Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Early intervention with probiotics and metformin alleviates liver injury in NAFLD rats via targeting gut microbiota dysbiosis and p-AKT/mTOR/LC-3II pathways

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) constitutes a major health problem worldwide and intimately links with obesity and diabetes. This study aimed to explore the therapeutic impact of early treatment with metformin (MTF) alone or in combination with Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 (L. reuteri) + metronidazole (MTZ) in male Sprague Dawley rats with high-fat diet (HFD)-induced NAFLD. Hepatic steatosis was induced by feeding rats HFD for 6 weeks. MTF (150 mg/kg/day) or L. reuteri (2 × 109 colony forming unit/day) were given orally for 4 weeks; meanwhile, MTZ (15 mg/kg/day, p.o.) was administered for 1 week. Administration of L. reuteri + MTZ in combination with MTF produced a superior effect concerning insulin resistance (IR), lipid profile, liver function, oxidative stress, inflammatory and autophagic markers than using each treatment alone. Besides, this combination resulted in disappearance of steatosis, inflammation and vacuolation within hepatic architecture. Moreover, it normalized short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) as well as Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes faecal contents. In conclusion, early treatment with L. reuteri + MTZ in combination with MTF could prevent NAFLD progression and liver injury through targeting gut dysbiosis, inflammation and autophagic pathways.
DRYING OF NORTH AMERICAN GINSENG ROOTS (Panax quinquefolius L.)

ABSTRACT The roots of North American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius L.) are dried from approximately 70% to less than 10% (wet basis), during which the roots may shrink up to 50% of their initial volume. Drying and shrinkage affect the physical quality of the dried root. Samples of fresh ginseng roots were dried and the root shrinkage was measured. The experimental drying data were used to test a single-tank shrinkage model and a two-tank shrinkage model in calculating shrinkage of ginseng root. For the single-tank shrinkage model, the moisture is evenly distributed throughout the root cross section and as a result shrinkage takes place uniformly. For the two-lank drying model, the cross section of the root is divided into a moist core and a dry outer-layer. The shrinkage commences from the outer-layer moving towards the central parts of the root as drying progresses. By comparing shrinkage of peeled and un peeled samples, it was concluded that the root skin (epidermis) acts as a major barrier against moist.
Characterizing Global and Regional Brain Structures in Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment Among Rural Residents: A Population-Based Study.

BACKGROUND Structural brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans may provide reliable neuroimaging markers for defining amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI). OBJECTIVE We sought to characterize global and regional brain structures of aMCI among rural-dwelling older adults with limited education in China. METHODS This population-based study included 180 participants (aged≥65 years, 42 with aMCI and 138 normal controls) in the Shandong Yanggu Study of Aging and Dementia during 2014-2016. We defined aMCI following the Petersen's criteria. Global and regional brain volumes were automatically segmented on MRI scans and compared using a region-of-interest approach. Data were analyzed using general linear regression models. RESULTS Multi-adjusted β-coefficient (95% confidence interval) of brain volumes (cm3) associated with aMCI was -12.07 (-21.49, -2.64) for global grey matter (GM), -18.31 (-28.45, -8.17) for global white matter (WM), 28.17 (12.83, 44.07) for cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and 2.20 (0.24, 4.16) for white matter hyperintensities (WMH). Furthermore, aMCI was significantly associated with lower GM volumes in bilateral superior temporal gyri, thalamus and right cuneus, and lower WM volumes in lateral areas extending from the frontal to the parietal, temporal, and occipital lobes, as well as right hippocampus (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION Brain structure of older adults with aMCI is characterized by reduced global GM and WM volumes, enlarged CSF volume, increased WMH burden, reduced GM volumes in bilateral superior temporal gyri, thalamus, and right cuneus, and widespread reductions of lateral WM volumes.
Reverse remodelling by sacubitril/valsartan predicts the prognosis in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction

Despite well‐established benefits of sacubitril/valsartan for cardiac reverse remodelling and the prognosis of patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), there are some patients with limited therapeutic response, even with optimal therapy. We assessed the treatment response to sacubitril/valsartan in patients with HFrEF, focusing on the association between reverse remodelling and the prognosis.
Physiology-Based Electrocardiographic Criteria for Left Bundle Branch Capture

Background: During left bundle branch (LBB) area pacing, it is important to confirm that the capture of the LBB is achieved, not just the capture of only the adjacent left ventricular myocardium (LV septal capture). Our aim was to establish ECG criteria for LBB capture by analyzing ECGs with confirmed LBB capture and non-capture. We hypothesized that since LBB pacing results in physiologic depolarization of the left ventricle then the native QRS can serve as a reference for the diagnosis of LBB capture in the same patient. Methods: Only patients with direct evidence of LBB capture (output-dependent or refractoriness-dependent QRS morphology transition) were included. Several QRS characteristics were compared between the native rhythm and different types of LBB area capture. Receiver-operator characteristics analysis was performed to determine the optimal V6 R-wave peak time (RWPT) cut-off for LBB diagnosis. Results: A total of 357 ECG tracing (124 patients) were analyzed: 118 with native rhythm, 124 with non-selective LBB capture, 69 with selective LBB capture and 46 with LV septal capture. Our hypotheses that during LBB capture the paced V6 RWPT (measured from QRS onset) equals the native V6 RWPT and that the paced V6 RWPT (measured from the stimulus) equals the LBB potential to V6 R-wave peak interval were positively validated. Criteria based on these rules had sensitivity and specificity of 98.0 to 88.2% and 85.7 to 95.4%, respectively. The optimal and 100% specific V6 RWPT values for differentiation between LBB capture and LV septal capture in patients with narrow QRS / right bundle branch block were 83 ms and 74 ms, respectively; while in patients with left bundle branch block/asystole/ventricular escape the optimal and 100% specific V6 RWPT values were 101 ms and 80 ms, respectively. Conclusions: Novel criteria for LBB capture were developed and optimal V6 RWPT cut-offs were determined.
Investigating changes in calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase, and 25-hydroxy Vitamin D after surgical repair of fractures of femur or tibia

Background: The recovery of long bones after fracture requires a specific process to restore the natural bone anatomy as well as its proper function. Changes in calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase and 25-hydroxy vitamin D can be justified either in the fracture process or in the repair procedure. The aim of this sectional study is to investigate changes in all these compounds after the surgical repair of fractures of femur and tibia bones. Materials and Methods: A random sample of 68 patients was selected from whom referring to a hospital with fractures of femur or tibia and candidate for repair surgery. The mentioned bone markers were measured at the time after surgery, six and twelve weeks after the surgery with laboratory-specific kits. A p-value, lower than 0.05, was considered to be statistically significant. Result: Of the patients, 34 were with fractures of femur and 34 were with fractures of tibia, equally. The patients were aged 2 to 69 with a mean age of 27.93 ± 14.8 years old. The means of calcium (p = 0.001) and phosphorus (p = 0.014) at three intervals were statistically significant difference. In contrast, the means serum alkaline phosphatase and vitamin D levels did not show any significant changes over time (p = 0.042). Conclusion: In conclusion, the means of calcium and phosphorus over the follow-up were statistically significant. The observed difference of vitamin D after the surgery, as well the level of alkaline phosphatase for femoral fracture between male and female are one of our important findings. (www.actabiomedica.it)
Food Literacy Is Associated With Adherence to a Mediterranean-Style Diet in Kidney Transplant Recipients.

OBJECTIVES Adherence to a Mediterranean-style diet is associated with improved health outcomes in kidney transplant recipients (KTR). However, poor dietary habits, including excessive sodium intake, are common in KTR, indicating difficulties with incorporating a healthy diet into daily life. Food literacy is identified as potential facilitator of a healthy diet, but the precise relationship between food literacy and dietary intake in KTR has not been investigated. This study examined food literacy levels in KTR and its association with adherence to a Mediterranean-style diet and sodium intake. METHODS This cross-sectional study is part of the TransplantLines Cohort and Biobank Study. Food literacy was measured with the Self-Perceived Food Literacy (SPFL) questionnaire. Dietary intake assessment with food frequency questionnaires was used to calculate the Mediterranean Diet Score. Sodium intake was based on the 24-hour urinary sodium excretion rate. Associations of SPFL with Mediterranean Diet Score and sodium intake were assessed with univariable and multivariable linear regression analyses. RESULTS In total, 148 KTR (age 56 [48-66]; 56% male) completed the SPFL questionnaire with a mean SPFL score of 3.63 ± 0.44. Higher SPFL was associated with a higher Mediterranean Diet Score in KTR (β = 1.51, 95% confidence interval 0.88-2.12, P ≤ .001). Although KTR with higher food literacy tended to have a lower sodium intake than those with lower food literacy (P = .08), the association of food literacy with sodium intake was not significant in a multivariable regression analysis (β = 0.52 per 10 mmol/24-hour increment, 95% confidence interval -1.79 to 2.83, P = .66). CONCLUSIONS Higher levels of food literacy are associated with better adherence to a Mediterranean-style diet in KTR. No association between food literacy and sodium intake was found. Further studies are needed to determine if interventions on improving food literacy contribute to a healthier diet and better long-term outcomes in KTR.
Effect of micro-osteoperforations on external apical root resorption: A randomized controlled trial

Objective This study aimed to investigate the effect of micro-osteoperforations (MOPs) on external apical root resorption (EARR) during the initial orthodontic alignment phase of maxillary anterior crowding. Methods Thirty patients (25 females, 5 males; mean age, 22.66 ± 3.27 years) who presented with moderate crowding of the upper labial segment and underwent extraction-based fixed appliance treatment were recruited. They were randomly allocated to receive adjunctive therapy with MOPs (n = 15) or treatment with fixed appliances only (control group; n = 15). EARR was measured from long-cone periapical radiographs taken at the start and the sixth month of treatment. A correction factor for the enlargement difference was used to calculate EARR. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics and repeated-measures analysis of variance. Results The mean root lengths of 168 teeth were measured and showed no statistically significant difference (p > 0.05) after six months of fixed appliance treatment in the MOP (mean difference [MD] = 0.13 mm; 95% confidence interval [CI] = −0.10–0.35) and control group (MD = 0.14 mm; 95% CI = −0.10–0.37). Most of the roots in the MOP and control groups (42.86% and 52.38%, respectively) showed only mild resorption. Less than 8% of the roots in both groups (7.14% in the MOP group and 4.76% in the control group) showed moderate resorption. Conclusions Acceleration of orthodontic tooth movement with adjunctive MOPs therapy during the alignment phase does not exacerbate EARR in patients with moderate crowding of the upper labial segment in comparison with controls.
Neutrophil‐derived extracellular vesicles modulate the phenotype of naïve human neutrophils

Neutrophils (PMN) regulate inflammation in many ways, including communication with other immune cells via extracellular vesicles (EVs). EVs released by human neutrophils activated with N‐formylmethionyl‐leucyl‐phenylalanine (fMLF) (PMN‐fMLF EVs) had an outside‐out orientation and contained functionally important neutrophil plasma membrane proteins, including flavocytochrome b558, and enzymatically active granule proteins, elastase, and myeloperoxidase. Treatment of naïve PMN with PMN‐fMLF EVs primed fMLF‐stimulated NADPH oxidase activity, increased surface expression of the complement receptors CD11b/CD18 and CD35, the specific granule membrane protein CD66, and flavocytochrome b558, and promoted phagocytosis of serum‐opsonized Staphylococcus aureus. The primed oxidase activity reflected increased surface expression of flavocytochrome b558 and phosphorylation of SER345 in p47phox, two recognized mechanisms for oxidase priming. Taken together, these data demonstrate that stimulated PMN released EVs that altered the phenotype of naïve phagocytes by priming of the NADPH oxidase activity and augmenting phagocytosis, two responses that are integral to optimal PMN host defense.
Effect of physical aging on dielectric, thermal and mechanical properties of cast-epoxy insulators

Samples of cast bisphenol-A and cycloaliphatic epoxy insulation were quenched from a temperature above T/sub g/ (170/spl deg/C) to room temperature. Variations in dielectric, thermal and mechanical properties were examined during subsequent sub-T/sub g/ annealing (physical aging). It was found that the impact strength of the epoxy insulation decreased considerably with physical aging. Moisture intake and subsequent dielectric loss at room temperature were also found to decrease with physical aging. Glass transition temperature and excess enthalpy measured by DSC demonstrated significant increase with increased sub-T/sub g/ annealing. On the other hand, dielectric properties showed different changing patterns during sub-T/sub g/ annealing in different epoxy systems. It is concluded that epoxy insulating materials should be properly annealed before assessing their dielectric and other physical properties because of the possibility of unknown rapid cooling histories. >
The effects of cognitive-behavioral group therapy for reducing symptoms of internet addiction disorder and promoting quality of life and mental health

Abstract Introduction Internet addiction disorder has reportedly become an important cause of health and social problems. The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral group therapy for internet addiction symptoms, quality of life, and mental health of students with internet addiction. Methods This was a quasi-experimental study with pretest-posttest measures and a control group. The statistical population of the study consisted of all students at Tehran universities in the academic year of 2018-19. The target group was selected through an internet addiction test and a clinical interview using a targeted sampling method and was divided into experimental and control groups by randomization. The experimental group participated in fifteen 90-minute cognitive-behavioral group therapy sessions. Before, immediately after, and 3 months after the treatment, the internet addiction symptoms of both groups were evaluated to assess mental health with the IAT, quality of life (QOL), and SCL-90-R questionnaires. Data were analyzed with ANCOVA analysis using SPSS Statistics 20 software. Results After treatment, cognitive-behavioral therapy groups showed reductions in internet addiction scores (p < 0.05). Results showed that the cognitive-behavioral group therapy was effective for improving quality of life (p < 0.05) and mental illnesses (p < 0.05) in students with internet addiction. Conclusions Cognitive-behavioral group therapy can enhance awareness and mental health of students with internet addiction. Therefore, this intervention can be used as a beneficial treatment to reduce internet addiction symptoms and improve the condition of people with behavioral addictions such as internet dependency.
The Effect of Platelet-Rich Plasma on Endothelial Progenitor Cell Functionality

Platelets mediate circulating endothelial progenitor cell (EPC) recruitment and maturation, participating in vascular repair, however the underlying mechanism(s) remain unclear. We investigated the effect of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) on the functionality of CD34+-derived late-outgrowth endothelial cells (OECs) in culture. Confluent OECs were coincubated with PRP under platelet aggregation (with adenosine diphosphate; ADP) and nonaggregation conditions, in the presence/absence of the reversible P2Y12 platelet receptor antagonist ticagrelor. Outgrowth endothelial cell activation was evaluated by determining prostacyclin (PGI2) and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) release and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) membrane expression. Similar experiments were performed using human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Platelet-rich plasma increased ICAM-1 expression and PGI2 and MCP-1 secretion compared with autologous platelet-poor plasma, whereas ADP-aggregated platelets in PRP did not exhibit any effect. Platelet-rich plasma pretreated with ticagrelor prior to activation with ADP increased all markers to a similar extent as PRP. Similar results were obtained using HUVECs. In conclusion, PRP induces OEC activation, a phenomenon not observed when platelets are aggregated with ADP. Platelet inhibition with ticagrelor restores the PRP capability to activate OECs. Since EPC activation is important for endothelial regeneration and angiogenesis, we suggest that agents inhibiting platelet aggregation, such as ticagrelor, may promote platelet-EPC interaction and EPC function.
Electrophysiological and Behavioral Responses of Dasychira baibarana (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae) to Tea Plant Volatiles

Abstract Tea black tussock moth, Dasychira baibarana (Matsumura) (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae), is a devastating pest species of the tea plant in China. Here, we evaluated the responses of D. baibarana to tea plant volatiles using gas chromatography coupled electroantennographic detection (GC–EAD), eleclectroantennography (EAG), and a Y-tube olfactometer. In total, 11 of 18 analyzed compounds elicited GC–EAD responses from test insects. GC–EAD bio-active compounds were further investigated using EAG and behavioral responses. In the EAG analysis, male moths had significantly greater responses to four compounds [(Z)-3-hexenyl butyrate, (Z)-3-hexen-1-ol, ocimene and benzyl alcohol] than female moths. For females, maximum EAG amplitudes, were recorded in response to linalool, (Z)-3-hexenyl hexanoate and (Z)-jasmone. In EAG and behavioral bio-assays, the responses of both sexes were dose independent. In behavioral bio-assays male moths responding significantly to (Z)-3-hexen-1-ol, ocimene, (Z)-3-hexenyl butyrate, linalool, benzyl alcohol, and (Z)-jasmone at various concentrations. For females, significant behavioral responses were observed to (Z)-3-hexenyl hexanoate, followed by (Z)-jasmone, linalool, ocimene, and benzyl alcohol. However, neither sex was sensitive to 4 of the 11 tested compounds, phenyethyl alcohol, phenylacetonitrile, (E)-nerolidol, and indole. The present results showed that tea plant volatiles influenced the behavior of D. baibarana moths, which will greatly contribute in developing eco-friendly control strategies for D. baibarana, through the application of a blend of compounds that showed significant EAG and behavioral responses or a blend combined with female-produced sex pheromones.
Comparison of univariate and multivariate anthropometric accommodation of the northwest Mexico population

ABSTRCT Ergonomic workstation design is crucial to prevent work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Many researchers have proposed multivariate analysis for human accommodation. However, no multivariate anthropometric analysis exists for the Mexican population. This study compares common multivariate human accommodation approaches (e.g. principal component and archetypal analyses) and clustering techniques (e.g. k-means and Ward’s algorithm) with the classical percentile-based univariate accommodation approach, using the Chi-squared goodness-of-fit test and the McNemar’s test. The theoretical accommodation percentage obtained by multivariate approaches was higher than those obtained by the percentile univariate approach considering the central 98% data. k-means and archetypal analysis obtained similar and the highest accommodation values, followed by Ward’s algorithm and principal component analysis. The study findings can be deployed to assess the design of workstations in Mexico, such as electronic components assembly and crew designs, and the effects of different anthropometric measurements in human accommodation. Practitioner summary: Products and workplaces design are commonly based on the classical univariate approach, using the extreme percentiles. In this study, multivariate approaches were tested on dimensions for sitting workstations, and results showed a bigger accommodation level in comparison to the univariate 1%–99% approaches. Abbreviations: RHM: representative human model; DHM: digital human model; PCA: principal component analysis; AA: archetypal analysis (AA); PCs: principal components; FA: factor analysis; RSS: residual sum of squares; SSE: sum of squared estimated errors; WA: Ward’s algorithm; DBI: Davies–Bouldin index; CHI: Calinski–Harabaz index; SI: silhouette index; SH: sitting height; EHS: eye height, sitting; AHS: acromial height, sitting; PH: popliteal height; KHS: knee height, sitting; BPL: buttock–popliteal length; BKL: buttock–knee length; FGR: functional grip reach; AD: anthropometric dimension; E: expected; A: achieved
Cystic Echinococcosis/Hydatid Cyst Coinfection with HIV: A Report from Shiraz, Iran

HIV coinfected with other parasitic diseases may cause a serious problem for the patients. A few case reports describing echinococcosis with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection have been reported in the world; however, it has not been reported in Iran, so far. Here, the first case of liver hydatid cyst coinfected with HIV in Iran is reported. The patient is a 46-year-old female HIV-positive based on the laboratory report. Her clinical symptoms included abdominal pain, abdominal enlargement, and anorexia. Ultrasound showed three large hepatic hydatid cysts with hundreds of daughter cysts. Ultrasonography of the cyst revealed it as a CE2 stage according to the WHO classification. The patient went under complete anesthesia followed by complete cyst removal by surgery. Observation of the hydatid cyst fluid using eosin 0.1% revealed more than 70% viable protoscoleces. Histopathology examination, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and viable protoscoleces confirmed the diagnosis of echinococcosis. The IgG ELISA test with native AgB for E. granulosus infection was also positive. mtDNA amplification using PCR and sequencing showed the cyst as E. granulosus sensu stricto genotype. Our observations show that huge, large, and high-pressure cysts with hundreds of daughter cysts are difficult to be completely removed, and drug treatment has not been able to reduce their size. Therefore, in HIV coinfection with hydatid cyst, surgery is preferable to other treatments.