Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Use of bacteriophage to inactivate pathogenic bacteria from wastewater

Abstract The aim of this study was to enhance the rhizobacterium potential in horizontal subsurface flow constructed wetland (CW) system planted by Phragmites australis using specific and lytic phages. The bioinoculation of specific bacteriophage for target bacteria; Salmonella typhi, and the monitoring of bacterial inactivation under different conditions showed the effectiveness of this methodology to enhance bacteria reduction and consequentially ameliorate purification performance of this studied biological treatment system. The injection of the phage at a concentration equal to 103 UFP/mL within the rhizosphere of the inoculated filter (F) was allowed 1 U-Log10 of improvement of bacterial inactivation compared to the control filter (T) nearly 1 logarithmic unit thus, a 90% improvement of bacteria reduction. When we increased the phage titer (105 UFP/mL), the bacterial reduction equal to 2.75 U-Log10 (N/N0) was registered that corresponds to a decrease of nearly 99.9%. According to the first-order model, the inactivation coefficient is equal to 2.29 min−1 (0.88 min−1 for the first experiment) and the bacterial reduction rate is 5 times higher than that determined for the control filter. This results show the positive impact of the phage in the bacterial inactivation and the improvement of water treatment of the biofilter C.
Controlling for Lexical Factors in the Word Auditory Recognition and Recall Measure

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to confirm that lexical factors associated with the Word Auditory Recognition and Recall Measure (WARRM) items have minimal impact WARRM scores. As the WARRM test was designed to minimize the impact of lexical factors, we hypothesized that lexical factors would have no effect on WARRM recognition or recall. Method: This report provides a complementary analysis to the original study. Generalized linear mixed models were applied to examine the effects of lexical factors (frequency, neighborhood density, neighborhood frequency) on the WARRM recognition and recall scores. Results: There were no significant effects of lexical factors on WARRM recognition or recall. These null effects were attributed to selection and distribution of words on the WARRM, and the balancing of lexical factors for each set size. Conclusions: Word selection and test design of the WARRM successfully controlled for potential effects of lexical factors on recognition and recall.
Fibroblast activation protein-alpha knockdown suppresses prostate cancer cell invasion and proliferation.

BACKGROUND Prostate cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors of the male genitourinary system. Fibroblast activation protein alpha (FAP-α) overexpression has been shown to occur in a wide range of tumors. However, the specific mechanism of FAP-α in the development of prostate cancer has not been reported. METHODS In this study, real-time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) was used to detect the relative expression of FAP-α mRNA in prostate cancer cell lines (PC-3, LNCaP, and DU145) and human normal prostate epithelial cell line RWPE-1. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting FAP-α and vectors expressing exogenous FAP-α were transfected to prostate cancer cells (LNCaP and DU145) to investigate the function of FAP-α. BALB/c nude mice were injected with DU145 cells which were transfected with NC-siRNA, FAP-α-siRNA-1, or FAP-α-siRNA-2. RESULTS Compared to adjacent normal tissues, FAP-α protein and mRNA levels in prostate cancer tissues increased significantly (P<0.05). Compared to patients with high FAP-α mRNA levels, patients with low FAP-α mRNA levels had a significantly higher survival rate (χ²=5.050, log-rank P=0.025). Overexpression of FAP-α in LNCaP cells markedly inhibited cell apoptosis, and promoted cell invasion and proliferation. In contrast, knockdown of FAP-α expression in DU145 cells can significantly reduce invasion, proliferation, and promote apoptosis in prostate cancer. Immunofluorescence assay further indicated that down-regulation of FAP-α could suppress the nuclear translocation of β-catenin. An in vivo study found that compared with the NC-siRNA group, the tumor weight and tumor volume in the FAP-α-siRNA-1 and FAP-α-siRNA-2 groups were significantly decreased. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, down-regulation of FAP-α can inhibit the invasion and proliferation of prostate cancer. Our study provides a theoretical basis for the targeted treatment of prostate cancer.
Enhanced Transrectal Ultrasound, Real-Time Sonoelastography, and Contrast-Enhanced Transrectal Ultrasound in Heavily Prescreened Chinese Men With Naive and Repetitive Biopsy

Abstract Multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging and targeted biopsy have been widely accepted as the most accurate technique to detect localize prostate cancer. It is a time-consuming and expensive option and may not be widely available in China, making ultrasound the first choice for the detection of prostate cancer. In this current retrospective study, the diagnostic values of enhanced transrectal ultrasound, contrast-enhanced transrectal ultrasound, and real-time sonoelastography were evaluated. Symptomatic 315 men older than 40 years with prostate-specific antigen level greater than 4.0 ng/mL, with abnormal digital rectal examinations, and with suspicious lesions for prostate cancer under enhanced transrectal ultrasound included in the study. Enhanced transrectal ultrasound was suspicious in all 315 men, with 189 of 315 men with prostate cancer according to the prostate biopsy report. Sonoelastography was suspicious in 294 of 315 men, with 166 of 315 men with prostate cancer according to the prostate biopsy report. Contrast-enhanced transrectal ultrasound was suspicious in 221 of 315 men, with 159 of 315 men with prostate cancer according to the prostate biopsy report. Real-time sonoelastography alone and contrast-enhanced transrectal ultrasound alone were missed in 27 (11%) and 39 (15%) lesions to report cancer through biopsies. Working area for enhanced transrectal ultrasound, real-time sonoelastography, and contrast-enhanced transrectal ultrasound for detection of prostate cancer were 0 to 1 diagnostic confidence, 0.11 to 0.895 diagnostic confidence, and 0.39 to 0.63 diagnostic confidence respectively. Real-time sonoelastography and contrast-enhanced transrectal ultrasound may improve the detection of prostate cancer in men with suspicious prostate lesions under enhanced transrectal ultrasound (Level of Evidence: III; Technical Efficacy Stage: 2).
Morus alba L. water extract changes gut microbiota and fecal metabolome in mice induced by high‐fat and high‐sucrose diet plus low‐dose streptozotocin

Gut microbiota plays a key role in the pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D). Mulberry leaf has a hypoglycemic effect, but the potential mechanism is not fully understood. This study aimed to explore the influences and potential mechanisms of mulberry leaf water extract (MLWE) intervention on mice with T2D induced through a high‐fat and high‐sucrose diet combined with streptozotocin by the combination of fecal metabolomics and gut microbiota analysis. Results showed that MLWE could decrease fasting blood glucose and body weight while ameliorating lipid profiles, insulin resistance, liver inflammation, and the accumulation of lipid droplets in T2D mice. MLWE could reverse the abundances of the phyla Actinobacteria and Bacteroidetes and the ratio of Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes, and increase the abundances of the phyla Cyanobacteria and Epsilonbacteraeota in the feces of T2D mice. The abundances of genera Alloprevotella, Parabacteroides, Muribaculaceae, and Romboutsia in the feces of T2D mice could be reversed, while Oscillatoriales_cyanobacterium and Gastranaerophilales could be reinforced by MLWE supplementation. The levels of nine metabolites in the feces of T2D mice were improved, among which glycine, Phe‐Pro, urocanic acid, phylloquinone, and lactate were correlated with Romboutsia and Gastranaerophilales. Taken together, we conclude that MLWE can effectively alleviate T2D by mediating the host–microbial metabolic axis.
Acute Effects of Coffee on Peripapillary and Subfoveal Choroidal Parameters in Young Healthy Subjects

Purpose To evaluate the acute effects of coffee on peripapillary and subfoveal choroidal structures using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). Materials and Methods A total of 28 healthy individuals (study group) and 28 healthy controls were enrolled in this study. The peripapillary and subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT) was measured at baseline, 30 min, 1 h, 2 h, and 4 h, following coffee (75 mg caffeine/200 ml) intake in the study group and the same amount of water in the control group. Choroidal images were binarized to the luminal area (LA), stromal area (SA), and total choroidal area (TCA) using ImageJ software. Similar to the CT, the peripapillary and subfoveal choroidal vascularity indices (CVIs) were calculated at the same time points in both groups. Results CT and CVI measurements of four peripapillary quadrants displayed no significant difference at baseline and all-time points in both groups (p > 0.05). In the study group, SFCT was found to be significantly lower (at 30 min, 1 h, 2 h, and 4 h) than the baseline measurement (p < 0.05). Additionally, subfoveal LA, TCA, and CVI decreased in all-time points compared with baseline measurements (p < 0.05, for all). This was not true for the subfoveal SA (p > 0.05). No significant difference was found between the respective SFCT and subfoveal CVI measurements in the control group (p > 0.05, for all). Conclusion Our study revealed that peripapillary choroidal thickness and CVI did not change following a cup of coffee intake, while subfoveal CT, LA, TCA, and CVI significantly decreased for at least 4 h.
Impact of smokeless cooking fuel use on health status of women in a rural setting of eastern India

ABSTRACT The sustainable development goals (SDG 7.1) reinforce to ensure that everyone has access to affordable, safe and renewable energy. In India, women are typically responsible for cooking and are most vulnerable to household air contaminants. We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional comparative study in Odisha, India between exclusive LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) users and non-LPG users. A total of 900 women, 450 from each group, were randomly selected. The LPG-users had a better predictor of physical, psychological, social, and environmental wellbeing than non-LPG users. We found the ophthalmic disorders (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 2.87, 95% CI 1.16–7.10, p = . 023), asthma (AOR 2.05, 95% CI 1.15–3.65, p = .015), and ALRI (acute lower respiratory infections) (AOR 9.19, 95% CI 2.06–40.96, p < .004) were significantly higher in non-LPG users in comparison to LPG users. Access to smokeless cooking fuel will improve women’s quality of life by eliminating the consumption of biofuel and thereby providing a healthier cooking environment.
Implication of mitochondrial ROS-NLRP3 inflammasome axis during two-hit mediated acute lung injury in mice

Abstract Acute lung injury (ALI) caused by acid aspiration often accompanies bacterial components leading to exaggerated inflammation and can result in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), but the underlying mechanisms behind such an exacerbation remain unclear. NLRP3 inflammasome and mitochondrial ROS (mtROS) have been implicated in ALI but its role in injury caused through two hit i.e. Hydrochloric acid (HCl) + Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is not known. Therefore, the present study is designed to elucidate the role of mtROS-NLPR3 inflammasome upon “two-hit” mediated ALI. Our data showed that “two-hit” induced ALI results in aggravated lung inflammation as compared to either of single hit(s) as reflected by a steep increase in inflammatory cells particularly neutrophils in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). Further, enhanced inflammation was associated with increased mtROS as depicted by data on mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) of MitoSOX+ neutrophils and macrophages in BALF of two-hit simulated mice. Importantly, ALI results in activation of NLRP3 inflammasome as reflected by active caspase-1 protein expression and IL-1β levels. Interestingly, NLRP3 inflammasome inhibitor, MCC950 suppressed the lung inflammation remarkably. Further, Mito-tempo, a mitochondrial-targeted antioxidant, halted “two-hit” mediated NLRP3 inflammasome activation and IL-1β release followed by amelioration of lung inflammation. Suppression in MFI of MitoSOX+ stained neutrophils and macrophages by Mito-tempo was associated with down-regulation of phospho-p65-NF-κB and its dependent genes (IL-1β/TNF-α/IL-6). Overall, our data suggest that NLRP3 inflammasome activation by mtROS plays a critical role in pathogenesis of exaggerated inflammation and therefore targeting mtROS-NLRP3 inflammasome axis may be an attractive option for combating ALI/ARDS. Graphical Abstract
Relationship Between CT Head Findings and Long-term Recovery in Children with Complicated Mild Traumatic Brain Injury

ABSTRACT Primary Objective Complicated mild traumatic brain injury (C-mTBI) refers to CT positive patients with clinically mild TBI. This study investigates the association between CT head findings at time of injury and recovery of paediatric patients with C-mTBI. Research Design Retrospective survey and chart review. Methods For paediatric patients with C-mTBI (N = 77), CT findings associated with corresponding degree and lengths of recovery from C-mTBI using logistic regression analysis. Results There was a trend that the odds of incomplete recovery at the time of survey was higher for older children than for younger children (OR = 1.14, 95% CI = 0.98–1.32, p = 0.072). There was a trend that the odds of incomplete recovery (OR = 6.26, 95% CI = 0.97–40.57, p = 0.054) and longer duration for recovery (OR = 8.14, 95% CI = 0.78–84.46, p = 0.079) was higher for children with multiple haemorrhagic contusions than those with single haemorrhagic contusion. No other imaging patterns predicted degree or length of recovery with statistical significance (p > 0.05). Conclusions Other than the presence of multiple haemorrhagic contusions, no other pattern of imaging abnormality in paediatric C-mTBI appears to be associated with degree or length of recovery. Further studies with larger cohorts are encouraged.
The Prognostic Significance of the Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index in Colorectal Cancer Patients

Abstract This study retrospectively investigated the prognostic impact of the geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI) in colorectal cancer (CRC). This study reviewed the medical records of 329 CRC patients who underwent curative surgery. The GNRI was calculated from the serum albumin level and the body weight. The cutoff value for the GNRI was set at 98. One hundred ninety (57.8%) patients had a GNRI of ≥98, and 139 (42.9%) had a GNRI of <98. The patients with a lower GNRI had a significantly lower overall survival (OS) rate than those with a higher GNRI (p < 0.001). The multivariate analysis demonstrated that the GNRI was an independent predictor of the OS (p = 0.042). Non-cancer death was more frequent in the patients with a lower GNRI than in those with a higher GNRI (p = 0.003). The mean age was significantly higher in the patients with a lower GNRI (p < 0.001). The GNRI was significantly associated with tumor location (p = 0.048), tumor depth (p < 0.001) and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) level (p = 0.032). The GNRI is a simple and useful prognostic factor in CRC. The present study suggests that a low GNRI be associated with a higher risk of non-cancer death.
The Age-Related Positivity Effect and Emotion Regulation: Assessing Downstream Affective Outcomes

While substantial literature suggests that positive preferences are in the service of emotion regulation pursuits, little evidence has directly linked positivity “processes” with well-being “outcomes. ” The current study examined age-related differences in negative gaze preferences and how such preferences are related to subsequent regulatory outcomes. Participants were 79 older adults and 72 younger adults. They first provided a baseline mood assessment, which was followed by a standardized emotional video clip for three minutes during which visual fixation preferences were recorded via an eye tracker. Mood was again assessed after the film, which was followed by a standardized video recovery task, and completion of a recovery mood measure. Older adults fixated less on negative portions of the emotional video clip relative to younger adults, indicative of an age-related positivity effect. The indirect effect of age on mood recovery through fixation was not supported.
Rules and ward climate in acute psychiatric setting: Comparison of staff and patient perceptions

Abstract The ward climate or atmosphere refers to its material, emotional and social conditions. A good ward climate in psychiatric settings can influence the mood, behaviour and self‐concept of patients and staff members and improve patient outcomes. Many studies have examined the relationship between ward climate and aggression, but only a few have investigated the effect of a ward’s environment, rules and activities. This multicentric observational study aimed to assess the relationship between the rules/activities and the climate of four acute psychiatric units of Northern Italy. The Essen Climate Evaluation Scheme (EssenCES) questionnaire, which was administered to patients and staff, was used to evaluate the different dimensions of ward atmosphere. There was a good response rate (79%) in patients and staff members who completed the questionnaire (114 patients and 109 staff). Safety perception appeared to be quite different in patients and staff. The patients who were authorized to have more visiting hours and more time to use their mobile phone had higher scores on Experienced Safety subscale. A negative correlation between the Therapeutic Hold and Experienced Safety subscales was found in the staff members, and this was due to their negative perception. The ward climate seemed to be affected by the unit’s rules, especially with respect to visits and the smartphones use. Nurses need to be aware of the importance of ward climate and how their own perception may differ from and that of patients: this gap could lead to decisions detached from the patients’ needs.
Treatment Response and Prognosis Evaluation in High‐Grade Glioma: An Imaging Review Based on MRI

In recent years, the development of advanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technology and machine learning (ML) have created new tools for evaluating treatment response and prognosis of patients with high‐grade gliomas (HGG); however, patient prognosis has not improved significantly. This is mainly due to the heterogeneity between and within HGG tumors, resulting in standard treatment methods not benefitting all patients. Moreover, the survival of patients with HGG is not only related to tumor cells, but also to noncancer cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Therefore, during preoperative diagnosis and follow‐up treatment of patients with HGG, noninvasive imaging markers are needed to characterize intratumoral heterogeneity, and then to evaluate treatment response and predict prognosis, timeously adjust treatment strategies, and achieve individualized diagnosis and treatment. In this review, we summarize the research progress of conventional MRI, advanced MRI technology, and ML in evaluation of treatment response and prognosis of patients with HGG. We further discuss the significance of the TME in the prognosis of HGG patients, associate imaging features with the TME, indirectly reflecting the heterogeneity within the tumor, and shifting treatment strategies from tumor cells alone to systemic therapy of the TME, which may be a major development direction in the future.
Lung Deposition of Inhaled Extrafine Beclomethasone Dipropionate/Formoterol Fumarate/Glycopyrronium Bromide in Healthy Volunteers and Asthma: The STORM Study

Background: An extrafine formulation triple therapy combination of beclomethasone dipropionate (BDP), formoterol fumarate (FF), and glycopyrronium bromide (GB) has been developed for the maintenance treatment of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. This study used gamma scintigraphy to evaluate the intrapulmonary and extrapulmonary in vivo deposition of BDP/FF/GB, and the intrapulmonary regional distribution of the deposited formulation. Methods: This open-label uncontrolled nonrandomized single-dose study recruited 10 healthy volunteers and 9 patients with asthma. After a krypton-81m (81mKr) ventilation scan was conducted, subjects inhaled study drug (four inhalations of BDP/FF/GB 100/6/12.5 μg radiolabeled using technetium-99 m [99mTc]) through pressurized metered-dose inhaler, and a series of scintigraphic images were taken. The primary objective was to evaluate intrapulmonary drug deposition of BDP/FF/GB, determined as the percentage of nominal (i.e., metered) dose. Secondary endpoints included central/peripheral deposition ratio (C/P), and the standardized central/peripheral ratio (sC/P; 99mTc aerosol C/P/81mKr gas C/P). Results: All participants completed the study, with all scintigraphy procedures performed at one site. In patients with asthma, mean ± standard deviation intrapulmonary deposition was 25.50% ± 6.81%, not significantly different to that in healthy volunteers (22.74% ± 9.19%; p = 0.4715). Approximately half of the lung dose was deposited in the peripheral region of the lung (fraction deposited 0.52 ± 0.07 and 0.49 ± 0.06 in healthy volunteers and patients with asthma, respectively), resulting in C/P ratios of 0.94 ± 0.25 and 1.06 ± 0.25, respectively, with sC/P ratios of 1.80 ± 0.40 and 1.94 ± 0.38. Deposition patterns were similar in the two populations. BDP/FF/GB was well tolerated. Conclusions: This study confirmed that the extrafine particles delivered by BDP/FF/GB penetrate the peripheral areas of the lungs, with a similar proportion of particles deposited in the central and peripheral regions. Importantly, the deposition patterns were similar in healthy volunteers and patients with asthma, suggesting that disease characteristics are unlikely to impact drug deposition. Clinical Trial Registration number: NCT03795350.
Electroacoustic Evaluation of Smartphone-Based Hearing Aid Applications

Objectives This study evaluated the electroacoustic characteristics of smartphone-based hearing aid applications (apps). Methods We investigated hearing aid apps based on processing delay measurements, hearing instrument testing, simulated real ear measurements, and a head-and-torso simulator. Results Many apps exceeded the recommended level for processing delay. Hearing instrument testing showed the highest amplification characteristics and the best sound quality when a hearing aid was used, followed by the high-end apps and then the low-end apps. The simulated real ear measurements results showed that the high-end apps had a better ability to match the amplification targets than the low-end apps, but there was no consistent pattern among apps when controlling the output. Only a few apps could improve the signal-to-noise ratio in the head-and-torso simulator. Conclusion Most of the apps showed relatively poor electroacoustic performance in comparison with hearing aids. Generalizing access to hearing care through hearing aid apps induces a wide diversity of hearing performance with no fixed standard for reliability. However, we expect their overall quality to improve over the next few years.