Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Polysaccharide from wild morels alters the spatial structure of gut microbiota and the production of short-chain fatty acids in mice

Polysaccharides from morels possess many characteristics beneficial to health, such as anti-tumor and immunomodulatory activities. The gut microbiota plays a critical role in the modulation of immune function. However, the impact of morel polysaccharides on the gut microbiota has not yet been explored. In this study, a high-throughput pyrosequencing technique was used to investigate the effects of MP, a new heteropolysaccharide extracted from wild morels, on the diversity and composition of microbiota along the intestine in mice, as well as the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). The results showed that MP treatment increased the number of operational taxonomic unit (OTUs) and diversity along the intestine, especially in the small intestine. MP treatment induced a significant decrease in the number of Firmicutes and a significant increase in the number of Bacteroidetes in the small intestine microbiota. It was also observed that the relative abundance of SCFA-producing bacteria, especially Lachnospiraceae, was increased in both the cecum and colon of MP-treated mice. Moreover, MP promoted the production of SCFAs in mice. These results provide a foundation for further understanding the health benefits conferred by morel polysaccharides.
Antioxidant Activity and Cytotoxicity of Medicago sativa L. Seeds and Herb Extract on Skin Cells

In response to the constantly growing demand for high quality cosmetics we observe an increasing interest in products containing natural plant extracts. This article attempts to assess the antioxidant and cytotoxic properties of extracts from alfalfa herb and seeds (Medicago sativa L.). These extracts were obtained using ultrasound-assisted extraction method. The research was carried out on two cell lines: fibroblasts and keratinocytes. The obtained results show that the examined extracts from M. sativa L. are a source of valuable biologically active agents. Both extracts were characterized by high content of flavonoids and phenolic compounds. Evaluation of antioxidant properties of extracts using DPPH• radical indicated that the alfalfa extracts can efficiently scavenge free radicals. The results of the conducted experiments demonstrated that the M. sativa L. extracts do not only have an inhibitory effect on free radicals existing in the external environment of the cell, but also have the ability to reduce the intracellular reactive oxygen species level, which may contribute to the reduction of oxidative stress inside the cells. Studies performed using cell lines indicated that the tested extracts increase the proliferation and metabolism of skin cells in vitro. The high antioxidant capacity of M. sativa L. extracts may indicate its potential use as a valuable ingredient in the cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries.
Bucco-Adhesive Film as a Pediatric Proper Dosage Form for Systemic Delivery of Propranolol Hydrochloride: In-vitro and in-vivo Evaluation

Objective To formulate and assess bucco-adhesive films of propranolol hydrochloride for pediatric use. Methods Different films were formulated adopting mucin, polyvinyl alcohol, chitosan and carbopol. A drug/polymer compatibility study was conducted adopting differential scanning calorimetry and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The prepared films were physically investigated for variation of weight, propranolol content, thickness, surface pH, proportion of moisture, folding endurance and mucoadhesion. In vitro drug release study and kinetic analysis of the corresponding data have been conducted. The optimized formulation was selected for a bioavailability study using albino rabbits and adopting a developed HPLC method. The pharmacokinetic parameters of the drug were calculated following administration of the optimized film and the corresponding marketed oral tablets to albino rabbits. Key Finding The compatibility study revealed the absence of drug/polymer interaction. The film formulations had suitable mucoadhesive and mechanical properties. The optimized formulation exhibited reasonable drug release that followed Higuchi diffusion pattern. The calculated AUC0-8h presented an enhancement in the bioavailability of propranolol hydrochloride from the selected film formulation by 1.9 times relative to the marketed propranolol oral tablets. Conclusion These findings support that propranolol hydrochloride bucco-adhesive film can be considered as a proper effective dosage form for pediatric delivery.
A Country Pandemic Risk Exposure Measurement Model

Purpose The purpose of this study is to develop a Pandemic Risk Exposure Measurement (PREM) model to determine the factors that affect a country’s prospective vulnerability to a pandemic risk exposure also considering the current COVID-19 pandemic. Methods To develop the model, drew up an inventory of possible factor variables that might expose a country’s vulnerability to a pandemic such as COVID-19. This model was based on the analysis of existing literature and consultations with some experts and associations. To support the inventory of selected possible factor variables, we have conducted a survey with participants sampled from people working in a risk management environment carrying out a risk management function. The data were subjected to statistical analysis, specifically exploratory factor analysis and Cronbach Alpha to determine and group these factor variables and determine their reliability, respectively. This enabled the development of the PREM model. To eliminate possible bias, hierarchical regression analysis was carried out to examine the effect of the “Level of Experienced Hazard of the Participant (LEH)” considering also the “Level of Expertise and Knowledge about Risk and Risk Management (LEK)”. Results Exploratory factor analysis loaded best on four factors from 19 variables: Demographic Features, Country’s Activity Features, Economic Exposure and Societal Vulnerability (i.e. the PREM Model). This model explains 65.5% of the variance in the level of experienced hazard (LEH). Additionally, we determined that LEK explains only about 2% of the variance in LEH. Conclusion The developed PREM model shows that monitoring of Demographic Features, Country’s Activity Features, Economic Exposure and Societal Vulnerability can help a country to identify the possible impact of pandemic risk exposure and develop policies, strategies, regulations, etc., to help a country strengthen its capacity to meet the economic, social and in turn healthcare demands due to pandemic hazards such as COVID-19.
Application of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Diagnostic Tools: Strengths and Weaknesses of the Korean ADHD Rating Scale and Continuous Performance Test

Purpose We aimed to compare the Korean version of the ADHD Rating Scale (K-ARS) and Integrated Visual and Auditory Plus (IVA+Plus), a continuous performance test, by analyzing their abilities to distinguish different groups (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder [ADHD], ADHD-not otherwise specified [NOS], and normal control [NC]). Patients and Methods Individuals of 7–12 years of age who visited our child and adolescent psychiatric clinic were recruited. Seventy-four participants (58 males, 16 females) were classified into three groups according to results from the Korean Version of Diagnostic Interview Schedule for Children Version IV. The K-ARS and IVA+Plus were administered. An analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was conducted. The tools’ accuracy in discriminating patients with ADHD or NOS from NCs was evaluated using a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Results ANCOVA revealed significant differences in the K-ARS results of the three groups (ADHD [n=29], NOS [n=33], NC [n=12]), whereas a difference in IVA+Plus results was observed only between the ADHD and NC groups. In the ROC curve analysis of the K-ARS, the areas under the curve (AUCs) for each group were 0.960 (ADHD vs NC), 0.885 (NOS vs NC), 0.920 (ADHD+NOS vs NC), and 0.779 (ADHD vs NOS+NC). In the ROC curve analysis for the IVA+Plus hyperactivity-impulsiveness scale, the AUCs for each group were 0.740 (ADHD vs NC), 0.643 (NOS vs NC), 0.688 (ADHD+NOS vs NC), and 0.626 (ADHD vs NOS+NC); those for the inattention scale were 0.731 (ADHD vs NC), 0.658 (NOS vs NC), 0.692 (ADHD+NOS vs NC), and 0.625 (ADHD+NOS vs NC). Conclusion The K-ARS was useful to distinguish the ADHD and NOS groups from the NC group, while the IVA+Plus was useful to distinguish the ADHD group from the NC group. Clinicians should ensure they understand the properties of each tool and apply them appropriately in the diagnosis of ADHD.
The Severity of Changes in Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Adults Over a Five-Year Interval

Purpose The aim of this study was to analyze the severity of changes in cardiovascular risk factors (hypertension, overweight and obesity, carbohydrate metabolism disorders, burdened family history) and to assess the risk of a cardiovascular incident according to the Systematic Coronary Risk Evaluation (SCORE) algorithm in the same group of patients over a five-year interval. Patients and Methods The research method was analysis of medical records of patients from the area of West Pomeranian Province, Poland, included in the Cardiovascular Disease Prevention Program of the National Health Fund five years after the first examination (2012/2013 vs 2017/2018). We collected data on changes in the levels of selected cardiovascular risk factors over five years and calculated the SCORE values. Results In the second measurement (after five years), the odds of obesity were about 2.5 times higher. The repeated BMI measurement showed that after five years more respondents were classified as overweight and obese compared with the first measurement (p = 0.000; η2 = 0.056). The repeated SCORE measurement indicated that after five years the SCORE values significantly increased compared with the first measurement (p = 0.000; η2 = 0.588). Statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) were also found between the first and the second measurements of arm circumference, waist circumference, BMI, diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, and triglycerides. The risk of visceral obesity was statistically significantly higher for men than for women (RHM = 1.47). Conclusion In the group of patients examined twice over five years, the incidence of obesity, including abdominal obesity, significantly increased. Furthermore, five years after the last examination, the risk of a cardiovascular incident significantly increased. The participants had higher values of such parameters as: arm circumference, waist circumference, BMI, diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, and triglycerides.
Prevalence of Internet Addiction, Poor Sleep Quality, and Depressive Symptoms Among Medical Students: A Cross-Sectional Study

Objectives This objective of the study was to report the prevalence of internet addiction, sleep quality, depression, anxiety, and stress in undergraduate medical students. Methods A cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study was conducted among 221 undergraduate medical students at Government Doon Medical College, Dehradun, Uttarakhand. Data pertaining to internet addiction, sleep quality, and depressive symptoms were also collected using validated and reliable questionnaires (Young Internet Addiction Test, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and Depression Anxiety Stress Scale 21). Results The prevalence of poor sleep quality, severe anxiety, and severe depression was 33.9%, 7.3% and 3.6%, respectively. The place of residence was significantly associated (p = 0.006) with internet addiction. The mean Young Internet Addiction Test score was higher in students residing in hostels compared with students staying with families. Stress was associated with age. The mean stress score was higher in the age group 17–20 compared with the 21–24 age group. Stress and depression were independent predictors of sleep quality. Conclusion Quality sleep is the key for good health. Based on limited samples, this study showed that poor sleep quality was associated with stress and depression. Hence, continuous counselling is suggested for supporting students managing their stress and depression.
Therapeutic Potential Assessment of Green Synthesized Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Derived from Fennel Seeds Extract

Purpose To study the cytotoxic evaluation, antimicrobial and confocal analysis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) obtained from a novel plant product fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.) seed extract (FSE). Methods ZnO NPs were analyzed using UV–Vis spectroscopy, XRD, FTIR, TEM and EDX techniques. The MTT cell cytotoxicity assay measured the proliferation and survival of MCF-7 cells treated at different concentrations of FSE-derived ZnO NPs. The antimicrobial activity towards pathogenic bacteria and yeast strains was investigated. Results The UV–Vis spectra showed two peaks at 438 nm and 446 nm, confirming nanoparticle formation. The SEM morphology results showed porous ranging from 23–51 nm. The antitumor activity value (IC50) was at 50 µg/mL and 100 µg/mL. Besides, morphological changes of MCF-7, cells treated at different concentrations of FSE of ZnO NPs were observed in cell cultures transfected with a transient pCMV6-XL4-GFP-expressing vector containing C-terminal domain GFP-tagged proteins, which resulted in an apoptotic effect. Antimicrobial IZ ranged up No Inhibition to 18.00 ± 0.4. The IZ revealed at the highest concentration was E. faecium VRE and yeast Cryptococcus sp. (18.00 ± 0.4. mm), followed by S. aureus (17.00 ± 0.2 mm) and P. aeruginosa and the yeast C. parapsilosis (16 ± 0.4 mm). The IZ was equal to that caused by the nystatin to Cryptococcus sp. , which was significantly highest than ampicillin treatments of S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, C. albicans, and C. parapsilosis. The MIC value of the FSE-derived ZnO NPs tested against E.faecium and C.albicans was 6.00 µg/mL (E. faecium and C. albicans). It was 32.00 µg/mL (S. aureus, S. typhimurium and Cryptococcus sp.), 64.00 µg/mL (P. aeruginosa), and 128 µg/mL (C. parapsilosis). Conclusion As far as it is to our knowledge, this study established, for the first time, the biological activities of biosynthesized ZnO NPs from FSE and their synergistic therapeutic potential.
Validity of the Korean Version of DIVA-5: A Semi-Structured Diagnostic Interview for Adult ADHD

Background This study was to assess the validity of the Korean version of the semi-structured Diagnostic Interview for Adult ADHD, third edition (DIVA-5). The secondary aim was to compare sociodemographic and psychiatric comorbidities in adult patients with and without a diagnosis of ADHD. Methods A total of 279 participants were recruited from nine psychiatric outpatient clinics in Korea. All participants were administered the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) Plus v.5. 0.0, the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale v1.1 (ASRS-v1.1) Symptom Checklist, and DIVA-5. Diagnosis concordance between two board-certified psychiatrists and DIVA-5 were analysed. Results The DIVA-5 showed a diagnostic accuracy of 92%, a sensitivity of 91.30%, and a specificity of 93.62%. Significant clinical and demographic differences between ADHD and control groups were found. Conclusion The Korean version of DIVA-5 is a reliable tool for assessing and diagnosing ADHD in adult Korean populations.
Scleral Fixation of Single-Piece Foldable IOL Using Double-Flanged Technique

Purpose To describe the efficiency and visual results of a new method of transconjunctival intrascleral fixation of single-piece foldable IOL using double-flanged 6/0 prolene suture. Materials and Methods Seventeen aphakic eyes of 17 patients without adequate capsular support were involved in this study. Lens was prepared by passing the 6/0 prolene suture in a track in the haptic of single-piece foldable IOL created by 31 g needle. The 6/0 prolene suture was retrieved through a 30 g needle transconjunctivally to outside the globe; then, IOL was implanted and a terminal bulb was created at the outer end of the prolene suture. Results All cases were aphakic after complicated phacoemulsification. In 10 cases hydrophilic IOLs were used and in 7 cases hydrophobic IOLs were used. There is clear statistically significant difference between pre-UCVA and post- UCVA. Complications included suture slippage in 2 cases and prolene bulb exposure in one case. There was no significant difference in endothelial cell count and IOP before and after 3 months. Conclusion Transconjunctival intrascleral fixation of foldable single-piece IOLs is a safe efficient method for correcting aphakia.
Lanmaoa rubriceps, a new bolete from tropical China

Lanmaoa rubriceps (Boletaceae, Boletales) is described as a new species from Hainan Province, a tropical region of China. It is morphologically characterized by a red, crimson to orange-red pileus, a hymenophore with stuffed pores when young, pores staining blue and then changing to red-brown when injured, stipe surface staining blue when injured, and a trichodermal pileipellis with uninflated hyphae. Phylogenetic analyses of DNA sequences from part of the 28S gene, the nuc rDNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region, and part of the translation elongation factor 1-α gene ( tef 1 - α) also confirmed that L. rubriceps forms an independent lineage within Lanmaoa . Consequently, a detailed description, color photos of fresh basidiomata and line-drawings of microstructures are presented. It’s worth noting that L. rubriceps falls into the genus Lanmaoa phylogenetically but morphological features of the new species match the concept of the genus Cyanoboletus . The reason for the incongruence of molecular and morphological results is that the two most closely related genera share overlapping morphological features and the most important diagnostic feature of Lanmaoa is not constant. In light of these facts, lumping of Lanmaoa and Cyanoboletus into a single genus seems justified.
F v/F m acclimation to the Mediterranean summer drought in two sympatric Lasallia species from the Iberian mountains

Abstract Photosynthetic performance in lichens can vary throughout the year. We investigate the variation in the PSII quantum efficiency as a proxy for the physiological state of the photosynthetic apparatus in two umbilicate species from the genus Lasallia. Temporal variation in F v/F m in both species was monitored at a field site in Central Spain where both species coexist. Subsequent measurements were carried out in the laboratory after 48 h preconditioning. Both species showed clear variation during the year in PSII performance, with a marked depression in F v/F m during the summer. Lasallia pustulata consistently had higher F v/F m values than L. hispanica. Both species reached higher F v/F m values after 48 h of preconditioning in the laboratory and this recovery was particularly notable in the summer months. F v/F m was highly related to antecedent weather conditions during the two days prior to measurement.
xAI-GAN: Enhancing Generative Adversarial Networks via Explainable AI Systems

Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) are a revolutionary class of Deep Neural Networks (DNNs) that have been successfully used to generate realistic images, music, text, and other data. However, GAN training presents many challenges, notably it can be very resource-intensive. A potential weakness in GANs is that it requires a lot of data for successful training and data collection can be an expensive process. Typically, the corrective feedback from discriminator DNNs to generator DNNs (namely, the discriminator's assessment of the generated example) is calculated using only one real-numbered value (loss). By contrast, we propose a new class of GAN we refer to as xAI-GAN that leverages recent advances in explainable AI (xAI) systems to provide a "richer" form of corrective feedback from discriminators to generators. Specifically, we modify the gradient descent process using xAI systems that specify the reason as to why the discriminator made the classification it did, thus providing the "richer" corrective feedback that helps the generator to better fool the discriminator. Using our approach, we observe xAI-GANs provide an improvement of up to 23.18% in the quality of generated images on both MNIST and FMNIST datasets over standard GANs as measured by Fr\'echet Inception Distance (FID). We further compare xAI-GAN trained on 20% of the data with standard GAN trained on 100% of data on the CIFAR10 dataset and find that xAI-GAN still shows an improvement in FID score. Further, we compare our work with Differentiable Augmentation - which has been shown to make GANs data-efficient - and show that xAI-GANs outperform GANs trained on Differentiable Augmentation. Moreover, both techniques can be combined to produce even better results. Finally, we argue that xAI-GAN enables users greater control over how models learn than standard GANs.
Reynolds stress anisotropy in flow over two-dimensional rigid dunes

Characteristics of turbulence anisotropy in flow over two-dimensional rigid dunes are analysed. The Reynolds stress anisotropy is envisaged from the perspective of the stress ellipsoid shape. The spatial evolutions of the anisotropic invariant map (AIM), anisotropic invariant function, eigenvalues of the scaled Reynolds stress tensor and eccentricities of the stress ellipsoid are investigated at various streamwise distances along the vertical. The data plots reveal that the oblate spheroid axisymmetric turbulence appears near the top of the crest, whereas the prolate spheroid axisymmetric turbulence dominates near the free surface. At the dune trough, the axisymmetric contraction to the oblate spheroid diminishes, as the vertical distance below the crest increases. At the reattachment point and one-third of the stoss-side, the oblate spheroid axisymmetric turbulence formed below the crest appears to be more contracted, as the vertical distance increases. The AIMs suggest that the turbulence anisotropy up to edge of the boundary layer follows a looping pattern. As the streamwise distance increases, the turbulence anisotropy at the edge of the boundary layer approaches the plane-strain limit up to two-thirds of the stoss-side, intersecting the plane-strain limit at the top of the crest and thereafter moving towards the oblate spheroid axisymmetric turbulence.
Diversity and Seasonal Variation of Mesostigmatid Mites in Three Tea Gardens of Assam (India) with Different Agro-Practices

Abstract. In soil, mites (Acari) are the most abundant and diverse arthropods. They play an important ecological role in maintaining soil health. Among acarines, mesostigmatids are the most abundant group occurring in soil. The present study was undertaken in order to explore the diversity and seasonal occurrence of mesostigmatid mites in three tea gardens maintaining different agro-practices (viz., conventional, organic and biorational) in Assam India. The survey was done over 2 years (August 2016–July 2018). Mesostigmatid mites were extracted by using the heat desiccation method in a Tullgren funnel. The study revealed the occurrence of 41 species of mesostigmatid mites belonging to 17 families and 31 genera in the three tea gardens. Populations of mesostigmatid mites exhibited a fluctuating trend being higher in monsoon (June- September), slightly declining in post monsoon period (October- November), moderate during winter (December- February), and noticeably reduced in summer (March-May). Shannon- diversity index (H′) was found to be highest in the organic tea garden (3.01), followed by biorational tea garden (2.76), and conventional tea garden (2.41).