Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparison and Evaluation of Prelens Tear Film Stability by Different Noninvasive in vivo Methods

Purpose Prelens tear film stability of soft contact lens (SCL) play an important role for contact lens discomfort. In this study, we investigated the association between two types of noninvasive methods and evaluated the tear film stability with SCL using the methods. Patients and Methods In experiment 1, images of ring mire were recorded with a keratograph after focusing the pigment located at the front or back of the SCL. Interferometry and videokeratoscopy were used for the assessment of tear film stability in the right eye of 10 women, with two different cosmetic daily disposable SCLs: polymacon and etafilcon A with polyvinylpyrrolidone. Time to first distortion by noninvasive keratograph break up time (NIKBUT-first) was compared to noninvasive interferometry break up time (NIBUT). In experiment 2, ten normal females wore two different daily disposable SCLs: samfilcon A and narafilcon A. NIKBUT-first and NIBUT were compared between the lenses after 8 hours of SCL wearing. Results In experiment 1, NIBUT-first without SCL was significantly correlated to NIBUT without SCL (r=0.445, P=0.0488, Pearson’s correlation coefficients). However, NIKBUT-first with SCL was not significantly correlated with NIBUT with SCL. In experiment 2, although NIKBUT-first was not significantly different between SCLs, samfilcon A had significantly longer NIBUT than narafilcon A (P=0.0315, paired t-test). Conclusion NIKBUT-first with SCL could be related to tear film stability between the lens and the corneal surface, but not to prelens tear film stability. NIIBUT could be a suitable method to evaluate prelens tear stability.
Effectiveness of a Program Combining Strengthening, Stretching, and Aerobic Training Exercises in a Standing versus a Sitting Position in Overweight Subjects with Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Controlled Trial

There is an increasing incidence, prevalence, and burden of knee osteoarthritis due to a global increase in obesity and an aging population. The aim of the present study was to compare the effectiveness of the addition of aerobic exercises performed in an unloaded or loaded position to a conventional exercise program in overweight subjects with knee osteoarthritis. Twenty-four subjects were randomly allocated to receive 36 sessions of 30-min duration of either sitting aerobic exercises (experimental group) or standing aerobic exercises (control group). Pain intensity, knee disability, and quality-of-life data were collected at baseline and at 12, 24, and 36 sessions. Generalized linear mixed models (GLMMs) were constructed for the analysis of the differences. Significant differences were found in the experimental group for self-reported pain and knee pain and disability at 24 and 36 sessions (p < 0.05). Significant between-group differences were observed in change in self-reported knee pain and disability and quality of life from baseline to 24th- and 36th-session measurements in favor of the experimental group. Adherence to treatment was higher in the experimental group. Adding aerobic exercises in an unloaded position to a conventional exercise program produced superior effects over time for self-reported knee pain, knee pain and disability and quality of life compared to loaded aerobic exercises in overweight subjects with knee osteoarthritis.
Ouabain and Digoxin Activate the Proteasome and the Degradation of the ERα in Cells Modeling Primary and Metastatic Breast Cancer

Simple Summary Breast cancer (BC) treatment relies on the detection of the estrogen receptor α (ERα). ERα-expressing BC patients are treated with anti-estrogen drugs (i.e., tamoxifen and fulvestrant). Despite their proven efficacy, these drugs cause serious side effects in a significant fraction of the patients, including both tumor insurgence in secondary organs, and resistant phenotypes, which result in a relapsing disease with scarce treatment options. Thus, new drugs for treatment of primary and metastatic BC (MBC) are needed. Here, we report the characterization of two cardiac glycosides (CGs) (i.e., ouabain and digoxin), approved by the FDA for treatment of heart disease, as novel ‘anti-estrogen’-like drugs. We found that these drugs induce ERα degradation, and prevent the proliferation of cellular models of primary and metastatic BC cells. Remarkably, we discovered that these CGs are activators of the proteasome, and therefore may be repurposed for treatment not only of BC, but also for other proteasome-based diseases. Abstract Estrogen receptor α expressing breast cancers (BC) are classically treated with endocrine therapy. Prolonged endocrine therapy often results in a metastatic disease (MBC), for which a standardized effective therapy is still lacking. Thus, new drugs are required for primary and metastatic BC treatment. Here, we report that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drugs, ouabain and digoxin, induce ERα degradation and prevent proliferation in cells modeling primary and metastatic BC. Ouabain and digoxin activate the cellular proteasome, instigating ERα degradation, which causes the inhibition of 17β-estradiol signaling, induces the cell cycle blockade in the G2 phase, and triggers apoptosis. Remarkably, these effects are independent of the inhibition of the Na/K pump. The antiproliferative effects of ouabain and digoxin occur also in diverse cancer models (i.e., tumor spheroids and xenografts). Additionally, gene profiling analysis reveals that these drugs downregulate the expression of genes related to endocrine therapy resistance. Therefore, ouabain and digoxin behave as ‘anti-estrogen’-like drugs, and are appealing candidates for the treatment of primary and metastatic BCs.
Prevalence of Anemia and Its Associated Factors Among Adult Diabetes Mellitus Patients at Debre Tabor General Hospital, Northcentral Ethiopia

Background Diabetes mellitus is a cluster of metabolic disorders which is characterized by hyperglycemia. The occurrence of anaemia is a significant public health problem among diabetic patients because of complication and dietary modifications. So, this study aimed to assess the magnitude of anaemia among adult diabetes mellitus patients in Debre Tabor General Hospital, Ethiopia. Methods A cross-sectional study design was conducted. A simple random sampling technique was employed to collect data from 297 adult diabetic mellitus patients. After taking venous blood, the haemoglobin level was determined by using HemoCue 301 machine. Anaemia among diabetic patients was determined by using the haemoglobin level (<13.0g/dL for male and <12.0g/dL for female). Data were entered using EpiInfo version 7.2 and analyzed using SPSS version 21. The binary logistic regression model was used to explore the association of independent variables with anaemia. Finally, p-value <0.05 was used to declare the level of statistical significance. Results The prevalence of anemia among diabetic patient was 29.81% (95% CI: 24.27, 35.35). Diabetic patients unable to read and write (AOR = 3.51, 95% CI: 1.40, 8.75), able to read and write (AOR = 9.76, 95% CI: 3.15, 30.24), ≥4 family size (AOR = 0.53, 95% CI: 0.29, 0.99), intake of flesh meat (AOR=0.19, 95% CI: 0.05, 0.74), and parasitic infections (AOR = 0.26, 95% CI: 0.07, 0.95) were more likely to develop anemia. Conclusion Anemia is a moderate public health problem among diabetic patients. Here, educational status, family size, intake of flesh meat, and intestinal parasite infections were the factors associated with the development of anaemia. So, working on these significant factors by health care providers during routine care is vital to prevent anaemia among diabetic patients.
Differences in Diet Quality between School Lunch Participants and Nonparticipants in the United States by Income and Race

Prior research has shown that participation in the United States’ National School Lunch Program (NSLP) is associated with consuming higher-quality lunches and diets overall, but little is known about differences by income and race/ethnicity. This analysis used 24 h dietary recall data from the School Nutrition and Meal Cost Study to examine how NSLP participation affects the diet quality of students in different income and racial/ethnic subgroups. Diet quality at lunch and over 24 h was assessed using the Healthy Eating Index (HEI)-2010, where higher scores indicate higher-quality intakes. HEI-2010 scores for NSLP participants and nonparticipants in each subgroup were estimated, and two-tailed t-tests were conducted to determine whether participant–nonparticipant differences in scores within each subgroup were statistically significant. NSLP participants’ lunches received significantly higher total HEI-2010 scores than those of nonparticipants for lower-income, higher-income, non-Hispanic White, and non-Hispanic Black students, suggesting that participating in the NSLP helps most students consume healthier lunches. These significantly higher total scores for participants’ lunch intakes persisted over 24 h for higher-income students and non-Hispanic White students but not for lower-income students or students of other races/ethnicities. For NSLP participants in all subgroups, the nutritional quality of their 24 h intakes was much lower than at lunch, suggesting that the positive influence of the NSLP on their overall diet quality was negatively influenced by foods consumed the rest of the day (outside of lunch).
Identification of BELL Transcription Factors Involved in Nodule Initiation and Development in the Legumes Pisum sativum and Medicago truncatula

Single three-amino acid loop extension (TALE) homeodomain proteins, including the KNOTTED-like (KNOX) and BEL-like (BELL) families in plants, usually work as heterodimeric transcription factor complexes to regulate different developmental processes, often via effects on phytohormonal pathways. Nitrogen-fixing nodule formation in legumes is regulated by different families of homeodomain transcription factors. Whereas the role of KNOX transcription factors in the control of symbiosis was studied early, BELL transcription factors have received less attention. Here, we report the identification and expression analysis of BELL genes in the legume plants Medicago truncatula and Pisum sativum, which are involved in regulating symbiosis initiation and development. A more precise analysis was performed for the most significantly upregulated PsBELL1-2 gene in pea. We found that the PsBELL1-2 transcription factor could be a potential partner of PsKNOX9. In addition, we showed that PsBELL1-2 can interact with the PsDELLA1 (LA) protein-regulator of the gibberellin pathway, which has a previously demonstrated important role in symbiosis development.
In vitro Interactions between Streptococcus intermedius and Streptococcus salivarius K12 on a Titanium Cylindrical Surface

Peri-implantitis is a steadily rising disease and is caused by oral bacterial pathogens able to form biofilm on implant surfaces and peri-implant tissues, making antibiotics treatment less effective. The use of commercial probiotics against oral pathogens could serve as an alternative to prevent biofilm formation. Streptococcus intermedius is one of the early colonizers of biofilm formation in dental implants. The aim of this study was to model the interaction between S. intermedius and Streptococcus salivarius strain K12, a probiotic bacterium producing bacteriocins. S. intermedius was co-cultured with S. salivarius K12 in an in vitro model simulating the biofilm formation in a dental implant composed by a titanium cylinder system. Biofilm formation rate was assessed by Real-Time PCR quantification of bacterial count and expression levels of luxS gene, used in response to cell density in the biofilm. Biofilm formation, bacteriocin production, luxS expression patterns were found to be already expressed within the first 12 h. More importantly, S. salivarius K12 was able to counter the biofilm formation in a titanium cylinder under the tested condition. In conclusion, our dental implant model may be useful for exploring probiotic-pathogen interaction to find an alternative to antibiotics for peri-implantitis treatment.
Phytoplankton composition with an emphasis of Cyanobacteria and their toxins as an indicator for the ecological status of Lake Vaya (Bulgaria) – part of the Via Pontica migration route

Abstract As producers of biomass, cyanobacteria are a major part of the phytoplankton in a large number of water basins. Due to the cyanobacterial blooms and cyanotoxins produced, these organisms are recognized as a threat and ecological risk for water bodies. Released cyanotoxins may cause death of many organisms including birds and fish. Vaya Lake is the largest natural lake in Bulgaria. It is located on the Via Pontica migration route of birds between Europe and Africa. Since 2003, the lake has been declared as a "Wetland of international importance” under the Ramsar Convention. According to the literature data from 2002-2006, the Lake is defined as highly eutrophied due to strong anthropogenic pressure, but regular monitoring of the cyanobacterial blooms and presence of cyanotoxins after this period is missing. Taking into account the importance of this unique, protected ecosystem, our aim was to make a complete ecological assessment of the present state of Lake Vaya by using the phytoplankton, with an emphasis on cyanobacterial blooms and the presence of cyanotoxins. As results of the study, we 1) characterized the phytoplankton composition qualitatively and quantitatively; 2) evaluated the ecological status of the western and eastern part of the Lake; 3) identified the potential producers of cyanotoxins; 4) observed cyanobacterial blooms and discussed the influence of macrophytes on their spread; 5) measured the concentrations of the cyanotoxins MCs, CYL and STXs in water samples from both parts of the Lake. Our results indicated the need for continued observation of cyanobacterial composition, blooming and the presence of cyanotoxins in Lake Vaya.
Preparation of Apatite-Containing Calcium Phosphate Glass-Ceramics

A new type of glass-ceramic for novel dental fillers, which require excellent chemical durability, was investigated. A 40CaO-5CaF2-25TiO2-30P2O5 (in mol%) glass-ceramic was newly suggested. The glass-ceramic was prepared by a conventional two-step heating method. The resulting glass-ceramic included Nasicontype-CaTi4(PO4)6, titanium phosphates, such as (TiO)2P2O7 and Ti(PO3)3, and TiO2 (anatase) with apatite crystal, which was induced by incorporation of fluorine. In the glass-ceramic, dissolution by acid-treatment was strictly controlled. The excellent chemical durability of the glass-ceramic was suggested to originate from increase in the amount of the crystalline phases and a high content of titanium constituent in the residual glassy phase.
Seed Priming with Endophytic Bacillus subtilis Modulates Physiological Responses of Two Different Triticum aestivum L. Cultivars under Drought Stress

The protective effects against drought stress of the endophytic bacterium Bacillus subtilis 10-4 were measured by studying the priming response in two wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)—Ekada70 (E70) and Salavat Yulaev (SY)—lines, tolerant and susceptible to drought, respectively. B. subtilis 10-4 improved germination and growth parameters under normal conditions in both cultivars with the most pronounced effect observed in cv. E70. Under drought conditions, B. subtilis 10-4 significantly ameliorated the negative impact of stress on germination and growth of cv. E70, but had no protective effect on cv. SY. B. subtilis 10-4 induced an increase in the levels of photosynthetic chlorophyll (Chl) a, Chl b, and carotenoids (Car) in the leaves of cv. E70, both under normal and drought conditions. In cv. SY plants, bacterial inoculation decreased the contents of Chl a, Chl b, and Car under normal conditions, but pigment content were almost recovered under drought stress. B. subtilis 10-4 increased water holding capacity (WHC) of cv. E70 (but did not affect this parameter in cv. SY) and prevented the stress-induced decline in WHC in both cultivars. Notably, B. subtilis 10-4 increased endogenous salicylic acid (SA) concentration in both cultivars, especially in cv. E70. Moreover, B. subtilis 10-4 reduced drought-induced endogenous SA accumulation, which was correlated with the influence of endophyte on growth, indicating a possible involvement of endogenous SA in the implementation of B. subtilis-mediated effects in both cultivars. Overall, B. subtilis 10-4 inoculation was found to increase drought tolerance in seedlings of both cultivars, as evidenced by decreased lipid peroxidation, proline content, and electrolyte leakage from tissues of wheat seedlings primed with B. subtilis 10-4 under drought conditions.
Advanced Glycation End Product Inhibitor Pyridoxamine Attenuates IVD Degeneration in Type 2 Diabetic Rats

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is associated with advanced glycation end product (AGE) enrichment and considered a risk factor for intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration. We hypothesized that systemic AGE inhibition, achieved using pyridoxamine (PM), attenuates IVD degeneration in T2DM rats. To induce IVD degeneration, lumbar disc injury or sham surgery was performed on Zucker Diabetic Sprague Dawley (ZDSD) or control Sprague Dawley (SD) rats. Post-surgery, IVD-injured ZDSD rats received daily PM dissolved in drinking water or water only. The resulting groups were SD uninjured, SD injured, ZDSD uninjured, ZDSD injured, and ZDSD injured + PM. Levels of blood glycation and disc degeneration were investigated. At week 8 post-surgery, glycated serum protein (GSP) levels were increased in ZDSDs compared to SDs. PM treatment attenuated this increase. Micro-MRI analysis demonstrated IVD dehydration in injured versus uninjured SDs and ZDSDs. In the ZDSD injured + PM group, IVD dehydration was diminished compared to ZDSD injured. AGE levels were decreased and aggrecan levels increased in ZDSD injured + PM versus ZDSD injured rats. Histological and immunohistochemical analyses further supported the beneficial effect of PM. In summary, PM attenuated GSP levels and IVD degeneration processes in ZDSD rats, demonstrating its potential to attenuate IVD degeneration in addition to managing glycemia in T2DM.
PARP Theranostic Auger Emitters Are Cytotoxic in BRCA Mutant Ovarian Cancer and Viable Tumors from Ovarian Cancer Patients Enable Ex-Vivo Screening of Tumor Response

Theranostics are emerging as a pillar of cancer therapy that enable the use of single molecule constructs for diagnostic and therapeutic application. As poly adenosine diphosphate (ADP)-ribose polymerase 1 (PARP-1) is overexpressed in various cancer types, and is localized to the nucleus, PARP-1 can be safely targeted with Auger emitters to induce DNA damage in tumors. Here, we investigated a radioiodinated PARP inhibitor, [125I]KX1, and show drug target specific DNA damage and subsequent killing of BRCA1 and non-BRCA mutant ovarian cancer cells at sub-pharmacological concentrations several orders of magnitude lower than traditional PARP inhibitors. Furthermore, we demonstrated that viable tumor tissue from ovarian cancer patients can be used to screen tumor radiosensitivity ex-vivo, enabling the direct assessment of therapeutic efficacy. Finally, we showed tumors can be imaged by single-photon computed tomography (SPECT) with PARP theranostic, [123I]KX1, in a human ovarian cancer xenograft mouse model. These data support the utility of PARP-1 targeted radiopharmaceutical therapy as a theranostic option for PARP-1 overexpressing ovarian cancers.
Tribological Properties of Ni-P/Si3N4 Nanocomposite Layers Deposited by Chemical Reduction Method on Aluminum Alloy AW-7075

The article presents the results of tribological tests of Ni-P/Si3N4 nanocomposite and Ni-P nickel layers deposited on the AW-7075 aluminum alloy by chemical reduction method, and the AW-7075 alloy without coating. Nanocomposite layers were produced using Si3N4 siliconnitride in the form of a polydisperse powder whose particle sizes ranged from 20 to 25 nm. The influence of the content of the dispersion phase layer material on the abrasive wear, which was determined as the “ball on disc” method, was analyzed. Surface topography was examined by the contact method using a profilometer. The purpose of introducing Si3N4 particles into the Ni-P layer was to increase the wear resistance of AW-7075 aluminum alloy parts with an embedded nanocomposite coating. Based on the obtained test results, it was found that the Ni-P/Si3N4 layers are more resistant to wear than the Ni-P layers and the AW-7075 alloy layers, and are a good barrier against abrasive wear at various loads and environmental conditions.
Use of Local Antibiogram Data and Antimicrobial Importance Ratings to Select Optimal Empirical Therapies for Urinary Tract Infections in Dogs and Cats

International and Australian veterinary antimicrobial use guidelines recommend amoxicillin or trimethoprim-sulfonamide (TMS) for the empirical treatment of sporadic urinary tract infections (UTIs) in dogs and cats. However, in practice, these antibiotics are rarely used, and no large-scale analyses have examined the antibiograms of bacteria isolated from UTIs to validate these recommendations in Australia. We analyzed five years of urine culture and antimicrobial susceptibility data from an Australian veterinary laboratory. The analysis included 6196 urinary isolates from dogs and cats, 78% of which were from samples submitted by first-opinion veterinary clinics. Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus pseudintermedius and Proteus spp. were the most prevalent organisms. More than 80% of all isolated cocci were susceptible to amoxicillin, and more than 80% of bacilli were susceptible to TMS. A total of 94% of isolates were susceptible to at least one antimicrobial drug categorized as low-importance in Australia. The prevalence of multi-drug resistance (MDR) was highest in E. coli, at 9.7%; 84% of these MDR isolates were susceptible to amoxicillin-clavulanate. We performed population-level antimicrobial treatment simulations and proposed a novel method for integrating antimicrobial importance ratings with antibiogram data to optimize the selection of empirical therapy. Our findings support current guideline recommendations to use amoxicillin or TMS. We also found that bacterial morphology assisted with selection; amoxicillin was a better choice for cocci and TMS for bacilli.