Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
IDENTIFYING MERCURY HEAVY-METAL POISONING MASQUERADING AS DEMENTIA AND PARKINSON'S DISEASE - RECOGNIZING NEUROPSYCHIATRIC MANIFESTATIONS AND DIETARY CONTRIBUTORS

Assessing older adults presenting with cognitive decline, depression or other neuropsychiatric symptoms can be challenging because the underlying causes can be multifactorial. This article describes neuropsychiatric manifestations similar to those of Parkinson’s disease in an elderly man who upon examination was suspected of having an elevated blood mercury level through dietary exposure, a suspicion later confirmed by blood tests. We outline suggestions for comprehensive history taking to identify potential sources of environmental exposure and provide resources to help limit and prevent consumption of foods that can contain heavy metals.
Synthesis of graphene via electrochemical exfoliation in different electrolytes for direct electrodeposition of a Cu/graphene composite coating

Directly dispersing graphene into an electrolyte still remains a crucial difficulty in electrodepositing a graphene enhanced composite coating onto electrical contact materials. Herein, graphene was synthesized via electrochemical exfoliation in an N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF)/H2O solution containing (NH4)2SO4. The electrochemically exfoliated graphene nanosheets (GNs) were directly dispersed by sonication. In comparison with graphene synthesized from aqueous solution, the GNs electrochemically exfoliated in the DMF/H2O–(NH4)2SO4 solution exhibit a lower degree of oxidation. Cu/graphene composite coatings were subsequently electrodeposited onto Cu foils by adding Cu2+ into the as-fabricated graphene solution. The surface nanostructure of the Cu/graphene composite coatings was transformed from loose pine needles to a uniform and compact structure with an increase in the concentration of Cu2+, which indicated that the controllable synthesis of Cu/graphene composite coatings with different performances could be achieved in graphene dispersions after adding Cu2+. In order to synthesize graphene via electrochemical exfoliation and directly electrodeposit a Cu/graphene composite coating without adding CuSO4 or any other additive, an attempt was made to directly electrodeposit a Cu/graphene composite coating in CuSO4/DMF/H2O solution after electrochemical exfoliation.
Preparation, characterization and release profile of chitosan alginate freeze dried matrices loaded with mangostins

Freeze drying or lyophilisation method was selected for preparing chitosan-alginate matrices loaded with the extract of mangosteen pericarp for oral administration. The objective of this research was to obtain chitosan-alginate matrices for colon targeted drug delivery system that had a high content of mangostins by using a freeze drying method. Various compositions of matrices consisting of chitosan, alginate and mangostins have been used to study the effect of alginate and mangostin content on the release property of freeze dried matrices. Sharp X-ray diffraction peaks of the crystalline phase in pure chitosan and pure alginate, vanished in the chitosan-alginate matrices. The infrared spectroscopy spectra of matrices showed that mangostins were entrapped in the matrices. Release of mangostin from the chitosan-alginate freeze dried matrices was affected by the proportions of alginate and mangostins in the formulations. The in-vitro release assays in simulated gastrointestinal fluids showed the mangostin was burst released from the chitosan-alginate matrices prepared by freeze drying method. The chitosan extract-alginate matrix with mass ratios of 1:0.1:0.5 showed low release of mangostin in simulated gastric fluid, but high release in simulated intestinal and simulated colonic fluids. The freeze drying method facilitates high bioactive loading, and with a proper proportion of chitosan and alginate, it should be possible to obtain matrices that can be used for colon targeted oral drug delivery.
Intensification of pectin obtaining from apple pomace

This study is devoted to the problem of improving the methods of pectin obtaining from apple pomace. The relevance of the study is dictated by the fact of formation of a large amount of waste when receiving apple juice. The output of apple juice at the enterprises of the processing industry is from 50 to 75%, therefore, 25-50% is waste. In our studies we used 42 KHz frequency of ultrasonic vibrations. The powers of ultrasound waves were 30 and 50W. The output of pectin depends on the sample exposure time, and with time passing this growth decreases and eventually stops, which may indicate that a certain amount of destruction has been reached at a given power. The maximum increase in the output of pectic substances is observed when the ultrasonic treatment time is 15 minutes and it is 26%. Capacity also affects pectin output. With power increasing from 30 to 50 W, the amount of pectin released increases by an average of 10%. It is shown that the use of separation at the stage of solution partitioning from pectin allows one to increase the speed of the process by a factor of two.
Obliging Tactics to Mitigate the Intricate Problem of Aflatoxin Contamination in Peanut: A Review

Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) grown throughout the globe for its protein and oil contents. Its kernels are consumed as raw, boiled or roasted, and also in the form of culinary oil. Being a rich source of human diet (antioxidants, minerals and vitamins), animal feed (oil pressings, green straw and pods), industrial raw material (oil cakes and fertilizer), and soil fertility (atmospheric nitrogen fixation), peanut is a brilliant cash crop for both domestic markets as well as international trade. Having crystal clear importance in food and feed security peanut products are severely contaminated by aflatoxins (AFs). AFs produced mainly by Aspergillus flavus (A. flavus) and Aspergillus parasiticus (A. parasiticus), are secondary metabolites that jeopardize both human and animal health. There is no magic bullet found yet to solve this problem. Several techniques have been tested to minimize and control AFs contamination including different physical, chemical, and biological preventions. Many biological control agents, including nontoxigenic fungal strains, yeasts, and bacteria have been applied and considerable achievements gained. However, for complete eradication, a surge of studies is required to deeply investigate this intricate problem at gene and nucleotide levels and discover a permanent solution through elucidating its mechanism. The current review is focused on knowledge about A. flavus, its optimal growth conditions, growth promoting factors, factors affecting the level of AFs production, AFs biosynthesis pathway, mechanisms involved in resistance against fungal infection, various techniques and some simple precautionary recommendations to minimize AFs production.
A molecular understanding of the interaction of typical aromatic acids with common aerosol nucleation precursors and their atmospheric implications

Aromatic acids, which are generated from numerous anthropogenic emissions and secondary transformations, have been considered to play a crucial role in new particle formation. In this study, we performed theoretical calculations at the PW91PW91/6-311++G(3df,3pd) level to investigate the interaction between typical aromatic acids namely benzoic acid (BA), phenylacetic acid (PAA), phthalic acid (PA), isophthalic acid (mPA), and terephthalic acid (PTA) and common atmospheric nucleation precursors namely sulfuric acid (SA), water (H2O), ammonia (NH3), methylamine (MA), dimethylamine (DMA), and trimethylamine (TMA). The geometric analysis, Gibbs free energy analysis, OH/NH-stretching vibrational frequency calculation, and atoms in molecules (AIM) analysis were conducted to determine the interactions in the complexes. The heterodimers formed a six to eight membered ring through four types of hydrogen bond, and the bond strength could be ranked in descending order: SO–H⋯O > O–H⋯O/N > N–H⋯O. The BA/PAA/mPA/PTA–SA complexes had the lowest Gibbs free energy values. PA was more likely to interact with NH3 or amines rather than SA due to an intra-molecular hydrogen bond. Additionally, the aromatic acids have similar ability to interact with SA and NH3 as monocarboxylic/dicarboxylic acid. The formation potential of the heterodimers from aromatic acids with common nucleation precursors in ambient atmosphere was investigated.
Proceedings of the Thirty-fourth Annual Biochemical Engineering Symposium

Animal feeding operations (AFOs) pose a number of risks to water quality and public health, due to the large amount of animal manure and wastewater that they generate. Manure from AFOs is rich in nutrients such as nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), secondary nutrients, and metals such as copper. If not properly treated, excess nutrients can lead to eutrophication of surrounding water sources. The waste from AFOs also has the potential to contribute suspended solids, pathogens, oxygen-demanding materials, and heavy metals to surface and ground waters. In addition, AFOs can be a source of atmospheric pollutants, particularly ammonia, via volatilization. Handling of this waste is currently performed through (a) storage in lagoons and basins and (b) management using composting facilities, constructed wetlands, and application of manure or runoff water to agricultural land. The effectiveness (load reduction) of these practices is highly variable and requires strict controls to prevent water pollution. As the size and number of AFOs grow, so does the need for environmentally sound and economically efficient management practices. This manuscript describes a new system to overcome the problems with current animal waste handling and disposal methods. The proposed system combines and takes advantage of existing technologies such as an anaerobic digester and an aeration tank, and the recently developed Anammox reactor. The goals of this process are to (1) reduce the nitrogen content of manure waste, (2) generate low-cost energy, (3) reduce the odors and atmospheric contaminants, and (4) improve the overall quality ofthe liquid waste.
Build up of volatile fatty acids (VFA) in anaerobic reactors under stress conditions: causes and control strategies

This paper presents an integrated approach of the main reasons for the accumulation of volatile fatty acids (VFAs) in anaerobic reactors. The build up of acetate during shock loads and/or stress conditions is likely to occur due to kinetic limitations of methanogenic microrganisms, which is enhanced by pH reduction. Acumulation of acetate and hydrogen in the liquid phase will set the stage for the accumulation of other VFAs, such as propionate and butyrate, due to thermodynamic inhibition. By mantaining the ideal growth conditions for the methanogens it may be possible to reduce the acetate build up, although it may not be effective in reducing the concentration of dissolved hydrogen so that thermodynamic inhibition is avoided. The strategies to mitigate themodynamic inhibition could involve regulation of acetate by means of membrane or resins, and spacial separation of microrganisms by granulation or staging.
Effect of various polyethylene glycol concentrations on the growth of seedlings of Indigofera zollingeriana

The use of dry land for the cultivation of Indigofera zollingeriana is an effort to develop forages in the dry season, especially on the land lacked of water. The study was aimed to determine the effect of various concentrations of polyethylene glycol (PEG) 6000 stress on I. zollingeriana seeds by evaluation of drought tolerance test from germination to nursery phase. The study was compiled based on a randomized block design (RBD) with five treatments and three groups. The treatment groups were as follow: P1=water without PEG (control), P2= water+5% PEG (10 g/liter of water), P3=water+10% PEG (20 g/liter of water), P4=water+15% PEG (30 g/liter of water), and P5=water+20% PEG (40 g/liter of water). The parameters observed in this study were the root length, growth percentage, and leaf area index. Results showed that the seeds of I. zollingeriana were able to adapt to drought at the PEG concentration of 20%, despite the salt stress which affected the plant growth.
Quality of Life among Colorectal Cancer Screening Patients in Malaysia

As Malaysia is experiencing a rapid increase in the incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC), the introduction of CRC screening in Malaysia serves to improve the early CRC detection among Malaysian and its treatment outcome. The present study measured Malaysian’s perception on the quality of life (QOL) based on screened individuals in Kedah, Malaysia. The study aims to determine QOL among screened individuals based on the CRC screening modalities available in Malaysia. A cross sectional study was conducted from March 2016 to April 2017 in a public tertiary hospital and a district health clinic in the state of Kedah. Three hundred and thirty respondents aged 40 to 70 years old were asked to fill-up a self-reported health survey questionnaire comprised of 36 itemised questions (SF-36). The mean age of respondents was 58.75 ±7.53 years with 52.7% of respondents being male and 47.3% female. The majority of respondents have underlying medical illness. Mean health utility’s score in CRC screening IFOBT’s only modality was higher compare to other modalities 0.85 (ANOVA F=21.505, p<0.001). For the Physical Composite Score (PCS), IFOBT’s only modality also had a higher mean score compared to other modalities of 56.64 (ANOVA F=19.655, p<0.001) in addition to the Mental Composite Score (MCS) 56.37 (ANOVA F=12.033, p<0.001). The CRC screening via IFOBT’s only modality had better QOL in health utility, physical health and mental health compared to other modalities. Therefore, the CRC screening program is essential in preserving the QOL of Malaysian population.
Bioinspired Triboelectric Nanogenerators as Self‐Powered Electronic Skin for Robotic Tactile Sensing

Electronic skin (e‐skin) has been under the spotlight due to great potential for applications in robotics, human–machine interfaces, and healthcare. Meanwhile, triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) have been emerging as an effective approach to realize self‐powered e‐skin sensors. In this work, bioinspired TENGs as self‐powered e‐skin sensors are developed and their applications for robotic tactile sensing are also demonstrated. Through the facile replication of the surface morphology of natural plants, the interlocking microstructures are generated on tribo‐layers to enhance triboelectric effects. Along with the adoption of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) tinny burrs on the microstructured tribo‐surface, the sensitivity for pressure measurement is boosted with a 14‐fold increase. The tactile sensing capability of the TENG e‐skin sensors are demonstrated through the characterizations of handshaking pressure and bending angles of each finger of a bionic hand during handshaking with human. The TENG e‐skin sensors can also be utilized for tactile object recognition to measure surface roughness and discern hardness. The facile fabrication scheme of the self‐powered TENG e‐skin sensors enables their great potential for applications in robotic dexterous manipulation, prosthetics, human–machine interfaces, etc.
Crack depth estimation of non-magnetic material by convolutional neural network analysis of eddy current testing signal

ABSTRACT When a heat transfer tube of the steam generator of a pressurized water reactor fails, the primary cooling water leaks quickly into the secondary system. Moreover, if this leakage is large, the nuclear reactor emergency core cooling system (ECCS) may be activated. In Japan, to prevent such situation to take place, periodic inspections are performed in order to check whether heat transfer tubes are cracked. Eddy Current Testing (ECT) is a type of non-destructive inspection method used to detect cracks in a conductive material. ECT can estimate the shape of a crack by inverse problem analysis, but it is computationally expensive. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to develop a method to estimate crack depth by Convolutional Neural Network (CNN). The method was shown to be less computationally expensive during estimation and was robust against lift-off fluctuation during measurements.
Effects of Soil Application of Amino Acids, Ammonium, and Nitrate on Nutrient Accumulation and Growth Characteristics of Sweet Basil

ABSTRACT The use of organic or reduced form of nitrogen (N) can have various beneficial effects in terms of plant nutrient uptake, metabolism, and environmental issues. In this study, the influence of soil application of reduced N-forms (ammonium, glycine, and glutamine) compared to nitrate and a no fertilizer treatment was evaluated on growth characteristics of sweet basil (Occimum basilicum L.) under a moderate lime soil conditions. The basil growth traits including root and shoot biomass were increased under application of reduced N-forms mainly glycine and glutamine compared to no fertilizer treatment. Application of reduced forms of nitrogen (ammonium, glycine, and glutamine) increased the leaf concentrations of potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn), whereas the leaf N concentration was increased by ammonium and nitrate fertilization compared to unfertilized control plants. The results indicate that soil application of reduced N-forms particularly glycine and glutamine is superior to nitrate application.
Mécanismes de régulation impliqués dans la résistance aux antibiotiques chez Mycobacterium abscessus

Mycobacterium abscessus est une bacterie environnementale non-tuberculeuse causant des infections pulmonaires severes chez les patients atteints de mucoviscidose. Sa resistance intrinseque aux antibiotiques rend les infections a M. abscessus extremement difficiles a traiter. Ses mecanismes de resistance sont varies et incluent des pompes a efflux expulsant les antibiotiques ainsi que des enzymes modifiant leurs cibles. La tritherapie standarde contre M. abscessus implique un aminoglycoside (amikacine (AMK)), une -lactamine (imipeneme (IPM)) et un macrolide (clarithromycine (CLR) ou azithromycine (AZM). Ma these a porte sur la regulation de nouveaux mecanismes d’antibioresistance via des pompes a efflux de la famille MmpL ainsi que sur une enzyme modifiant la cible des macrolides. La selection de mutants resistants aux derives du thiacetazone (TACd) et a la clofazimine (CFZ) a permis d’identifier des mutations dans les regulateurs TetR MAB_4384 et MAB_2299c, respectivement. Les mutants CFZ, egalement co-resistants a la bedaquiline (BDQ), surexpriment deux MmpS/MmpL distincts, MAB_1135c/1134c et MAB_2300/2301 tandis que les mutants TACd surproduisent le systeme MmpS/MmpL MAB_4383c/4382c. Des approches biochimiques, genetiques et structurales ont confirme le role de ces proteines dans la resistance a ces composes et ont permis de dissequer le mode de regulation. Ainsi, MAB_2299c representerait un marqueur de resistance a exploiter chez des patients traites par CFZ ou BDQ. La methyltransferase Erm(41) modifie l’adenosine 2058 de l’ARNr 23S du ribosome, bloquant l’action des macrolides. WhiB7 serait l’activateur de cette resistance inductible observee chez 40% des isolats cliniques, conduisant souvent a l’echec therapeutique. Nous avons confirme le role de WhiB7 dans ce mecanisme et montre que la resistance inductible operait in vivo chez le modele zebrafish. Nos resultats indiquent que l’AZM induit une resistance plus rapide et forte que la CLR in vitro et qu’elles exercent un effet antagoniste sur l’AMK, reduisant l’efficacite du traitement. Ces travaux decrivent l’export d’antibiotique via des MmpL et la resistance adaptative aux macrolides chez M. abscessus. Enfin, ils apportent des nouveaux outils genetiques performants pour etudier la fonction de proteines d’interet via une nouvelle technique de deletion genique et pour tester rapidement de nouveaux antibiotiques contournant la resistance induite aux macrolides.
Musculoskeletal disorders in nurses and their relationship with occupation-related stress

Background and purpose: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are the most common occupational health problems that have high costs and lead to productivity loss in nurses. On the other hand, work-related stress is another important factor that could result in reduced productivity in organizations and may lead to physical and mental problems in personnel. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of MSDs among nurses and its relationship with occupation-related stress. Materials and methods: This descriptive-analytical study was performed in 940 nurses in Sari hospitals. Census sampling was used to select the subjects. Data was collected using Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) and the HSE Indicator Tool. Data was then analyzed by ANOVA, t-test and Pearson's correlation in SPSS V.18. Results: The results showed low back disorders were the more prevalent (60.9%) disorders in nurses. Significant association was found between work-related stress and musculoskeletal disorders (P<0.05). MSDs were significantly associated with age, gender, body mass index, and educational level. Also, there was a significant relationship between work experience, marital status and working system (different shifts or stable hours) with occupation-related stress (P<0.05). Conclusion: In this study, nurses had a relatively high prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders. Most of them had moderate levels of work-related stress. So, any intervention for preventing MSDs and job stress should focus on reducing physical and psychological pressures and lead to involvement of nurses in decision-making processes.
Development of A Decision Making Model for the Management of Influenza. A Proposal of Diagnostic Policy Based on Phenomena and Therapeutics.

a Division of Infectious Diseases Therapeutics, Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kusunokicho 7-5-1, Chuoku, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0017, Japan b Department of General Internal Medicine. Nagoya Daini Red Cross Hospital, Myoken-cho 2-9, Showa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi 466-8650, Japan c Department of Infectious Diseases, Kobe City Medical Center General Hospital, Minatojimaminamimachi 2-1-1, Chuoku, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0047, Japan d Nishimoto Clinic, Koshienguchi 2-8-31, Nishinomiya, Hyogo 663-8113, Japan