Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Which Company Characteristics Make a Food Business at Risk for Food Fraud?

Fraud can happen to any food business, but some sectors show more historical evidence of food fraud than others. This may be due to particular company characteristics that affect a company’s level of vulnerability. In the current study, we examined the relevance of the industry segment, business size, and location of food businesses on their food fraud vulnerabilities. Over 8000 food fraud vulnerability self-assessments conducted by food businesses active in 20 industry segments located in five continents were collected and the data analyzed. Results revealed that a company’s industry segment (chain and tier) affects its fraud vulnerability greatly and to a larger extent than the size of the business. The effect of industry segment on fraud vulnerability appears fairly similar across continents, whereas the effect of business size exhibits large geographical variation. The results demonstrate that those involved in animal product supply chains and end of chain nodes (catering, retail) are most vulnerable, and so are larger businesses, and businesses located in Africa and Asia. Current results imply that company characteristics are important determinants of the level of fraud vulnerability, and they may be used reversely in the future, i.e., as predictors of vulnerability.
The Relationship between Physical Activity, Self-Perceived Health, and Cognitive Function in Older Adults

There are consistent associations between physical activity and self-perceived health. However, it is not clear whether associations between self-perceived health and participation in physical activity could be accounted for by associations with cognitive function. In the present study, we examined whether associations between physical activity and cognitive functioning could explain the variability between physical activity and self-perceived health. A sample of 204 older adults performed three cognitive tests selected from the Vienna test system battery: The Determination, Cognitrone, and Visual Memory tests. These tests measure general processing speed, attention, and visual memory, respectively. Participants also completed the 12-item Short Form Health Questionnaire SF-12 to measure perceived health, and the Physical Activity Survey for the Elderly to measure physical activity. Linear regressions and the PROCESS macro for SPSS were used to test our hypotheses. Consistent with our hypotheses, processing speed accounted for significant variance in the relationship between physical activity and self-perceived health. This suggests that cognitive processing speed might be an indirect path by which physical activity relates to enhanced health perceptions. The results demonstrate that associations between physical activity and self-perceptions of health are related to a fundamental cognitive process.
Perioperative ABO Blood Group Isoagglutinin Titer and the Risk of Acute Kidney Injury after ABO-Incompatible Living Donor Liver Transplantation

For ABO-incompatible liver transplantation (ABO-i LT), therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) is performed preoperatively to reduce the isoagglutinin titer of anti-ABO blood type antibodies. We evaluated whether perioperative high isoagglutinin titer is associated with postoperative risk of acute kidney injury (AKI). In 130 cases of ABO-i LT, we collected immunoglobulin (Ig) G and Ig M isoagglutinin titers of baseline, pre-LT, and postoperative peak values. These values were compared between the patients with and without postoperative AKI. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the association between perioperative isoagglutinin titers and postoperative AKI. Clinical and graft-related outcomes were compared between high and low baseline and postoperative peak isoagglutinin groups. The incidence of AKI was 42.3%. Preoperative baseline and postoperative peak isoagglutinin titers of both Ig M and Ig G were significantly higher in the patients with AKI than those without AKI. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that preoperative baseline and postoperative peak Ig M isoagglutinin titers were significantly associated with the risk of AKI (baseline: odds ratio 1.06, 95% confidence interval 1.02 to 1.09; postoperative peak: odds ratio 1.08, 95% confidence interval 1.04 to 1.13). Cubic spline function curves show a positive relationship between the baseline and postoperative peak isoagglutinin titers and the risk of AKI. Clinical outcomes other than AKI were not significantly different according to the baseline and postoperative peak isoagglutinin titers. Preoperative high initial and postoperative peak Ig M isoagglutinin titers were significantly associated with the development of AKI. As the causal relationship between high isoagglutinin titers and risk of AKI is unclear, the high baseline and postoperative isoagglutinin titers could be used simply as a warning sign for the risk of AKI after liver transplantation.
Biocompatibility of a HA/β-TCP/C Scaffold as a Pulp-Capping Agent for Vital Pulp Treatment: An In Vivo Study in Rat Molars

Bioceramic materials possess desirable biological properties, highlighting their non-reactivity and osteoconductivity. Their use has been extended in vital pulp treatment. The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the effects of beta-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP), hydroxyapatite (HA), and collagen (C) scaffold with mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) on the vital pulp of rat molars. Thirty-two molars of Sprague–Dawley rats underwent direct pulp capping with β-TCP/HA/C (n = 16) and MTA (n = 16). After 30 days, the following parameters were evaluated in the tested samples: the degree of pulp inflammation and pulp vitality, the presence of reparative dentin, the homogeneity of the odontoblastic layer, and the presence of pulp fibrosis. No statistically significant differences were observed between HA/β-TCP/C and MTA in terms of the degree of inflammation (p = 0.124). Significant differences were found in reparative dentin formation between the treatment groups (p = 0.0005). Dentin bridge formation was observed in the MTA-treated group. The local action of HA/β-TCP/C is similar to that of MTA when used as an agent for pulp vital treatment in terms of absence of inflammation and maintenance of pulp vitality, although there are significant differences between both materials regarding the formation of dentin bridges.
Interstitial Score and Concentrations of IL-4Rα, PAR-2, and MMP-7 in Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid Could Be Useful Markers for Distinguishing Idiopathic Interstitial Pneumonias

Idiopathic interstitial pneumonia (IIP) entails a variable group of lung diseases of unknown etiology. Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, nonspecific interstitial pneumonia, interstitial lung diseases related to connective tissue disease (CTD-ILD), and hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) can manifest with similar clinical, radiological, and histopathological features. In a differential diagnosis, biomarkers can play a significant role. We assume that levels of specific cyto- or chemokines or their receptors can signal pathogenetic processes in the lungs. Eighty patients with different types of idiopathic interstitial pneumonia were enrolled in this study. Cell counts and concentrations of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin-4 receptor α, proteinase-activated receptor (PAR)-2, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-7, and B cell-activating factor were measured in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid using commercial ELISA kits. High resolution computer tomography results were evaluated using alveolar and interstitial (IS) score scales. Levels of TNF-α were significantly higher in HP compared to fibrosing IIP (p < 0.0001) and CTD-ILD (p = 0.0381). Concentrations of IL-4Rα, PAR-2, and MMP-7 were positively correlated with IS (p = 0.0009; p = 0.0256; p = 0.0015, respectively). Since TNF-α plays a major role in inflammation, our results suggest that HP is predominantly an inflammatory disease. From the positive correlation with IS we believe that IL-4Rα, PAR-2, and MMP-7 could serve as fibroproliferative biomarkers in differential diagnosis of IIP.
Generation of Antibodies against Foot-and-Mouth-Disease Virus Capsid Protein VP4 Using Hepatitis B Core VLPs as a Scaffold

The picornavirus foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) is the causative agent of the economically important disease of livestock, foot-and-mouth disease (FMD). VP4 is a highly conserved capsid protein, which is important during virus entry. Previous published work has shown that antibodies targeting the N-terminus of VP4 of the picornavirus human rhinovirus are broadly neutralising. In addition, previous studies showed that immunisation with the N-terminal 20 amino acids of enterovirus A71 VP4 displayed on the hepatitis B core (HBc) virus-like particles (VLP) can induce cross-genotype neutralisation. To investigate if a similar neutralising response against FMDV VP4 could be generated, HBc VLPs displaying the N-terminus of FMDV VP4 were designed. The N-terminal 15 amino acids of FMDV VP4 was inserted into the major immunodominant region. HBc VLPs were also decorated with peptides of the N-terminus of FMDV VP4 attached using a HBc-spike binding tag. Both types of VLPs were used to immunise mice and the resulting serum was investigated for VP4-specific antibodies. The VLP with VP4 inserted into the spike, induced VP4-specific antibodies, however the VLPs with peptides attached to the spikes did not. The VP4-specific antibodies could recognise native FMDV, but virus neutralisation was not demonstrated. This work shows that the HBc VLP presents a useful tool for the presentation of FMDV capsid epitopes.
Antimicrobial Use in Animals in Timor-Leste Based on Veterinary Antimicrobial Imports between 2016 and 2019

Monitoring veterinary antimicrobial use is part of the global strategy to tackle antimicrobial resistance. The purpose of this study was to quantify veterinary antimicrobials imported into Timor-Leste between 2016 and 2019 and describe the antimicrobial import profile of importers. Data were obtained from import applications received by the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (MAF) of Timor-Leste. Import quantities were analysed by antimicrobial class, importance for human medicine, recommended route of administration and type of importer. An average of 57.4 kg (s.d. 31.0 kg) and 0.55 mg/kg (s.d. 0.27 mg/kg) animal biomass of antimicrobials was imported per year. Tetracyclines (35.5%), penicillins (23.7%), and macrolides (15.9%) were the commonly imported antimicrobial classes. Antimicrobials imported for parenteral administration were most common (60.1%). MAF was the largest importer (52.4%). Most of the critically important antimicrobials for human medicine were imported by poultry farms for oral administration and use for growth promotion could not be ruled out. In conclusion, the use of antimicrobials in animals in Timor-Leste is very low, in keeping with its predominantly subsistence agriculture system. Farmer education, development of treatment guidelines, and strengthening of the veterinary service is important for addressing the potential future misuse of antimicrobials especially in the commercial poultry industry.
Stability of Imprinting and Differentiation Capacity in Naïve Human Cells Induced by Chemical Inhibition of CDK8 and CDK19

Pluripotent stem cells can be stabilized in vitro at different developmental states by the use of specific chemicals and soluble factors. The naïve and primed states are the best characterized pluripotency states. Naïve pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) correspond to the early pre-implantation blastocyst and, in mice, constitute the optimal starting state for subsequent developmental applications. However, the stabilization of human naïve PSCs remains challenging because, after short-term culture, most current methods result in karyotypic abnormalities, aberrant DNA methylation patterns, loss of imprinting and severely compromised developmental potency. We have recently developed a novel method to induce and stabilize naïve human PSCs that consists in the simple addition of a chemical inhibitor for the closely related CDK8 and CDK19 kinases (CDK8/19i). Long-term cultured CDK8/19i-naïve human PSCs preserve their normal karyotype and do not show widespread DNA demethylation. Here, we investigate the long-term stability of allele-specific methylation at imprinted loci and the differentiation potency of CDK8/19i-naïve human PSCs. We report that long-term cultured CDK8/19i-naïve human PSCs retain the imprinting profile of their parental primed cells, and imprints are further retained upon differentiation in the context of teratoma formation. We have also tested the capacity of long-term cultured CDK8/19i-naïve human PSCs to differentiate into primordial germ cell (PGC)-like cells (PGCLCs) and trophoblast stem cells (TSCs), two cell types that are accessible from the naïve state. Interestingly, long-term cultured CDK8/19i-naïve human PSCs differentiated into PGCLCs with a similar efficiency to their primed counterparts. Also, long-term cultured CDK8/19i-naïve human PSCs were able to differentiate into TSCs, a transition that was not possible for primed PSCs. We conclude that inhibition of CDK8/19 stabilizes human PSCs in a functional naïve state that preserves imprinting and potency over long-term culture.
Radical Resection for Locally Advanced Pancreatic Cancers in the Era of New Neoadjuvant Therapy—Arterial Resection, Arterial Divestment and Total Pancreatectomy

Simple Summary Aggressive arterial resection or total pancreatectomy in surgical treatment for locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC) has gradually been encouraged thanks to new chemotherapy regimens such as FOLFIRINOX or Gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel, which have provided more adequate patient selection and local tumor suppression, justifying aggressive local resection. The development of surgical techniques provides the safety of arterial resection (AR) for even major visceral arteries, such as the celiac axis or superior mesenteric artery. Total pancreatectomy has been re-evaluated as an effective option to balance both the local control and postoperative safety. In this review, we investigate the recent reports focusing on arterial resection and total pancreatectomy for locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC) and discuss the rationale of such an aggressive approach in the treatment of PC. Abstract Aggressive arterial resection (AR) or total pancreatectomy (TP) in surgical treatment for locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC) had long been discouraged because of their high mortality rate and unsatisfactory long-term outcomes. Recently, new chemotherapy regimens such as FOLFIRINOX or Gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel have provided more adequate patient selection and local tumor suppression, justifying aggressive local resection. In this review, we investigate the recent reports focusing on arterial resection and total pancreatectomy for LAPC and discuss the rationale of such an aggressive approach in the treatment of PC. AR for LAPCs is divided into three, according to the target vessel. The hepatic artery resection is the simplest one, and the reconstruction methods comprise end-to-end, graft or transposition, and no reconstruction. Celiac axis resection is mainly done with distal pancreatectomy, which allows collateral arterial supply to the liver via the pancreas head. Resection of the superior mesenteric artery is increasingly reported, though its rationale is still controversial. Total pancreatectomy has been re-evaluated as an effective option to balance both the local control and postoperative safety. In conclusion, more and more aggressive pancreatectomy has become justified by the principle of total neoadjuvant therapy. Further technical standardization and optimal neoadjuvant strategy are mandatory for the global dissemination of aggressive pancreatectomies.
A Latent Class Analysis of Gender Attitudes and Their Associations with Intimate Partner Violence and Mental Health in the Democratic Republic of Congo

Gender role attitudes, views held by individuals regarding the roles men and women should play in society, are a powerful social determinant of health. However, work remains in elucidating the associations between gender attitudes and intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetration or victimization and mental health problems. We used latent class analysis to classify patterns of responses on survey items on gender attitudes by male and female adults in households that participated in an economic empowerment intervention and evaluation in rural villages in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Attitudes about IPV and gender equality were two subdomains to emerge from analysis and a 3-class model solution was found to best fit response patterns. Results indicated that, as compared to the least gender equitable class, individuals in the moderately gender equitable and fully gender equitable classes had lower odds of having experienced or perpetrated psychological abuse. Individuals within the moderately gender equitable class were at lower odds of having experienced or perpetrated physical or sexual violence. Further, individuals in the moderately gender equitable and fully gender equitable classes had significantly lower mean scores on symptoms associated with PTSD than individuals in the least gender equitable class. Future research should explore the relationships between gender attitudes, partner violence and mental health to build resilient families.
Ochratoxin A Induces Oxidative Stress in HepG2 Cells by Impairing the Gene Expression of Antioxidant Enzymes

Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a mycotoxin frequently found in raw and processed foods. While it is considered a possible human carcinogen, the mechanism of action remains unclear. OTA has been shown to be hepatotoxic in both in vitro and in vivo models and oxidative stress may be one of the factors contributing to its toxicity. Hence, the effect of OTA on human hepatocellular carcinoma, HepG2 cells, was investigated on oxidative stress parameters. The cytotoxicity of OTA on HepG2 was time- and dose-dependent within a range between 0.1 and 10 µM; while 100 μM of OTA increased the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) in a time-dependent manner. Additionally, the levels of glutathione (GSH) were increased by 9.7% and 11.3% at 10 and 100 nM of OTA, respectively; while OTA at 100 μM depleted GSH by 40.5% after 24 h exposure compared with the control. Finally, the mRNA level of catalase (CAT) was downregulated by 2.33-, 1.92-, and 1.82-fold after cells were treated with 1, 10, and 10 μM OTA for 24 h, respectively; which was linked to a decrease in CAT enzymatic activity. These results suggest that oxidative stress is involved in OTA-mediated toxicity in HepG2 cells.
Synthesis, Biological Evaluation, and Molecular Modeling of Aza-Crown Ethers

Synthetic and natural ionophores have been developed to catalyze ion transport and have been shown to exhibit a variety of biological effects. We synthesized 24 aza- and diaza-crown ethers containing adamantyl, adamantylalkyl, aminomethylbenzoyl, and ε-aminocaproyl substituents and analyzed their biological effects in vitro. Ten of the compounds (8, 10–17, and 21) increased intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i) in human neutrophils, with the most potent being compound 15 (N,N’-bis[2-(1-adamantyl)acetyl]-4,10-diaza-15-crown-5), suggesting that these compounds could alter normal neutrophil [Ca2+]i flux. Indeed, a number of these compounds (i.e., 8, 10–17, and 21) inhibited [Ca2+]i flux in human neutrophils activated by N-formyl peptide (fMLF). Some of these compounds also inhibited chemotactic peptide-induced [Ca2+]i flux in HL60 cells transfected with N-formyl peptide receptor 1 or 2 (FPR1 or FPR2). In addition, several of the active compounds inhibited neutrophil reactive oxygen species production induced by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) and neutrophil chemotaxis toward fMLF, as both of these processes are highly dependent on regulated [Ca2+]i flux. Quantum chemical calculations were performed on five structure-related diaza-crown ethers and their complexes with Ca2+, Na+, and K+ to obtain a set of molecular electronic properties and to correlate these properties with biological activity. According to density-functional theory (DFT) modeling, Ca2+ ions were more effectively bound by these compounds versus Na+ and K+. The DFT-optimized structures of the ligand-Ca2+ complexes and quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) analysis showed that the carbonyl oxygen atoms of the N,N’-diacylated diaza-crown ethers participated in cation binding and could play an important role in Ca2+ transfer. Thus, our modeling experiments provide a molecular basis to explain at least part of the ionophore mechanism of biological action of aza-crown ethers.
The Role of Bifidobacteria in Predictive and Preventive Medicine: A Focus on Eczema and Hypercholesterolemia

Bifidobacteria colonize the human gastrointestinal tract early on in life, their interaction with the host starting soon after birth. The health benefits are strain specific and could be due to the produced polysaccharides. The consumption of probiotics may prevent obesity, irritable bowel syndrome, eczema or atopic dermatitis, and asthma. Non-replicative strains of Bifidobacterium longum (NCC3001 and NCC2705) promote the differentiation of normal human epidermal keratinocytes (NHEKs), inducing a high expression of differentiation markers (keratin —KRT1—, and transglutaminase —TGM1—) and pro-regeneration markers (cathepsins), including β-defensin-1, which plays an important role in modulating the cutaneous immune response. Strains belonging to the genera Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus can increase tight-junction proteins in NHEKs and enhance barrier function. Bifidobacteria and lactobacilli may be used as prophylactic or therapeutic agents towards enteric pathogens, antibiotic-associated diarrhea, lactose intolerance, ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, colorectal cancer, cholesterol reduction, and control of obesity and metabolic disorders. Bifidobacterium bifidum showed an in vitro capability of lowering cholesterol levels thanks to its absorption into the bacterial membrane. Several strains of the species Lactobacillus acidophilus, L. delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus, L. casei, and L. gasseri led to a reduced amount of serum cholesterol due to their ability to assimilate cholesterol (in vitro). Lactococcus lactis KF147 and Lactobacillus plantarum Lp81 have also been shown to reduce cholesterol levels by 12%. Clarifying the specific health mechanisms of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus strains in preventing high-cost pathologies could be useful for delineating effective guidelines for the treatment of infants and adults.
Resettlement Stressors for Women of Refugee Background Resettled in Regional Australia

Women of Refugee Background (WoRB) have been repeatedly identified as an extremely vulnerable population. Within an Australian context, WoRB are increasingly resettled to non-metropolitan locations, otherwise known as regional locations. Despite this, to date, no research has focused on the lived experience and challenges associated with the resettlement of WoRB to regional contexts. This study aimed to address this gap in the literature by investigating the resettlement experience of WoRB resettled in Tasmania—a state in Australia classified as a rural and regional location. Qualitative interviews were conducted with a group of 21 individuals (nine WoRB and 12 service providers). Thematic analysis identified four overarching themes—Communication Barriers and Lack of Fluency in English, Challenges Accessing Everyday Basic Needs, Loss of Connection to Culture of Origin and Inability to Access Mainstream Mental Health Services for Help. Participants also highlighted a number of unique gender-related vulnerabilities experienced during resettlement, which were exacerbated in regional locations due to health services being overstretched and under-resourced. Results of the current study are discussed in regard to policy and practical implications, taking into consideration the unique vulnerabilities experienced by WoRB, which, to date, are often overlooked.