Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A multi-perspective approach to cauda equina syndrome dedicated to sex, micturition and defecation

Cauda equina syndrome (CES) is most commonly caused by lumbar herniated disc; emergency decompressive surgery is essential to increase chances of recovery. Even though micturition, defecation and/or sexual function are by definition affected in CES patients, little is known about the outcome of these functions after surgical intervention. This thesis provides a comprehensive overview on presentation and on short- and long term outcome of CES after surgical intervention focused on micturition, defecation and sexual function, demonstrating high prevalences of dysfunction even at long term follow up. In addition, this thesis provides insight into attitude and practice patterns of neurosurgeons regarding discussing sexual health and fertility with spinal patients and explores the relationship between presenting MRI features and clinical features (both at outcome and at presentation).
Twenty-four-hour ambulatory central blood pressure in adolescents and young adults: Association with peripheral blood pressure and preclinical organ damage.

OBJECTIVES To investigate the relationship of 24-h ambulatory central blood pressure (ABP) with preclinical organ damage in youth. METHODS Individuals aged 10-25 years referred for suspected hypertension and healthy volunteers had simultaneous 24-h peripheral and central ABP monitoring (Mobil-O-Graph 24 h PWA). Central BP was calculated using two different calibration methods (c1 using oscillometric systolic/diastolic ABP; c2 using mean arterial/diastolic ABP). Their association with preclinical organ damage [left ventricular mass index (LVMI), carotid intima-media thickness (IMT), 24-h pulse wave velocity (PWV)] was investigated. RESULTS A total of 136 participants were analyzed (age 17.9 ± 4.7 years, 54% adolescents, 77% males, 34% with elevated ABP). Twenty-four-hour peripheral systolic ABP (pSBP) was higher than c1 systolic ABP (c1SBP) by 14.1 ± 3.7 mmHg, but lower than c2SBP by 6.5 ± 7.6 mmHg (all P < 0.01). c2SBP quartiles provided better stratification of preclinical organ damage than pSBP. Both c1SBP/c2SBP were significantly associated with LVMI (r = 0.35/0.33) and IMT (r = 0.23/0.42; all P < 0.01; primary endpoint). These associations were stronger for c2SBP compared with those of pSBP in adolescents but not in adults. PWV was more closely associated with pSBP than c2SBP (r = 0.94/0.83, P < 0.01). LVMI variation was best determined by c2SBP in adolescents and pSBP in adults; IMT by c2SBP and PWV by pSBP in both subgroups. CONCLUSION These findings suggest that in young individuals, the calibration method for 24-h central ABP plays a major role in determining its association with preclinical organ damage. In adolescents, 24-h central ABP appears to be more strongly associated with early cardiac and carotid damage than peripheral BP.
Biomarkers in the Detection of Prostate Cancer in African Americans

Abstract : This grant focuses on identifying molecular features of prostatic adenocarcinomas (PrCa) from African Americans (AAs) which we hypothesize may differ from the molecular features of PrCas from European Americans (EAs). We give priority to characteristics found to be associated with PrCa aggressiveness, because the differential expression of those characteristics may, in part, explain why AAs tend to have more aggressive PrCa than EAs. Genes involved in fatty acid transport and metabolism have emerged as candidate markers for aggressive PrCa subtypes that are prevalent in AAs. We use an ancestry informed approach in which single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) define more accurately the racial ancestry of our study subjects. AAs with PrCa are more often treated non-surgically and thus fewer radical prostatectomies are available to study PrCa in AAs. To overcome this disparity, this project focuses on the analysis of prostate biopsies. We use nitrocellulose blots (tissue prints) of prostate biopsies as a source of high quality RNA and DNA to identify molecular biomarkers that differ between AAs and EAs. These include PrCa generated field effects that modify adjacent prostate tissues even when they appear to be histopathologically normal; such field effects include epigenetic DNA hypermethylation with silencing of specific genes.
Icing production loss module for wind power forecasting system

Icing conditions may cause significant wind power production losses, which increase short-term wind power forecasting errors if not taken into account. In this study real measurements and production data were used to evaluate a method to estimate production losses due to icing. The result of this study is called production loss module and it can be used as part of wind power forecasting system. Production loss module defines production losses based on icing time and wind speed inputs from weather prediction model. This publication describes only the production loss module and the procedure how it was created. Weather prediction models and forecasting of icing events are not considered here. Production loss estimation method used by the module is based on icing induced power loss in reference data. Icing periods in real production data were classified based on wind speed and duration of power loss. Statistics of these power losses were then used to estimate the production losses during icing events. Power loss gets increasingly more severe the longer the icing event lasts. The largest power loss occurs during the first icing hour. This would suggest that even short icing events can have significant effects on wind power plant performance and on short term wind power forecasting.
Cell wall pectin content modulates aluminium sensitivity of Zea mays (L.) cells grown in suspension culture

The pectin content of the cell walls of maize suspension cells was modified to investigate its role in the expression of aluminium (Al) toxicity. Long-term adaptation to NaCI or to the cellulose synthesis inhibitor 2,6-dichlorbenzonitirle (DCB) increased the pectin content by 31 and 86%, respectively. Subculturing salt-adapted cells for up to 3 weeks without NaCI supply or treatment of cells with pectolyase for up to 15 min reduced pectin contents by up to 46%. Such pre-cultured cells were incubated for 2 h in presence of Al. There was a close positive correlation between pectin and both total and BaCl 2 non-exchangeable Al contents. Aluminium-induced callose formation as an indicator of Al injury was closely positively correlated to the loss of cell viability. In NaCI-adapted and pectolyase-treated cells, Al-induced callose formation was reduced when compared with normal cells. However, there was a close positive relationship between pectin contents and relative callose induction (digitonin-induced callose formation, reflecting the different capabilities of cells to synthesize callose set to 100%) indicating that cells with higher pectin contents are more Al-sensitive. The results presented support our view that the binding of Al to the cell wall pectin-matrix represents an important step in the expression of Al toxicity.
Accumulation of phenolic compounds in the necrotic areas of Austrian and red pine needles after spraying with sulphuric acid: a possible bioindicator of air pollution

summary Austrian pine (Pinus nigra Arn.) and red pine (P. resinosa Ait.) were tested for needle damage caused by sulphuric acid spray. Morphology and histology of newly grown needles were compared in 3- and 6-yr-old plants growing in the greenhouse under controlled conditions. Potted plants covered with plastic bags were sprayed daily either with distilled H2O or sulphuric acid of pH 2.5, 3.5 and 4.5. Needle tips, mid-parts and bases were fixed after 1, 3 and 24 h, and 3, 7 and 30 d in glutaraldehyde + 0.1% caffeine for intracellular precipitation of phenolics. Histochemical reactions and electron microscopic observations showed that the morphological damage is linked to increased deposition of phenolic compounds in mesophylla cells, beginning directly under the stomata. Disorganization of membranes leads to death of the mesophyll cells, even before morphological damage is recognizable as brown spots on the needle surface. Thus the histochemical reactions and observations of cell structure revealed damage earlier than macroscopic observations.
CAPSAICINOIDS IN HOT PEPPER DEPENDING ON FRUIT MATURITY STAGE AND HARVEST DATE

The pharmacological and culinary usefulness of hot pepper fruits is determined, among others, by the content of capsaicinoids that give hot peppers a pungent burning taste. The content of these compounds in hot pepper is primarily determined by the ge- netic traits of a cultivar and is modified by various factors: weather conditions during the growing season, fertilization, harvest time, and fruit maturity stage. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of fruit maturity stage: green fruits, fruits turning colour as well as physiologically mature fruits (red), and fruit harvest date: the first and third decade of September, on the content of capsaicinoids in four hot pepper cultivars: 'Cyk- lon', 'Orkan', 'Rokita', and 'Bronowicka Ostra'. In this study, which was carried out in 2005 and 2006, the content of capsaicinoids (capsaicin and dihydrocapsaicin) was meas- ured by HPLC. The highest amount of capsaicinoids was obtained in the fruits of hot pep- per that were harvested at the initial stage of maturity - in green fruits (on average 309 mg·kg -1 ), compared to fruits turning red (258) and red fruits (250 mg·kg -1 ). Peppers selected in the third decade of September contained more capsaicinoids (on average 301 mg·kg -1 ) than those harvested in the first decade of this month (243 mg·kg -1 ). Fruits of the evaluated cultivars differed in capsaicinoids content; on average it ranged from 212 ('Cyklon') to 326 mg·kg -1 ('Bronowicka Ostra'). In fruits of all the quantitative ratio of capsaicin to dihydrocapsaicin was at a similar level, ranging between 11.9 and 12.9. The capsaicinoids content in fruits of the investigated cultivars differed between years 2005 (302) and 2006 (243 mg·kg -1 ).
Antibacterial activity of several Malaysian leaves extracts on the spoilage bacteria of yellow alkaline noodles

Yellow alkaline noodle (YAN) is very susceptible to spoilage and has a short shelf life due to the high moisture content. This study was conducted to isolate and identify spoilage bacteria of YAN in an attempt to apply local plant extracts that possess antibacterial activity in extending the shelf life of YAN. Thirty colonies were isolated from spoiled YAN and were identified using the Biolog GEN III system. Eight bacteria which consisted of five Gram-positive (GP) and three Gram-negative (GN) (Bacillus pumilus, Clavibacter agropyri, Corynebacterium urealyticum, Corynebacterium jeikeium, Enterobacter cloaceae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Serratia marcescens and Staphylococcus sciuri) were identified. E. cloaceae and S. sciuri were the most abundant bacteria on YAN with percentage values of 23 and 26%, respectively. The antibacterial activities of ethanol and water extracts of six types of leaves (Centella asiatica, Jasminum sambac, Pereskia bleo, Cosmos caudatus caudatus, Murraya koenigii, and Melicope lunu) against all the identified bacteria were studied. The ethanol extracts of M. koenigii are most effective extract that possess the highest antibacterial activity against all the eight spoilage bacteria studied.
In Vitro Study of Ethanolic Extract of Hypericum perforatum L. on Growth and Sporulation of Some Bacteria and Fungi

The antibacterial activity of an ethanolic extract of Hypericum perforatum L. was investigated against 8 Gram-negative bacteria (Pseudomonas fluorescens, Pseudomonas phaseolicola, Pseudomonas glycinea, Erwinia carotovora, Enterobacter cloacae, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Agrobacterium tumefaciens, Azotobacter chrococcum) and 2 Gram-positive bacteria (Bacillus mycoides, Bacillus subtilis) by the disc-diffusion and broth tube dilution methods. Ethanol was used for extraction of the plant. The species Pseudomonas glycinea and Azotobacter chrococcum showed extreme sensitivity to the extract of H. perforatum, while no effect was observed on bacteria Klebsiella pneumoniae. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the ethanolic extract varied between 1.25 and 3.5 mg/ml. The antifungal activity of the H. perforatum extract at concentrations of 5-45 mg/ml was determined by the method of spore counting; a concentration of 45 mg/ml showed the greatest fungistatic activity. In the case of inoculation of 1 x 10 2 spores of fungi, the number of spores was decreased: with Fusarium oxysporum, only 5 spores were identified, and with Penicillium canescens, 15 spores.
NATIVE HOST PLANTS OF THE LARVAE OF THE RED TURNIP BEETLE, ENTOMOSCELIS AMERICANA (COLEOPTERA: CHRYSOMELIDAE)

Abstract The suitability of four indigenous species (Descurainia pinnata (Walt.) Britt. , D. richardsonii (Sweet) O.E. Schulz, Lepidium densiflorum Schrad. , and Rorippa palustris (L.) Besser) and one introduced species (Erysimum cheiranthoides L.) of Cruciferae as host plants for the larvae of the red turnip beetle, Entomoscelis americana Brown, was tested in the laboratory using excised true leaves as food and Brassica napus L. and D. sophia (L.) Webb as control treatments. R. palustris was a suitable food plant. D. pinnata, D. richardsonii, E. cheiranthoides, and L. densiflorum were marginally suitable. Of the four indigenous species, R. palustris probably is the only one that normally is a host plant of the larvae in nature. Résumé On a mené des essais en laboratoire afin de déterminer si quatre crucifère indigènes (Descurainia pinnata (Walt.) Britt. , D. richardsonii (Sweet) O.E. Schulz, Lepidium densiflorum Schrad. et Rorippa palustris (L.) Besser) ainsi qu'une espèce introduite (Erysimum cheiranthoides L.) étaient des plantes hôtes appropriées pour la chrysomèle du navet, Entomoscelis americana Brown, en utilisant comme aliment les premières feuilles fraîchement coupées de ces plantes, et Brassica napus L. et D. sophia (L.) Webb comme traitements témoins. R. palustris est une plante adéquate, tandis que D. pinnata, D. richardsonii, E. cheiranthoides et L. densiflorum conviennent à la limite. Des quatres espèces indigènes, R. palustris est probablement la seule qui soit normalement une plante hôte des larves en nature.
Effect of Mycobacterium leprae on neurotrophins expression in human Schwann cells and mouse sciatic nerves

BACKGROUND Although Mycobacterium leprae (ML) is well characterised as the causative agent of leprosy, the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying peripheral nerve damage still need further understanding. In vitro and in vivo studies have yielded insights into molecular mechanisms of ML interaction with Schwann cells (SC), indicating the regulation of genes and proteins crucial to neural plasticity. OBJECTIVES We aimed to investigate the effect of ML on neurotrophins expression in human SC (hSC) and mice sciatic nerves to better understand their role in leprosy neuropathy, and aiming to contribute to future therapeutic approaches. METHODS We evaluated mRNA and protein expression of BDNF, NGF, NT-3, NT-4 in hSC from amputation nerve fragments, as well as in athymic nude mice, infected by ML for eight months. FINDINGS and MAIN CONCLUSIONS Our in vitro results showed a trend to decline in NGF and BDNF mRNA in ML-treated hSC, compared to controls. The immunodetection of BDNF and NT-4 was significantly downregulated in ML-treated hSC. Conversely, ML-infected mice demonstrated upregulation of NT-3, compared to non-infected animals. Our findings indicate that ML may be involved in neurotrophins regulation, suggesting that a pathogen-related imbalance of these growth factors may have a role in the neural impairment of leprosy.
Ecological risk assessment in a large river‐reservoir: 6. Bioindicators of fish population health

Spatial distribution of contaminants in the sediments and biota of a large reservoir ecosystem were related to a variety of biological responses in fish populations and communities to determine possible relationships between contaminant loading in the environment and fish health. Much of the contaminant inventory in the Clinch River/Watts Bar Reservoir (CR/WBR) system has originated from three U.S. Department of Energy facilities on the Oak Ridge Reservation, which borders this system in its upper reaches. Fish sampled from areas of the CR/WBR system with the highest levels of contaminants in the sediments and biota, primarily mercury and PCBs, had the most dramatic bioindicator responses. The major changes observed were induction of detoxification enzymes, organ dysfunction, increased frequency of histopathological lesions, impaired reproduction, and reduced fish community integrity. Mercury, the dominant contaminant, displayed a decreasing concentration gradient from the upper reaches of Poplar Creek to the lower Clinch River, which was consistent with a downstream gradient in several of the biological responses. A multivariate analysis using all of the individual fish health responses at each site in a discriminant analysis procedure also revealed a downstream gradient in integrated fish health. In Poplar Creek where contaminant concentrations were the highest, statistical correlations were observed between individual bioindicator responses such as contaminant exposure indicators, organ dysfunction, histopathological damage, and reproductive impairment. Relationships between contaminant loading and fish community indices such as species richness and relative abundance, however, were more difficult to establish in Poplar Creek because of the possible dominating influence of food and habitat availability on fish community dynamics. Using a suite of bioindicators that encompass a range of levels of biological organization and response‐sensitivity scales improves the probability of identifying cause (contaminant) and effect (biological response) and helps in distinguishing between natural and anthropogenic sources of stress in aquatic ecosystems.
Masked morning hypertension correlated with target organ damage in nondialysis patients with chronic kidney disease.

OBJECTIVE To determine the prevalence of masked morning hypertension and investigate its role in target organ damage in nondialysis patients with chronic kidney disease. METHODS A total of 1841 patients with chronic kidney disease admitted to our hospital were recruited. According to measurements of clinic blood pressure and ambulatory blood pressure, they were divided into four groups: normotension, white-coat hypertension, masked morning hypertension, and sustained hypertension. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate the association between masked morning hypertension and cardiovascular and renal parameters. RESULTS Overall, 288 (15.6%) patients were diagnosed with masked morning hypertension. Patients with masked morning hypertension had a higher prevalence of left ventricular hypertrophy, abnormal carotid intima-media thickness, and impaired renal function when compared with normotensive patients, although lower than those with sustained hypertension. After adjustment for demographics and clinical characteristics, masked morning hypertension was related to cardiovascular damage and renal dysfunction compared with normotension. The odds ratio for left ventricular hypertrophy, abnormal carotid intima-media thickness and impaired renal function was 1.955 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.247-3.065], 1.469 (95% CI: 1.011-2.133), and 1.819 (95% CI: 1.112-2.976), respectively. Masked morning hypertension correlated with target organ damage even when patients with a history of cardiovascular disease were excluded. CONCLUSION The prevalence of masked morning hypertension in nondialysis chronic kidney disease patients was high, and masked morning hypertension was associated with target organ damage in chronic kidney disease patients.
The effects of cardiac rehabilitation on changes in anthropometric measurements of obesity among diabetic and non diabetic men with coronary artery disease referred to cardiac rehabilitation

1 سانشراک دشرا ،یپارتویزیف هدکشناد یشخبناوت هاگشناد مولع یکشزپ نارهت 2 رایداتسا هورگ ،یپارتویزیف هدکشناد یشخبناوت هاگشناد مولع یکشزپ نارهت 3 رایداتسا هورگ مولع هیاپ ناوت ،یشخب هدکشناد ناوت یشخب / زکرم تاقیقحت ناوت ،یشخب د هاگشنا مولع یکشزپ ،نارهت ناریا 4 رایشناد هورگ ،يژولویزیف هدکشناد ،یکشزپ هاگشناد مولع یکشزپ شترا 5 سیئر شخب یناوتزاب یبلق زکرم بلق نارهت
A Critical Assessment of the Use of Excess Lead Iodide in Lead Halide Perovskite Solar Cells.

It is common practice in the lead halide perovskite solar cell field to add a small molar excess of lead iodide (PbI2) to the precursor solution in order to increase device performance. However, recent reports have shown that an excess of PbI2 can accelerate performance loss. In addition, PbI2 is photoactive (bandgap ~2.3 eV), which may lead to parasitic absorption losses in a solar cell. Here, we show that devices using small quantities of excess PbI2 exhibit better device performance as compared to stoichiometric devices, both initially and for the duration of a stability test under operating conditions, primarily by enhancing charge extraction. However, photolysis of PbI2 negates the beneficial effect on charge extraction by leaving voids in the perovskite film and introduces trap states that are detrimental for device performance. We propose that although excess PbI2 provides a good template for enhanced performance, the community must continue to seek other additives or synthesis routes that fulfill the same beneficial role as excess PbI2 without the photolysis that negates these beneficial effects under long-term device operation.
Multiple Epidemic Wave Model of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Modeling Study

Background Intervention measures have been implemented around the world to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. Understanding the dynamics of the disease spread and the effectiveness of the interventions is essential in predicting its future evolution. Objective The aim of this study is to simulate the effect of different social distancing interventions and investigate whether their timing and stringency can lead to multiple waves (subepidemics), which can provide a better fit to the wavy behavior observed in the infected population curve in the majority of countries. Methods We have designed and run agent-based simulations and a multiple wave model to fit the infected population data for many countries. We have also developed a novel Pandemic Response Index to provide a quantitative and objective way of ranking countries according to their COVID-19 response performance. Results We have analyzed data from 18 countries based on the multiple wave (subepidemics) hypothesis and present the relevant parameters. Multiple waves have been identified and were found to describe the data better. The effectiveness of intervention measures can be inferred by the peak intensities of the waves. Countries imposing fast and stringent interventions exhibit multiple waves with declining peak intensities. This result strongly corroborated with agent-based simulations outcomes. We also provided an estimate of how much lower the number of infections could have been if early and strict intervention measures had been taken to stop the spread at the first wave, as actually happened for a handful of countries. A novel index, the Pandemic Response Index, was constructed, and based on the model’s results, an index value was assigned to each country, quantifying in an objective manner the country’s response to the pandemic. Conclusions Our results support the hypothesis that the COVID-19 pandemic can be successfully modeled as a series of epidemic waves (subepidemics) and that it is possible to infer to what extent the imposition of early intervention measures can slow the spread of the disease.