Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Ethical issues in the use of video observations with people with advanced dementia and their caregivers in nursing home environments

The use of video allows researchers to gather rich, evocative and contextualized data, yet it also opens a space fraught with ethical challenges. In this paper, the authors describe their use of video methods in ethnographic case study research examining the experiences of persons with advanced dementia who reside in nursing homes and are nearing the end-of-life. In this research, video is used to help garner a deeper understanding of the person with advanced dementia’s being-in-the-world as well as the embodied workplace practices of care staff. Drawing upon notions of emplacement and embodiment, we unpack ethical issues that arise from conducting research with a vulnerable population within a complex environment. In addition to discussing general ethical principles such as consent, assent and privacy, we argue that to conduct ethically sound research, the researcher needs a solid understanding of the complex and dynamic nature of the nursing home environment. This is, at once, a communal living setting and a home for the residents, a place of work for a diverse group of care staff, and an organizational structure emplaced in a larger socio-political environment. We shed light on, and discuss potential solutions to, the challenges and complexities of bringing a video camera into the nursing home space where ethical questions arise in ambiguous situations, where relationships shift and the ethical ground reconfigures over time.
Longitudinal Model of Periprosthetic Joint Infection in the Rat

The majority of periprosthetic joint infections occur shortly after primary joint replacement (<3 months) and require the removal of all implant components for the treatment period (~4 months). A clinically relevant animal model of periprosthetic infection should, therefore, establish an infection with implant components in place. Here, we describe a joint replacement model in the rat with ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) and titanium components inoculated at the time of surgery by methicillin‐sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), which is one of the main causative microorganisms of periprosthetic joint infections. We monitored the animals for 4 weeks by measuring gait, weight‐bearing symmetry, von Frey testing, and micro‐CT as our primary endpoint analyses. We also assessed the infection ex vivo using colony counts on the implant surfaces and histology of the surrounding tissues. The results confirmed the presence of a local infection for 4 weeks with osteolysis, loosening of the implants, and clinical infection indicators such as redness, swelling, and increased temperature. The utility of specific gait analysis parameters, especially temporal symmetry, hindlimb duty factor imbalance, and phase dispersion was identified in this model for assessing the longitudinal progression of the infection, and these metrics correlated with weight‐bearing asymmetry. We propose to use this model to study the efficacy of using different local delivery regimens of antimicrobials on addressing periprosthetic joint infections. Statement of clinical significance: We have established a preclinical joint surgery model, in which postoperative recovery can be monitored over a multi‐week course by assessing gait, weight‐bearing, and allodynia. This model can be used to study the efficacy of different combinations of implant materials and medication regimens. © 2019 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 38:1101‐1112, 2020
DETERMINATION OF IONS (ANION AND CATION) BY ION CHROMATOGRAPHY IN DRINKING WATER FROM TALKHA TERRITORY AND SOME ITS VILLAGES, DAKAHLIA, EGYPT

A simple, fast and sensitive ion chromatography (IC) method, for the determination of common inos (anion and cation) in water samples was developed. For comparison, selected samples of tap water, underground water, bottled mineral water and filtered tap water were collected and determined from Talkha and some villages, Dakahlia, Egypt. Ten ions of each anion and cation (fluoride, chloride, bromide, nitrate, sulphate, sodium, ammonium, magnesium, potassium, and calcium) were separated and analyzed, respectively. An isocratic elution with 4.5mmol/L Na2CO3, 1.0 mmol/L NaHCO3 and 42 mmol/L methanesulfonic acid (MSA), IonPac AS22 and CS16 as the separation column and DS6 heated conductivity detector was used. The validation of the analytical method was studied in terms of linearity, sensitivity and accuracy. The linearity was between 0.9922 and 0.9992. And the detection limits ranged from 0. 4μg/L to 72μg/L (S/N = 3) and satisfactory repeatability (RSD < 2.82%, n = 6). The recoveries were between 91.3% and 116.6%. All water samples were within the safety and acceptable levels of the World Health Organization (WHO, 2006) guidelines. Out of the samples of drinking water, only underground water had the slightly higher levels.
Evaluation of the Combined Use of Saccharomyces Cerevisiae and Aspergillus Oryzae with Phytase Fermentation Products on Growth, Inflammatory, and Intestinal Morphology in Broilers

Simple Summary The stress and anti-nutrient effect caused by environmental problems and animal feed is an urgent problem in poultry production. As ancient probiotics, Aspergillus oryzae and Saccharomyces cerevisiae can effectively improve the immunity of animals. Furthermore, the anti-nutrient object, phytate, reduces nutrition absorption. Therefore, S. cerevisiae or A. oryzae with phytase co-fermentation may help solve these problems. Results show that the addition of a fermentation product can effectively reduce the inflammatory response and drop the number of harmful bacteria in the ileum of broilers. Among them, A. oryzae fermentation product has a better effect than S. cerevisiae fermentation product. Abstract Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Aspergillus oryzae are both ancient probiotic species traditionally used as microbes for brewing beer and soy sauce, respectively. This study investigated the effect of adding these two probiotics with phytase fermentation products to the broilers diet. Fermented products possess protease and cellulase, and the activities were 777.1 and 189.5 U/g dry matter (DM) on S. cerevisiae fermented products (SCFP) and 190 and 213.4 U/g DM on A. oryzae fermented products (AOFP), respectively. Liposaccharides stimulated PBMCs to produce nitric oxide to 120 μmol. Both SCFP and AOFP reduced lipopolysaccharides stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) nitric oxide release to 40 and 60 μmol, respectively. Nevertheless, in an MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay, SCFP and AOFP also increased the survival rate of lipopolysaccharides stimulated PBMCs by almost two-fold compared to the negative control. A total of 240 broilers were divided into four groups as Control, SCFP 0.1% (SCFP), SCFP 0.05% + AOFP 0.05% (SAFP), and AOFP 0.1% (AOFP) groups, respectively. Each group had 20 broilers, and three replicate pens. The results showed that the addition of SCFP, SAFP, and AOFP groups did not affect the growth performances, but increased the jejunum value of villus height and villus: crypt ratio on SAFP and AOFP groups compared to the control and SCFP groups. Furthermore, adding SCFP, SAFP, and AOFP significantly reduced the number of Clostridium perfringens in ileum chyme. SCFP, SAFP, and AOFP significantly reduced the amount of interleukin-1β, inducible nitric oxide synthases, interferon-γ, and nuclear factor kappa B mRNA expression in PBMCs, especially in the AOFP group. In summary, all the SCFP, SAFP, and AOFP groups can be suggested as a functional feed additive since they enhanced villus: crypt ratio and decreased inflammation-related mRNA expression, especially for AOFP group in broilers.
The power and potential of integrated diagnostics in acute myeloid leukaemia

The field of acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) diagnostics, initially based solely on morphological assessment, has integrated more and more disciplines. Today, state‐of‐the‐art AML diagnostics relies on cytomorphology, cytochemistry, immunophenotyping, cytogenetics and molecular genetics. Only the integration of all of these methods allows for a comprehensive and complementary characterisation of each case, which is prerequisite for optimal AML diagnosis and management. Here, we will review why multidisciplinary diagnostics is mandatory today and will gain even more importance in the future, especially in the context of precision medicine. We will discuss ideas and strategies that are likely to shape and improve multidisciplinary diagnostics in AML and may even overcome some of today's gold standards. This includes recent technical advances that provide genome‐wide molecular insights. The enormous amount of data obtained by these latter techniques represents a great challenge, but also a unique chance. We will reflect on how this increase in knowledge can be incorporated into the routine to pave the way for personalised medicine in AML.
The Role of Cutaneous Receptors on the Dorsal Ankle Joint during Locomotion

THE ROLE OF CUTANEOUS RECEPTORS ON THE DORSAL ANKLE JOINT DURING LOCOMOTION Erika E. Howe Advisor: University of Guelph, 2013 Dr. Leah R. Bent The aim of the current thesis was to explore the proprioceptive role of dorsal foot skin and its influence on the joint kinematics of gait strategies during, normal level walking (Experiment I) as well as during adaptive gait while crossing an obstacle (Experiment II). Twelve volunteer’s kinematic data were recording during walking trials for each experiment. Test conditions included sensory interventions which either reduced skin input (via topical anesthetic), visual input (via lower occlusion goggles) or simultaneously manipulated both skin and vision. Our results show that ankle control in gait relies on feedback from skin overlaying the joint. In level walking, anesthetic produced significant angular changes in the ankle and knee joints but no changes to minimal toe clearance (MTC). With the lead limb anesthetized, toe clearance (TC) while crossing the obstacle was increased. Conversely, anesthetizing the trailing limb had no effect on any joint positions or toe trajectory parameters. The acute loss of skin input in healthy young adults resulted in involvement for ankle and knee joint position sense however were perhaps corrected through alternative strategies since no changes to MTC were observed. Conversely, when faced with an obstacle increased toe trajectory effects following sensory perturbations is indicative of a less compensatory ability and emphasis to avoid foot contact. This work is the first to highlight the influence of reduced dorsal foot skin input on locomotor strategies which are commonly encountered in aging populations.
Alterações físicas e biológicas de um eutrustox (latossolo) sob plantio direto e preparo convencional no semiárido brasileiro

portuguesA sustentabilidade dos sistemas de plantio direto e preparo convencional do solo em regioes semiaridas deve considerar as variacoes dos atributos do solo ao longo do tempo. Assim, objetivou-se avaliar as alteracoes nos atributos fisicos e biologicos de um Typic Eutrustox (Latossolo) sob diferentes usos (plantio direto, preparo convencional e mata nativa) na regiao semiarida. O experimento foi realizado em unidades com 18 x 18 m dentro de sistema de plantio direto (SPD), preparo convencional (SPC) e mata nativa (MN). Para cada uso determinou-se a densidade de particulas, densidade do solo, porosidade, resistencia a penetracao, respiracao microbiana e carbono orgânico nas profundidades 0,00-0,05; 0,05-0,10; 0,10-0,20 e 0,20-0,40 m. O SPD e SPC alteram os atributos fisicos do solo superficial em relacao a MN, com maior compactacao na camada aravel do SPC. O solo sob MN, alem das vantagens fisicas, tambem possui atributos biologicos superiores ao SPD e SPC em todas as profundidades avaliadas. O SPD e o uso mais proximo das condicoes de MN em relacao a qualidade biologica, representada pela respiracao microbiana. Apos nove anos de implantacao do SPD e SPC, destaca-se a necessidade de aporte continuo de materia orgânica para manutencao das vantagens do SPD em relacao ao SPC nas condicoes do semiarido. EnglishThe sustainability of no-till and conventional tillage systems in semi-arid regions should assess soil property changes over time. In this way, the objective was to evaluate the changes in the physical and biological attributes of a Typic Eutrustox (Latosol) under different uses (no-tillage, conventional tillage and native forest) in the semi-arid region. The experiment was carried out in 18 x 18 m plots under no-till system (NT), conventional tillage (CT) and native forest (NF). Particle density, bulk density, porosity, penetration resistance, microbial respiration and soil organic carbon were determined at 0.00-0.05; 0.05-0.10; 0.10-0.20 and 0.20-0.40 m depths. The NT and CT changed soil physical properties of the surface layer, compared with NF, besides soil compaction increased in the arable layer (0.00-0.20 m) of CT. Soil under NF had superior biological properties compared to NT and CT in all evaluated depths. NT is the closest tillage compared to the NF conditions, regarding biological uality, represented by microbial soil respiration. After nine years of NT and CT, a continuous organic matter input is essential to maintain NT advantages over CT in the semi-arid conditions.
Non-invasive oral cancer detection from saliva using zinc oxide—reduced graphene oxide nanocomposite based bioelectrode

Multifunctional materials with excellent biocompatibility and electron-transport properties are critical for the pursuit of point-of-care biosens-ing devices. The authors report the synthesis of zinc oxide–reduced graphene oxide (ZnO–rGO) nanocomposite for the fabrication of an electrochemical immunosensing test-bed for noninvasive onsite detection of oral cancer biomarker (interleukin-8, IL8). The immunosensor showed successful detection of IL8 at low concentration ranges, i.e., 100 fg/mL–5 ng/mL with a sensitivity of 12.46 ± 0.82 µA mL/ng and a detection limit of 51.53 ± 0.43 pg/mL. These results have been validated through in vitro investigations using real saliva samples spiked with IL8.
(E)-1-(2-Hydroxy-6-methoxyphenyl)-3-(2-methoxynaphthalen-1-yl)prop-2-en-1-one

In the title compound, C21H18O4, the dihedral angle between the naphthelene ring system (r.m.s. deviation = 0.014 Å) and the benzene ring is 9.68 (1)°. The C atom of the methoxy group of the naphthalene ring system is almost coplanar with the ring [C—O—C—C = −2.0 (3)°], whereas the C atom of the methoxy group of the phenol ring is slightly twisted [C—O—C—C = 6.2 (3)°]. An intramolecular O—H.O hydrogen bond generates an S(6) ring motif.
Production of xylonic acid by recombinant Escherichia coli

In this paper, the effect of cultural condition on xylonic acid secretion by recombinant Escherichia coli (E. coli) was investigated. Then, the optimized cultural condition was determined to elevate xylonic acid secretion. To achieve this, analysis on xylonic acid secretion by using hydroxamate assay and High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) was performed. From the experimental works, it was understood that post induction temperature, inducer concentration, substrate concentration, medium pH and type of medium have affected the secretion of xylonic acid.
Optimizing growth media for in vitro expansion of human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells

Human Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) are widely used in skeletal tissue regeneration and have shown success in the clinical uses for various diseases. Besides the age-dependent decrease in proliferation potential as we reported in hMSCs, during the requisite two-dimensional monolayer expansion to achieve a clinically relevant number of cells, hMSCs exhibit profound degeneration in progenitor potency. To harness the robust therapeutic potential of hMSCs, a consistent and rapid expansion method is necessary. In this study, we investigated the effects of various growth media on the proliferation potential of hMSCs. Our data demonstrated that the investigated expansion media have significant different influences on the proliferation potential of hMSCs; comparing with regular used growth medium, MEM-plus FBS, the media of MEM-plus MSC-FBS, MEM-plus ESC-FBS, MEM- plus FBS and E8 supplement, MEM-plus FBS and STEMPRO hESC supplement, or Essential 8 plus FBS have better potentials for in vitro expansion of hMSCs. Our study may be useful to determine the optimization of in vitro expansion of hMSCs for skeletal tissue regeneration and their clinical uses.
Synthesis of radioiodinated carnosine for hepatotoxicity imaging induced by carbon tetrachloride and its biological assessment in rats

Abstract The imaging of organs is very important in the field of diagnosis especially in case of liver diseases. In the present work, carnosine was successfully labeled with iodine-131 at room temperature in acidic medium using chloramine-T (Ch-T) as moderate oxidizing agent. The parameters affecting labeling of carnosine such as amount of oxidizing agent, amount of substrate, pH value of the reaction mixture, reaction temperature and reaction time, were investigated. The best conditions for formation of 131I-carnosine (131I-CAR) complex were 40 μg of chloramine-T (Ch-T), 75 μg of carnosine, pH 4 and 45 min reaction time at room temperature. The radiochemical yield for 131I-CAR complex was (91 ± 0.11) % at optimum conditions and the labeled complex was stable for 2 h after labeling process. Biodistribution study was achieved using three groups of rats (normal, treated by inactive carnosine and hepatotoxicity rats induced by CCl4). Hepatotoxicity of liver was evaluated using different biochemical markers such as ALT, AST and ALK.P. The 131I-CAR complex showed selective bio-localization in stomach and liver and its selectivity increases in acquired hepatotoxicity. The biological distribution indicates that the suitability of 131I-CAR as a potential hepatotoxicity imaging to detect hepatitis and medical prognosis.
Umbilical cord blood banking and transplantation

Umbilical cord blood hematopoietic stem cells have distinct proliferative advantages which increase there potential use for allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. In addition, the immune immaturity of the new-born should decrease the risk of graft versus host disease in both matched and mismatched cord blood transplants. Since 1988, date of the first cord blood transplant, more than 300 cases have been reported. Cord blood banks have been established with more than 10 000 units currently available for search for unrelated donors. Related cord blood collection and cryopreservation has been performed in families when a sibling must be treated by allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant. Eurocord is a group whose aim is to standardize methods of cord blood banking, study the properties of cord blood stem cells and establish a registry of cord blood hematopoietic stem cells transplants. Results of the analysis show that cord blood hematopoietic stem cells are a good alternative to bone marrow hematopoietic stem cells in children and in adults with hematologic malignant and non malignant diseases. Factors associated with outcome were the number of nucleated cells infused, the number of HLA disparities, recipient CMV serology and, in leukemia, the status of the disease. Graft versus host disease is decreased both in frequency and severity confirming the advantage of cord blood. More studies are needed to study long term effect and particularly the incidence of leukemic relapses.
Back to the future : varsity college lecturers' views of the net generation student

The net generation (Oblinger and Oblinger, 2005) was born around the time of the emergence of the personal computer, and, as a result has grown up with access to technology. Higher education institutions now face this generation of students in their classrooms. This paper discusses how technology has influenced the way these students process information and learn. The author, an Academic Development Coordinator at Varsity College, investigates the thoughts and perceptions of the teaching faculty about this generation and how the former can integrate technology into their teaching to support student learning. Suggestions are made regarding ways in which lecturers can respond to these students' learning styles.
Réactivité hétérogène de pesticides adsorbés sur des particules atmosphériques : influence des paramètres environnementaux sur les cinétiques

La contamination de l’environnement par les pesticides est ubiquiste et les preuves d’impacts sanitaires et environnementaux s’accumulent. Apres application, une fraction des pesticides passe dans l’atmosphere ou ils sont repartis entre les phases gazeuse, aqueuse et particulaire. La plupart des pesticides utilises aujourd’hui sont semi-volatils et sont donc en partie adsorbes en surface de particules atmospheriques ou ont lieu des reactions heterogenes. La reactivite en phase gazeuse des pesticides est documentee contrairement a celle en phase particulaire qui est mal decrite. Ce travail experimental a permis d’etudier l’influence de parametres environnementaux (humidite relative, nature des particules, taux de recouvrement) sur la reactivite heterogene de 8 pesticides (cyprodinil deltamethrine difenoconazole fipronil oxadiazon pendimethaline permethrine tetraconazole). Ces composes etaient adsorbes sur des particules minerales (silices hydrophobe et hydrophile, sable d’Arizona) et ont ete exposes aux principaux oxydants atmospheriques (ozone, radicaux hydroxyles (OH) et nitrates (NO3)). Les resultats ont montre que l’humidite relative, la nature des particules et le taux de recouvrement peuvent influencer les cinetiques de degradation heterogene par l’ozone et les radicaux OH. Ils ont aussi permis de mettre en evidence l’efficacite des radicaux NO3 pour la degradation heterogene des pesticides (temps de demi-vie heterogene avec NO3 : 2 a 16 j contre 0,4 a >800 j avec l’ozone et 3 a >100 j avec OH). Ces resultats permettent une meilleure comprehension du devenir atmospherique des pesticides et contribueront a la prediction de la pollution de l’air par les pesticides.
Characterization, health benefits and applications of fruits and vegetable probiotics

ABSTRACT Probiotics are live microorganisms that confer health benefits to human when administered in adequate amount. They are mainly lactic acid bacteria (LAB) of the genera Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, although the probiotics potential of other bacteria and yeast are not excluded. Modulation of the immune system, anti-inflammatory effect, improved intestinal functioning, inhibition of pathogens and treatment of diseases such as traveler’s diarrhea are among probiotics benefits. While several health ailments such as inflammatory bowel, diabetes, hepatic, neurological, respiratory and cardiovascular diseases and some cancer like colorectal cancer are associated with probiotics imbalances. Probiotics are mainly isolated from the human microbiota pool, feces, breast milk and fermented products. Also, fermented fruits and vegetable described as prebiotics are among sources of probiotics. They are rich in functional antioxidants that synergistically provides health benefits to human. In the present work, fruits and vegetable probiotics, isolation, characterization, health benefits and their application are reviewed.