Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Application of a Natural Antioxidant from Grape Pomace Extract in the Development of Bioactive Jute Fibers for Food Packaging

There is an increasing demand for the use of new food packaging materials. In this study, natural jute fibers impregnated with a Petit Verdot Red Grape Pomace Extract (RGPE) was proposed as a new active food packaging material. Pressurized Liquid Extraction (PLE) and Enhanced Solvent Extraction (ESE) techniques were employed to obtain the bioactive RGPE. Afterward the supercritical solvent impregnation conditions to obtain RGPE-natural jute fibers were studied, by varying pressure, modifier percentage and dried RGPE mass. PLE technique offered the highest bioactive extract at 20 MPa, 55 °C, 1 h residence time using C2H5OH:H2O (1:1 v/v), providing an EC50 of 3.35 ± 0.25 and antibacterial capacity against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MIC of 12.0, 1.5 and 4.0 mg/mL RGPE respectively). The natural jute fibers impregnated with 3 mL of that RGPE (90 mg/mL) at 50 MPa and 55 °C generated the most efficient packing material with regards to its food preservation potential.
Mid-Regional Proadrenomedullin as a New Biomarker of Kidney and Cardiovascular Diseases—Is It the Future?

The increasing prevalence of cardiovascular disease and concomitant chronic kidney disease among the aging populations is responsible for considerable growth of mortality. Additionally, frequent, prolonged hospitalizations and long-term treatment generates progressive decline in bodily functions as well as substantial public health and economic burden. Accessibility to easy, non-invasive prognostic markers able to detect patients at risk of cardiovascular events may improve effective therapy and mitigate disease progression. Moreover, an early diagnosis allows time for implementation of prophylactic and educational programs that may result in decreased morbidity, improved quality of life and reduced public health expenditure. One of the promising candidates for a novel cardiovascular biomarker is mid-regional proadrenomedullin, a derivative of adrenomedullin. Adrenomedullin is a peptide hormone known for its vasodilatory, antioxidant, antiapoptotic and antifibrotic effects. A remarkable advantage of mid-regional proadrenomedullin is its longer half-life which is a prerequisite for plasma measurements. These review aims to discuss the importance of mid-regional proadrenomedullin with reference to its usefulness as a biomarker of increased cardiovascular risk and kidney disease progression.
SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence trends in healthy blood donors during the COVID-19 outbreak in Milan.

BACKGROUND The Milan metropolitan area in Northern Italy was among the most severely hit by the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak. The aim of this study was to examine the seroprevalence trends of SARS-CoV-2 in healthy asymptomatic adults, and the risk factors and laboratory correlates of positive tests. MATERIALS AND METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional study in a random sample of blood donors, who were asymptomatic at the time of evaluation, at the beginning of the first phase (February 24th to April 8th 2020; n=789). Presence of IgM/IgG antibodies against the SARS-CoV-2-Nucleocapsid protein was assessed by a lateral flow immunoassay. RESULTS The test had a 100/98.3 sensitivity/specificity (n=32/120 positive/negative controls, respectively), and the IgG test was validated in a subset by an independent ELISA against the Spike protein (n=34, p<0.001). At the start of the outbreak, the overall adjusted seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 was 2.7% (95% CI: 0.3-6%; p<0.0001 vs 120 historical controls). During the study period, characterised by a gradual implementation of social distancing measures, there was a progressive increase in the adjusted seroprevalence to 5.2% (95% CI: 2.4-9.0; 4.5%, 95% CI: 0.9-9.2% according to a Bayesian estimate) due to a rise in IgG reactivity to 5% (95% CI: 2.8-8.2; p=0.004 for trend), but there was no increase in IgM+ (p=not significant). At multivariate logistic regression analysis, IgG reactivity was more frequent in younger individuals (p=0.043), while IgM reactivity was more frequent in individuals aged >45 years (p=0.002). DISCUSSION SARS-CoV-2 infection was already circulating in Milan at the start of the outbreak. The pattern of IgM/IgG reactivity was influenced by age: IgM was more frequently detected in participants aged >45 years. By the end of April, 2.4-9.0% of healthy adults had evidence of seroconversion.
Supplemental trace minerals (zinc, copper, manganese, and cobalt) as Availa-4 or inorganic sources for shipping-stressed beef cattle 1

ABSTRACT Male beef calves (n = 288, average BW 238 ± 1.1 kg) were obtained from sale barns. Within each set (n = 3), calves were allocated randomly within 4 weight blocks to pen (2 pens/block; 11 to 13 calves/pen). Pens within block were assigned randomly to treatment. During the 42-d backgrounding period, calves were on 0.42-ha paddocks, had ad libitum access to bermudagrass hay, and were fed corn-soybean meal supplements that served as the carrier for treatments. Treatments consisted of supplemental Zn (360 mg/d), Cu (125 mg/d), Mn (200 mg/d), and Co (12 mg/d) from inorganic (zinc sulfate, manganese sulfate, copper sulfate, and cobalt carbonate) or organic (zinc amino acid complex, manganese amino acid complex, copper amino acid complex, and cobalt glucoheptonate; Availa-4, Zinpro Corp., Eden Prairie, MN) sources. Calves supplemented with organic trace mineral sources had a greater final weight (271 vs. 267 kg for organic and inorganic, respectively; P = 0.04) and ADG (0.77 vs. 0.66 kg/d for organic and inorganic, respectively; P = 0.04) than calves supplemented with isolevels of trace minerals from inorganic sources. Supplementation with organic trace minerals tended (P = 0.09) to reduce the percentage of calves that received a second antibiotic treatment. When calves that had initial antibodies to infectious bovine rhinotracheitis virus (IBRV) were removed, the naive calves supplemented with inorganic trace minerals had a greater (P = 0.03) antibody response to IBRV vaccination. Organic trace mineral supplementation improved growth performance of shipping-stressed calves compared with those fed equivalent levels of inorganic sources.
Dietary betaine reduces plasma homocysteine concentrations and improves bone strength in laying hens

ABSTRACT 1. This study tested the hypothesis that the methyl-donor properties of betaine could reduce homocysteine concentrations, which has been recognised in a previous genetics study to be linked to bone quality. This was combined with phytase treatment, as phosphorus is critical for bone mineralisation. 2. Using a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement, a total of 1920 Lohmann LSL-lite chickens housed as 24 replicates of 20 chickens were fed one of four diets containing dietary betaine (0 or 1000 mg/kg) and phytase (300 or 1000 FTU/kg) from one day old until end-of-lay. Blood and bone samples were collected at 45 and 70 weeks of age. 3. Hens fed betaine had lower plasma homocysteine level (P < 0.05), higher tibia breaking strength (P < 0.05) and higher tibia bone density (P < 0.05). 4. Egg production and quality was excellent throughout the study and were not affected by the dietary treatments. 5. The addition of dietary betaine was successful at reducing plasma homocysteine concentrations and improving bone strength in laying hens, which could be used as an intervention to alleviate welfare concerns.
Patterns of genetic divergence and demographic history shed light on island‐mainland population dynamics and melanic plumage evolution in the white‐winged Fairywren *

The existence of distinct traits in island versus mainland populations offers opportunities to gain insights into how eco‐evolutionary processes operate under natural conditions. We used two island colonization events in the white‐winged fairywren (Malurus leucopterus) to investigate the genomic and demographic origin of melanic plumage. This avian species is distributed across most of Australia, and males of the mainland subspecies (M. l. leuconotus) exhibit a blue nuptial plumage in contrast to males of two island subspecies – M. l. leucopterus on Dirk Hartog Island and M. l. edouardi on Barrow Island – that exhibit a black nuptial plumage. We used reduced‐representation sequencing to explore differentiation and demographic history in this species and found clear patterns of divergence between mainland and island populations, with additional substructuring on the mainland. Divergence between the mainland and Dirk Hartog was approximately 10 times more recent than the split between the mainland and Barrow Island, supporting two independent colonizations. In both cases, estimated gene flow between the mainland and the islands was low, contributing to signals of divergence among subspecies. Our results present demographic reconstructions of mainland‐island dynamics and associated plumage variation in white‐winged fairywrens, with broader implications regarding our understanding of convergent evolution in insular populations.
COVID-19 versus Non–COVID-19 Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome: Comparison of Demographics, Physiologic Parameters, Inflammatory Biomarkers, and Clinical Outcomes

Rationale: There is an urgent need for improved understanding of the mechanisms and clinical characteristics of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) due to coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Objectives: To compare key demographic and physiologic parameters, biomarkers, and clinical outcomes of COVID-19 ARDS and ARDS secondary to direct lung injury from other etiologies of pneumonia. Methods: We enrolled 27 patients with COVID-19 ARDS in a prospective, observational cohort study and compared them with a historical, pre–COVID-19 cohort of patients with viral ARDS (n = 14), bacterial ARDS (n = 21), and ARDS due to culture-negative pneumonia (n = 30). We recorded clinical demographics; measured respiratory mechanical parameters; collected serial peripheral blood specimens for measurement of plasma interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, and IL-10; and followed patients prospectively for patient-centered outcomes. We conducted between-group comparisons with nonparametric tests and analyzed time-to-event outcomes with Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazards models. Results: Patients with COVID-19 ARDS had higher body mass index and were more likely to be Black, or residents of skilled nursing facilities, compared with those with non–COVID-19 ARDS (P < 0.05). Patients with COVID-19 had lower delivered minute ventilation compared with bacterial and culture-negative ARDS (post hoc P < 0.01) but not compared with viral ARDS. We found no differences in static compliance, hypoxemic indices, or carbon dioxide clearance between groups. Patients with COVID-19 had lower IL-6 levels compared with bacterial and culture-negative ARDS at early time points after intubation but no differences in IL-6 levels compared with viral ARDS. Patients with COVID-19 had longer duration of mechanical ventilation but similar 60-day mortality in both unadjusted and adjusted analyses. Conclusions: COVID-19 ARDS bears several similarities to viral ARDS but demonstrates lower minute ventilation and lower systemic levels of IL-6 compared with bacterial and culture-negative ARDS. COVID-19 ARDS was associated with longer dependence on mechanical ventilation compared with non–COVID-19 ARDS. Such detectable differences of COVID-19 do not merit deviation from evidence-based management of ARDS but suggest priorities for clinical research to better characterize and treat this new clinical entity.
Oxygen diluted hexamethyldisiloxane plasmas investigated by means of in situ infrared absorption spectroscopy and mass spectrometry

The gas phase species produced in rf plasmas of hexamethyldisiloxane (HMDSO), Si2O(CH3)6, diluted with oxygen, have been investigated. The complementarity of Fourier transform infrared absorption spectroscopy and mass spectrometry allows the determination of the most abundant neutral components present in the discharge. The measurements reveal that methyl groups (CH3), abundantly formed by the dissociation of the HMDSO molecule, are the precursor for the most abundant species which stem from two kinds of reaction. The first kind of reaction is combustion of CH3 by oxygen-producing formaldehyde (COH2), formic acid (CO2H2), carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2) and water. It is shown that high mass carbonated radicals, such as SixOyCzHt, first diffuse to the surface and then the carbon is removed by oxygen etching to form CO2. The second is hydrocarbon chemistry promoted by CH3, producing mainly hydrogen (H2), methane (CH4) and acetylene (C2H2).
Determinants of the Perceived Credibility of Rebuttals Concerning Health Misinformation

Users provide and share information with a broad audience on different forms of social media; however, information accuracy is questionable. Currently, the health information field is severely affected by misinformation. Thus, addressing health misinformation is integral for enhancing public health. This research can help relevant practitioners (i.e., government officials, medical and health service personnel, and educators) find the most effective correctional interventions for governing health misinformation. We constructed a theoretical model for credibility-oriented determinants refuting misinformation based on the elaboration likelihood model. We aggregated 415 pieces of valid data through a questionnaire survey. A partial least squares structural equation model evaluated this research model. The results indicated that both perceived information quality and perceived source credibility can enhance perceived information credibility. Under some circumstances, the influence of information quality on information credibility may be more important than that of the information source. However, the cognitive conflict and knowledge self-confidence of information receivers weaken the influence of information quality on information credibility. In contrast, cognitive conflict can strengthen the influence of source credibility on information credibility. Further, perceived information quality can be affected by information usefulness, understandability, and relevance, while perceived source reliability can be affected by source expertise and authority.
Cerebral blood volume Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography Score predicts intracranial hemorrhage after thrombectomy in patients with acute ischemic stroke in an extended time window

Background Higher baseline Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography Score (ASPECTS) was associated with a lower probability of hemorrhagic transformation in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Purpose To investigate the predictive value of cerebral blood volume (CBV)-ASPECTS of intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) in AIS treated with thrombectomy selected by computed tomographic perfusion (CTP) in an extended time window. Material and Methods A total of 91 consecutive patients with AIS with large vessel occlusion in the anterior circulation after thrombectomy in an extended time window were enrolled between January 2018 and September 2019. ICH was diagnosed according to Heidelberg Bleeding Classification. CBV-ASPECTS was assessed by evaluating each ASPECTS region for relatively low CBV value compared with the mirror region in the contralateral hemisphere. Demographic characteristics, clinical data, CBV-ASPECTS, and procedure process and results were compared between patients with ICH and those without. Results ICH occurred in 31/91 (34.1%) patients with AIS. Symptomatic ICH (sICH) was observed in 4 (4.4%) patients, while asymptomatic ICH (aICH) was seen in 27 (29.7%). In univariate analysis, both ICH and aICH were associated with high admission NIHSS score (P<0.001 and P<0.001, respectively), more passes of retriever (P = 0.007 and P = 0.019, respectively), low NCCT-ASPECTS (P = 0.013 and P = 0.034, respectively), and low CBV-ASPECTS (P < 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively). After multivariable analysis, low CBV-ASPECTS remained an independent predictor of ICH (odds ratio [OR] 0.521, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.371–0.732, P < 0.001) and aICH (OR 0.532, 95% CI 0.376–0.752, P < 0.001), respectively. Conclusion Low CBV-ASPECTS independently predicts ICH in patients with AIS treated with thrombectomy selected by CTP in an extended time window.
In Vitro Characterization of Twenty-One Antifungal Combinations against Echinocandin-Resistant and -Susceptible Candida glabrata

This study was designed to analyze the interaction of 21 antifungal combinations consisting of seven major antifungal agents against 11 echinocandin- susceptible and six-resistant C. glabrata isolates. The combinations were divided into five major groups and were evaluated by checkerboard, disc diffusion, and time-killing assays. Synergy based on the fractional inhibitory concentration index of ≤0.50 was observed in 17.65–29.41% of the cases for caspofungin combinations with azoles or amphotericin B. Amphotericin B combination with azoles induced synergistic interaction in a range of 11.76–29.41%. Azole combinations and 5-flucytosine combinations with azoles or amphotericin B did not show synergistic interactions. None of the 21 combinations showed antagonistic interactions. Interestingly, 90% of the detected synergism was among the echinocandin-resistant isolates. Disk diffusion assays showed that the inhibition zones produced by antifungal combinations were equal to or greater than those produced by single drugs. The time-killing assay showed the synergistic action of caspofungin combination with fluconazole, voriconazole, and posaconazole, and the amphotericin B-5-flucytosine combination. Furthermore, for the first time, this assay confirmed the fungicidal activity of caspofungin-voriconazole and amphotericin B-5-flucytosine combinations. The combination interactions ranged from synergism to indifference and, most importantly, no antagonism was reported and most of the synergistic action was among echinocandin-resistant isolates.
Disparities in Breastfeeding Among U.S. Black Mothers: Identification of Mechanisms.

Objective: Disparities in U.S. breastfeeding rates persist among Black mothers according to birth country and between Black and White mothers, necessitating further investigation of modifiable mediating factors to inform interventions. This study seeks to examine the extent that social, maternal, infant factors and Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) domains (attitudes, perceived control, and subjective norms) mediate the association of maternal race/birth country and breastfeeding continuation. Methods: A national cohort of 2,050 mothers self-identifying as U.S.-born non-Hispanic Black (n = 689), foreign-born non-Hispanic Black (n = 139), and U.S.-born non-Hispanic White (n = 1,222) was analyzed. Using logistic regression, associations of race/birth country and any/exclusive breastfeeding at 2-6 months were examined. Structural equation modeling was used to determine whether social, maternal, and infant factors and TPB domains mediate these relationships. Results: 40.0% of U.S.-born Black, 82.2% of foreign-born Black, and 57.3% of U.S.-born White mothers reported any breastfeeding at 2-6 months. Compared with U.S.-born Black mothers, odds of any breastfeeding were sevenfold higher among foreign-born Black mothers (odds ratio [OR] = 7.04 95% confidence interval [CI] = 4.80-10.31), which was explained partly by social/maternal/infant factors and TPB domains. Compared with U.S.-born White mothers, any breastfeeding was lower (OR = 0.54, 95% CI = 0.40-0.73) among U.S.-born Black mothers and higher (OR = 3.81, 95% CI = 2.48-5.87) among foreign-born Black mothers; these differences were also mediated by the aforementioned factors. Conclusions: Among Black mothers in the United States, breastfeeding continuation varied substantially by birth country. Promotion of interventions targeting positive attitudes, perceived control, and subjective norms may reduce disparities among Black and between Black and White mothers.
Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura: Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, and Management

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a rare thrombotic microangiopathy characterized by microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, severe thrombocytopenia, and ischemic end organ injury due to microvascular platelet-rich thrombi. TTP results from a severe deficiency of the specific von Willebrand factor (VWF)-cleaving protease, ADAMTS13 (a disintegrin and metalloprotease with thrombospondin type 1 repeats, member 13). ADAMTS13 deficiency is most commonly acquired due to anti-ADAMTS13 autoantibodies. It can also be inherited in the congenital form as a result of biallelic mutations in the ADAMTS13 gene. In adults, the condition is most often immune-mediated (iTTP) whereas congenital TTP (cTTP) is often detected in childhood or during pregnancy. iTTP occurs more often in women and is potentially lethal without prompt recognition and treatment. Front-line therapy includes daily plasma exchange with fresh frozen plasma replacement and immunosuppression with corticosteroids. Immunosuppression targeting ADAMTS13 autoantibodies with the humanized anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody rituximab is frequently added to the initial therapy. If available, anti-VWF therapy with caplacizumab is also added to the front-line setting. While it is hypothesized that refractory TTP will be less common in the era of caplacizumab, in relapsed or refractory cases cyclosporine A, N-acetylcysteine, bortezomib, cyclophosphamide, vincristine, or splenectomy can be considered. Novel agents, such as recombinant ADAMTS13, are also currently under investigation and show promise for the treatment of TTP. Long-term follow-up after the acute episode is critical to monitor for relapse and to diagnose and manage chronic sequelae of this disease.
Interaction of FKBP5 variant rs3800373 and city living alters the neural stress response in the anterior cingulate cortex

Abstract Psychosocial stress effects of urban living are associated with substantially increased risk for schizophrenia, mood and anxiety disorders, by altering stress-induced activity in the amygdala and pregenual anterior cingulate cortex (ACC). Genetic factors are likely to modulate the impact of city living on stress processing. Growing evidence suggests a key role of FKBP5, a co-chaperone regulating the glucocorticoid receptor sensitivity, in the etiology of stress-related disorders. Here we investigated the interaction of city living and genetic variation in FKBP5 (rs3800373) on neural activity in stress-sensitive brain systems. Functional magnetic resonance imaging was performed in 31 healthy young adults using the Montreal Imaging Stress Task. Subjects were divided into groups depending on the number of inhabitants of their current residency. There was a significant main effect of city living on neural activity in the amygdala-hippocampus complex, replicating prior findings. Moreover, we found an interaction between rs3800373 and city living modulating responses in the bilateral subgenual ACC and right pregenual ACC. Specifically, only city dwellers carrying the FKBP5 minor risk allele showed increased stress responses in the subgenual and pregenual ACC when compared to those living in small towns. A significant gene-environment interaction on neural stress responses in the amygdala or hippocampus was only found in FKBP5 major allele carriers. These results point to a potential role of the FKBP5 rs3800373 minor risk allele in predisposing those who live in bigger cities to changes of functional responsivity in the pre- and subgenual ACC, thereby increasing the risk for developing stress-related mental disorders.