Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Positive Side of the Alzheimer’s Disease Amyloid Cross-Interactions: The Case of the Aβ 1-42 Peptide with Tau, TTR, CysC, and ApoA1

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) represents a progressive amyloidogenic disorder whose advancement is widely recognized to be connected to amyloid-β peptides and Tau aggregation. However, several other processes likely contribute to the development of AD and some of them might be related to protein-protein interactions. Amyloid aggregates usually contain not only single type of amyloid protein, but also other type of proteins and this phenomenon can be rationally explained by the process of protein cross-seeding and co-assembly. Amyloid cross-interaction is ubiquitous in amyloid fibril formation and so a better knowledge of the amyloid interactome could help to further understand the mechanisms of amyloid related diseases. In this review, we discuss about the cross-interactions of amyloid-β peptides, and in particular Aβ1-42, with other amyloids, which have been presented either as integrated part of Aβ neurotoxicity process (such as Tau) or conversely with a preventive role in AD pathogenesis by directly binding to Aβ (such as transthyretin, cystatin C and apolipoprotein A1). Particularly, we will focus on all the possible therapeutic strategies aiming to rescue the Aβ toxicity by taking inspiration from these protein-protein interactions.
Disrespect and Abuse Experienced by Women during Childbirth in Midwife-Led Obstetric Units in Tshwane District, South Africa: A Qualitative Study

The disrespect and abuse (D&A) of women during childbirth is common and a great concern in midwifery-led obstetric units (MOUs) in South Africa. This paper used the seven chapters of the Respectful Maternity Care Charter as a framework to explore women’s experiences of care during childbirth and examine the occurrence of D&A during childbirth in MOUs. Five focus group interviews were conducted with postnatal women aged 18 to 45 years selected purposively from MOUs in Tshwane District in South Africa. The discussions were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using a thematic approach and NVivo11 computer software. D&A of women was common during labor and childbirth. Verbal abuse in the form of shouting, labeling, judging, and rude remarks was the common form of D&A. Some of the women were abandoned and neglected, which resulted in their giving birth without assistance. Furthermore, the midwives violated their rights and denied them care such as pain relief medication, birth companions during childbirth, and access to ambulance services. Midwives are at the center of the provision of maternity care in MOUs in South Africa. Therefore, there is a need to strengthen interventions to adopt and implement policies that promotes respectful, nonabusive care during childbirth in MOUs.
Prognostic Value of the Alcoholic Hepatitis Histologic Score in Korean Patients with Biopsy-Proven Alcoholic Hepatitis

Background/Aims The alcoholic hepatitis histologic score (AHHS) is a recently developed clinical model for predicting short-term mortality in Caucasian patients with alcoholic hepatitis (AH). The AHHS has not been extensively validated in other ethnic populations. This study validated the AHHS in a Korean patient cohort. Methods We conducted a prospective cohort study of hospitalized Korean patients with AH between January 2010 and August 2017. Histopathological findings were assessed to determine the AHHS in all study subjects. Histopathological risk factors were examined by Cox regression analysis to predict overall survival (OS). Kaplan-Meier curves were plotted to assess the diagnostic performance of the AHHS. Results We recruited a total of 107 patients with biopsy-proven AH. None of the individual AHHS components were associated with 3-month mortality. However, the bilirubinostasis type and fibrosis severity were significantly associated with AH mortality beyond 6 months (all p<0.05, except fibrosis severity for 6-month mortality) and OS (all p<0.05). The modified AHHS classification as a binary variable (<5 vs ≥5) was also associated with OS (hazard ratio, 2.88; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.50 to 5.56; p=0.002), and had higher predictive performance for OS (concordance index [C-index], 0.634; 95% CI, 0.561 to 0.707) than the original AHHS classification (mild vs moderate vs severe C-index, 0.577; 95% CI, 0.498 to 0.656). This difference was statistically significant (p=0.045). Conclusions In this prospective Korean AH cohort, the modified AHHS was significantly associated with OS. Therefore, the AHHS might be a useful histological prognosticator for long-term prognosis in patients with nonsevere AH.
Development of Biodegradable Whey-Based Laminate Functionalised by Chitosan–Natural Extract Formulations

In this research, antimicrobial polysaccharide chitosan and natural extracts were used as surface coating of a plastic laminate with an integrated whey layer on the inside. The aim was to establish the biodegradable and active concept of packaging laminates. For this purpose, chitosan nanoparticles (CSNPs) with embedded rosemary or cinnamon extracts were synthesised and characterised. Additionally, a whey-based laminate was functionalised: i) chitosan macromolecular solution was applied as first layer and ii) cinnamon or rosemary extracts encapsulated in CSNPs were applied as upper layer (layer wise deposition). Such functionalised whey-based laminate was physicochemically characterized in terms of elemental surface composition, wettability, morphology and oxygen permeability. The antimicrobial activity was tested against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Aspergillus flavus and Penicillium verrucosum. The antioxidant properties were determined using the ABTS assay. It could be shown that after functionalization of the films with the above-mentioned strategy, the wettability was improved. Furthermore, such whey-based laminates still show excellent barrier properties, good antimicrobial activity and a remarkable antioxidative activity. In addition to the improved biodegradability, this type of lamination could also have a positive effect on the shelf-life of products packaged in such structured films.
Partitioning of seed dispersal services between birds and bats in a fragment of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest

Community-level network studies suggest that seed dispersal networks may share some universal properties with other complex systems. However, most of the datasets used so far in those studies have been strongly biased towards temperate birds, including not only dispersers, but also seed predators. Recent evidence from multi-taxon networks suggests that seed dispersal networks are not all alike and may be more complex than previously thought. Here, we used network theory to evaluate seed dispersal in a strongly impacted Atlantic Forest fragment in northeastern Brazil, where bats and birds are the only extant dispersers. We hypothesized that the seed dispersal network should be more modular then nested, and that the dispersers should segregate their services according to dispersal syndromes. Furthermore, we predicted that bat and bird species that are more specialized in frugivory would be more important for maintaining the network structure. The mixed network contained 56 plant species, 12 bat species, and eight bird species, and its structure was more modular (M = 0.58) then nested (NODF = 0.21) compared with another multi-taxon network and 21 single-taxon networks (with either bats or birds). All dispersed fruits had seeds smaller than 9 mm. Bats dispersed mainly green fruits, whereas birds dispersed fruits of various colors. The network contained eight modules: five with birds only, two with bats only, and one mixed. Most dispersers were peripheral, and only specialized frugivores acted as hubs or connectors. Our results strongly support recent studies, suggesting that seed dispersal networks are complex mosaics, where different taxa form separate modules with different properties, which in turn play complementary roles in the maintenance of the associated ecosystem functions and services.
Factors that Affected Women Undergoing Cryotherapy Following Cancer Screening with Visual Inspection of the Cervix Using Acetic Acid Method

Background: The Indonesian government has applied the cancer “see and treat” method which involves a visual inspection using acetic acid (VIA), followed by a cryotherapy procedure, to reduce the incidence of cervical cancer. However, compliance with the program is still low in the targeted population. This study aims to see what factors influence women to receive cryotherapy treatment if they have positive VIA result. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 356 VIA positive women, aged 30-50 years old, registered at Temanggung District Health Office, Central Java, Indonesia between March 29 and April 31, 2018. Data on whether subjects underwent cryotherapy, their demographic profile, education, knowledge about cryotherapy, and family support were collected in a direct interview using a structured questionnaire. A statistical analysis was carried out to observe the influence of all the variables on subjects’ decisions on cryotherapy. Results: In our study, 217 women (60.69%) received cryotherapy, while 139 women (39.04%) did not. Among all the variables analyzed, the factors affecting the subjects’ likelihood to undergo cryotherapy are their knowledge about cervical cancer and screening (PR=0.776;95%CI=0.660-0.913;p=0.003), their residences distance from health centre (PR=0.795;95%CI=0.650-0.971;p=0.016), permission from their family (PR=0.675;95%CI=0.556-0.820;p=0.018), and being accompanied by their family (PR=0.824;95%CI=0.700-0.970;p=0.026). Age, marital status, occupation, and education background did not show a significant correlation with the women’s decisions to receive cryotherapy. Conclusions: Interestingly, the result of our study indicates that women are less willing to undergo the cryotherapy procedure if they have good knowledge about the cryotherapy procedure and its importance in cervical cancer’s prevention. Providing higher quality and more accessible health facilities with cryotherapy services are important in influencing women’s willingness to receive cryotherapy. Family support, in the form of permission given by spouses, and if they accompanied the patient to seek cryotherapy care are observed as factors influencing women’s willingness to have the procedure.
The Impact of Cybervictimization on Psychological Adjustment in Adolescence: Analyzing the Role of Emotional Intelligence

Cybervictimization has been associated with serious emotional adjustment problems such as low self-concept and depressive symptomatology. In addition, these problems can negatively affect the well-being of the victims, manifesting in their levels of satisfaction with life. However, it should be noted that not all cybervictims develop these consequences with the same intensity. These differences seem to be related to the development of emotional intelligence (EI), as it can positively influence adolescents’ emotional adjustment and well-being even when problems arise. The objective of this work was to analyze the role of EI on cybervictimization and adolescents’ emotional adjustment, especially in self-concept, depression, and life satisfaction. The participants in the study were 1318 adolescents of both sexes and aged between 11 and 18 years (M = 13.8, SD = 1.32), from four secondary compulsory education centers in Spain. EI influences the relationship between self-concept and life satisfaction, and between depression and life satisfaction. In addition, the relationships of cybervictimization with self-concept and depression are influenced when introducing EI and its dimensions (emotional attention, clarity, regulation). These data support the idea that EI may affect the relationship between cybervictimization and adolescents’ emotional adjustment.
A Multicenter, Randomized, Double-Blind Clinical Trial Examining the Effect of Oral Human Recombinant Epidermal Growth Factor on the Healing of Duodenal Ulcers

A. Palomino, F. Hernández-Bernal, W. Haedo, S. Franco, J. A. Ma ́s, J. A. Fernández, G. Soto, A. Alonso, T. González & P. López-Saura Carlos J. Finlay Hospital; Centre for Biological Research, Clinical Trials Division; Gastroenterology Institute; Luis Diaz Soto Hospital; Hermanos Ameijeiras Hospital; Miguel Enrı ́quez Hospital; and National Centre for Co-ordination of Clinical Trials; Havana, Cuba
Two Faces of Vitamin C—Antioxidative and Pro-Oxidative Agent

Vitamin C has been known for decades. It is common in everyday use as an element of the diet, supplementation, and a preservative. For years, research has been conducted to precisely determine the mechanism of action of ascorbate in the cell. Available results indicate its multi-directional cellular effects. Vitamin C, which belongs to antioxidants scavenging free radicals, also has a ‘second face’—as a pro-oxidative factor. However, whether is the latter nature a defect harmful to the cell, or whether a virtue that is a source of benefit? In this review, we discuss the effects of vitamin C treatment in cancer prevention and the role of ascorbate in maintaining redox balance in the central nervous system (CNS). Finally, we discuss the effect of vitamin C supplementation on biomarkers of oxidative DNA damage and review the evidence that vitamin C has radioprotective properties.
BellaGel breast implant: 6-Year results of a prospective cohort study

Background This is the first clinical study conducted among Asian women using breast implants manufactured by an Asian company. Four-year data regarding the safety and efficacy of BellaGel breast implants have already been published, and we now report 6-year data. Methods This study was designed to take place over 10 years. It included 103 patients who underwent breast reconstruction or augmentation using BellaGel breast implants. The rates of implant rupture and capsular contracture were measured and analyzed to evaluate the effectiveness of the breast implant. Results At patients’ 6-year postoperative visits, the implant rupture and capsular contracture rates were 1.15% and 2.30%, respectively. The implant rupture rate was 3.77% among reconstruction cases and 0% among augmentation cases. The capsular contracture rate was 5.66% among reconstruction cases and 0.83% among augmentation cases. Conclusions The 6-year data from this planned 10-year study suggest that the BellaGel cohesive silicone gel-filled breast implant is an effective and safe medical device that can be used in breast reconstruction and augmentation.
Characterization of CD4– CD8– CD3+ T‐cell receptor‐αβ+ T cells in murine cytomegalovirus infection

In this study, we have investigated that after the intraperitoneal infection with murine cytomegalovirus (MCMV), the CD3+ CD4– CD8–(double negative; DN) T‐cell receptor (TCR)αβ+ T cells increased in peritoneal cavity, liver and spleen in both resistant C57BL/6 and susceptible BALB/c mice. The total cellular population of these cells showed peak levels around day 5 after infection in all the three investigated organs and the following phenotypical and functional characteristics emerged. The peritoneal DN TCRαβ+ T cells expressed highly skewed TCRVβ8 on day 5 after infection compared with the uninfected mice, but those in spleen and liver showed moderate and low skewed TCRVβ8, respectively. The percentages of NK1.1+ DN TCRαβ+ T cells gradually decreased as did modulation of some of their activation markers consistent with an activated cell phenotype. The peritoneal DN TCRαβ+ T cells on day 5 after infection expressed the genes of interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ), tumour necrosis factor‐α, Eta‐1 (early T‐cell activation‐1) and MCP‐1 (monocyte chemoattractant protein 1) but lacked expression of interleukin‐4 (IL‐4). After in vitro stimulation with phorbol 12‐myristate 13‐acetate and calcium ionophore in the presence of Brefeldin A, higher frequencies of intracellular IFN‐γ+ DN TCRαβ+ T cells were detected in all three investigated organs of infected mice compared with those of uninfected mice. Stimulation of peritoneal DN TCRαβ+ T cells with plate‐bound anti‐TCRβ monoclonal antibodies showed proliferation and also produced IFN‐γ but not IL‐4. These results suggest that DN TCRαβ+ T cells were activated and may have an antiviral effect through producing IFN‐γ and some macrophage‐activating factors during an early phase of MCMV infection.
Pharmacokinetic Interaction between Metformin and Verapamil in Rats: Inhibition of the OCT2-Mediated Renal Excretion of Metformin by Verapamil

The incidence of hypertension in diabetic patients has been increasing and contributing to the high mortality of diabetic patients. Recently, verapamil use was found to lower fasting blood glucose levels in diabetic patients, which led to a new indication of verapamil as combination treatment with anti-diabetic agents such as metformin. As pharmacokinetic (PK) interaction can affect drug efficacy and safety in drug combination, their PK-based interaction is recommended to be evaluated in preclinical levels as well as clinical levels. In case of metformin and verapamil, organic cation transporter (OCT) 1 and 2 primarily mediate metformin distribution to the liver and its elimination into urine, whereas cytochrome P450 is responsible for the hepatic metabolism of verapamil. Verapamil is also known as a potential OCT2 inhibitor. Thus, PK interaction between metformin (30 mg/kg) and verapamil (20 mg/kg) were investigated after their simultaneous administration to rats. In our results, verapamil inhibited the OCT2-mediated renal excretion of metformin, subsequently leading to increase of the systemic exposure of metformin. In contrast, metformin did not influence the pharmacokinetic pattern of verapamil. Although the further clinical investigation is required, our finding suggests a possibility of OCT2-mediated interaction of metformin and verapamil.
Management Practices to Reduce Gray Leaf Spot of Maize

The beneficial effects of stubble tillage on soil and water conservation are widely recognized, but surface stubble also increases the potential for crop damage by fungal pathogens that overwinter in the previous season's debris. In recent years, gray leaf spot (GLS) bas become a major yield-limiting disease, resulting in grain yield losses as high as 60% in high yield potential maize (Zea mays L.) production areas. A study was launched to investigate strategies that could be adopted to facilitate the continuation of conservation tillage practices without exposing maize to unnecessarily high risk from GLS. The aim of the study was to investigate the interactive effects of four tillage practices leaving varying amounts of surface residues and fungicide treatments for the control of stubble-associated pathogens. In the hot, dry season, unfavorable for GLS, the onset of disease was 23 d earlier in no-till with higher disease than conventional tillage. The benefits of conserved soil moisture under stubble tillage with concomitant higher grain yields than conventional tillage offset the detrimental effects of higher disease. Results from the study indicate that tillage practices are unlikely to have a major impact in managing GLS; since the mean yield of conventional tillage with minimal stubble (3% residue), during four seasons, was between 28 and 209 kg ha -1 lower than tillage treatments leaving 82 and 26% stubble on the soil surface, respectively. During the four seasons of the study, grain yield responses to fungicide treatment ranged from 477 kg ha -1 in unfavorable seasons to 3830 kg ha -1 in seasons favorable for GLS. The judicious application of fungiddes will reduce the risk of financial loss from GLS and will allow the continuation of the desirable stubble tillage practice in sustainable farming systems.
The Metabolic Status of Some Late Cretaceous Dinosaurs

Analysis of the nasal region in fossils of three theropod dinosaurs (Nanotyrannus, Ornithomimus, and Dromaeosaurus) and one ornithischian dinosaur (Hypacrosaurus) showed that their metabolic rates were significantly lower than metabolic rates in modern birds and mammals. In extant endotherms and ectotherms, the cross-sectional area of the nasal passage scales approximately with increasing body mass M at M0.72. However, the cross-sectional area of nasal passages in endotherms is approximately four times that of ectotherms. The dinosaurs studied here have narrow nasal passages that are consistent with low lung ventilation rates and the absence of respiratory turbinates.
Relationships between maternal antibody responses and early childhood infection with KSHV.

While mother-to-child transmission is believed to play in important role in early childhood infection with Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV), the maternal immune response remains largely uncharacterized. This study aimed to characterize the longitudinal humoral response to KSHV in a cohort of HIV-infected Zambian mothers without KS and identify potential factors that may influence transmission. In total 86/124 (69.4%) mothers were determined to be KSHV seropositive. Longitudinal KSHV titers were fairly stable temporally, though seroreversion was still common. Of the 124 total mothers, 81 had at least one child KSHV seroconvert during the two years analyzed, while the remaining 43 mothers had KSHV seronegative children. Mothers of KSHV negative children had higher geometric mean titers than mothers of KSHV positive children, however there was no difference in the presence of neutralizing antibodies. This suggests that a strong anti-KSHV immune response, and potentially non-neutralizing antibodies, may reduce transmission.
Functional Dyspepsia Symptoms, Gastric Emptying and Satiety Provocative Test: Analysis of Relationships

Background: The correlation between symptoms and observed impaired function in functional dyspepsia is still inconsistent. The aims of the study were to obtain a measure of satiety by a meal test; to verify whether this compares with severity of symptoms assessed using a reproducible questionnaire; and to correlate the parameters of satiety test and gastric emptying with all the dyspeptic symptoms. Methods: Fifty-two functional dyspepsia patients reported their symptoms on a standardized questionnaire that considered belching, bloating, early satiety, epigastric pain and burning, nausea, postprandial fullness and vomiting. They were monitored for gastric emptying of a solid caloric meal using a radionuclide technique and underwent a test to quantify meal-induced satiety by a liquid caloric meal. Results: