in 2006 vs. 31.6% in 2018, p = 0.001). It is quite alarming that the prevalence of MetS and its components has increased significantly in the last decade, while the prevalence of preventive medication is unchanged (antihypertensive and antidiabetic treatments) or even significantly decreased (lipid-lowering medication). Consequently, the number of individuals untreated for hypertension and metabolic disturbances is severely increased. A targeted public health strategy is desperately needed to prevent further worsening the situation.
Assessment on the effectiveness of vessel-approach regulations to protect cetaceans in Australia: A review on behavioral impacts with case study on the threatened Burrunan dolphin (Tursiops australis)

Vessels cause considerable disturbance to cetaceans world-wide, with potential long-term impacts to population viability. Here we present a comprehensive review of vessel impacts to cetacean behavior in Australian waters (2003–2015), finding inadequate protections to be in place. The majority of these studies found trends of decreased animal travel and resting behavioral states as well as low compliance to regulations, and they recommended further regulatory action such as greater enforcement or monitoring, or passive management strategies. As a case study, we conducted the first field assessment of vessel compliance with the Wildlife (Marine Mammal) Regulations 2009 in Gippsland Lakes, Australia, and provide the first assessment of the endangered Gippsland Lakes Burrunan dolphin (Tursiops australis) population’s behavioral ecology. Dolphin behavior and vessel regulation compliance data were collected during boat-based surveys of Gippsland Lakes from July 2017 to January 2018, with a total of 22 dolphin group sightings resulting in 477 five-minute point samples. 77% of dolphin sightings involved vessel interactions (within 400 m), and 56 regulation breaches were observed. These breaches were most severe in summer (mean = 4.54 breaches/hour). Vessels were found to alter dolphin behavior before, during, and after interactions and regulation breaches, including increased mating (mate guarding) and milling behavioral states, and increased ‘fish catch’, ‘high leap’ and ‘tail slap’ behavioral events. These behavioral changes may indicate masking of the dolphins' acoustic communication, disturbance of prey, increased dolphin transition behaviors, and/or induced stress and changes to group structure (including increased mate guarding). While our results provide evidence of short-term altered behavior, the potential for long-term effects on population dynamics for this threatened species is high. In the context of reported inadequate cetacean protection Australia-wide, our management recommendations include greater monitoring and enforcement, and the utilisation of adaptive management.
Heterologous Production of β-Caryophyllene and Evaluation of Its Activity against Plant Pathogenic Fungi

Terpenoids constitute one of the largest and most diverse groups within the class of secondary metabolites, comprising over 80,000 compounds. They not only exhibit important functions in plant physiology but also have commercial potential in the biotechnological, pharmaceutical, and agricultural sectors due to their promising properties, including various bioactivities against pathogens, inflammations, and cancer. In this work, we therefore aimed to implement the plant sesquiterpenoid pathway leading to β-caryophyllene in the heterologous host Rhodobacter capsulatus and achieved a maximum production of 139 ± 31 mg L−1 culture. As this sesquiterpene offers various beneficial anti-phytopathogenic activities, we evaluated the bioactivity of β-caryophyllene and its oxygenated derivative β-caryophyllene oxide against different phytopathogenic fungi. Here, both compounds significantly inhibited the growth of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum and Fusarium oxysporum by up to 40%, while growth of Alternaria brassicicola was only slightly affected, and Phoma lingam and Rhizoctonia solani were unaffected. At the same time, the compounds showed a promising low inhibitory profile for a variety of plant growth-promoting bacteria at suitable compound concentrations. Our observations thus give a first indication that β-caryophyllene and β-caryophyllene oxide are promising natural agents, which might be applicable for the management of certain plant pathogenic fungi in agricultural crop production.
Requirement of CRAMP for mouse macrophages to eliminate phagocytosed E. coli through an autophagy pathway

ABSTRACT Host-derived antimicrobial peptides play an important role in the defense against extracellular bacterial infections. However, the capacity of antimicrobial peptides derived from macrophages as potential antibacterial effectors against intracellular pathogens remains unknown. In this study, we report that normal (wild-type, WT) mouse macrophages increased their expression of cathelin-related antimicrobial peptide (CRAMP, encoded by Camp) after infection by viable E. coli or stimulation with inactivated E. coli and its product lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a process involving activation of NF-κB followed by protease-dependent conversion of CRAMP from an inactive precursor to an active form. The active CRAMP was required by WT macrophages for elimination of phagocytosed E. coli, with participation of autophagy-related proteins ATG5, LC3-II and LAMP-1, as well as for aggregation of the bacteria with p62 (also known as SQSTM1). This process was impaired in CRAMP−/− macrophages, resulting in retention of intracellular bacteria and fragmentation of macrophages. These results indicate that CRAMP is a critical component in autophagy-mediated clearance of intracellular E. coli by mouse macrophages.
Current status of a helicopter transportation system on remote islands for patients undergoing mechanical thrombectomy

Background Mechanical thrombectomy (MT) is standard treatment for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) with large-vessel occlusion within 6 h of symptom onset to treatment initiation (OTP). Recent trials have extended the therapeutic time window for MT to within 24 h. However, MT treatment remains low in remote areas. Nagasaki Prefecture, Japan has many inhabited islands with no neurointerventionalists. Our hospital on the mainland is a regional hub for eight island hospitals. We evaluated clinical outcomes of MT for patients with AIS on these islands versus on the mainland. Methods During 2014–2019, we reviewed consecutive patients with AIS who received MT at our hospital. Patients comprised the Islands group and Mainland group. Patient characteristics and clinical outcomes were compared between groups. Results We included 91 patients (Islands group: 15 patients, Mainland group: 76 patients). Seven patients (46.7%) in the Islands group versus 43 (56.6%) in the Mainland group achieved favorable outcomes. Successful recanalization was obtained in 11 patients (73.3%) on the islands and 67 (88.2%) on the mainland. The median OTP time in the Islands was 365 min. In both the Islands and Mainland groups, the OTP time and successful recanalization were associated with functional outcome. The modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score at 90 days ≤2 was obtained in two patients and mRS = 3 in four patients among eight patients with OTP time >6 h. Conclusions Few patients with AIS on remote islands have received MT. Although patients who underwent MT on the islands had longer OTP, the clinical outcomes were acceptable. OTP time on remote islands must be shortened, as this is related to functional outcome. In some cases with successful recanalization, a favorable outcome can still be obtained even after 6 h. Even if OTP exceeds 6 h, it is desirable to appropriately select patients and actively perform MT.
Subclavian Vessel Compression Assessed by Duplex Scanning in Patients with Neurogenic Thoracic Outlet Syndrome and No Vascular Signs

Neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome (NTOS) is the most frequent form of TOS. It may affect both sides, but specific complementary exams are lacking. We aimed to evaluate duplex scanning results in a group of patients with unilateral or bilateral NTOS and no clinical vascular signs, referred for rehabilitation. We performed a retrospective observational study in patients with unilateral or bilateral NTOS and no vascular symptoms. Subclavian vessels were assessed by duplex scanning. Compressions were considered in case of >50% of increased or decreased blood flow. A total of 101 patients met NTOS criteria; mean age was 40 +/− 10.2; 79.2% women. Seventy patients had a unilateral NTOS and 31 a bilateral form. Duplex scanning showed that 56.4% of the patients had vessels compression, 55.7% in the unilateral group and 58.1% in the bilateral (p = 0.81). In unilateral NTOS, 21 (30%) patients had bilateral vascular compression, 17 (24.3%) had ipsilateral compression and 1 (1.4%) had contralateral compression. In bilateral NTOS, 15 (48.4%) had bilateral compression and 3 (9.7%) compression on only one side. We found a significant difference of the rate of vascular compressions between symptomatic and non-symptomatic upper-limbs, 54.5% vs. 32.9%, respectively, (p = 0.002) and a significant association between symptomatic upper-limbs and vascular compression (OR = 2.45 [95%IC: 1.33–4.49]; p = 0.002). The sensitivity and the specificity of the duplex scanning were 54.5% and 67%, respectively. The ROC curve area was of 0.608 [95%IC: 0.527–0.690]. Despite a highly significant association between symptomatic upper-limbs and vascular compression, duplex scanning did not help make the diagnosis of NTOS.
COVID-19 Echo Chambers: Examining the Impact of Conservative and Liberal News Sources on Risk Perception and Response

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has created substantial challenges for public health officials who must communicate pandemic-related risks and recommendations to the public. Their efforts have been further hampered by the politicization of the pandemic, including media outlets that question the seriousness and necessity of protective actions. The availability of highly politicized news from online platforms has led to concerns about the notion of “echo chambers,” whereby users are exposed only to information that conforms to and reinforces their existing beliefs. Using a sample of 5,000 US residents, we explored their information-seeking tendencies, reliance on conservative and liberal online media, risk perceptions, and mitigation behaviors. The results of our study suggest that risk perceptions may vary across preferences for conservative or liberal bias; however, our results do not support differences in the mitigation behavior across patterns of media use. Further, our findings do not support the notion of echo chambers, but rather suggest that people with lower information-seeking behavior may be more strongly influenced by politicized COVID-19 news. Risk estimates converge at higher levels of information seeking, suggesting that high information seekers consume news from sources across the political spectrum. These results are discussed in terms of their theoretical implications for the study of online echo chambers and their practical implications for public health officials and emergency managers.
Clinical Manifestations and Changes of Haematological Markers among Active People Living in Polluted City: The Case of Douala, Cameroon

Urban air pollution, despite its dangerous health impact, is poorly studied in sub-Saharan Africa (sSA). Epidemiological data on this silent killer are almost non-existent for cities of Cameroon, which seems to be one of the sSA countries where populations are highly exposed to air pollutants. Objective: The present study was conducted in Douala city, and aimed at determining the association of urban air quality degradation with respiratory and systemic health in active populations exposed to air pollutants on a daily basis. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from 2017 to 2019 in 1182 active people consisting of motorbikes drivers (MD), outdoor urban workers (UW), and fuel station sellers (FSS). A standardized questionnaire was used to document participants’ data. One hundred and twenty-six (126) motorbike drivers were selected to evaluate the relationship between haematological (white blood cells, platelets) and inflammatory (C-reactive protein—CRP) biomarkers, and air pollution; compared with those of a sixty-five (65) motorbike drivers’ control group enrolled in Dschang, another town situated at about 216.3 km from Douala. Results: Among those recruited in urban Douala, some respiratory disorders such as running nostrils, colds, common fever, sore throats, dry cough, wheezing, chest pain, shortness of breath and systemic symptoms such as headaches, eye irritation, conjunctivitis, watery eyes and general tiredness were very common among MD, UW, and FSS. Regarding biological data, blood monocytes, lymphocytes and CRP were found to be significantly increased among selected MD in Douala, compared to control groups in Dschang. Conversely, a more significant decrease in blood neutrophil level was observed among MD in Douala than control groups in Dschang. These changes of haematological markers were significantly associated with place of residence, site of activity, and daily duration. Conclusion: Our results suggest the risk of suffering from respiratory impairments and systemic symptoms with exposure to urban air pollution among active people working near highways in Douala.