Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
ANTIFUNGAL ACTIVITIES OF CLOVE OIL AGAINST RHIZOPUS NIGRICANS, ASPERGILLUS FLAVUS AND PENICILLIUM CITRINUM IN VITRO AND IN WOUNDED FRUIT TEST

In this article, in vitro and in vivo antifungal activities of clove oil to inactivate Aspergillus flavus, Penicillium citrinum and Rhizopus nigricans were investigated. The result showed that eugenol (approximately 83.02%) is the main constituent of clove oil. The minimum inhibitory concentrations of clove oil against A. flavus, P. citrinum and R. nigricans were 25, 25 and 50 µL/mL, respectively. In an in vitro experiment, the results revealed that clove oil possessed stronger antifungal activities against A. flavus and P. citrinum than against R. nigricans, and the antifungal activity improved with increasing its concentration. In an in vivo study, clove oil treatments significantly reduced fungal decay, and clove oil at a concentration of 3.0% showed complete control of A. flavus and P. citrinum in wound-inoculated fruit. These results indicated that clove oil has a good potential to be a natural antifungal agent for fruit applications. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS Postharvest decay caused by fungi is the major cause of rapid deterioration of fruits, which affects the quality and shortens the shelf life of fruits and vegetables. The major problems for the application of chemical preservatives are the increasing resistance to antibiotics and chemotherapeutics and health risk concerns. So, most consumers demand less use of synthetic additives to ensure food safety. There is a growing need to develop alternative approaches, such as the application of essential oils, for controlling postharvest diseases.
Évolution des performances et de la robustesse des animaux en élevage porcin

L'analyse de l'evolution des performances des elevages porcins francais indique une amelioration nette de la productivite numerique des truies, sans qu'il y ait eu de deterioration de leur longevite, et bien que la mortalite des porcelets se soit legerement accrue. Cette amelioration des performances s'explique a la fois par l'obtention de progres genetiques et par la sophistication des pratiques d'elevage. La question est toutefois posee de la capacite des truies et des porcelets a faire face aux nombreux changements biologiques qui sous-tendent l'amelioration de ces performances. Chez la truie, on a ainsi pu identifier deux problemes essentiels: la faiblesse des aplombs et la difficulte accrue des animaux a couvrir leurs besoins nutritionnels. Chez les porcelets, la question de la competition pour les nutriments entre les individus d'une meme portee, in utero et durant la lactation, se pose de facon marquee dans les grandes portees, conduisant a un accroissement de la variabilite du developpement et de la mortalite. Les performances d'engraissement des porcs se sont egalement ameliorees, mais on note toujours, pour certains caracteres, un ecart important entre les resultats des elevages et le potentiel genetique, ce qui semble indiquer des problemes d'adaptation. La sensibilite des porcs aux maladies d'origine multifactorielle constitue surement aujourd'hui l'un des facteurs les plus limitants dans les elevages. En termes de perspectives, les questions liees a la robustesse doivent etre apprehendees a la lumiere des evolutions attendues des systemes d'elevage et des reglementations. La recherche d'animaux plus autonomes, resistant mieux aux maladies et capables de valoriser des ressources alimentaires plus diversifiees et moins en competition avec l'alimentation humaine, fait partie des pistes a envisager.
Potential role of two novel agonists of thyroid hormone receptor‐β on liver regeneration

Although the hepatomitogenic activity of triiodothyronine (T3) is well established, the wide range of harmful effects exerted by this hormone precludes its use in liver regenerative therapy. Selective agonists of the beta isoform of thyroid hormone receptor (TRβ) do not exhibit T3‐induced cardiotoxicity and show a good safety profile in patients with NASH. The aim of this study was to investigate whether two novel TRβ agonists, the prodrug TG68 and the active compound IS25 could stimulate hepatocyte proliferation without T3/TRα‐dependent side effects.
Prevalence of Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Trichomonas vaginalis in Portuguese women of childbearing age

Abstract The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) and Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) in Portuguese women of childbearing age. Cervicovaginal self-collected samples of 680 childbearing-age women (15–44 years) were tested for NG and TV by polymerase chain reaction. Sociodemographic, clinical and behavioural data were assessed through an anonymous self-administered questionnaire. NG and TV prevalence was 1.3% (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.7−2.5%) and 1.0% (95% CI 0.5−2.1%), respectively. The prevalence of TV was significantly higher in women aged >22 years (p = .003), with >6 years after sexual intercourse (p = .003), and who reported previous pregnancy (p = .004). Our study suggests that NG and TV are rare in Portuguese women of childbearing age. However, larger epidemiological studies with a nationally representative sample of female subjects are warranted, to clarify the need for screening of these microorganisms in Portuguese women, since its prevalence is probably underestimated. IMPACT STATEMENT What is already known on this subject? Studies on the prevalence of NG and TV have been performed in several developed and developing countries. However, limited data is available in Portuguese women. The detection of NG and TV is necessary because, beside the risk of transmission to sex partners, these STIs may be associated with an increased risk of HIV acquisition and transmission, and ultimately with reproductive, pregnancy and perinatal complications. What do the results of this study add? Our study adds new findings to the body of knowledge on NG and TV prevalence in Portuguese women of reproductive age. As so, we found a low prevalence of both NG (1.3%) and TV (1.0%) in the studied population. What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? Our results may be a step ahead to encourage future nationally representative studies evaluating the prevalence of NG and TV genital infection and, consequently, to clarify the need for screening of these microorganisms. In clinical practice, it should be highlighted the appropriate management of NG and TV infection in specific situations, such as pregnancy. Also, sexual partners must be treated to prevent the recurrences in the index cases and reduce transmission to other partners.
Investigation of SCCmec types I–IV in clinical isolates of methicillin-resistant coagulase-negative staphylococci in Ahvaz, Southwest Iran

Abstract Today methicillin resistant coagulase-negative staphylococci (MR-CoNS) are important in terms of causing significant nosocomial infections. Besides, MR-CoNS are confirmed as the reservoir of SCCmec elements that carry mecA (methicillin-resistant) gene. Hence, the present study was designed to evaluate the susceptibility pattern, prevalence and diversity of SCCmec types I, II, III, and IV in MR-CoNS strains. In this cross-sectional study, 44 clinical isolates of MR-CoNS were identified using the cefoxitin disc method and further confirmation by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of the mecA gene. Antimicrobial susceptibility of isolates was investigated by disc diffusion. The identification of CoNS was done by amplification and sequencing of the tuf gene. Multiplex PCR method was done for the determination of SCCmec types. In the present study, the Staphylococcus epidermidis and Staphylococcus haemolyticus were the most predominant isolates with a prevalence of 45.4%. The highest resistance rates were observed against erythromycin (84.1%) and clindamycin (75%). Multiplex PCR revealed the SCCmec type I as the predominant type in the present study. Our study showed that there was no significant relationship between the presence of different types of SCCmec elements and resistance to antibiotics. The present study highlighted a frequent prevalence of MR-CoNS harboring SCCmec type genes in Ahvaz, southwest of Iran. Thus, the molecular typing and periodical monitoring of their drug resistance pattern should be considered in national stewardship programs to designing useful antibiotic prescription strategies.
Prognostic Value of SDF-1α Expression in Patients with Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Receiving Esophagectomy

Stromal cell-derived factor-1α (SDF-1α) is a chemokine that has been reported to be involved in tumor progression in several malignancies. This study aimed to evaluate the crucial role of SDF-1α in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) who underwent esophagectomy. A total of 169 patients with ESCC were identified, including overexpression of SDF-1α in 60 patients and low expression of SDF-1α in 109 patients by immunohistochemical analysis. Two ESCC cell lines, TE1 and KYSE30, were selected to evaluate the tumor cell proliferative effect of SDF-1α. Univariate and multivariate analyses showed that high tumor (T) status, positive lymph node metastasis, tumors located in the upper esophagus, and SDF-1α overexpression were significantly related to worse disease-free survival and overall survival. In addition, the two cell lines were treated with SDF-1α, AMD3100 (an SDF-1α-ligand receptor antagonist), and chemotherapeutic agents (cisplatin). Our in vitro study results showed that SDF-1α promoted the proliferation of tumor cells, and blocking the SDF-1α pathway displayed a growth inhibition effect in a dose-dependent manner. SDF-1α plays an important role in the progression of ESCC and is an independent prognostic factor for ESCC patients who underwent esophagectomy.
Karyotype characterization of wheat breeding lines carrying resistance genes from Aegilops ventricosa

We have used in situ hybridization combining genomic and repeated DNA fluorescent probes to determine the karyotype composition of two bread wheat introgression lines: H-93-33, which carries the gene H27 for resistance to the Hessian fly M. destructor (Delibes et al. 1997); and H-93-8, carrying the gene Cre2 which confers resistance to the cereal cyst nematode H. avenae (Delibes et al. 1993). Both introgression lines had been derived from an earlier cross between T. aestivum subsp. aestivum (2n=42; genome composition AABBDD) and a semi-fertile hybrid between T. turgidum subsp. turgidum (2n=28; genome composition AABB) and the wild grass Ae. ventricosa (2n=28; genome constitution DvDvN¬vNv). We also have examined several resistant advanced lines that were obtained from H-93-33 (lines ID-2151, ID-2193, Ma-1612-a and Ma-1612-b) or H-93-8 (line ID-2150) after 3 to 5 backcrosses with commercial wheats.
Colorimetric Visualization Using Polymeric Core–Shell Nanoparticles: Enhanced Sensitivity for Formaldehyde Gas Sensors

Although equipment-based gas sensor systems (e.g., high-performance liquid chromatography) have been widely applied for formaldehyde gas detection, pre-treatment and expensive instrumentation are required. To overcome these disadvantages, we developed a colorimetric sensor based on polymer-based core–shell nanoparticles (PCSNPs), which are inexpensive, stable, and exhibit enhanced selectivity. Spherical and uniform poly(styrene-co-maleic anhydride) (PSMA)/polyethyleneimine (PEI) core–shell nanoparticles were prepared and then impregnated with Methyl Red (MR), Bromocresol Purple (BCP), or 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) to construct colorimetric sensors for formaldehyde gas. The intrinsic properties of these dyes were maintained when introduced into the PCSNPs. In the presence of formaldehyde, the MR, BCP, and 4-NP colorimetric sensors changed to yellow, red, and gray, respectively. The colorimetric response was maximized at a PEI/PSMA ratio of four, likely owing to the high content of amine groups. Effective formaldehyde gas detection was achieved at a relative humidity of 30% using the MR colorimetric sensor, which exhibited a large color change (92%) in 1 min. Advantageously, this stable sensor allowed sensitive and rapid naked-eye detection of low formaldehyde concentrations (0.5 ppm). Hence, this approach is promising for real-time formaldehyde gas visualization and can also be adapted to other colorimetric gas sensor systems to improve sensitivity and simplicity.
Results of neoadjuvant chemo(radio)therapy and resection for stage IIIA non-small cell lung cancer in The Netherlands

Abstract Introduction: Concurrent chemoradiotherapy remains the main treatment strategy for patients with stage IIIA non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC); stage cT3N1 or cT4N0-1 may be eligible for surgery and potentially resectable stage IIIA (N2) NSCLC for neoadjuvant therapy followed by resection. We evaluated treatment patterns and outcomes of patients with stage IIIA NSCLC in The Netherlands. Material and Methods: Primary treatment data of patients with clinically staged IIIA NSCLC between 2010 and 2016 were extracted from The Netherlands Cancer Registry. Patient characteristics were tabulated and 5-year overall survival (OS) was calculated and reported. Results: In total, 9,591 patients were diagnosed with stage IIIA NSCLC. Of these patients, 41.3% were treated with chemoradiotherapy, 11.6% by upfront surgery and 428 patients (4.5%) received neoadjuvant treatment followed by resection. The 5-year OS was 26% after chemoradiotherapy, 40% after upfront surgery and 54% after neoadjuvant treatment followed by resection. Clinical over staging was seen in 42.3% of the patients that were operated without neoadjuvant therapy. Conclusion: In The Netherlands, between 2010 and 2016, 4.5% of patients with stage IIIA NSCLC were selected for treatment with neoadjuvant therapy followed by resection. The 5-year OS in these patients exceeded 50%. However, the outcome might be overestimated due to clinical over staging.
Identification and population fluctuation of cabbage pests (Brassica oleracea cv. capitata) and their natural enemies in Acatzingo, Puebla, México.

En la región de Acatzingo, Estado de Puebla, en el ciclo primavera-verano de 2000, se identificaron las plagas de col, su abundancia estacional y sus enemigos naturales. Los insectos plaga asociados a este cultivo fueron Plutella xylostella, Brevicoryne brassicae, Copitarsia consueta, Trichoplusia ni, Estigmene acraea, Murgantia histrionica, Lygus sp. , Hylemya sp. , y Liriomyza sp. Las especies más abundantes fueron B. brassicae (49.65 insectos/ planta), P. xylostella (4.5 insectos/planta) y C. consueta (0.48 insectos/planta). Fueron identificados los parasitoides Diadegma insulare, Diaretiella rapae y Voria ruralis, así como los depredadores Hippodamia convergens, Allograpta sp. y el entomopatógeno Zoophthora radicans como agentes naturales de control biológico.
On the Use of Correlation and MI as a Measure of Metabolite—Metabolite Association for Network Differential Connectivity Analysis

Metabolite differential connectivity analysis has been successful in investigating potential molecular mechanisms underlying different conditions in biological systems. Correlation and Mutual Information (MI) are two of the most common measures to quantify association and for building metabolite—metabolite association networks and to calculate differential connectivity. In this study, we investigated the performance of correlation and MI to identify significantly differentially connected metabolites. These association measures were compared on (i) 23 publicly available metabolomic data sets and 7 data sets from other fields, (ii) simulated data with known correlation structures, and (iii) data generated using a dynamic metabolic model to simulate real-life observed metabolite concentration profiles. In all cases, we found more differentially connected metabolites when using correlation indices as a measure for association than MI. We also observed that different MI estimation algorithms resulted in difference in performance when applied to data generated using a dynamic model. We concluded that there is no significant benefit in using MI as a replacement for standard Pearson’s or Spearman’s correlation when the application is to quantify and detect differentially connected metabolites.
Ethical aspects of the COVID-19 crisis: How to deal with an overwhelming shortage of acute beds

The current outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 has and continues to put huge pressure on intensive care units (ICUs) worldwide. Many patients with COVID-19 require some form of respiratory support and often have prolonged ICU stays, which results in a critical shortage of ICU beds. It is therefore not always physically possible to treat all the patients who require intensive care, raising major ethical dilemmas related to which patients should benefit from the limited resources and which should not. Here we consider some of the approaches to the acute shortages seen during this and other epidemics, including some guidelines for triaging ICU admissions and treatments.
Effect of Basil Leaves and Wheat Bran Water Extracts on Antioxidant Capacity, Sensory Properties and Microbiological Quality of Shredded Iceberg Lettuce during Storage

The effect of basil leaf (BLE) and wheat bran (WBE) extracts (potent anti-browning agents), on the phenolic content, antioxidant potential, microbiological quality, and consumer quality of shredded lettuce during storage were studied. Treatment of lettuce with increasing concentrations of BLE proportionally increased the total phenolic content and antioxidant properties. Compared to the control, the treatment enhanced the antiradical properties. This was especially visible during the analysis of the chemical extracts, while this effect was not retained in the potentially bioaccessible fraction. In the lettuce stored for 8 days, the highest reducing potential and ability to quench radicals were observed in samples treated with 1% BLE—33 mg Trolox equivalent/g d.m. and 2.8 mg Trolox equivalent/g d.m. , respectively. Compounds exhibiting antiradical properties were easily bioaccessible in vitro. There was no negative effect of the treatments on the consumer quality. Most importantly, after 8 days of storage, lettuce treated with the studied extract, except 10% WBE, had higher microbiological quality. After 8-day storage, the coliforms count was reduced by 84% and 88% in samples treated with 0.5% BLE and 10% WBE, respectively. In conclusion, treatments of shredded lettuce with BLE and WBE maintain or even improve its quality during storage.
Pulmonary complications for women with sickle cell disease in pregnancy: systematic review and meta-analysis

Background Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a multisystem disease characterised by vaso-occlusive crisis, chronic anaemia and a shorter lifespan. More patients with SCD are living till reproductive age and contemplating pregnancy. Pulmonary complications in pregnancy are significant causes of maternal morbidity and mortality but yet this has not been systematically quantified. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to quantify the association between SCD and pulmonary complications in pregnancy. Methods MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane and Maternity and Infant Care databases were searched for publications between January 1998 and April 2019. Observational studies involving at least 30 participants were included. Random-effects models were used for statistical meta-analysis. Findings Twenty-two studies were included in the systematic review and 18 in the quantitative analysis. The meta-analysis included 3964 pregnancies with SCD and 336 559 controls. Compared with women without SCD, pregnancies complicated by SCD were at increased risk of pulmonary thromboembolism (relative risk (RR) 7.74; 95% CI 4.65 to 12.89). The estimated prevalence of acute chest syndrome and pneumonia was 6.46% (95% CI 4.66% to 8.25%), with no significant difference between the HbSS and HbSC genotypes (RR 1.42; 95% CI 0.90 to 2.23). Interpretation This meta-analysis highlighted a strong association between SCD and maternal pulmonary complications. Understanding the risks of and the factors associated with pulmonary complications would aid preconceptual counselling and optimal management of the condition in pregnancy, thereby reducing associated maternal morbidity and mortality. PROSPERO registration number CRD42019124708.
Reduced risk for chronic kidney disease after recovery from metabolic syndrome: A nationwide population-based study

Background Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is linked to various chronic comorbidities, including chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, few large studies have addressed whether recovery from MetS is associated with reduction in the risks of such comorbidities. Methods This nationwide population-based study in Korea screened 10,664,268 people who received national health screening ≥ 3 times between 2012 and 2016. Those with a history of major cardiovascular events or preexisting CKD were excluded. We classified study groups into four, according to the course of MetS state, as defined by the harmonizing criteria. The main study outcome was incidental CKD (estimated glomerular filtration rate < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 which was persistent until the last health exams). The study outcomes were investigated using multivariable logistic regression analysis, which was adjusted for clinical variables and the previous severity of MetS. Results Four study groups included 6,315,301 subjects: 4,537,869 people without MetS, 1,034,605 with chronic MetS, 438,287 who developed MetS, and 304,540 who recovered from preexisting MetS. Those who developed MetS demonstrated higher risk of CKD (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 1.26 [1.23-1.29]) than did those who did not develop MetS. In contrast, MetS-recovery was associated with decreased risk of CKD (adjusted OR, 0.84 [0.82-0.86]) than that in people with chronic MetS. Among the MetS components, change in hypertension was associated with the largest difference in CKD risk. Conclusion Reducing or preventing MetS may reduce the burden of CKD on a population-scale. Clinicians should consider the clinical importance of altering MetS status for risk of CKD.