Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparisons of antioxidant activity and total phenolics of Camellia oleifera Abel fruit hull from different regions of China.

The tea oil camellia, Camellia oleifera Abel, is used extensively in China as cooking oil. The antioxidant and antiradical activities of five C. oleifera fruit hull extracts from the major producing regions of China were examined. The content of total phenolics and extractable condensed tannins (ETC) in the extracts was calculated. Remarkable high phenolic content (gallic acid equivalent, GAE > 144 mg/g), extractable condensed tannin content (ETC > 96 mg/g), strong reducing ability (ascorbic acid equivalent, AAE > 5.5 mg/g) and antiradical activity (IC50 < 2.1 mg/ml) were found in samples from Guangxi, Jiangxi, Hunan and Zhejiang. The best results were obtained for the samples from Guangxi (phenolic content as GAE = 234.90 mg/g, extractable condensed tannin content as ETC = 166.98 mg/g, reducing power as AAE = 12.91 mg/g and DPPH radical-scavenging ability as IC50 = 899.25 µg/ml). A significant correlation was observed between reducing ability and the content of phenolic compounds of respective extracts. Phenolic compounds of extracts were analyzed by HPLC, and the gallic acid was found to be the predominant phenolic acids constitute. This result suggests the potential ofC. oleifera fruit hull for the utilization as the source of natural antioxidant. Key words: Camellia oleifera Abel, total phenolics, reducing power, radical-scavenging ability.
Tax-Induced Trading around the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997

ABSTRACT: We examine investor trading around the passage of the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997 (TRA97), which reduced the capital gains tax rate from 28 percent to 20 percent. We provide evidence that individual investors increase their demand for equity shares on the announcement day of TRA97, consistent with the capitalization of capital gains taxes. On the effective day of TRA97, we find that individual investors increase the supply of equity shares with accrued gains, consistent with the lock-in effect of capital gains taxes. Regression results suggest that the demand-side effect associated with tax capitalization is a more powerful effect on abnormal trading than the supply-side effect associated with lock-in for the median stock trading around TRA97. Overall, our results suggest that capital gains taxes influence both the demand and supply for equity by tax-sensitive investors and that the effect on demand is more pronounced than the effect on supply.
Weight Sensitivity Training Among Undergraduate Nursing Students.

BACKGROUND A Curriculum Embedded Weight Sensitivity Training program (CeWebs) was integrated into an undergraduate nursing course to improve attitudes and beliefs toward individuals with obesity. METHOD A one-group repeated measures study was conducted to compare students' pretest and posttest attitudes and beliefs using the Attitudes Toward Obese Persons (ATOP) and Beliefs About Obese Persons (BAOP) at the beginning and end of the semester. RESULTS Comparison of pretraining and posttraining scores of 125 junior nursing students on ATOP (73.96 ± 15.02 and 84.59 ± 15.39, respectively) indicated a significant increase in scores (p < .01), which reflects more positive attitudes. Comparison of pretraining and posttraining BAOP scores (18.20 ± 6.84 and 22.22 ± 7.87, respectively) indicated a significant (p < .01) increase in scores, indicating beliefs that obesity is not controllable. CONCLUSION These findings suggest that embedding weight sensitivity training into undergraduate nursing curricula may improve attitudes and beliefs toward patients with obesity. [J Nurs Educ. 2020;59(8):453-456. ].
Passive Transfer of Sera from ALS Patients with Identified Mutations Evokes an Increased Synaptic Vesicle Number and Elevation of Calcium Levels in Motor Axon Terminals, Similar to Sera from Sporadic Patients

Previously, we demonstrated increased calcium levels and synaptic vesicle densities in the motor axon terminals (MATs) of sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients. Such alterations could be conferred to mice with an intraperitoneal injection of sera from these patients or with purified immunoglobulin G. Later, we confirmed the presence of similar alterations in the superoxide dismutase 1 G93A transgenic mouse strain model of familial ALS. These consistent observations suggested that calcium plays a central role in the pathomechanism of ALS. This may be further reinforced by completing a similar analytical study of the MATs of ALS patients with identified mutations. However, due to the low yield of muscle biopsy samples containing MATs, and the low incidence of ALS patients with the identified mutations, these examinations are not technically feasible. Alternatively, a passive transfer of sera from ALS patients with known mutations was used, and the MATs of the inoculated mice were tested for alterations in their calcium homeostasis and synaptic activity. Patients with 11 different ALS-related mutations participated in the study. Intraperitoneal injection of sera from these patients on two consecutive days resulted in elevated intracellular calcium levels and increased vesicle densities in the MATs of mice, which is comparable to the effect of the passive transfer from sporadic patients. Our results support the idea that the pathomechanism underlying the identical manifestation of the disease with or without identified mutations is based on a common final pathway, in which increasing calcium levels play a central role.
Natural Polyketides Isolated from the Endophytic Fungus Phomopsis sp. CAM212 with a Semisynthetic Derivative Downregulating the ERK/IκBα Signaling Pathways

Abstract Three previously undescribed natural products, phomopsinin A – C (1 – 3), together with three known compounds, namely, cis-hydroxymellein (4), phomoxanthone A (5) and cytochalasin L-696,474 (6), were isolated from the solid culture of Phomopsis sp. CAM212, an endophytic fungus obtained from Garcinia xanthochymus. Their structures were determined on the basis of spectroscopic data, including IR, NMR, and MS. The absolute configurations of 1 and 2 were assigned by comparing their experimental and calculated ECD spectra. Acetylation of compound 1 yielded 1a, a new natural product derivative that was tested together with other isolated compounds on lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Cytochalasin L-696,474 (6) was found to significantly inhibit nitric oxide production, but was highly cytotoxic to the treated cells, whereas compound 1 slightly inhibited nitric oxide production, which was not significantly different compared to lipopolysaccharide-treated cells. Remarkably, the acetylated derivative of 1, compound 1a, significantly inhibited nitric oxide production with an IC50 value of 14.8 µM and no cytotoxic effect on treated cells, thereby showing the importance of the acetyl group in the anti-inflammatory activity of 1a. The study of the mechanism of action revealed that 1a decreases the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase, cyclooxygenase 2, and proinflammatory cytokine IL-6 without an effect on IL-1β expression. Moreover, it was found that 1a exerts its anti-inflammatory activity in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophage cells by downregulating the activation of ERK1/2 and by preventing the translocation of nuclear factor κB. Thus, derivatives of phomopsinin A (1), such as compound 1a, could provide new anti-inflammatory leads.
Does Subunit Composition Influence the Intermolecular Crosslinking of Fish Collagen? A Study with Hake and Blue Shark Skin Collagens

Acid-soluble collagens from European hake and Blue shark skin were isolated, characterized, and compared. As the structure of collagen determines its function, the final objective of this study was to investigate biochemical differences between both collagens to identify future potential applications. Chromatographic behavior revealed differences in collagen from both species. Increases of temperature and stirring time produced no effect on European hake collagen solubility in the mobile phase, resulting in the same chromatographic profiles. Conversely, the application of temperature and stirring-time increments showed a positive effect on Blue shark collagen solubility, resulting in different chromatographic profiles and observing higher molecular weight components when sample is incubated at 50 °C (15 min) after 48 h stirring. To test if the different chromatographic behavior exhibited by both collagens could be influenced by differences in subunit composition (alpha-chains), cation exchange chromatography was employed to separate collagen subunits. The electrophoretic patterns and gel permeation chromatography with light-scattering detection (GPC-LS) results of the obtained cation exchange peak fractions revealed differences regarding subunit composition between both species, influencing the crosslinking pattern. This is the first comparative study using GPC-LS to provide information of European hake and Blue shark collagen subunit composition.
The apple bHLH transcription factor MdbHLH3 functions in determining the fruit carbohydrates and malate

Summary Changes in carbohydrates and organic acids largely determine the palatability of edible tissues of horticulture crops. Elucidating the potential molecular mechanisms involved in the change in carbohydrates and organic acids, and their temporal and spatial crosstalk are key steps in understanding fruit developmental processes. Here, we used apple (Malus domestica Borkh.) as research materials and found that MdbHLH3, a basic helix–loop–helix transcription factor (bHLH TF), modulates the accumulation of malate and carbohydrates. Biochemical analyses demonstrated that MdbHLH3 directly binds to the promoter of MdcyMDH that encodes an apple cytosolic NAD‐dependent malate dehydrogenase, activating its transcriptional expression, thereby promoting malate accumulation in apple fruits. Additionally, MdbHLH3 overexpression increased the photosynthetic capacity and carbohydrate levels in apple leaves and also enhanced the carbohydrate accumulation in fruits by adjusting carbohydrate allocation from sources to sinks. Overall, our findings provide new insights into the mechanism of how the bHLH TF MdbHLH3 modulates the fruit quality. It directly regulates the expression of cytosolic malate dehydrogenase MdcyMDH to coordinate carbohydrate allocation and malate accumulation in apple.
Inhibition of Colony-Stimulating Factor 1 Receptor by PLX3397 Prevents Amyloid Beta Pathology and Rescues Dopaminergic Signaling in Aging 5xFAD Mice

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease. In this study, to investigate the effect of microglial elimination on AD progression, we administered PLX3397, a selective colony-stimulating factor 1 receptor inhibitor, to the mouse model of AD (5xFAD mice). Amyloid-beta (Aβ) deposition and amyloid precursor protein (APP), carboxyl-terminal fragment β, ionized calcium-binding adaptor molecule 1, synaptophysin, and postsynaptic density (PSD)-95 levels were evaluated in the cortex and hippocampus. In addition, the receptor density changes in dopamine D2 receptor (D2R) and metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 were evaluated using positron emission tomography (PET). D2R, tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), and dopamine transporter (DAT) levels were analyzed in the brains of Tg (5xFAD) mice using immunohistochemistry. PLX3397 administration significantly decreased Aβ deposition following microglial depletion in the cortex and hippocampus of Tg mice. In the neuro-PET studies, the binding values for D2R in the Tg mice were lower than those in the wild type mice; however, after PLX3397 treatment, the binding dramatically increased. PLX3397 administration also reversed the changes in synaptophysin and PSD-95 expression in the brain. Furthermore, the D2R and TH expression in the brains of Tg mice was significantly lower than that in the wild type; however, after PLX3397 administration, the D2R and TH levels were significantly higher than those in untreated Tg mice. Thus, our findings show that administering PLX3397 to aged 5xFAD mice could prevent amyloid pathology, concomitant with the rescue of dopaminergic signaling, suggesting that targeting microglia may serve as a useful therapeutic option for neurodegenerative diseases, including AD.
Cross-cultural validation of the FACE-Q Satisfaction with Facial Appearance Overall Scale (FACE-Q SFAOS) in Brazilian rhytidoplasty patients

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to culturally validate the FACE-Q - Satisfaction with Facial Appearance Overall Scale (Face-Q SFAOS) in a population of Brazilian rhytidoplasty patients. METHOD: Authorization for the translation and validation of the questionnaire was obtained from the FACE-Q SFAOS distribution rights holders. The FACE-Q SFAOS was translated and then back-translated. For cultural validation, a total of 57 women were selected 5 to 8 months after undergoing rhytidoplasty. Twenty of them participated in the cultural adaptation, 30 participated in the reproducibility analysis, and 57 participated in the construct validation. RESULTS: The analysis identified two factors (general appearance and face geometry) that exhibited excellent internal consistency. The total satisfaction score, which comprised nine items, also presented excellent internal consistency. Good reproducibility was found for Overall Appearance, Geometry and Total. There was a difference in the satisfaction means (total and factors) between procedure locations; patients undergoing frontal, upper eyelid and lower eyelid procedures were less satisfied than those who did not undergo such procedures. Satisfaction was higher with geometry than with overall face appearance. CONCLUSION: The FACE-Q SFAOS was adapted to the cultural context of Brazilian rhytidoplasty patients and was reproducible, and the scale exhibited face, content and construct validity.
Effects of different dietary copper sources on laying hen performance and egg yolk cholesterol

SUMMARY An experiment was conducted using a total of 120 Lohmann Brown hens, 16 wk of age, to compare 3 different supplemental dietary Cu sources incorporating supraoptimal amounts of Cu (250 mg/kg) on layer performance, egg yolk cholesterol, and blood parameters. Layers were randomly allocated to 4 dietary treatments with 10 replications of 3 birds each for each treatment. Layers were fed diets containing 0 (control) or 250 ppm of Cu from Cu sulfate, Cu proteinate, or Cu lysine for 24 wk. No differences were observed among Cu sources for BW, egg mass, feed conversion, egg specific gravity, egg yolk cholesterol, plasma total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, or glutathione peroxidase. Supplementation with 250 ppm of Cu sulfate improved egg production but decreased egg weight (P < 0.05) and feed intake (P < 0.01) as compared with the other diets. Supplementation with Cu proteinate resulted in decreased feed intake (P < 0.01), but egg production, egg mass, and egg weight were not changed as compared with the controls. Eggshell thicknesses of layers fed the Cu sulfate and Cu lysine diets were lower than the eggshell thickness of layers fed the control diet (P < 0.001). Copper contents of eggs and excreta were significantly (P < 0.001) increased regardless of Cu source as compared with birds fed the control diet. The results of this trial did not confirm the finding that Cu alters lipid metabolism and decreases cholesterol in the egg yolk. We conclude that increasing the dietary Cu intake through the use of different Cu compounds did not affect layer performance and cholesterol content of the egg yolk.
Validation of a single-step, single-tube reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification assay for rapid detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA

Introduction The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic of 2020 has resulted in unparalleled requirements for RNA extraction kits and enzymes required for virus detection, leading to global shortages. This has necessitated the exploration of alternative diagnostic options to alleviate supply chain issues. Aim To establish and validate a reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) assay for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 from nasopharyngeal swabs. Methodology We used a commercial RT-LAMP mastermix from OptiGene Ltd in combination with a primer set designed to detect the CDC N1 region of the SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid (N) gene. A single-tube, single-step fluorescence assay was implemented whereby as little as 1 μL of universal transport medium (UTM) directly from a nasopharyngeal swab could be used as template, bypassing the requirement for RNA purification. Amplification and detection could be conducted in any thermocycler capable of holding 65°C for 30 minutes and measure fluorescence in the FAM channel at one-minute intervals. Results Assay evaluation by assessment of 157 clinical specimens previously screened by E-gene RT-qPCR revealed assay sensitivity and specificity of 87% and 100%, respectively. Results were fast, with an average time-to-positive (Tp) for 93 clinical samples of 14 minutes (SD ±7 minutes). Using dilutions of SARS-CoV-2 virus spiked into UTM, we also evaluated assay performance against FDA guidelines for implementation of emergency-use diagnostics and established a limit-of-detection of 54 Tissue Culture Infectious Dose 50 per ml (TCID50 mL−1), with satisfactory assay sensitivity and specificity. A comparison of 20 clinical specimens between four laboratories showed excellent interlaboratory concordance; performing equally well on three different, commonly used thermocyclers, pointing to the robustness of the assay. Conclusion With a simplified workflow, N1-STOP-LAMP is a powerful, scalable option for specific and rapid detection of SARS-CoV-2 and an additional resource in the diagnostic armamentarium against COVID-19. 3. Data summary The authors confirm all supporting data, code and protocols have been provided within the article or through supplementary data files.
Effectiveness of autologous blood injection in reducing the rate of pneumothorax after percutaneous lung core needle biopsy.

PURPOSE To assess the effectiveness and safety of autologous intraparenchymal blood patch (IBP) application in reducing the frequency of pneumothorax (PTX) after percutaneous transthoracic pulmonary core needle biopsy. METHODS The records of patients who underwent the transthoracic pulmonary core needle biopsy procedure under CT guidance between January 2015 and October 2018 were screened retrospectively. Patients whose traversed pulmonary parenchymal length was ≥20 mm during biopsy were included in the study irrespective of lesion size. The IBP procedure was made a department policy in November 2017; patients who underwent biopsy after this date comprised the IBP group, while those who underwent the procedure before this date comprised the control group. IBP recipients received 2-5 mL of autologous blood injection to the needle tract. Demographic data, procedural reports, tomography images, and the follow-up records of patients were assessed. RESULTS A total of 262 patients were included in the study. Of the 91 patients that received an IBP, PTX developed in 13 (14.1%), with 7 (7.7%) requiring a thoracic tube. Of the 171 patients who did not receive an IBP, PTX developed in 45 (26.3%), with 19 (11.1%) requiring a thoracic tube. Patients who received an autologous IBP showed a significantly lower rate of PTX development versus those who did not (P = 0.01). Similarly, a significantly lower number of patients who received the blood patch required chest tube placement (P = 0.015). CONCLUSION Autologous IBP is a safe, inexpensive and easy to use method that reduces the rate of PTX development and thoracic tube application after percutaneous core needle biopsies of the lung.
Participation in the coexistence center for elderly: repercussions and challenges.

OBJECTIVE To analyze the repercussions on the life of the elderly after joining a coexistence center and the existing challenges from the perspective of the participants and their families. METHODS Qualitative research conducted with 16 elderly from a coexistence center and 14 family members. Data were collected through individual interviews and subjected to content analysis. RESULTS Two thematic categories were identified: "Before and after: changes in the life of the elderly after joining the coexistence center" and "Aspects needed to improve care in the coexistence center". Final Considerations: The benefits of older people's participation in the service are evidenced by changes in lifestyle and interrelationships. However, there is a need to expand assistance in these institutions, with a multidisciplinary team trained in gerontogeriatric care, as well as to consider the importance of nursing as a science of care and insert it in this service.
Couch and Multileaf Collimator Tracking: A Clinical Feasibility Study for Pancreas and Liver Treatment.

PURPOSE Real-time tumor tracking through active correction by the multileaf collimator or treatment couch offers a promising strategy to mitigate delivery uncertainty due to intrafractional tumor motion. This study evaluated the performance of MLC and couch tracking using the prototype iTools Tracking system in TrueBeam Developer Mode and the application for abdominal cancer treatments. METHODS Experiments were carried out using a phantom with embedded Calypso transponders and a motion simulation platform. Geometric evaluations were performed using a circular conformal field with sinusoidal traces and pancreatic tumor motion traces. Geometric tracking accuracy was retrospectively calculated by comparing the compensational MLC or couch motion extracted from machine log files to the target motion reconstructed from real-time MV and kV images. Dosimetric tracking accuracy was measured with radiochromic films using clinical abdominal VMAT plans and pancreatic tumor traces. RESULTS Geometrically, the root-mean-square errors for MLC tracking were 0.5 mm and 1.8 mm parallel and perpendicular to leaf travel direction, respectively. Couch tracking on the other hand showed an average of 0.8 mm or less geometric error in all directions. Dosimetrically, both MLC and couch tracking reduced motion-induced local dose errors compared to no tracking. Evaluated with five pancreatic tumor motion traces, the average 2%/2mm global gamma pass rate of eight clinical abdominal VMAT plans was 67.4% (range: 26.4% - 92.7%) without tracking, which was improved to 86.0% (range: 67.9% - 95.6%) with MLC tracking, and 98.1% (range: 94.9% - 100.0%) with couch tracking. In sixteen out of forty deliveries with different plans and motion traces, MLC tracking did not achieve clinically acceptable dosimetric accuracy with 3%/3mm gamma pass rate below 95%. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrated the capability of MLC and couch tracking to reduce motion-induced dose errors in abdominal cases using a prototype tracking system. Clinically significant dose errors were observed with MLC tracking for certain plans which could be attributed to the inferior MLC tracking accuracy in the direction perpendicular to leaf travel, as well as the interplay between motion tracking and plan delivery for highly modulated plans. Couch tracking outperformed MLC tracking with consistently high dosimetric accuracy in all plans evaluated, indicating its clinical potential in the treatment of abdominal cancers.