Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Surface Characterization, Antimicrobial Activity, and Biocompatibility of Autopolymerizing Acrylic Resins Coated with Reynoutria elliptica Extract

We conducted surface characterization to assess the biocompatibility and investigate the antimicrobial activity against oral pathogens in autopolymerizing acrylic resins, coated with light-curable coating resin, containing various concentrations of Reynoutria elliptica extract (0, 200, 400, and 600 µg/mL). The R. elliptica extract powder was prepared using a freeze-drying technique. Further, a goniometer and microhardness tester were used to determine the water contact angle, and Vickers hardness, respectively; color measurements were performed on the uncoated and coated acrylic resin disks. The polyphenol content of the extracts from the coated acrylic resin disk was analyzed using UV-VIS spectroscopy. The antimicrobial activity of the coated acrylic resin disk against Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans was observed for 24 and 48 h by measuring the optical density using spectrophotometry. In addition, biocompatibility was confirmed by testing the cell viability according to ISO 10993-5. The water contact angle, Vickers hardness, and color change values of the coated acrylic resin disks were not significantly different from the control. Polyphenol was detected in all experimental groups, with no significant differences between the experimental groups. The experimental groups exhibited significant antimicrobial activity against S. mutans and C. albicans compared to the control group, after 48 h of incubation. The cell viability between the control and experimental groups was not significantly different. The proposed coating resin containing R. elliptica extract is applicable on dental acrylic resins, due to their antimicrobial properties and excellent biocompatibility, with no deterioration of surface characteristics.
The synergistic effect of dexmedetomidine on propofol for paediatric deep sedation: A randomised trial.

BACKGROUND Propofol and dexmedetomidine are used separately, and sometimes together, for paediatric deep sedation. Although their combination has been described in adults, the effect of dexmedetomidine as a potential synergist in children has not been studied before. OBJECTIVES The primary objective was to compare the propofol requirements of children who receive propofol alone with those who receive it in combination with dexmedetomidine for deep sedation for upper and lower endoscopic gastrointestinal procedures. DESIGN This was a prospective, open-label, randomised study comparing patients who received propofol alone (group P) with those who received dexmedetomidine and propofol (group DP). The depth of sedation was titrated to a target bispectral (BIS) index. SETTING A Gastroenterology Procedure Unit at a single, tertiary care academic medical centre from April 2018 until December 2019. PATIENTS Eligible patients were scheduled for upper endoscopy, lower endoscopy or both. A total of 39 patients were enrolled (20 DP) and (19 P). INTERVENTIONS Patients in Group DP received dexmedetomidine 0.5 μg kg administered over 1 min followed by an infusion of 0.15 μg kg h. In both groups, intravenous propofol was given in bolus increments titrated to a BIS index of 40 to 50 and then a continuous infusion of propofol to maintain BIS at 40 to 50. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The primary outcome measure was propofol requirement in each group. Secondary outcome measures were time to achieve the targeted sedation depth, time to achieve an Aldrete recovery score of 9, duration of sedation, mean BIS values, adverse events, 'PAED' scores and time to discharge from the postanaesthesia care unit (PACU). RESULTS The median (range) total dose of propofol was 0.23 (0.10 to 0.50) mg kg min in group DP and 0.40 (0.20 to 0.50) mg kg min in group P (P = 0.0004). Time of discharge from the PACU was 60 (20 to 121) min in group DP and 63 (46 to 91) min in group P (P = 0.0409). CONCLUSION The combination of dexmedetomidine and propofol for paediatric procedural sedation achieved a significant reduction in median propofol dose and a slightly shorter median time to discharge from PACU. Large-scale studies may determine whether this reduction decreases the risk of significant adverse events. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT02952222.
Stipules and Colleters of the Mangrove Rhizophoraceae: Morphology, Structure and Comparative Significance

One characteristic possessed by the entire mangrove Rhizophoraceae is the strong enclosure of its young shoots by conspicuous rounded or flattened stipules. Young leaves are conspicuously immersed in resinous to milky exudates from colleters (multicellular external secretory emergences) located at the adaxial stipule bases. We systematically studied and compared morphological and structural features of stipules and their colleters from 18 taxa of the mangrove Rhizophoraceae. Three types of sclereid idioblasts (Ceriops and Rhizophora), collenchymas, and thick cuticles, were found to provide a structural basis for the mechanical support of stipules. Several to hundreds (35-580) of finger-like colleters aggregate into genus-specific shapes: rectangular to trapezoidal (Bruguiera), triangular (Ceriops and Kandelia), or as a band (Rhizophora). Number of rows, total number of colleters per stipule, and their individual size, also vary by taxon, and have taxonomic value. All colleters of this subfamily are considered anatomically 'standard', regardless of whether they appear as short-stalked rods (Bruguiera), long-stalked rods (Ceriops, Kandelia) or acuminate rods (Rhizophora, no stalk). Colleters in these taxa are comprised of a central axis of slender, elongated cells and an outer palisade- like epidermis, with a secretory function, perpendicular to the axis. Based on stipule and colleter characteristics, Ceriops and Kandelia are closely related, but Rhizophora shows more derived features. The structural and mechanical protection provided by stipules and colleter exudates may help shield the young shoots of these mangrove plants from their harsh environments.
Variability in Aging Maine White-Tailed Deer by Tooth-Wear Characteristics

A sample of 682 incisor teeth collected from Maine deer (Odocoileus virginianus) during the 1968 hunting season was histologically prepared and the cemental annuli counted. The ages determined by this technique were compared to ages assigned under field conditions by ten biologists using the toothwear method. More deer were assigned to the younger age-classes ( 1/2 years) by tooth-wear characteristics than by annuli counts. The percent difference between deer assigned to each age-class by the two methods increased from 6.3 percent for yearlings to 100 percent for deer 61/2 years of age or older. Individual biologists placed an average of four deer of every ten examined into a different age-class than that determined by annuli counts. The validity of determining the age of white-tailed deer by tooth-wear (Severinghaus 1949) has been questioned. Differences in the wear characteristics of deer teeth prompted at least one management agency to revise the criteria used locally (Ryel et al. 1961). Furthermore, variation in individual interpretation of wear, especially under field conditions, led to further aging discrepancies (Ryel et al. 1961, Gilbert 1964). With the adaptation of a more precise aging technique, cemental annuli analysis, to North American deer, (Low and Cowan 1963; Gilbert 1966, Ransom 1966), it became possible to determine the inherent variations in the tooth-wear method. While certain studies (Ludwig 1967, Campbell 1967) have shown the greater precision of the annuli-counting technique, there have been apparently to date, no direct comparisons under normal data collection procedures by a game agency during the deer season. The purpose of this study was to ascertain the differences between ages assigned to Maine deer in the field by the tooth-wear method and in the laboratory for the same deer by cemental annuli counts. 1 A contribution of the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act, Maine Project W-37-R. 532 The cooperation and assistance of the biological staff of the Maine Inland Fish and Game Department's Game Division were sincerely appreciated.
Antioxidant capacity and correlated characteristics of 14 unifloral honeys

SUMMARYThe water-soluble antioxidant capacity of 19 samples of honey from 14 different floral sources was determined by a spectrophotometric assay. The highest concentration of antioxidants measured was 20.3 times that of the lowest, showing that great variation exists in the chemical nature of honey from different floral sources. Antioxidant content was positively correlated with both water content and honey colour. Because of the health benefits of dietary antioxidants, floral source should be a factor in evaluating the potential of honey as an antioxidant-containing food supplement.
Cephalopod-inspired robot capable of cyclic jet propulsion through shape change

The compliance and conformability of soft robots provide inherent advantages when working around delicate objects or in unstructured environments. However, rapid locomotion in soft robotics is challenging due to the slow propagation of motion in compliant structures, particularly underwater. Cephalopods overcome this challenge using jet propulsion and the added mass effect to achieve rapid, efficient propulsion underwater without a skeleton. Taking inspiration from cephalopods, here we present an underwater robot with a compliant body that can achieve repeatable jet propulsion by changing its internal volume and cross-sectional area to take advantage of jet propulsion as well as the added mass effect. The robot achieves a maximum average thrust of 0.19 N and maximum average and peak swimming speeds of 18.4 cm s−1 (0.54 body lengths/s) and 32.1 cm s−1 (0.94 BL/s), respectively. We also demonstrate the use of an onboard camera as a sensor for ocean discovery and environmental monitoring applications.
Osteopenic effects of high-fat diet-induced obesity on mechanically induced alveolar bone remodeling.

OBJECTIVES The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of obesity on the tissue and molecular reactions of alveolar bone in response to orthodontic force and its underlying mechanisms. METHODS Sixty-four rats were randomly divided into normal diet (ND) and high fat diet (HFD) groups for eight weeks of dietary treatment. OTM was induced using nickel-titanium springs between the upper left first molar and incisor. After 1, 3, 7 and 14 days of OTM, the maxillary alveolar bone and gingival tissues were harvested and analyzed. RESULTS Compared with the ND rats, the HFD rats had greater OTM distance, serum levels of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), as well as significant alveolar bone loss and bone architecture deterioration on both the compression and tension sides (p<0.05 for all). This response was linked to the increased osteoclast numbers and functional activity and decreased osteoblast activity in the periodontal ligament, gingival tissue and alveolar bone. CONCLUSIONS HFD-induced obesity promoted mechanically induced alveolar bone remodeling and detrimental changes in alveolar bone microstructure by increasing osteoclastogenesis and regulating inflammatory cytokine expression. The increased alveolar bone remodeling in the obese rats lead to an accelerated OTM.
Attraction of Gravid Females of Culex quinquefasciatus and Aedes nocturnus (Diptera: Culicidae) to New Jersey Light Traps on the Island of Kauai, Hawaii

Gravid females of Culex quinquefasciatus (Say) and Aedes nocturnus (Theobald) were collected in New Jersey light traps from March 2002 to February 2003 on the Island of Kauai. The monthly gravid rate (proportion of gravid females to all females) and average number of undeposited eggs per gravid female were obtained from the third week collections in the month. Culex quinquefasciatus had much higher gravid rates (0.56-0.98) than A. nocturnus (0-0.24). The monthly average number of undeposited eggs per gravid female was significantly different between these two spe- cies. The range was from 80.9 to 163.1 eggs for C. quinquefasciatus, and 29.8 to 71.7 eggs for A. nocturnus. For both species, no significant peaks were found for monthly gravid rate and monthly average number of undeposited eggs per gravid female. This study demonstrates a means of collecting gravid females of C. quinquefasciatus and A. nocturnus and also provides a method of collecting information of the fecundity from wild mosquito populations.
[Abortions and stillbirths caused by Coxiella burnetii in goats].

INTRODUCTION Coxiellosis, caused by the bacterium Coxiella burnetii, is a reportable disease in animals and humans in Switzerland. The number of cases in farm animals and humans has risen continuously in recent years. The aim of this work was to investigate abortions and stillbirths in goats with a focus on C. burnetii, to identify excretory routes which pose a zoonotic risk and the excretion time after an acute infection. Besides the submitted fetuses, does were screened with a serological antibody test. In addition, excretion via milk, faeces and vaginal mucus were investigated in dams with fetuses tested positive for C. burnetii at 14-day intervals.C. burnetii were isolated in 8 cases (3× in the placenta, 2× in the abomasum, 3× in the placenta and abomasum) of 13 examined stillbirths/abortions. Ten abomasums of goat kids and 8 placentas were examined using modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining (ZN) according to Stamp simultaneously with a real-time PCR. Four of 18 samples were false negative using modified ZN staining according to Stamp in contrast to real-time PCR. Seven does had serum antibodies against Coxiella. The excretion of C. burnetii persisted for 63 days in the milk, for 96 days in the vaginal mucus and for 96 respectively 114 days in two does monitored extensively. Intermittent excretion could also be observed in the milk during these 63 days. The present study showed that confirmation of disease, respectively transmission cannot be based on a single test. Only combined serological antibody test and real-time PCR examinations of birth material, milk, feces and vaginal mucus can result in a conclusive diagnosis. In addition, the examination using modified ZN staining according to Stamp is less sensitive and specific than the real-time PCR examination.
The Clinical Frailty Scale predicts adverse outcome in older people admitted to a UK major trauma centre.

BACKGROUND Frailty assessment using the Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS) has been mandated for older people admitted to English major trauma centres (MTC) since April 2019. Little evidence is available as to CFS-associated outcomes in the trauma population. OBJECTIVE To investigate post-injury outcomes stratified by the CFS. METHODS A single centre prospective observational cohort study was undertaken. CFS was prospectively assigned to patients ≥ 65 years old admitted to the MTC over a 5-month period. Primary outcome was 30-day post-injury mortality. Secondary outcomes were length of hospital stay, complications and discharge level of care. RESULTS In 300 patients median age was 82; 146 (47%) were frail (CFS 5-9) and 28 (9.3%) severely frail (CFS 7-9). Frail patients had lower injury severity scores (median 9 vs 16) but greater 30-day mortality (CFS 5-6 odds ratio (OR) 5.68; P < 0.01; CFS 7-9 OR 10.38; P < 0.01). Frailty was associated with delirium (29.5% vs 17.5%; P = 0.02), but not complication rate (50.7% vs 41.6%; P = 0.20) or length of hospital stay (13 vs 11 days; P = 0.35). Mild to moderate frailty was associated with increased care level at discharge (OR 2.31; P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Frailty is an independent predictor of 30-day mortality, inpatient delirium and increased care level at discharge in older people experiencing trauma. CFS can therefore be used to identify those at risk of poor outcome who may benefit from comprehensive geriatric review, validating its inclusion in the 2019 best practice tariff for major trauma.
At the Forefront of the Mucosal Barrier: The Role of Macrophages in the Intestine

Macrophages are part of the innate immunity and are key players for the maintenance of intestinal homeostasis. They belong to the group of mononuclear phagocytes, which exert bactericidal functions and help to clear apoptotic cells. Moreover, they play essential roles for the maintenance of epithelial integrity and tissue remodeling during wound healing processes and might be implicated in intestinal tumor development. Macrophages are antigen-presenting cells and secrete immune-modulatory factors, like chemokines and cytokines, which are necessary to activate other intestinal immune cells and therefore to shape immune responses in the gut. However, overwhelming activation or increased secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines might also contribute to the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease. Presently, intestinal macrophages are in the center of intense studies, which might help to develop new therapeutic strategies to counteract the development or treat already existing inflammatory diseases in the gut. In this review, we focus on the origin of intestinal macrophages and, based on current knowledge, discuss their role in the gut during homeostasis and inflammation, as well as during intestinal wound healing and tumor development.
Inhibitory Effects of a Reengineered Anthrax Toxin on Canine and Human Osteosarcoma Cells

Canine and human osteosarcomas (OSA) share similarities. Novel therapies are necessary for these tumours. The Bacillus anthracis toxin was reengineered to target and kill cells with high expressions of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA). Since canine OSA express MMPs and uPA, we assessed whether the reengineered toxin could show efficacy against these tumours. Two OSA cell lines (canine D17 and human MG63) and a non-neoplastic canine osteoblastic cell line (COBS) were used. Cells were treated with different concentrations of the reengineered anthrax toxin and cell viability was quantified using MTT assay. The cell cycle, apoptosis, and necrosis were analysed by flow cytometry. The wound-healing assay was performed to quantify the migration capacity of treated cells. D17 and MG63 cells had significantly decreased viability after 24 h of treatment. Cell cycle analysis revealed that OSA cells underwent apoptosis when treated with the toxin, whereas COBS cells arrested in the G1 phase. The wound-healing assay showed that D17 and MG63 cells had a significantly reduced migration capacity after treatment. These results point for the first time towards the in vitro inhibitory effects of the reengineered anthrax toxin on OSA cells; this reengineered toxin could be further tested as a new therapy for OSA.
A Second Generation Mn-Porphyrin Dimer with a Twisted Linker as a Potential Blood Pool Agent for MRI: Tuning the Geometry and Binding with HSA

Blood-pool agents (BPAs) are MRI contrast agents (CAs) characterized by their long circulation in the vascular system to provide an extended time window for high-resolution MR angiography (MRA). Prolonged vascular retention, however, impedes the excretion of BPAs. Therefore, chemical strategy to regulate the balance between retention and clearance is important to reach optimal pharmacokinetics. We recently developed MnP2, the first Mn(III)-porphyrin (MnP) based BPA. MnP2 shows high T1 relaxivity (r1) and high affinity to human serum albumin (HSA) that leads to up to 48-h vascular retention in rats. However, upon albumin binding, the r1 is decreased. To modulate vascular retention time and plasma r1, a regioisomer of MnP2, m-MnP2, was synthesized. The free m-MnP2 exhibits lower r1 than that of MnP2 at magnetic fields above 2 MHz, which agrees with their relative hydrodynamic sizes. The HSA binding of m-MnP2 was evaluated using UV-Vis spectroscopy and found to have tuned-down affinity in comparison with MnP2. Upon HSA binding, the protein complex of m-MnP2 exhibits an r1 of 11.8 mM−1 s−1 at 3 T, which is higher than that of MnP2 bound to HSA. Taken together, this demonstrated the role of molecular geometry in optimizing the pharmacokinetics of albumin-targeting BPAs.
Host Retromer Protein Sorting Nexin 2 Interacts with Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus Structural Proteins and is Required for Efficient Viral Production

The present study contributes new knowledge to understand HRSV assembly by providing evidence that nonglycosylated structural proteins M and N interact with elements of the secretory pathway, shedding light on their intracellular traffic. To the best of our knowledge, the present contribution is important given the scarcity of studies about the traffic of HRSV nonglycosylated proteins, especially by pointing to the involvement of SNX2, a retromer component, in the HRSV assembly process. ABSTRACT Human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV) envelope glycoproteins traffic to assembly sites through the secretory pathway, while nonglycosylated proteins M and N are present in HRSV inclusion bodies but must reach the plasma membrane, where HRSV assembly happens. Little is known about how nonglycosylated HRSV proteins reach assembly sites. Here, we show that HRSV M and N proteins partially colocalize with the Golgi marker giantin, and the glycosylated F and nonglycosylated N proteins are closely located in the trans-Golgi, suggesting their interaction in that compartment. Brefeldin A compromised the trafficking of HRSV F and N proteins and inclusion body sizes, indicating that the Golgi is important for both glycosylated and nonglycosylated HRSV protein traffic. HRSV N and M proteins colocalized and interacted with sorting nexin 2 (SNX2), a retromer component that shapes endosomes in tubular structures. Glycosylated F and nonglycosylated N HRSV proteins are detected in SNX2-laden aggregates with intracellular filaments projecting from their outer surfaces, and VPS26, another retromer component, was also found in inclusion bodies and filament-shaped structures. Similar to SNX2, TGN46 also colocalized with HRSV M and N proteins in filamentous structures at the plasma membrane. Cell fractionation showed enrichment of SNX2 in fractions containing HRSV M and N proteins. Silencing of SNX1 and 2 was associated with reduction in viral proteins, HRSV inclusion body size, syncytium formation, and progeny production. The results indicate that HRSV structural proteins M and N are in the secretory pathway, and SNX2 plays an important role in the traffic of HRSV structural proteins toward assembly sites. IMPORTANCE The present study contributes new knowledge to understand HRSV assembly by providing evidence that nonglycosylated structural proteins M and N interact with elements of the secretory pathway, shedding light on their intracellular traffic. To the best of our knowledge, the present contribution is important given the scarcity of studies about the traffic of HRSV nonglycosylated proteins, especially by pointing to the involvement of SNX2, a retromer component, in the HRSV assembly process.