Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Optimization of ultrasound-assisted extraction of polyphenols from globe artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.) bracts residues using response surface methodology.

BACKGROUND The globe artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.) is a rich source of phenolic compounds which may be extracted by ultrasound technology and used as a medicinal alternative. The objective of this work was to determine the radiation amplitude (%), ethanol concentration (%), and time extraction (min) required to guarantee an elevated content of polyphenol compounds. METHODS The optimal extraction conditions were assessed through the Box-Wilson design and by applying Composite Face Centered (CCFC) and total phenolic compounds (TPC) as the response variables. RESULTS A quadratic model was adequate, with R2 = 0.993. The optimal conditions were a radiation amplitude of 97%, an ethanol concentration of 53%, and an extraction time of 9.7 min. The optimized extract of artichoke bracts (Cynara scolymus L.) showed a TPC of 25.13 (±0.030) mg GAE/g, an antioxidant activity DPPH of 39.79 (±0.014) mmol Trolox equivalents (TE), and an antioxidant capacity TEAC of 33.98 (±0.03) mmol Trolox equivalents. CONCLUSIONS The results showed values closely related to the expected values, indicating that the models were well-developed.
Nutrient mobility in soil, uptake, quality and yield of suru sugarcane as influenced by drip-fertigation in medium vertisols

The results of field experiments conducted during 1997–99 using FRBD with 9 treatments and 3 replications, 250:115:115 kg ha−1 N-P2O5-K2O and irrigated at alternate day through drip (water requirement computed on the basis of CPE, pan factor, crop coefficient and area factor) in Vertisols to Suru sugarcane (cv. CO. 86032) indicated that comparatively more N, P and K were available in the soil from water soluble fertilizers. Nitrogen and K moved laterally from point source up to 15 cm and vertically up to 15–25 cm and P moved 5 cm both laterally and vertically and thereafter dwindled. The higher quanta of N, P and K availability were observed in 125% recommended dose of fertilizers. Application of water soluble N, P and K fertilizers (applied in 20 equal weekly splits) significantly yielded more cane yield (153.35 t ha−1) and uptake of N (194.41 kg ha−1), P (73.8 kg ha−1) and K (288 kg ha−1) when compared with straight fertilizers (N through urea in 20 equal weekly splits and P and K as basal). The quality parameters viz. RS (0.38%), NRS (16.23%), N (92.01 mg/100g) and P (37.98 mg/100g) contents in cane juice were found to be significantly more in water soluble fertilizerswhen compared with straight fertilizers. Application of fertilizers through drip resulted in significant increase in cane yield (28%), WUE (114%) and water saving (41%) over surface irrigation method. Further, application of 100% of recommended dose of fertilizers through drip was found to be the best in cane production. The net extra income accrued due to use of water soluble fertilizers was 6.57% higher (Rs. 59190 ha−1) than the straight fertilizers. However, additional benefit accrued due to Rictifield water soluble fertilizer was masked by straight fertilizer owing to the high cost of the former than the latter.
Fluorescent nitrogen-rich carbon nanodots with an unexpected β-C3N4nanocrystalline structure

Carbon nanodots are a class of nanoparticles with variable structures and compositions which exhibit a range of useful optical and photochemical properties. Since nitrogen doping is commonly used to enhance the fluorescence properties of carbon nanodots, understanding how nitrogen affects their structure, electronic properties and fluorescence mechanism is important to fully unravel their potential. Here we use a multi-technique approach to study heavily nitrogen-doped carbon dots synthesized by a simple bottom-up approach and capable of bright and color-tunable fluorescence in the visible region. These experiments reveal a new variant of optically active carbonaceous dots, that is a nanocrystal of beta carbon nitride (β-C3N4) capped by a disordered surface shell hosting a variety of polar functional groups. Because β-C3N4 is a network of sp3 carbon and sp2 nitrogen atoms, such a structure markedly contrast with the prevailing view of carbon nanodots as sp2-carbon materials. The fluorescence mechanism of these nanoparticles is thoroughly analyzed and attributed to electronic transitions within a manifold of surface states associated with nitrogen-related groups. The sizeable bandgap of the β-C3N4 nanocrystalline core has an indirect, albeit important role in favoring an efficient emission. These results have deep implications on our current understanding of optically active carbon-based nanoparticles and reveal the role of nitrogen in controlling their properties.
Motivating patients in cardiac rehabilitation programs: A multicenter randomized controlled trial

Abstract Concerns have been raised about motivation and psychological distress when implementing telerehabilitation in patients with heart failure. The current study compared conventional and telerehabilitation in two groups (n=67; n=70) of patients with heart failure at 0, 6, and 12 months on measures of motivation (Self-Determination Theory measures) and psychological distress (Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale). We found no significant changes in motivation across groups, although our telerehabilitation group had a slightly lower level of controlled motivation and higher levels of relatedness. In addition, there were no differences between groups with regard to psychological distress. This study demonstrates that telerehabilitation motivates patients with heart failure to the same degree as conventional rehabilitation, and that telerehabilitation is not associated with increased psychological distress. As such, telerehabilitation offers an alternative to conventional rehabilitation and addresses some of the barriers for participating in rehabilitation identified in the literature.
Comparison of Different Phenotypic Tests versus PCR in the Detection of Carbapenemase-Producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa Isolates in Hamadan, Iran

In recent years, the prevalence of carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates has become a worldwide concern. Rapid and accurate detection of carbapenemase-producing P. aeruginosa isolates is so important. The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of the phenotypic methods such as Modified Hodge test (MHT), CarbaNP (CNPt), combined double-disk synergy test (CDDT), and carbapenem inactivation method (CIM) for rapid and accurate detection of clinical carbapenemase production of P. aeruginosa isolates. This study was performed on 97 P. aeruginosa strains, which were isolated from clinical samples in Hamadan hospitals, western Iran in 2017-2018. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed using disk diffusion and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) by E-test method. We evaluated the performance of MHT, CarbaNP, CDDT, and CIM tests in comparison to polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the detection of carbapenemase-producing isolates. Additionally, the presence of carbapenem-resistant genes was investigated using the PCR method. Our findings showed that the highest resistance was to cefoxitin (94.8%). Moreover, among the carbapenem antibiotics, the highest resistance was to imipenem (49.4%). Among the 49 carbapenem-resistant isolates, 42 (85.7%) isolates were MIC positive. The results of phenotypic tests showed that CarbaNP, CIM, CDDT, and MHT tests were positive in (48/49, 97.95%), (46/49, 93.87%), (27/49, 57.44%), and (25/49, 53.19%) of isolates, respectively. CarbaNP and CIM tests showed high sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive values (PPV), and negative predictive values (NPV) compared to PCR in P. aeruginosa isolates. CarbaNP and CIM tests are highly sensitive and specific tests for identifying carbapenemase-producing P. aeruginosa isolates.
Iron(II) and Nickel(II) Complexes of 4,4′-Bithiazole: Spectral, Magnetic and Structural Studies

Iron(II) and nickel(II) complexes of 4,4′-bithiazole (L) have been prepared. Salts of [FeL3]2+ undergo thermally induced spin-state transitions, in the solid state and in solution. The structures of both [FeL3] [ClO4]2 and [NiL3] [ClO4]2 have been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffractometry . The compounds are isomorphous : monoclinic with space group C2/c, with four molecules in a unit cell of dimensions (Fe, Ni): a 17.250(3), 17.379(3); b 9.8168(9), 9.685(1); c 16.867(3), 17.135(3) Ǻ; β 105.943(7), 104.860(7)°. The structures were refined by least-squares methods to residuals of 0.033 (Fe) and 0.033 (Ni) for 1917 (Fe) and 2017 (Ni) observed reflections. The cations have a distorted octahedral structure with the average Ni-N bond length being 0.11 Ǻ longer than the average Fe-N bond length.
A Study on Mortality Among Saharia – A Primitive Tribe of Madhya Pradesh

Abstract In this paper, an attempt has been made to study the socio-economic aspects which are collectively related with high measures of mortality level among Saharia – a primitive tribe of Madhya Pradesh. This study also expresses that as primitive tribe, they are inhabiting in very interior area and most of them are landless. Daily labour is no more enough to improve their financial status and by which they are acquainted themselves as poverty stricken. A major group of Saharia are illiterate. In respecting to the socio-cultural orthodox, they are enforced to practise marriage at early age. They are not aware to adopt any family planning contraceptive methods. Early age at marriage and family planning non-adoption usually influence to perform frequent child birth. Side by side, due to non-immunization, inadequate medical ailments, etc., both mothers and children are affected by various diseases. Beside this, malnutrition, insanitation, low living standard, harsh environment, etc., may be mentioned as the reasons of their various diseases. Due to absence of proper treatment, most of the disease affected Saharia have been expired and these are greatly concerned with their various measures of high mortality rate. Lastly, the observations suggest to make assurance regarding their socio-economic upliftment, purified drinking water, educational facility, regular availability of the appropriate health and family welfare services, etc. under long time multistages development scheme. After that, an expectation may be made to their better socio-economic as well as demographic situation.
BIOSYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERIZATION OF ZNO NANOPARTICLES FROM AQUEOUS EXTRACT OF CAMELLIA SINENSIS AND DETERMINE ITS ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITY AGAINST MULTIDRUG RESISTANCE BACTERIA

The current study involved collecting 225 samples of different age groups and from different clinical sources (burns and wounds). Selective and differential media, Microscopic Examination, Biochemical test, IMVIC tests, and Vitek 2 system were used to identify the bacterial species. The results showed that the bacterial isolates were distributed on Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli and Proteus mirabilis. All isolates were multidrug-resistant to 12 antibiotics from different classes and according to the susceptibility test, isolate distinction in 2 groups (75 %) of MDR isolates were resistant to (5-9) antibiotics, while (25 %) were susceptible. Zinc Oxide nanoparticles synthesized was done by a green method with Zinc acetate dehydrate as a precursor and aqueous extract of Camellia sinensisas a reducing agent, color-changing to pale-white was an indication of the formation of ZnONPs. The average size and shape of the nanoparticles were detected by using Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) which was 40 nm with a spherical shape. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) showed the ZnO NPs have spherical, radial, and cylindrical structures. The wavelength range was measured by Ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis) for monitoring the formation of the nanoparticles, which showed a sharp peak at 325 nm. The average crystallite size of ZnONPs was estimated using Debye Scherrer’s formula were 20-40nm by using X-ray Diffraction (XRD). Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) spectra have been used for ZnONPs to detect the functional groups found in the synthesis process via green tea extract. Keyword: ZnO NPs. Biosynthesis, Camellia sinensis, Green tea, Antibacterial activity
Diagnostic accuracy of rapid antigen tests in asymptomatic and presymptomatic close contacts of individuals with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection: cross sectional study

Abstract Objective To assess the diagnostic test accuracy of two rapid antigen tests in asymptomatic and presymptomatic close contacts of people with SARS-CoV-2 infection on day 5 after exposure. Design Prospective cross sectional study. Setting Four public health service covid-19 test sites in the Netherlands. Participants 4274 consecutively included close contacts (identified through test-and-trace programme or contact tracing app) aged 16 years or older and asymptomatic for covid-19 when requesting a test. Main outcome measures Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of Veritor System (Beckton Dickinson) and Biosensor (Roche Diagnostics) rapid antigen tests, with reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) testing as reference standard. The viral load cut-off above which 95% of people with a positive RT-PCR test result were virus culture positive was used as a proxy of infectiousness. Results Of 2678 participants tested with Veritor, 233 (8.7%) had a RT-PCR confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection of whom 149 were also detected by the rapid antigen test (sensitivity 63.9%, 95% confidence interval 57.4% to 70.1%). Of 1596 participants tested with Biosensor, 132 (8.3%) had a RT-PCR confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection of whom 83 were detected by the rapid antigen test (sensitivity 62.9%, 54.0% to 71.1%). In those who were still asymptomatic at the time of sampling, sensitivity was 58.7% (51.1% to 66.0%) for Veritor (n=2317) and 59.4% (49.2% to 69.1%) for Biosensor (n=1414), and in those who developed symptoms were 84.2% (68.7% to 94.0%; n=219) for Veritor and 73.3% (54.1% to 87.7%; n=158) for Biosensor. When a viral load cut-off was applied for infectiouness (≥5.2 log10 SARS-CoV-2 E gene copies/mL), the overall sensitivity was 90.1% (84.2% to 94.4%) for Veritor and 86.8% (78.1% to 93.0%) for Biosensor, and 88.1% (80.5% to 93.5%) for Veritor and 85.1% (74.3% to 92.6%) for Biosensor, among those who remained asymptomatic throughout. Specificities were >99%, and positive and negative predictive values were >90% and >95%, for both rapid antigen tests in all analyses. Conclusions The sensitivities of both rapid antigen tests in asymptomatic and presymptomatic close contacts tested on day 5 onwards after close contact with an index case were more than 60%, increasing to more than 85% after a viral load cut-off was applied as a proxy for infectiousness.
APPLICATION OF MODULATED CHLOROPHYLL FLUORESCENCE AND MODULATED CHLOROPHYLL FLUORESCENCE IMAGING IN STUDYING ENVIRONMENTAL STRESSES EFFECT

Chlorophyll (Chl) a fluorescence is a widely used tool to monitor the photosynthetic process in plants subjected to environmental stresses. this review reports the theoretical bases of Chl fluorescence, and the significance of the most important Chl fluorescence parameters. it also reports how these parameters can be utilised to estimate changes in photosystem ii (PSII) photochemistry, linear electron flux and energy dissipation mechanisms. the relation between actual PSII photochemistry and CO2 assimilation is discussed, as is the role of photochemical and non-photochemical quenching in inducing changes in PSII activity. the application of Chl fluorescence imaging to study heterogeneity on leaf lamina is also considered. this review summarises only some of the results obtained by this methodology to study the effects of different environmental stresses, namely water and nutrients availability, pollutants, temperature and salinity.
Visible-Light Photocatalytic Removal of NO in Air over BiOX (X = Cl, Br, I) Single-Crystal Nanoplates Prepared at Room Temperature

Well-crystallized layered two-dimensional bismuth oxyhalide (BiOX; X = Cl, Br, I) single-crystal nanoplates were synthesized via a facile and low-cost method at room temperature. The as-synthesized samples were analyzed by various characterization techniques. The photocatalytic activity of the samples was evaluated by the removal of NO at the indoor air level under visible-light irradiation. The band gap and thermal stability of bismuth oxyhalides decreased with increased X atomic numbers. The as-synthesized BiOBr nanoplates exhibited highest photocatalytic activity due to the favorable factors of ultrathin nanoplates, layered structures, relatively high surface area, and suitable band structure, exceeding that of BiOCl and BiOI. The present work could provide new insight into the low-temperature preparation and appropriate selection of visible-light photocatalysts for environmental application.
Decolorization of textile wastewater using the white rot fungi anamorph R1 of Bjerkandera sp.

Decolorization of synthetic and industrial wastewaters from textile industry by the anamorph R1 of white rot fungiBjerkandera sp. was evaluated. The presence of NaCl and Na2CO3 wastewater concentration and treatment with non-sterile wastewater on decolorization were analyzed. In addition, the decolorization effect on wastewater toxicity was analyzed with Vibrio fischerias target microorganism. The presence of salts in the treatment increased the lignin peroxidase activity from 5 to 20 U/L, without detriment of manganese peroxidase activity which remained at 70 U/L, also. The presence of salts also enhances dye adsorption degree over fungi biomass, improving the decolorization by the two mechanisms, degradation and adsorption. In hipersaline synthetic wastewater, the percentage of decolorization was 75%. The decolorization treatment of sterile textile effluents reached 65% in 8 days and the toxicity reduction was 58% with respect to untreated textile effluents. In non-sterile textile effluents, only 40% of decolorization was obtained. The presence of contaminant microorganisms which compete by substrate and increase pH by fungus metabolism, were likely the main causes of low decolorization.
The precedence effect in spatial hearing emerges only late in the auditory pathway

Background To localize sound sources accurately in a reverberant environment, human binaural hearing strongly favors analyzing the initial wave front of sounds. Behavioral studies of this “precedence effect” have so far largely been confined to human subjects, limiting the scope of complementary physiological approaches. Similarly, physiological studies have mostly looked at neural responses in the inferior colliculus, or used modeling of cochlear mechanics in an attempt to identify likely underlying mechanisms. Studies capable of providing a direct comparison of neural coding and behavioral measures of sound localization under the precedence effect are lacking. Results We adapted a “temporal weighting function” paradigm for use in laboratory rats. The animals learned to lateralize click trains in which each click in the train had a different interaural time difference. Computing the “perceptual weight” of each click in the train revealed a strong onset bias, very similar to that reported for humans. Follow-on electrocorticographic recording experiments revealed that onset weighting of ITDs is a robust feature of the cortical population response, but interestingly it often fails to manifest at individual cortical recording sites. Conclusion While previous studies suggested that the precedence effect may be caused by cochlear mechanics or inhibitory circuitry in the brainstem and midbrain, our results indicate that the precedence effect is not fully developed at the level of individual recording sites in auditory cortex, but robust and consistent precedence effects are observable at the level of cortical population responses. This indicates that the precedence effect is significantly “higher order” than has hitherto been assumed.
EZH2 inhibition enhances TRAIL responses in multiple myeloma but not in quiescent cells

Multiple Myeloma is a plasma cell malignancy for which there is currently no cure, despite many novel therapies. TRAIL (Tumour necrosis factor-related apoptosis inducing ligand) is a promising anti-tumour agent although TRAIL-insensitive cells readily emerge when used as a single agent and its effects are limited due to many TRAIL-resistant cells which emerge soon after treatment. EZH2 is a H3K27 histone methyltransferase found to be overexpressed in many cancers including Multiple Myeloma. We tested the hypothesis that epigenetic reprogramming using the EZH2 inhibitor GSK343 would enhance TRAIL sensitivity, overcome TRAIL resistance, and target TRAIL-resistant quiescent cell populations. We show that GSK343 is a potent TRAIL sensitiser in TRAIL-sensitive RPMI 8226, NCI-H 929 and U266, and in TRAIL-resistant OPM-2 and JJN3, the latter showing very potent synergistic induction of apoptosis, primarily via caspase-8 activation but also via caspase-9. GSK343-enhancement of TRAIL responses was further enhanced in a 3D cell culture model of Multiple Myeloma in NCI-H 929 and U266. We show that in TRAIL-resistant sub-populations of Multiple Myeloma cells, GSK343 responses were completely attenuated in RPMI 8226 although synergistic enhancement of apoptosis was observed in NCI-H 929. Furthermore, following isolation of PKH26Hi quiescent cell populations, TRAIL responses and enhancement of TRAIL responses by GSK343 were completely attenuated. These studies show that EZH2 inhibition enhances TRAIL responses both in TRAIL-sensitive and TRAIL-resistant MM cell lines suspension culture and also in 3D cell culture to model the semi-solid Multiple Myeloma lesions in bone. Pre-existing TRAIL resistance was also enhanced by EZH2, and although synergistic enhancement of TRAIL responses by GSK343 was seen in NCI-H 929, responses were completely lost in TRAIL-resistant RPMI 8226 and also in quiescent cells. These studies highlight that although EZH2 inhibitors enhance TRAIL responses, acquired TRAIL resistance, and the presence of quiescent cells may mediate TRAIL-insensitivity in response to GSK343.
Coordination of Di-Acetylated Histone Ligands by the ATAD2 Bromodomain

The ATPase Family, AAA domain-containing protein 2 (ATAD2) bromodomain (BRD) has a canonical bromodomain structure consisting of four α-helices. ATAD2 functions as a co-activator of the androgen and estrogen receptors as well as the MYC and E2F transcription factors. ATAD2 also functions during DNA replication, recognizing newly synthesized histones. In addition, ATAD2 is shown to be up regulated in multiple forms of cancer including breast, lung, gastric, endometrial, renal, and prostate. Furthermore, up-regulation of ATAD2 is strongly correlated with poor prognosis in many types of cancer, making the ATAD2 bromodomain an innovative target for cancer therapeutics. In this study, we describe the recognition of histone acetyllysine modifications by the ATAD2 bromodomain. Residue-specific information on the complex formed between the histone tail and the ATAD2 bromodomain, obtained through nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) and X-ray crystallography, illustrates key residues lining the binding pocket, which are involved in coordination of di-acetylated histone tails. Analytical ultracentrifugation, NMR relaxation data, and isothermal titration calorimetry further confirm the monomeric state of the functionally active ATAD2 bromodomain in complex with di-acetylated histone ligands. Overall, we describe histone tail recognition by ATAD2 BRD and illustrate that one acetyllysine group is primarily engaged by the conserved asparagine (N1064), the “RVF” shelf residues, and the flexible ZA loop. Coordination of a second acetyllysine group also occurs within the same binding pocket, but is essentially governed by unique hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions making the di-acetyllysine histone coordination more specific than previously presumed.