Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Functional Micro- and Nanofibers Obtained by Nonwoven Post-Modification

Micro- and nanofibers are historically-known materials that are continuously reinvented due to their valuable properties. They display promise for applications in many fields, from tissue engineering to catalysis or sensors. In the first application, micro- and nanofibers are mainly produced from a limited library of biomaterials with properties that need alteration before use. Post-modification is a very effective method for attaining on-demand features and functions of nonwovens. This review summarizes and presents methods of functionalization of nonwovens produced by electrostatic means. The reviewed modifications are grouped into physical methods, chemical modification, and mixed methods.
Effects of a Reserve Protein on Spodoptera frugiperda Development: A Biochemical and Molecular Approach to the Entomotoxic Mechanism

Talisin is a storage protein from Talisia esculenta seeds that presents lectin-like and peptidase inhibitor properties. These characteristics suggest that talisin plays a role in the plant defense process, making it a multifunctional protein. This work aimed to investigate the effects of chronic intake of talisin on fifth instar larvae of Spodoptera frugiperda, considered the main insect pest of maize and the cause of substantial economic losses in several other crops. The chronic intake of talisin presented antinutritional effects on the larvae, reducing their weight and prolonging the total development time of the insects. In addition, talisin-fed larvae also showed a significant reduction in the activity of trypsin-like enzymes. Midgut histology analysis of talisin-fed larvae showed alterations in the intestinal epithelium and rupture of the peritrophic membrane, possibly causing an increase of aminopeptidase activity in the midgut lumen. Talisin also proved to be resistant to degradation by the digestive enzymes of S. frugiperda. The transcription profile of trypsin, chymotrypsin and aminopeptidase genes was also analyzed through qPCR technique. Talisin intake resulted in differential expression of at least two genes from each of these classes of enzymes. Molecular docking studies indicated a higher affinity of talisin for the less expressed enzymes.
Salvage Bacteriophage Therapy for a Chronic MRSA Prosthetic Joint Infection

This is a case of a 72 year old male with a chronic methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus prosthetic joint infection. After the third intravenous dose of bacteriophage therapy, an unusual, reversible transaminitis prompted stoppage of bacteriophage therapy. Nevertheless, treatment was successful and the patient’s severe chronic infection was eradicated.
Relationship Between Lumbar Motor Control Ability and Spinal Curvature in Elderly Individuals

This study aimed to clarify the relationship between spine curvature and the movement pattern/motor control ability of the lumbar and hip joints during prone hip extension in elderly individuals. The participants were 14 elderly people who attended a community health class. We measured the motion angle, motion ratio (movement pattern), and motor control ability of the lumbar and hip joints during prone hip extension. In addition, the lumbar lordosis angle and thoracic kyphosis angle were measured in the standing position. There was no correlation between the spinal curvature in the standing position and the lumbar/hip joint movement pattern and motor control ability during prone hip extension. When evaluating the lumbar spine, it is necessary to perform a comprehensive evaluation by interpreting static evaluations such as spinal alignment or dynamic evaluations such as movement patterns and motor control abilities.
Responsiveness, minimal detectable change, and minimal clinically important difference of the sitting balance scale and function in sitting test in people with stroke

ABSTRACT Background: Limited studies have examined the responsiveness of the Sitting Balance Scale (SBS) and Function in Sitting Test (FIST). No studies have investigated the psychometric properties of these tools in skilled nursing facilities. Objective: The purposes of the study were (1) to examine responsiveness of the SBS and FIST, in people with stroke, receiving rehabilitation in skilled nursing facilities; and (2) to estimate the MDC and MCID of these scales. Methods: Forty participants completed the FIST, SBS, and Barthel Index (BI) at admission and discharge. Internal responsiveness of the FIST and SBS was measured using Effect Size (ES) and Standardized Response Mean (SRM). Examining the association between the difference in scores on the SBS or FIST and the difference in scores on the BI determined external responsiveness. MDC and MCID were estimated for both measures. Results: The ES and the SRM for both scales were large (1.01–2.30) indicating excellent internal responsiveness. Both scales demonstrated satisfactory external responsiveness, showing good association with change in BI scores (p < .01). MDC90 of the SBS and the FIST were 2.3 and 3.9, respectively. Anchor-based MCID estimates were 4.5 and 3.5, and distribution-based were 3.5 and 4.8 for the SBS and FIST, respectively. Conclusions: Both scales demonstrate sufficient responsiveness in the skilled nursing setting. Our findings suggest a change of 5 on the SBS and 4 on the FIST are clinically important, and clinicians may use these values to assess patient progress.
New Insights on the Role of Allyl Isothiocyanate in Controlling the Root Knot Nematode Meloidogyne hapla

Biofumigation, although a well-known method, is still controversially debated as a management strategy for plant-parasitic nematodes (PPN). Its controlling effect is attributed to the production of isothiocyanates (ITCs) following the action of myrosinase on glucosinolates (GSLs). Different ITCs are formed from different GSLs, depending on the plant species. To better understand the potential of ITCs, eight cultivars from three Brassicaceae species were investigated as biofumigation crops to control the root knot nematode Meloidogyne hapla. Since results were inconsistent, the nematicidal effect of selected ITCs were further evaluated in vitro. Based on its nematicidal potential, allyl ITC (AITC) was specifically investigated under different soil:sand compositions. A significantly lower nematicidal activity was observed in soil compared to sand. AITC was also evaluated as an additive to the biofumigation in a greenhouse trial. Its supplementation to the biofumigation process with Brassica juncea cv. Terrafit controlled M. hapla, while no control was observed using Raphanus sativus cv. Defender. Thus, the success of biofumigation seems to be strongly dependent on the soil characteristics and the ITC produced during the biofumigation process. Therefore, the supplementation of AITC in combination with the right cover crop can improve the biofumigation process to control M. hapla.
Impact of New Occupational and Clinical Standards on Spirometry.

T he American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (ACOEM) Guidance Statement, published in this issue, provides important updates to spirometry guidelines in the occupational setting. This ACOEM statement incorporates both the 2019 update of spirometry standards adopted by the American Thoracic Society (ATS) and European Respiratory Society (ERS) and the 2014 ATS Spirometry in the Occupational Setting Technical Standard. This editorial reviews how these three documents, which have overlapping audiences, work in harmony together and introduce changes to improve the overall quality of spirometry testing. Surveillance of health indicators is a key feature of occupational health programs. In occupational environments that can potentially cause or exacerbate obstructive or restrictive lung diseases, spirometry is an important, and frequently mandated, tool to obtain an objective measure of this aspect of lung health. Spirometry is also a vital tool in clinical medicine and is required for diagnosing lung diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma, among other indications. There is a long history of workplace spirometry that has developed parallel to and often intertwined with, clinical spirometry testing. Standardization of spirometry in the United States was introduced in 1973 with proposed regulations for coal miners. Then in 1978, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) promulgated the final Cotton Dust Standard containing requirements developed by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and the ATS—a collaboration between occupational health and
Abnormal Seedlings Emerged during Embryo Rescue and Its Remedy for Seedless Grape Breeding

The abnormal seedlings, a common physiological anomalies, emerged during embryo rescue severely restricted grape breeding. To enhance the efficiency of the seedless grape breeding by reducing the production of abnormal seedlings in the course of embryo rescue, we investigated the effects of genotype, media type, embryo style, pre-chilling on the deformity rate of the abnormal seedlings during embryo rescue. The abnormal seedlings were firstly classified into seven categories based on their morphology. Our results indicated that the emergence of abnormal seedlings was highly dependent on the female parent genotype. Polyembryony was advantageous to diminish the number of abnormal plantlets and the germination rate of embryo was 100%. We also found that pre-chilling treatment could reduce the number of abnormal plantlets and promote the embryo germination. The abnormal plantlets were reduced significantly by the addition of ZnSO₄ 10 μmol? L -1 or mashed-banana 500 mg? L -1 to either embryo development or germination media. Transferring the abnormal seedlings onto the suitable fresh media in 4 weeks after embryo germination provided an effective way to transform them into normal seedlings.
A Toluidine Blue Method for Demonstrating Mast Cells

Introduction Although the function of mast cells is not fully known, it is known that they produce heparin (a sulfated mucopolysaccharide), which appears to account for their stainability with acid mucopolysaccharide and metachromatic staining techniques. Some of the mucopolysaccharide methods used to stain mast cells are Luna'sl aldehyde fuchsin, Scott's2 alcian blue, and Pickett's3 fluorescent acridine orange. Two of the metachromatic methods are Cook's4 thionin and Kramer's5 toluidine blue. The toluidine blue method of Kramer has the disadvantage of excessive background staining which makes it difficult to identify the mast cells, especially when only a few are present in a tissue section. The method reported here was developed to reduce this background staining. The result is a simple, reliable method for demonstrating mast cells.
Benefits of a Self-Management Program for the Couple Living With Parkinson’s Disease: A Pilot Study

The goal of this pilot study was to explore health benefits for couples participating together in an existing community-based self-management workshop for Parkinson’s disease (PD). A quasi-experimental two-wave design explored the effects of the Strive to Thrive program in comparison to a wait-list control condition. Preliminary data (n = 39 couples) showed that spouses in the intervention group had greater engagement in mental relaxation techniques at 7 weeks than those in the control condition (large effect size). Small effects were observed for increases in aerobic activity and mental relaxation for the adult with PD, increases in strength-based activities and self-efficacy for spouses, declines in depressive symptoms for spouses, and decreases in protective buffering for both adults with PD and spouses. The program showed potential for existing community-based programs to benefit couples living with chronic illness.
Characterization of Rhizobacteria Isolated from Wild Coffea arabica L.

Rhizobacteria from wild Arabica coffee populations (Coffea arabica L.) in southwestern Ethiopia were isolated and characterized. The main purpose was to identify coffee‐associated rhizobacteria and evaluate their potential in synthesizing the phytohormone indole acetic acid (IAA) and in degrading the ethylene precursor 1‐aminocyclopropane‐1‐carboxylate (ACC). A total of 878 bacterial isolates were screened, of which 395 (45%) isolates were preliminarily characterized using metabolic identification kits (API). Both Gram‐negative and Gram‐positive bacteria were isolated, with the former group predominating (63% of cases). Based on pre‐screening results of the biochemical tests, 51 of the isolates were subjected to PCR‐RFLP (Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism) analysis that yielded ten groups, of which 24 isolates were identified by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The major genera identified were Pseudomonas (six species) and Bacillus (four species). Single species of Erwinia, Ochrobactrum and Serratia were also identified. The Erwinia sp. , Serratia marcescens and many Pseudomonas spp. produced IAA, and some isolates (all Pseudomonas spp.) were also able to degrade ACC. Several of the microbes found in association with wild Arabica coffee bushes have potential agronomic importance, like e.g. Bacillus thuringiensis, which deserve further testing. According to these in vitro studies, isolates of Erwinia, Serratia and Pseudomonas are of particular interest in inoculant development due to their plant growth promoting traits.
G RNA Antisense Expression Demonstrates the Exclusive Coupling of Peptide YY Receptors to G Proteins in Renal Proximal Tubule Cells (*)

A clone PKSV-PCT Cl.10 referred to as Cl.10 was selected from the PKSV-PCT renal proximal tubule cell line which expressed peptide YY (PYY) receptors (Voisin, T., Bens, M., Cluzeaud, F., Vandewalle, A., and Laburthe, M.(1993) J. Biol. Chem. 268, 20547-20554). In order to identify G protein(s) coupled to PYY receptors, antisense Gα protein RNAs were expressed in Cl.10 cells by transfecting the pcDNA3 vector into which were inserted 39 bases of the 5′-noncoding region of Gα or Gα used as specific antisense templates. A Cl.10/α clone was selected which displayed a drastic decrease (>90%) of the expression of Gα without changes of Gα, Gα, and Gβ subunits (Gα is not present in Cl.10 cells) as evidenced by Western blots. When compared to untransfected cells, this clone exhibited: (i) an increase in the dissociation constant of PYY receptors (5.3 versus 0.6 nM) identical to that observed in pertussis toxin-treated untransfected cells; (ii) an absence of inhibition of I-PYY binding by guanosine 5′-O-(thiotriphosphate) (GTPS); and (iii) the failure of PYY to inhibit cAMP levels and to stimulate [methyl-3H]thymidine incorporation into DNA. A clone was also selected which exhibited a specific decrease (>80%) of Gα as compared to untransfected cells. The sensitivity to GTPS and the dissociation constant of PYY receptors as well as PYY-mediated inhibition of cAMP were identical to those observed in untransfected cells. These findings support an exclusive coupling of PYY receptors to Gα.
Autumn growth and its relationship to winter survival in diverse safflower germplasm

The relationship between several autumn growth traits and winter survival was determinedin 11 diverse safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) accessions grown at Central Ferry and Pullman, WA, USA. The safflower was sown in September 2002 and 2003 and plant population counts were taken 6-8 wk after emergence, and after the last frost in the spring to calculate winter survival. Growth factors including plant habit and height were also measured in the autumn. The Pullman plots in 2003–2004 were lost during an usually cold and windy November, but otherwise survival ranged from 90% for BJ-27, an introduction from China, to zero for the cultivar Saffire. Winter survival was negatively correlated with more upright plant habit (r = -041**, n = 97) and plant height (r = -0.29**, n = 97). However, some accessions with low plant habit (prostrate growth) and low height values had relatively poor survival. The results show that BJ-27 has sufficient winter survival to achieve over-winter safflower production for many area.
Cholesterol and Egg Intakes, and Risk of Hypertension in a Large Prospective Cohort of French Women

Purpose: The relationship between egg and cholesterol intakes, and cardiovascular disease is controversial. Meta-analyses indicate that egg consumption is associated with increased cardiovascular disease and mortality, but reduced incidence of hypertension, a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. This study aims to investigate the associations between consumption of egg and cholesterol, and hypertension risk in a cohort of French women. Methods: We used data from the E3N cohort study, a French prospective population-based study initiated in 1990. From the women in the study, we included those who completed a detailed diet history questionnaire, and who did not have prevalent hypertension or cardiovascular disease at baseline, resulting in 46,424 women. Hypertension cases were self-reported. Egg and cholesterol intake was estimated from dietary history questionnaires. Cox proportional hazard models with time-updated exposures were used to calculate hazard ratios. Spline regression was used to determine any dose–respondent relationship. Results: During 885,321 person years, 13,161 cases of incident hypertension were identified. Higher cholesterol consumption was associated with an increased risk of hypertension: HRQ1–Q5 = 1.22 [1.14:1.30], with associations similar regarding egg consumption up to seven eggs per week: HR4–7 eggs = 1.14 [1.06:1.18]. Evidence for a non-linear relationship between hypertension and cholesterol intake was observed. Conclusions: Egg and cholesterol intakes were associated with a higher risk of hypertension in French women. These results merit further investigation in other populations.
Synergism of type 1 metabotropic and ionotropic glutamate receptors in cerebellar molecular layer interneurons in vivo

Type 1 metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluR1s) are key elements in neuronal signaling. While their function is well documented in slices, requirements for their activation in vivo are poorly understood. We examine this question in adult mice in vivo using 2-photon imaging of cerebellar molecular layer interneurons (MLIs) expressing GCaMP. In anesthetized mice, parallel fiber activation evokes beam-like Cai rises in postsynaptic MLIs which depend on co-activation of mGluR1s and ionotropic glutamate receptors (iGluRs). In awake mice, blocking mGluR1 decreases Cai rises associated with locomotion. In vitro studies and freeze-fracture electron microscopy show that the iGluR-mGluR1 interaction is synergistic and favored by close association of the two classes of receptors. Altogether our results suggest that mGluR1s, acting in synergy with iGluRs, potently contribute to processing cerebellar neuronal signaling under physiological conditions.
Novel role of ASH1L histone methyltransferase in anaplastic thyroid carcinoma

Anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) is one of the most aggressive human malignancies, with an average life expectancy of ∼6 months from the time of diagnosis. The genetic and epigenetic changes that underlie this malignancy are incompletely understood. We found that ASH1-like histone lysine methyltransferase (ASH1L) is overexpressed in ATC relative to the much less aggressive and more common differentiated thyroid cancer. This increased expression was due at least in part to reduced levels of microRNA-200b-3p (miR-200b-3p), which represses ASH1L expression, in ATC. Genetic knockout of ASH1L protein expression in ATC cell lines decreased cell growth both in culture and in mouse xenografts. RNA-Seq analysis of ASH1L knockout versus WT ATC cell lines revealed that ASH1L is involved in the regulation of numerous cancer-related genes and gene sets. The pro-oncogenic long noncoding RNA colon cancer-associated transcript 1 (CCAT1) was one of the most highly (approximately 68-fold) down-regulated transcripts in ASH1L knockout cells. Therefore, we investigated CCAT1 as a potential mediator of the growth-inducing activity of ASH1L. Supporting this hypothesis, CCAT1 knockdown in ATC cells decreased their growth rate, and ChIP-Seq data indicated that CCAT1 is likely a direct target of ASH1L's histone methyltransferase activity. These results indicate that ASH1L contributes to the aggressiveness of ATC and suggest that ASH1L, along with its upstream regulator miR-200b-3p and its downstream mediator CCAT1, represents a potential therapeutic target in ATC.
APOE ε4 and the influence of sex, age, vascular risk factors, and ethnicity on cognitive decline.

We aimed to examine the relationship between APOE*4 carriage on cognitive decline, and whether these associations were moderated by sex, baseline age, ethnicity, and vascular risk factors. Participants were 19,225 individuals aged 54-103 years from 15 longitudinal cohort studies with a mean follow up duration ranging between 1.2 and 10.7 years. Two-step individual participant data (IPD) meta-analysis was used to pool results of study-wise analyses predicting memory and general cognitive decline from carriage of one or two APOE*4 alleles, and moderation of these associations by age, sex, vascular risk factors and ethnicity. Separate pooled estimates were calculated in both men and women who were younger (i.e., 62 years) and older (i.e., 80 years) at baseline. Results showed that APOE*4 carriage was related to faster general cognitive decline in women, and faster memory decline in men. A stronger dose-dependent effect was observed in older men, with faster general cognitive and memory decline in those carrying two versus one APOE*4 allele. Vascular risk factors were related to an increased effect of APOE*4 on memory decline in younger women, but a weaker effect of APOE*4 on general cognitive decline in older men. The relationship between APOE*4 carriage and memory decline was larger in older-aged Asians than Whites. In sum, APOE*4 is related to cognitive decline in men and women, although these effects are enhanced by age and carriage of two APOE*4 alleles in men, a higher numbers of vascular risk factors during the early stages of late adulthood in women, and Asian ethnicity.
Endothelial function in obesity and effects of bariatric and metabolic surgery

ABSTRACT Introduction Due to the lifestyle changes and the on-going urbanization waves there is obesity pandemic. The visceral fatty tissue of patients with obesity, in comparison with subcutaneous fat, has more gene expression related to inflammation, oxidative stress, cytokine production, and angiogenesis. The abovementioned leads to a decrease in arteriolar function and also an impaired endothelial vasodilatation and eventually endothelial dysfunction. Areas covered This review aims to provide an overview of the pathophysiology of obesity and endothelial dysfunction and the effects after bariatric and metabolic surgery and the consequences of surgery for the endothelial function. In this review, we focussed and searched for literature in Pubmed and The Cochrane library (from the earliest date of each database until February 2020) regarding endothelial function, obesity, and effects of bariatric and metabolic surgery. Expert opinion Within cardiovascular research, the endothelium and its function have a prominent role and it is the responsibility of the researchers to unravel the pathophysiological mechanisms and potential new targets for treatment of cardiovascular diseases.