Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Foliar Putrescine Application, Ammonium Exposure, and Heat Stress on Antioxidant Compounds in Cauliflower Waste

This work has been focused on the study of how we can affect the short heat stress on the bioactive compounds content. Some recent investigations have observed that management of nitrogen fertilization can alleviate short-term heat effects on plants. Additionally, the short-term heat stress can be also ameliorated by using putrescine, a polyamine, due to its crucial role in the adaptation of plants to heat stress Therefore, different NO3−/NH4+ ratios and a foliar putrescine treatment have been used in order to increase tolerance to thermal stress in order to take advantage of the more frequent and intense heat waves and make this crop more sustainable. So, other objective of this work is to make the cauliflower waste more attractive for nutraceutical and pharmaceutical preparations. Thus, the effect of a thermal stress combined with a 50:50 NO3−/NH4+ ratio in the nutrient solution, and the foliar application of 2.5 mM putrescine increased in the content of various sugars (inositol, glucose, and fructose), total phenolic compounds and polyamines, as well as in the antioxidant activity. The greatest accumulation of these compounds was observed in young leaves. Our results show from a physiological and agronomic point of view, that the foliar application of putrescine and the 50:50 NO3−/NH4+ treatment managed to alleviate the negative effects of the abiotic stress suffered at high temperature, yielding plants with higher antioxidant compounds content.
The Effects of Short-Term Changes in Sodium Intake on Plasma Marinobufagenin Levels in Patients with Primary Salt-Sensitive and Salt-Insensitive Hypertension

Increased marinobufagenin (MBG) synthesis has been suggested in response to high dietary salt intake. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of short-term changes in sodium intake on plasma MBG levels in patients with primary salt-sensitive and salt-insensitive hypertension. In total, 51 patients with primary hypertension were evaluated during acute sodium restriction and sodium loading. Plasma or serum concentrations of MBG, natriuretic pro-peptides, aldosterone, sodium, potassium, as well as hematocrit (Hct) value, plasma renin activity (PRA) and urinary sodium and potassium excretion were measured. Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) and echocardiography were performed at baseline. In salt-sensitive patients with primary hypertension plasma MBG correlated positively with diastolic blood pressure (ABPM) and serum NT-proANP concentration at baseline and with serum NT-proANP concentration after dietary sodium restriction. In this subgroup plasma MBG concentration decreased during sodium restriction, and a parallel increase of PRA was observed. Acute salt loading further decreased plasma MBG concentration in salt-sensitive subjects in contrast to salt insensitive patients. No correlation was found between plasma MBG concentration and left ventricular mass index. In conclusion, in salt-sensitive hypertensive patients plasma MBG concentration correlates with 24-h diastolic blood pressure and dietary sodium restriction reduces plasma MBG levels. Decreased MBG secretion in response to acute salt loading may play an important role in the pathogenesis of salt sensitivity.
Diet pill and laxative use for weight control predicts first-time receipt of an eating disorder diagnosis within the next 5 years among female adolescents and young adults.

OBJECTIVE To replicate findings from a prior study which identified prospective associations between use of products for weight control and subsequent receipt of a first-time eating disorder (ED) diagnosis among female adolescents and young adults. METHOD Data from a prospective cohort study, Project EAT (Eating and Activity in Teens and Young Adults), were used to examine prospective associations between self-reported past-year diet pill and laxative use for weight control and self-reported receipt of an ED diagnosis among females without prior receipt of an ED diagnosis (N = 1,015). Participants were followed from early/middle adolescence (EAT-I; Mage = 14.9 years) into late adolescence/emerging adulthood (EAT-II; Mage = 19.5 years) and young adulthood (EAT-III; Mage = 24.8 years). RESULTS First-time receipt of an ED diagnosis was reported by 2.4% of participants at EAT-II and 4.0% at EAT-III. After adjusting for demographics and weight status, participants using diet pills (risk ratio [RR] = 3.58, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.96-6.54) and laxatives (RR = 2.77, 95% CI: 1.01-7.64) had greater risk of receiving a first-time ED diagnosis within 5 years than those not using these products. DISCUSSION The present study replicated prior findings, providing further evidence for a prospective link between use of products for weight control and subsequent receipt of an ED diagnosis.
Influence of frenotomy on breastfeeding in newborns with ankyloglossia.

PURPOSE evaluate the influence of frenotomy on the breastfeeding of newborns diagnosed with ankyloglossia. METHODS this is an intervention study performed with 50 newborns diagnosed with ankyloglossia. It was conducted in three stages: diagnosis, intervention and reassessment. In the diagnostic phase, the Protocol for the Assessment of Speech Language with Scores for Babies was applied to diagnose ankyloglossia and a questionnaire assessing the symptoms and coordination of sucking, swallowing and breathing during breastfeeding. In the intervention, frenotomy was performed, and at reassessment, the diagnostic protocol and questionnaire in order to compare the post-surgical effects. RESULTS of the 50 babies participating in the study, 35 (70%) were boys and 15 (30%) girls. A total of 68% of ankyloglossia cases were reported in the family, a majority (38%) involving cousins. There was a statistically significant reduction in the average protocol score in the reassessment stage, from 8.38 (7-12 points) to 0.86 (0-5 points), as well as a statistically significant improvement in all variables related to the symptoms of breastfeeding. CONCLUSION surgical intervention, known as frenotomy, made it possible to improve the negative symptoms of breastfeeding in newborns diagnosed with ankyloglossia.
The Role of VTA Gabaergic Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors Containing the α4 Subunit in Nicotine Dependence: A Dissertation

Nicotine dependence is hypothesized to be due to neuroadaptations that ultimately drive compulsive nicotine use. The studies in this thesis aim to understand how the “upregulation” of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) caused by chronic exposure to nicotine contributes to nicotine reward and nicotine withdrawal. Previous studies have shown that chronic nicotine induces upregulation of nAChRs containing the α4 subunit (α4* nAChR) within the Ventral Tegmental Area (VTA), a brain region critical for the rewarding properties of all illicit drugs. Curiously, α4* nAChR upregulation occurs specifically in the inhibitory GABAergic neuronal subpopulation of the VTA. To determine if increased expression and activation of α4* nAChRs in VTA GABAergic neurons contributes to nicotine dependence behaviors, I devised a viral-mediated, Creregulated gene expression system that selectively expressed α4 nAChR subunits containing a “gain-of-function” point mutation (a leucine mutated to a serine residue at the TM2 9 ́ position: Leu9 ́Ser) in VTA GABAergic neurons of adult mice. Sub-reward doses of nicotine were sufficient to activate VTA GABAergic neurons in mice expressing Leu9 ́Ser α4 nAChR subunits in VTA GABAergic neurons (Gad2VTA: Leu9 ́Ser mice) and exhibited acute hypolocomotion upon initial injection of low doses of nicotine that developed tolerance with subsequent nicotine exposures compared to control animals. In the conditioned place preference procedure, nicotine was sufficient to condition a significant place preference in Gad2: Leu9 ́Ser mice at low nicotine doses that failed to condition control animals. I conclude from these data that upregulating α4* nAChRs on VTA GABAergic neurons increases sensitivity to nicotine reward. In a separate study testing the hypothesis that overexpression of Leu9 ́Ser α4* nAChRs in VTA GABAergic neurons disrupts baseline behavior and promotes anxiety-like behaviors, I found that overexpressing Leu9 ́Ser α4* nAChRs in VTA GABAergic neurons had a minimal effect on unconditioned anxiety-like behaviors. Drug naïve Gad2VTA: Leu9 ́Ser and control mice failed to exhibit any behavioral differences in the open-field, marble burying test and elevated plus maze compared to control. Together, these data indicate that overexpression of the “gain-of-function” α4* nAChRs in VTA GABAergic neurons contributes to reward sensitivity without increasing susceptibility to nicotine withdrawal symptoms. My data indicates that nAChRs expressed in VTA GABAergic neurons may be a suitable target for the development of better smoking cessation aids.
Subtotal intracapsular tonsillectomy may be the first choice for tonsillectomy in children

Objective To investigate the effect and prognosis of subtotal intracapsular tonsillectomy. Methods All children (n=162) with tonsillar hypertrophy and chronic tonsillitis were randomly divided into two groups: tonsillectomy (n=75) and subtotal intracapsular tonsillectomy (n=87). Tonsillectomy: the tonsillar tissue was completely removed along with the tonsillar capsule. Subtotal intracapsular tonsillectomy: 80% to 90% of the tonsils and the complete epithelium of the tonsillar crypts were removed without damaging the tonsillar capsule. The Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, and Consolability (FLACC) and parents’ postoperative pain measure (PPPM) scales were used to evaluate postoperative pain, and the obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)-18 questionnaire was used to assess the children’s postoperative quality of life. The patients were followed-up for 2 years. Results 1. The FLACC and PPPM scales indicated that the children’s postoperative pain after subtotal intracapsular tonsillectomy was significantly less than that of children undergoing tonsillectomy. 2. The OSA-18 scale scores indicated that subtotal intracapsular tonsillectomy significantly improved the children’s quality of life. 3. Two years after subtotal intracapsular tonsillectomy, no patients required reoperation. Conclusion Subtotal intracapsular tonsillectomy may be the first choice for tonsillar hypertrophy and chronic tonsillitis patients.
Oxidative Stress Biomarkers in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Exacerbations: A Systematic Review

Background: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a progressive disease characterized by a not fully reversible airflow limitation associated with an abnormal inflammatory response. Exacerbations of COPD are of major importance in the acceleration of disease progression, in healthcare costs, and negatively affect the patient’s quality of life. Exacerbations are characterized by a further increase in the airway inflammation likely driven by oxidative stress. In order to deepen the knowledge about this topic, several studies have focused on oxidative stress biomarkers levels. This review summarizes the literature findings about oxidative stress biomarkers in exacerbated COPD patients compared to ones in the stable state. Methods: a systematic search in electronic databases Pubmed, Web of Science, Scopus and Google Scholar from inception to January 2021, was conducted using the terms: “oxidative stress”, “chronic obstructive pulmonary disease” or “COPD”, “exacerbation”. Results: 23 studies were selected for the systematic review. They showed the presence of an imbalance between oxidant and antioxidant molecules in favor of the former in exacerbation of COPD. Conclusions: future studies using standardized methods in better characterized population are needed. However, this review suggests that targeting oxidative stress could be useful in monitoring the disease progression in COPD patients and especially in those more susceptible to exacerbations.
Acceptance of Pertussis Vaccination among Pregnant Women in Taiwan

ABSTRACT This cross-sectional study assessed prenatal pertussis vaccination acceptance in Taiwan. A sample of pregnant women from five private clinics in Taiwan was recruited. Demographics, experience of prenatal vaccinations, key considerations, knowledge, and attitude about pertussis and its vaccination were measured. Among 505 participants, the vaccination rate, including planned vaccination, was 29.7%. Factors associated with acceptance included clinic location, primary caregiver of the newborn, newborns with siblings, previous influenza vaccination history, knowledge and attitude toward pertussis and its vaccination. Public health agencies should provide free vaccinations, clarify misinformation, and publicize prevention information, to improve prenatal pertussis vaccination acceptance.
Diarrhea Predominant-Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS-D): Effects of Different Nutritional Patterns on Intestinal Dysbiosis and Symptoms

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a chronic functional gastrointestinal disorder characterized by abdominal pain associated with defecation or a change in bowel habits. Gut microbiota, which acts as a real organ with well-defined functions, is in a mutualistic relationship with the host, harvesting additional energy and nutrients from the diet and protecting the host from pathogens; specific alterations in its composition seem to play a crucial role in IBS pathophysiology. It is well known that diet can significantly modulate the intestinal microbiota profile but it is less known how different nutritional approach effective in IBS patients, such as the low-FODMAP diet, could be responsible of intestinal microbiota changes, thus influencing the presence of gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms. The aim of this review was to explore the effects of different nutritional protocols (e.g., traditional nutritional advice, low-FODMAP diet, gluten-free diet, etc.) on IBS-D symptoms and on intestinal microbiota variations in both IBS-D patients and healthy subjects. To date, an ideal nutritional protocol does not exist for IBS-D patients but it seems crucial to consider the effect of the different nutritional approaches on the intestinal microbiota composition to better define an efficient strategy to manage this functional disorder.
Groundwater Quality in the Yucatan Peninsula: Insights from Stable Isotope and Metals Analysis

High surface water‐groundwater connectivity characterizes watersheds underlain by karsts, increasing contaminant transport risks. However, karsts are highly complex, making research necessary to understand the transport of contaminants from the surface, through the aquifer, to discharge areas. In Yucatan, the lack of waste water treatment raises the risk of groundwater contamination. We monitored stable isotopes (δ18O‐NO3 and δ15N‐NO3), cadmium, and lead to document waste water contamination and transport during the rainy and dry seasons, using water samples collected along the Ring of Cenotes during each season. Specific conductance and pH showed no consistent seasonality, with conductance ranging from 0.5 to 55 mS/cm and pH ranging from 6.6 to 8.6 for most samples. Nitrate concentrations in the cenotes averaged 205 ± 260 μM and no seasonal pattern was observed. Cd and Pb concentrations were 0.1 to 37.9 μg/L and 0.2 to 243.2 μg/L, respectively. Nitrate stable isotope values were 2.6 to 27.2‰ for δ18O and 1.2 to 20.7‰ for δ15N. The statistical relationship between δ15N and δ18O, in dry season samples, indicated that denitrification was occurring. A scale measure for waste water recognition showed: (1) high variability among sites probably related with dry/rainy seasons and/or diverse anthropogenic activities; and (2) specific water quality variables that contribute to contamination at each site during each season. Importantly, our analyses indicate that in the area surrounding the Ring of Cenotes, waste water exhibits spatial and temporal patterns related to complex transport and dilution processes, as is the case in karsts in general.
Piceatannol-Loaded Bilosome-Stabilized Zein Protein Exhibits Enhanced Cytostatic and Apoptotic Activities in Lung Cancer Cells

Piceatannol (PIC) is a naturally occurring polyphenolic stilbene, and it has pleiotropic pharmacological properties. Moreover, PIC has cytotoxic actions among various cancer cells. In this work, preparations of PIC-loaded bilosome–zein (PIC-BZ) were designed, formulated, and characterized, and the optimized PIC-BZ cytotoxic activities, measured as half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50), against lung cancer cell line was investigated. Box–Behnken design was utilized in order to examine the effect of preparation factors on drug entrapment and particle size. PIC-BZ showed a spherical shape after optimization, and its particle size was determined as 157.45 ± 1.62 nm. Moreover, the efficiency of drug entrapment was found as 93.14 ± 2.15%. The cytotoxic activity evaluation revealed that the adjusted formulation, which is PIC-BZ formula, showed a substantially smaller IC50 versus A549 cells. Cell cycle analysis showed accumulation of cells in the G2-M phase. Moreover, it showed in the sub-G1 phase, a rise of cell fraction suggestion apoptotic improving activity. Increased early and late phases of apoptosis were demonstrated by staining of cells with annexin V. Furthermore, the cellular caspase-3 protein expression was significantly raised by PIC-BZ. In addition, the wound healing experiment confirmed the results. To conclude, compared to pure PIC, PIC-BZ demonstrated a higher cell death-inducing activity against A549 cells.
Effects of preoperative serum vitamin D levels on early clinical function outcomes and the moderate-to-severe pain prevalence in postmenopausal women after primary total knee arthroplasty

Abstract Objective: To investigate the impact of vitamin D levels on early clinical function outcomes and the potential risk factors of moderate-to-severe pain prevalence in postmenopausal women after primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Methods: From April 2017 to December 2019, 226 women were retrospectively recruited. The women were divided into two groups based on their preoperative serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels: (1) vitamin D-sufficient group (≥30 ng/mL); (2) vitamin D-deficient group (<30 ng/mL). The visual analog scale, Western Ontario and McMaster Arthritis Index score, and Knee Society Score were used to evaluate clinical outcomes. Risk factors for developing postoperative moderate-to-severe knee pain were studied using multivariate binary logistic regression analyses. Results: There was no significant difference in preoperative clinical function assessment between the two groups. The difference in postoperative Western Ontario and McMaster Arthritis Index score between the two groups was statistically significant (15.3 ± 0.7 vs 15.6 ± 0.7: P = 0.02). However, the differences in postoperative visual analog scale and Knee Society Score scores between the two groups were not significant (P > 0.05). The incidence of postoperative moderate-to-severe pain was 16.4% (95% CI 11.8%-21.9%). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that vitamin D deficiency, smoking, and high body mass index were potential risk factors for moderate-to-severe knee pain in postmenopausal women early after TKA (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Preoperative vitamin D deficiency may adversely affect early functional outcomes in postmenopausal women after TKA. In addition, vitamin D deficiency, smoking, and high body mass index were independent risk factors for moderate-to-severe knee pain after surgery.
Live Weight and Sex Effects on Sensory Quality of Rubia de El Molar Autochthonous Ovine Breed Meat

Simple Summary Rubia de El Molar is in danger of extinction, and this work is part of a research project funded by the Regional Government of Madrid that aims to know its productive characteristics to prevent its disappearance. The aim of this work is to study the effect of weight and sex on suckling lamb meat sensory characteristics of Rubia de El Molar breed. According to sensory characteristics, two weight groups of animals were detected: light carcasses (10 and 15 kg) and heavy carcasses (20 and 25 kg). Heavy carcasses’ meat was tougher, more elastic, and received lower pleasantness scores than light animals. Sex had a lower effect on meat sensory parameters than weight, and meat from male lambs showed higher flavour intensity and also higher pleasantness scores than female meat. Abstract Fifty-six Rubia de El Molar ovine breed lamb carcasses were divided into 8 groups (n = 7 per group) according to weight (10, 15, 20 and 25 kg) and sex (male and female) to study the effect of these factors on meat sensory characteristics, assessed by means of a trained panel. Heavier animals showed a more-springy meat and also received lower scores for pleasantness. Assessors gave lower scores for flavour and pleasantness in female meat. A high correlation was detected between hardness and springiness, number of chews, and pleasantness. Juiciness, greasiness, and flavour were also sensory variates highly correlated. Pleasantness was only correlated to hardness. Changes from 10 to 25 kg did not affect juiciness, greasiness, flavour, and number of chews. There are no significant differences in the sensory quality of lambs slaughtered at 10 and 15 kg live weight, and also between 20 and 25 kg groups. Heavy carcasses (20 and 25 kg) showed a more hard and springy meat than light carcasses (10 and 15 kg). Besides, the 10 and 15 kg animals group received higher scores for pleasantness. This work showed differences in suckling lambs’ meat sensory parameters between Rubia de El Molar and other ovine breeds.
Effect of different levels of water on qualitative characteristics of Lassi prepared from reconstituted milk

Present research work was designed to develop lassi from reconstituted milk using different levels of water. For this purpose, dahi was prepared from reconstituted milk using traditional starter culture. Four different types of lassi were prepared by mixing dahi with 15, 20, 25 and 30% water and sugar level in all samples were 20%. The quality of lassi from reconstituted milk was evaluated by a panel of expert judges by different physical tests using a score card. There was non-significant difference (p>0.05) among the overall physical score of lassi samples. Result revealed that the highest overall score was recorded in 20% added water lassi sample whereas the lowest score was found in 30% added water lassi sample. In chemical analysis, significant differences (p 0.05) were seen for ash content and acidity percentage. The total bacteria, coliform, yeast and mold in all samples did not exceed the legal standard. From the findings of this study, it might be concluded that lassi could be prepared successfully from reconstituted and mixing reconstituted milk dahi with 20% water along with 20% sugar will produce better quality lassi . Bang. J. Anim. Sci. 2016. 45 (3): 46-51