Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of quercetin supplementation on plasma lipid profiles, blood pressure, and glucose levels: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

CONTEXT Clinical trials examining the cardiovascular protective effects of quercetin in humans have reported conflicting results. OBJECTIVE The aim of this systematic review was to summarize evidence of the effects of quercetin supplementation on plasma lipid profiles, blood pressure (BP), and glucose levels in humans by performing a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. DATA SOURCES MEDLINE, Embase, and Scopus databases were searched electronically from their inception to July 2018 to identify randomized controlled trials that assessed the impact of quercetin on lipid profiles, BP, and glucose levels. STUDY SELECTION Randomized controlled trials assessing the effects of quercetin or a standardized quercetin-enriched extract on plasma lipid profiles, BP, and glucose levels in humans were eligible for inclusion. DATA EXTRACTION A random-effects model was used for data analysis. Continuous variables were expressed as weighted mean differences (WMDs) and 95%CIs. Subgroup analyses were conducted to explore possible influences of study characteristics. Sensitivity analyses were also performed, as were analyses of publication bias. RESULTS Seventeen trials (n = 896 participants total) were included in the overall analysis. Pooled results showed that quercetin significantly lowered both systolic BP (WMD, -3.09 mmHg; 95%CI, -4.59 to -1.59; P = 0.0001) and diastolic BP (WMD, -2.86 mmHg; 95%CI, -5.09 to -0.63; P = 0.01). Neither lipid profiles nor glucose concentrations changed significantly. In subgroup analyses, significant changes in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides were observed in trials with a parallel design and in which participants consumed quercetin for 8 weeks or more. CONCLUSION Quercetin intake resulted in significantly decreased BP in humans. Moreover, participants who consumed quercetin for 8 weeks or more showed significantly changed levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides in trials with a parallel design.
Nocturnal Hypoxemia Impacts Right Ventricle Diastolic Function in Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Retrospective Observational Study

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), although a growing healthcare problem and documented risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, is still under-diagnosed in cardiac patients. To investigate the correlation between OSA and echocardiographic parameters of right ventricle diastolic (RVD) dysfunction, in particular trans-tricuspid E-wave deceleration time (EDT), we retrospectively analyzed data of 103 pure (comorbidity-free) OSA patients with comprehensive echocardiographic examination (ETT). Apnea/hypopnea index (AHI), oxygen desaturation index (ODI), mean nighttime oxyhemoglobin saturation (SpO2), time elapsed with SpO2 < 90% (T90) and mean peak desaturation of nocturnal events (Mdes, graded as mild, medium or severe) were compared with echocardiographic parameters. We found RVD dysfunction present in 58.3% of patients. Altered EDT correlated significantly with mean SpO2, T90, and Mdes (p < 0.01, all). Nocturnal desaturators had a significantly worse EDT than non-desaturators (p = 0.027) and a higher risk of prolonged EDT (odds ratio, OR = 2.86). EDT differed significantly according to Mdes severity (p = 0.005) with a higher risk of prolonged EDT in medium/severe vs. mild Mdes (OR = 3.44). EDT detected the presence of RVD dysfunction in 58.3% of our pure OSA patients. It correlated poorly with AHI severity but strongly with nocturnal desaturation severity, independently of age. This ETT marker may be useful for deciding appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
Flow Cytometry-Based Quantification of Neutrophil Extracellular Traps Shows an Association with Hypercoagulation in Septic Shock and Hypocoagulation in Postsurgical Systemic Inflammation—A Proof-of-Concept Study

This proof-of-concept study aimed to evaluate a novel method of flow cytometry-based quantification of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) in septic shock patients and to identify possible interactions between the number of free-circulating NETs and alterations of the coagulatory system. Patients suffering from septic shock, a matched control group (CTRL), and patients suffering from systemic inflammation after cardiac (CABG) or major abdominal surgery (MAS) were enrolled in this prospective proof-of-concept study. Compared to the matched controls, free-circulating NETs were significantly elevated in septic shock and postsurgical patients (data are presented in median (IQR)); septic shock: (2.7 (1.9–3.9); CABG: 2.7 (2.1–3.7); MAS: 2.7 (2.1–3.9); CTRL: 1.6 (1–2); CTRL vs. septic shock: p = 0.001; CTRL vs. CABG: p < 0.001; CTRL vs. MAS: p < 0.001). NETs correlated positively with FIBTEM mean clot firmness (MCF) in septic shock patients (r = 0.37, p < 0.01) while they correlated negatively in surgical patients (CABG: r = −0.28, p < 0.01; MAS: r = −0.25, p = 0.03). Flow-cytometric quantification of NETs showed a significant increase in free-circulating NETs under inflammatory conditions. Furthermore, this study hints to an association of the number of NETs with hypercoagulation in septic shock patients and hypocoagulation in surgery-induced inflammation.
Friction, Abrasion and Crack Growth Behavior of In-Situ and Ex-Situ Silica Filled Rubber Composites

The article focuses on comparing the friction, abrasion, and crack growth behavior of two different kinds of silica-filled tire tread compounds loaded with (a) in-situ generated alkoxide silica and (b) commercial precipitated silica-filled compounds. The rubber matrix consists of solution styrene butadiene rubber polymers (SSBR). The in-situ generated particles are entirely different in filler morphology, i.e., in terms of size and physical structure, when compared to the precipitated silica. However, both types of the silicas were identified as amorphous in nature. Influence of filler morphology and surface modification of silica on the end performances of the rubbers like dynamic friction, abrasion index, and fatigue crack propagation were investigated. Compared to precipitated silica composites, in-situ derived silica composites offer better abrasion behavior and improved crack propagation with and without admixture of silane coupling agents. Silane modification, particle morphology, and crosslink density were identified as further vital parameters influencing the investigated rubber properties.
Parasites modulate the gut-microbiome in insects: A proof-of-concept study

Host-parasite interactions may be modulated by host- or parasite-associated microbes, but the role of these are often overlooked. Particularly for parasites with intestinal stages (either larval or adult), the host gut microbiome may play a key role for parasite establishment; moreover, the microbiome may change in response to invading parasites. Hypothesis testing at the organismal level may be hampered, particularly in mammalian definitive hosts, by ethical, logistical, and economical restrictions. Thus, invertebrates naturally serving as intermediate hosts to parasites with complex life cycles may inform the development of mammalian models as an early-stage host-parasite model. In addition, several important pathogens are vectored by insects, and insect gut microbiome-pathogen interactions may provide essential base-line knowledge, which may be used to control vectorborne pathogens. Here, we used the grain beetle, Tenebrio molitor, a host of the tapeworm Hymenolepis diminuta, to explore interactions between infection status and resident gut microbiota at two pre-determined time points (day two and seven) post infection. Using 16S/18S microbial profiling, we measured key parameters of the composition, relative abundance, and diversity of the host gut bacteriome and mycobiome. In addition, we quantified the systemic beetle immune response to infection by Phenoloxidase activity and hemocyte abundance. We found significant changes in the gut bacteriome and mycobiome in relation to infection status and beetle age. Thus, the relative abundance of Proteobacteria was significantly higher in the gut of infected beetles and driven mostly by an increased abundance of Acinetobacter. In addition, the mycobiome was less abundant in infected beetles but maintained higher Shannon diversity in infected compared with non-infected beetles. Beetles treated with a broad-spectrum antibiotic (Tetracycline) exhibited significantly reduced parasite establishment compared with the untreated control group, indicating that the host microbiome may greatly influence hatching of eggs and subsequent establishment of H. diminuta larvae. Our results suggest that experimental work using invertebrates may provide a platform for explorative studies of host-parasite-microbe interactions and their underlying mechanisms.
Survey of Obstetrics and Gynecology Providers on Management of HIVSerodiscordant Couples:Assessment of Attitudes,Practices, and Knowledge

Survey of Obstetrics and Gynecology Providers on Management of HIV Serodiscordant Couples: Assessment of Attitudes, Practices, and Knowledge In the United States, current guidelines with respect to reproductive options for HIV-serodiscordant couples where the male is positive include sperm preparation techniques coupled with either intrauterine insemination or in vitro fertilization. Recent studies have demonstrated the efficacy of pre-exposure prophylaxis in reducing the risk of seroconversion in couples having intercourse when an HIV-seropositive male has undetectable viral loads. This study assesses attitudes, practice patterns and knowledge base of Obstetrics and Gynecology practitioners regarding reproductive options for HIV-infected individuals.
Promoting Inclusion Oral Health: Social Interventions to Reduce Oral Health Inequities

To advance our understanding of inclusion oral health and to address the impact of social exclusion upon oral health, this group of papers sets out to provide an argument for the need for social and community-based interventions, theoretically underpinned by pluralistic definitions of evidence-based practice and the radical discourse of health promotion for those experiencing exclusion. Using the definition and framework of inclusion oral health, these papers illustrate the requirement for mixed-methods research, the incorporation of experts by experience in the research process, and the need for co-design and co-produced interventions. The papers in this Special Issue present various sources of evidence used to transform top-down into bottom-up community-based interventions for people experiencing homelessness, people in custody, and families residing in areas of high social deprivation. The first two papers provide the evidence for extreme oral health in those experiencing exclusion, and the final four papers report on the implementation and evaluation of social or community-based interventions. This collection of research papers will be of interest to all those wishing to reduce health inequities. This will be achieved by focusing on prevention, adopting a common risk factor agenda, and incorporating co-design and co-production elements into interventions, to tackle the oral health inequities felt by those most excluded in our societies.
Nodule Inception Is Not Required for Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Colonization of Medicago truncatula

Most legumes can engage in symbiosis with N-fixing bacteria called rhizobia. This symbiosis, called nodulation, evolved from the more widespread symbiosis that most land plants form with arbuscular mycorrhiza, which is reflected in a common requirement of certain genes for both these symbioses. One key nodulation gene, Nodule Inception (NIN), has been intensively studied. Mutants in NIN are unable to form nodules, which has made it difficult to identify downstream genes under the control of NIN. The analysis of data from our recent transcriptomics study revealed that some genes with an altered expression of nin during nodulation are upregulated in mycorrhizal roots. In addition, another study reported the decreased colonization of nin roots by arbuscular mycorrhiza. We therefore investigated a role for NIN in mycorrhiza formation. Our time course study, using two nin alleles with differing genetic backgrounds, suggests that that loss of NIN does not affect colonization of Medicago truncatula roots, either in the presence or absence of rhizobia. This, and recent phylogenetic analyses showing that the loss of NIN is correlated with loss of nodulation in the FaFaCuRo clade, but not with the ability to form mycorrhiza, argue against NIN being required for arbuscular mycorrhization in legumes.
Galectin Domain Containing Protein from Haemonchus contortus Modulates the Immune Functions of Goat PBMCs and Regulates CD4+ T-Helper Cells In Vitro

Galectins are glycan-binding proteins that are widely expressed and distributed in mammalian tissues as well as cells of innate and adaptive immune responses. CD4+ T-helper cells differentiate into effector subsets in response to cytokines. T helper 9 cells are one of the recently described subsets of effector T cells that are relatively new and less studied. In this study, galectin domain containing protein from Haemonchus contortus (Hc-GDC) was cloned, expressed in pET32a, and immunoblotting was performed. Localization of recombinant (r)Hc-GDC on outer and inner surface of H. contortus worm and binding with goat Peripheral Blood Mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were performed using immunofluorescence assay. Moreover, effects of rHc-GDC on proliferation, apoptosis, cell migration, and the nitric oxide production in goat PBMCs were evaluated. Furthermore, modulatory effects of rHc-GDC on production of Th1, Th2, and Th9 cells were evaluated by flowcytometry and on interferon gamma, interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-9 were evaluated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. The results demonstrated that rHc-GDC was successfully cloned, expressed in expression vector as well as in the gut surface of adult H. contortus worm and successful binding with PBMCs surface were observed. Immunoblotting results revealed that rHc-GDC is an important active protein of H. contortus excretory and secretory products. Moreover, the interaction of rHc-GDC with host cells increased the production of Th2, Th9 cells, IL4, IL-9, PBMC proliferation, nitric oxide, and cell migration. No effects of rHc-GDC were observed on PMBC apoptosis, production of Th1 cells, and secretions of IFN-γ and IL-10 cytokines. These findings indicate that recombinant GDC protein from H. contortus modulates the immune functions of goat PBMCs and has the potential to enhance protective immunity by inducing T helper-9-derived IL-9 in vitro.
A Comprehensive Review on Water Diffusion in Polymers Focusing on the Polymer–Metal Interface Combination

Water diffusion in polymers is relevant to a broad range of physicochemical phenomena and technological processes. Although many fields contributed to rapid progress in the fundamental knowledge of water–polymer interactions, detailed understandings come mainly from interpreting numerous experiments. These studies showed that a remarkably rich variety of diffusion forms between water and even seemingly simple polymers. In this review, focusing on the gravimetric and capacitance method, we discuss contradictions and problems existing for water diffusion in polymers in detail from perspectives of experiments and models, focusing on the analysis of error derived from widely used methods, especially for the Brasher–Kingsbury equation. We also provide a perspective on outstanding problems, challenges, and open questions, including water clusters, relaxation, and electrochemical reactions at the metal/polymer interface, as well as expanding the theoretical prospective.
Fire Size of Gasoline Pool Fires

This article presents an experimental investigation of the flame characteristics of the gasoline pool fire. A series of experiments with different pool sizes and mixture contents were conducted to study the combustion behavior of pool fires in atmospheric conditions. The initial pool area of 0.25 m2, 0.66 m2, and 2.8 m2, the initial volume of fuel and time of burning process, and the initial gasoline thickness of 20 mm were determined in each experiment. The fire models are defined by the European standard EN 3 and were used to model fire of the class MB (model liquid fire for the fire area 0.25 m2), of the class 21B (model liquid fire for the fire area 0.66 m2), and 89B (model liquid fire for the fire area 2.8 m2). The fire models were used to class 21B and 89B for fuel by Standard EN 3. The flame geometrical characteristics were recorded by a CCD (charge-coupled device) digital camera. The results show turbulent flame with constant loss burning rate per area, different flame height, and different heat release rate. Regression rate increases linearly with increasing pans diameter. The results show a linear dependence of the HRR (heat release rate) depending on the fire area (average 2.6 times).
A Sociologia do Turismo na Educação Superior em Portugal

O turismo exerce, cada vez mais, um papel socializador dentro de uma sociedade. Ele permite o encontro entre seres humanos de distintas culturas e contribui, em muitos casos, para as mudancas sociais e culturais de uma regiao ou pais. Se a sociologia e a ciencia que estuda os factos sociais ou a acao social, entao, o turismo pode ser entendido como um fenomeno social, onde a sociologia do turismo tem como objeto de estudo a natureza da interacao entre turistas e residentes e tambem a analise dos impactos sociais e culturais onde o turismo se desenvolve. O presente artigo pretende analisar a importância da Sociologia do Turismo na estrutura dos planos curriculares dos cursos superiores de turismo e/ou suas areas afins (hotelaria, ecoturismo, animacao, dentre outras) nas instituicoes de ensino superior em Portugal. O estudo teve como principal enfoque os primeiros Ciclos de Estudo que oferecem a Sociologia do Turismo como unidade curricular obrigatoria.
Extramedullary Intradural Spinal Tumors

tumors. Their annual incidence is 2 to 10 per 100,000, and 90% of affected patients are older than 20 years. The most common spinal tumor location is extradural, with cancer metastasis being the most common tumor; primary extradural vertebral bone tumors are less frequent. Most spinal tumors are extradural (50%–55%), whereas 40% to 45% are intradural. Furthermore, 5% are intramedullary and 40% are extramedullary. The most common tumors are schwannomas (29%) followed by meningiomas (25%) and gliomas (22%). Extramedullary intradural spinal tumors (EISTs) are rare. They comprise about 40% to 45% of all spinal tumors. They are distinguished from intramedullary tumors by their extraaxial location. The fi rst recorded resection of an EIST was performed in 1888 by Horsley, in a 42-year-old patient. The lesion was classifi ed originally as a fi bromyxoma, but it probably was a degenerated schwannoma. The mean age of patients with EISTs is 46 years, and 54% to 57% of patients are men. The annual incidence of EIST is 0.4 per 100,000 population. An average neurosurgeon may see 1 to 2 patients with EISTs per year, a neurologist 1 patient every 5 to 6 years, and every third general practitioner will see a single case during his or her career. The goal of this CME activity is to provide a review of the differential diagnosis of EISTs; various epidemiologic, clinical, and radiologic features of the common tumors within the EIST group; and surgical management of EISTs.
Food insecurity and dietary diversity among lactating mothers in the urban municipality in the mountains of Nepal

Background Adequate nutrition is essential during the lactation period for better maternal and child health outcomes. Although food insecurity and dietary monotony (defined as less diverse diet), two important determinants of undernutrition, are endemic in the rural mountains of Nepal, insufficiently examined and assessed for risk factors in mothers during lactation, a life stage of high nutritional demand. This study aimed to assess the status and factors associated with food insecurity and dietary diversity among lactating mothers residing in the mountains of Nepal. Methods A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in an urban municipality in the mountainous Bajhang District of far-western Nepal. The sampling frame and strategy led to 417 randomly selected lactating mothers. Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS) and the tool “Minimum Dietary Diversity for Women” developed by the Food and Agriculture Organization were used to measure food insecurity and dietary diversity, respectively. Additional information on socio-demographics and risk factors were collected. Multivariable logistics regression assessed correlates of study outcomes. Results Overall, 54% of the households were food insecure, and over half (53%) of the mothers had low dietary diversity. Food insecurity status (mild food insecurity AOR = 10.12, 95% CI = 4.21–24.34; moderate food insecurity AOR = 8.17, 95% CI = 3.24–20.59, and severe food insecurity AOR = 10.56, 95% CI = 3.92–28.43) were associated with higher odds of dietary monotony. Likewise, participants with lower dietary diversity were 8.5 times more likely to be food insecure than those with higher dietary diversity (AOR = 8.48, 95% CI = 3.76–19.14). The monthly income of the family was positively associated with food insecurity. Participants’ (AOR = 3.92 95%CI = 1.76–8.71) or spouses’ (AOR = 2.90, 95% CI = 1.07–7.85) unemployment was associated with higher odds of being food insecure. Likewise, owning a cultivable land (AOR = 0.49, 95% CI = 0.28–0.84) and participant’s unemployment status (AOR = 5.92, 95% CI = 3.02–11.63), were significantly associated with increased odds of dietary monotony. Conclusion The observed food insecurity and poor dietary diversity among lactating mothers, the correlates associated with these outcomes, may help local stakeholders to identify local health needs and subgroups for targeted interventions. Socioeconomically disadvantaged mothers should be specifically targeted for relevant programs and policies.
Walking Speed: Japanese Data in Chronic Liver Diseases

We aim to clarify the impact of walking speed (WS) and analyze factors linked to WS decline in patients with chronic liver diseases (CLDs, 165 males and 191 females, 137 liver cirrhosis patients). The WS decline is defined as <0.8 m/second (m/s), referring to the guidelines. The median (range) WS was 1.3 m/s (0.2–2.02 m/s). There were 17 patients with WS < 0.8 m/s (4.8%). The WS value was significantly correlated with the handgrip strength value both in males (r2 = 0.252, p < 0.0001) and females (r2 = 0.256, p < 0.0001). In the multivariate analysis of factors associated with WS decline, only the extracellular water (ECW) to total body water (TBW) ratio using bioimpedance analysis was an independent predictor (p = 0.0398). Extracellular fluid excess was categorized as follows: normal condition (ECW to TBW ratio < 0.390), mild overhydrated condition (ECW to TBW ratio 0.390–0.399), and moderate to severe overhydrated condition (ECW to TBW ratio ≥ 0.400). The WS value was well stratified according to the ECW to TBW ratio (normal vs. mild, p = 0.0001; mild vs. moderate to severe, p < 0.0001; normal vs. moderate to severe, p < 0.0001; overall p-value < 0.0001). In conclusion, the ECW to TBW ratio can be closely linked to WS decline in CLD patients.