Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Treatment of wood industry wastewater by combined coagulation–flocculation–decantation and fenton process

In the present research, the efficiency of turbidity and chemical oxygen demand (COD) reduction from the wood industry wastewater (WIW) by the use of a combined coagulation–flocculation–decantation (CFD) – Fenton process was studied. Firstly, the performance of three coagulants such as ferric chloride (FeCl3), aluminum sulphate (alum), and polyaluminum chloride (PACl) was evaluated. The polyacrylamide (PAM) was used as a flocculant. The results showed that the polyaluminum chloride had a high removal efficiency. The COD reduction of 84.1% and turbidity removal of 82.0% of were obtained in coagulation–flocculation–decantation (CFD). Secondly, Fenton process was optimized, by the use of a response surface methodology (RSM), with application of a central composite design (CCD). The maximum turbidity and COD removal obtained by this process were 94.1% and 72.5% respectively, under optimal conditions ([Fe2+] = 250 mg/L, [H2O2] = 500 mg/L, pH 3.5, time 60 min). The kinetics of COD and turbidity removal were determined by the model of first order. In conclusion, the combination of coagulation–flocculation–decantation (CFD) – Fenton process presented as a remarkable method for wood wastewater treatment.
The Taxonomy and Calling Songs of United States Tree Crickets (Orthoptera: Gryllidae: Oecanthinae). II. The nigricornis Group of the Genus Oecanthus

Two species of the nigricornis group occur in coniferous trees— pint Beutenmuller (pine and fir) and laricis n. sp. (tamarack and hemlock). The remaining members of this group are primarily herb inhabiting and have often been placed in a single species; however, at least four species are involved— nigricornis F. Walker, celerinictus , n. sp. , argentinus Saussure, and quadripunctatus Beutenmuller. These four species differ in geographical distribution, habitat, seasonal life histories, calling songs, morphological characteristics, and courtship interactions. No significant interspecific hybridization is known even though the geographical and ecological distributions of the four broadly overlap. Calling songs of all species except laricis were tape-recorded repeatedly under controlled laboratory conditions as well as in the field, and the effects of temperature upon frequency and pulse rate are described in detail. In central Ohio nigricornis has two distinctive “song forms” which differ significantly in pulse rate and in the characteristics of the stridulatory file. The two occur in the same fields at the same time without intermediates. They probably represent distinct species.
Effect of parent type and temperature on vertebrae number in juvenile cod, Gadus morhua (L.), in Northern Norway

Abstract Cod juveniles settling in shallow water and recruiting to coastal cod (CC) stocks have lower vertebrae number than juveniles settling in deep water and recruiting to Northeast Arctic cod (NAC) stock. We investigated whether the differences in vertebrae number in CC and NAC were caused by genetic differences or by exposure to different temperatures during the embryonic period when the vertebrae number is determined. Egg groups from NAC and CC parents (parent groups), and egg groups from CC broodstocks (broodstock groups) were maintained at constant temperature during the egg stage and reared to the juvenile stage before their vertebrae were counted. Data on vertebrae number from year classes of CC and NAC were compared with the experimental results. The vertebrae number of the male parents had a greater influence on the vertebrae number of the offspring than the vertebrae number of the female parents, indicating that the parental effect was a genetic sex linked effect. NAC parents produced offspri.
Pathologic interpretation of endoscopic ultrasound–guided fine needle aspiration cytology/biopsy for pancreatic lesions

Pathologic interpretation of endoscopic ultrasound–guided fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) cytology/biopsy specimens is one of the most challenging tasks in cytology and surgical pathology practice, as the procedure often yields minimal amounts of diagnostic material and contains contaminants, such as blood cells and normal intestinal mucosa. EUS-FNA cytology/biopsy will nevertheless become a more popular procedure for evaluation of various pancreatic lesions because they are difficult to approach with conventional endoscopic procedures. Pathologists should understand the structural differences and limitations of EUS-FNA that make pathologic diagnosis difficult. Ancillary tests are available for differential diagnosis of EUS-FNA for various pancreatic lesions. Immunostains are the most commonly used ancillary tests, and pathologists should able to choose the necessary panel for differential diagnosis. Pathologists should review clinical history and radiologic and/or EUS findings before selecting an immunostain panel and making a pathologic diagnosis. In addition, one’s threshold of malignancy should be adjusted according to the appropriate clinical setting to avoid under-evaluation of pathologic diagnoses. Clinico-pathologic correlation is essential in pathologic evaluation of EUS-FNA for pancreatic lesions. Pathologists can reduce errors by correlating clinical and radiologic findings when evaluating EUS-FNA. Some molecular tests can be applied in differential diagnosis of pancreatic neoplastic and cystic lesions. Molecular data should be used as supportive evidence of a specific disease entity, rather than direct evidence, and should be correlated with clinico-pathologic findings to avoid errors in pathologic diagnosis.
Evaluation of Khat (Catha edulis) Use as a Risk Factor of Cancer: A Systematic Review (Chong et al., 2020)

We have read with interest the recently published systematic review entitled “Evaluation of Khat (Catha edulis) Use as a Risk Factor of Cancer: A Systematic Review” by Chong and colleagues (Chong et al., 2020). We would like to congratulate the authors for this interesting review article, and make some comments. Khat chewing has been associated with numerous oral/dental disorders such as keratotic white lesions and periodontal diseases (Al-Maweri et al., 2014; Dhaifullah et al., 2015; Kalakonda et al., 2017; Al-Maweri et al., 2018a; Al-Maweri et al., 2018b). Additionally, some reports linked Khat to oral cancer (Soufi et al., 1991; Awang et al., 1993). However, the claimed association between oral cancer and khat was based on anecdotal reports and cross-sectional studies that did not account for important confounding factors, especially tobacco use. Tobacco use (including smoking and smokeless tobacco use) is a well-known risk factor for oral cancer (Warnakulasuriya, 2020). It is important to note that most khat chewers are current smokers and some use smokeless tobacco (locally known as shammah), making it difficult to disentangle these substances’ carcinogenic effect from that of khat (Al-Maweri et al., 2014; Al-Tayar et al., 2015; Al-Maweri et al., 2018a). Contrary to the aforementioned reports that linked khat to oral cancer, one recent case-control study investigating risk factors of oral cancer in Yemen found that khat chewing was not associated with oral cancer, and that shammah was the only risk factor associated with oral cancer, with odds ratio of 12.6 (95% CI 3.348.2) and 39 (95% CI 14-105) for ex-users and current shammah users, respectively (Nasher et al., 2014). In another case-control study of oral cancer in Jazan, Saudi Arabia, the authors did not find any association between khat use and the risk of oral cancer (Quadri et al., 2015). In fact, the latter study reported that khat use reduced the risk of oral cancer when used concurrently with shammah (Quadri et al., 2015). This highlights the importance of studies with enough power to investigate the presence of biologic interaction between khat and tobacco, which could be synergistic or antagonistic in interactive effect. Such results further attenuate the already weak evidence regarding the claimed relationship between khat and oral cancer. As mentioned earlier, the potential association between khat and oral cancer is still questionable and lacks concrete evidence. Because clinical trials are impossible to conduct for ethical and logistic reasons, large-scale cohort studies are required LETTER to the EDITOR
Hypoxanthine phosphoribosyltransferase (HPRT)‐deficiency is associated with impaired fertility in the female rat

The purine hypoxanthine plays important role in regulating oocyte maturation and early embryonic development. The enzyme hypoxanthine phosphoribosyltransferase (HPRT) recycles hypoxanthine to generate substrates for nucleotide synthesis and key metabolites, and here we show that HPRT deficiency in the rat disrupts early embryonic development and causes infertility in females.
Pathological features and outcomes of incidental renal cell carcinoma in candidate solid organ donors

Background We report the findings of a single Italian center in the evaluation of renal lesions in deceased donors from 2001 to 2017. In risk evaluation, we applied the current Italian guidelines, which include donors with small (< 4 cm, stage pT1a) renal carcinomas in the category of non-standard donors with a negligible risk of cancer transmission. Methods From the revision of our registries, 2,406 donors were considered in the Emilia Romagna region of Italy; organs were accepted from 1,321 individuals for a total of 3,406 organs. Results The evaluation of donor safety required frozen section analysis for 51 donors, in which a renal suspicious lesion was detected by ultrasound. Thirty-two primary renal tumors were finally diagnosed 26 identified by frozen sections and 6 in discarded kidneys. The 32 tumors included 13 clear cell renal cell carcinomas (RCCs), 6 papillary RCCs, 6 angiomyolipomas, 5 oncocytomas, 1 chromophobe RCC, and 1 papillary adenoma. No cases of tumor transmission were recorded in follow-up of the recipients. Conclusion Donors with small RCCs can be accepted to increase the donor pool. Collaboration in a multidisciplinary setting is fundamental to accurately evaluate donor candidate risk assessment and to improve standardized protocols for surgeons and pathologists.
TRPC and TRPV Channels’ Role in Vascular Remodeling and Disease

Transient receptor potentials (TRPs) are non-selective cation channels that are widely expressed in vascular beds. They contribute to the Ca2+ influx evoked by a wide spectrum of chemical and physical stimuli, both in endothelial and vascular smooth muscle cells. Within the superfamily of TRP channels, different isoforms of TRPC (canonical) and TRPV (vanilloid) have emerged as important regulators of vascular tone and blood flow pressure. Additionally, several lines of evidence derived from animal models, and even from human subjects, highlighted the role of TRPC and TRPV in vascular remodeling and disease. Dysregulation in the function and/or expression of TRPC and TRPV isoforms likely regulates vascular smooth muscle cells switching from a contractile to a synthetic phenotype. This process contributes to the development and progression of vascular disorders, such as systemic and pulmonary arterial hypertension, atherosclerosis and restenosis. In this review, we provide an overview of the current knowledge on the implication of TRPC and TRPV in the physiological and pathological processes of some frequent vascular diseases.
Corporate social responsibility and internal stakeholders’ health and well-being in Europe: a systematic descriptive review

Abstract Corporate social responsibility (CSR) can contribute to the triple bottom line of economic, social and environmental performance in organizations. However, the relationship between CSR, employee health and well-being has not been frequently assessed despite an increased awareness that this relationship can contribute to sustainable workplaces. To identify studies addressing the relationship between CSR and employee health and well-being within the EuCIropean context, we conducted a systematic literature search using Web of Science and Medline. Of the 60 articles screened for inclusion, 16 were retained. The results suggest that the majority (n = 14) of the identified studies aimed to understand the impact of CSR strategies on employees’ job satisfaction. None of the studies investigated the relationship between internal CSR and physical health. There was no clarity in the measurement of either internal CSR or the extent to which it affected employee outcomes. There is a need for consensus on measurement of internal CSR and of the health and well-being-related outcomes. Public health and occupational health researchers should be part of the discussion on the potential role of CSR in physical and psychological health outcomes beyond job satisfaction.
Evaluation of anti-inflammatory, antioxidant activity and protective effect on ulcerative colitis of traditional Chinese medicine Lian-ai jian

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic and refractory inflammatory disorder of the colon and rectum with increasing morbidity in recent years. Lian-ai jian (LAJ), a Chinese medicinal herb decoction, including two herbs: Coptidis Rhizoma and Artemisiae Argyi Folium. We group them according to the ancient Chinese medical books "Songfengshuoyi", and investigate the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant activity and protective effect on UC of this compound. Dextran sulfate sodium salt (DSS)-induced colitis mice were used to assess its protective effect on UC. We also determined the anti-inflammatory ability of LAJ by measuring the inhibition of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α expression in LPS stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. The inhibition of Nitric oxide (NO) production, iNOS expression in RAW 264.7 macrophages and extracellular NO scavenging ability were used as indicators to evaluate the antioxidant activity of LAJ. The results showed that LAJ had strong anti-inflammatory, antioxidant activity and reduced the disease activity index and colon shortening of mice.
Influence of Baseball Training Load on Clinical Reach Tests and Grip Strength in Collegiate Baseball Players.

CONTEXT A baseball-specific training load may influence strength or glenohumeral range of motion, which are related to baseball injuries. Glenohumeral reach tests and grip strength are clinical assessments of shoulder range of motion and upper extremity strength, respectively. OBJECTIVE To examine changes in glenohumeral reach test performance and grip strength between dominant and nondominant limbs and high, moderate, and low baseball-specific training load groups. DESIGN Repeated-measures study. SETTING University laboratory and satellite clinic. PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS Collegiate baseball athletes (n = 18, age = 20.1 ± 1.3 years, height = 185.0 ± 6.5 cm, mass = 90.9 ± 10.2 kg). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Participants performed overhead reach tests (OHRTs), behind-the-back reach tests (BBRTs), and grip strength assessments using the dominant and nondominant limbs every 4 weeks for 16 weeks. Percentage change scores were calculated between testing times. After each training session, participants provided their duration of baseball activity, throw count, and body-specific and arm-specific ratings of perceived exertion. We classified them in the high, moderate, or low training load group based on each training load variable: body specific acute:chronic workload ratio (ACWR), arm-specific ACWR, body-specific cumulative load, and arm-specific cumulative load. Mixed models were used to compare training load groups and limbs. RESULTS The arm-specific ACWR group demonstrated a main effect for OHRT (F = 7.70, P = .001), BBRT (F = 4.01, P = .029), and grip strength (F = 8.89, P < .001). For the OHRT, the moderate training load group demonstrated a 10.8% greater increase than the high group (P = .004) and a 13.2% greater increase than the low group (P < .001). For the BBRT, the low training load group had a 10.1% greater increase than the moderate group (P = .011). For grip strength, the low training load group demonstrated a 12.1% greater increase than the high group (P = .006) and a 17.7% greater increase than the moderate group (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS Arm-specific ACWR was related to changes in clinical assessments of range of motion and strength. Clinicians may use arm-specific ACWR to indicate when a baseball athlete's physical health is changing.
Nickel-Based Alloy Dry Milling Process Induced Material Softening Effect

Improving the cutting efficiency is the major factor for improving the processing of nickel-based alloys. The novelty of this research is the calibrated SiAlON ceramic tool dry milling nickel-based alloy process. Firstly, the nickel-based alloy dry milling process was analyzed through the finite element method, and the required milling force and temperature were deduced. Then, several dry milling experiments were conducted with the milling temperature, and the milling force was monitored. The change in cutting speeds was from 400 m/min to 700 m/min. Experimental results verified the reduction of the dry milling force hypothesized by the simulation. The experiment also indicated that with a cut depth of 0.3 mm, cut width of 6 mm, and feed per tooth of 0.03 mm/z, when milling speed exceeded 527.52 m/min, the milling force began to decrease, and the milling temperature exceeded the nickel-based alloy softening temperature. This indicated that easy cutting could be realized under high-speed dry milling conditions. The interpolation curve about average temperature and average milling forces showed similarity to the tensile strength reduction with the rise of temperature.
Clinical Importance of the Human Umbilical Artery Potassium Channels

Potassium (K+) channels are usually predominant in the membranes of vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs). These channels play an important role in regulating the membrane potential and vessel contractility—a role that depends on the vascular bed. Thus, the activity of K+ channels represents one of the main mechanisms regulating the vascular tone in physiological and pathophysiological conditions. Briefly, the activation of K+ channels in SMC leads to hyperpolarization and vasorelaxation, while its inhibition induces depolarization and consequent vascular contraction. Currently, there are four different types of K+ channels described in SMCs: voltage-dependent K+ (KV) channels, calcium-activated K+ (KCa) channels, inward rectifier K+ (Kir) channels, and 2-pore domain K+ (K2P) channels. Due to the fundamental role of K+ channels in excitable cells, these channels are promising therapeutic targets in clinical practice. Therefore, this review discusses the basic properties of the various types of K+ channels, including structure, cellular mechanisms that regulate their activity, and new advances in the development of activators and blockers of these channels. The vascular functions of these channels will be discussed with a focus on vascular SMCs of the human umbilical artery. Then, the clinical importance of K+ channels in the treatment and prevention of cardiovascular diseases during pregnancy, such as gestational hypertension and preeclampsia, will be explored.
Instability of natural selection at candidate barrier loci underlying speciation in wood ants

Speciation underlies the generation of novel biodiversity. Yet, there is much to learn about how natural selection shapes genomes during speciation. Selection is assumed to act against gene flow at barrier loci, promoting reproductive isolation. However, evidence for gene flow and selection is often indirect and we know very little about the temporal stability of barrier loci. Here we utilize haplodiploidy to identify candidate male barrier loci in hybrids between two wood ant species. As ant males are haploid, they are expected to reveal recessive barrier loci, which can be masked in diploid females if heterozygous. We then test for barrier stability in a sample collected 10 years later and use survival analysis to provide a direct measure of natural selection acting on candidate male barrier loci. We find multiple candidate male barrier loci scattered throughout the genome. Surprisingly, a proportion of them are not stable after 10 years, natural selection apparently switching from acting against to favouring introgression in the later sample. Instability of the barrier effect and natural selection for introgressed alleles could be due to environment‐dependent selection, emphasizing the need to consider temporal variation in the strength of natural selection and the stability of the barrier effect at putative barrier loci in future speciation work.
Network of ictal head version in mesial temporal lobe epilepsy

Ictal head version is a common clinical manifestation of mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE). Nevertheless, the location of the symptomatogenic zone and the network involved in head version remains unclear. We attempt to explain these problems by analyzing interictal 18FDG‐PET imaging and ictal stereo‐electroencephalography (SEEG) recordings in MTLE patients.
Save Your Maximum Tolerated Dose: How to Diagnose Procedure-Related Spinal Cord Lesions After Lumbar Intrathecal Bolus Administration of Oligonucleotides in Cynomolgus Monkeys

Many potential drugs for treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, particularly antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs), are administered via lumbar intrathecal injection, because these drugs do not cross the blood–brain barrier. Intrathecal injection is a well-established method in cynomolgus monkeys, a species that is used in preclinical safety assessment when other nonrodent species cannot be used. The authors completed intrathecal ASO administration in over 30 preclinical safety studies (>1000 animals and >4500 dose administrations) during which we observed 3 cases of procedure-related spinal cord necrosis (incidence <0.1%). We describe clinical symptoms, diagnostic approaches, morphological features, and prognosis of this rare injury, and compare these findings with typical drug-related findings of ASOs dosed by intrathecal injection. The low incidence of procedure-related and dose-limiting lesions confines this analysis to a small sample set. The pattern of effects is similar across all monkeys despite differences in age, body weight, and intrathecal injection site. All 3 cases presented a combination of the following findings: blood in cerebrospinal fluid at time of injection, clinical signs that increase in severity within a day of dosing, lameness of both hind limbs, reduced muscle tone, and loss of patellar, foot grip, and/or anal reflexes. In all cases, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a linear hyperintense lesion in the lumbar spinal cord. In 2 cases, this hyperintensity was associated with evidence of spinal cord edema. We conclude that a pattern of in-life and pathology findings, including noninvasive MRI assessment, is indicative of procedure-related effects.
Non-antibiotic antibacterial peptides and proteins of Escherichia coli: efficacy and potency of bacteriocins

ABSTRACT Introduction The emergence and spread of antibiotic resistance among pathogenic bacteria drives the search for alternative antimicrobial therapies. Bacteriocins represent a potential alternative to antibiotic treatment. In contrast to antibiotics, bacteriocins are peptides or proteins that have relatively narrow spectra of antibacterial activities and are produced by a wide range of bacterial species. Bacteriocins of Escherichia coli are historically classified as microcins and colicins, and, until now, more than 30 different bacteriocin types have been identified and characterized. Areas covered We performed bibliographical searches of online databases to review the literature regarding bacteriocins produced by E. coli with respect to their occurrence, bacteriocin role in bacterial colonization and pathogenicity, and application of their antimicrobial effect. Expert opinion The potential use of bacteriocins for applications in human and animal medicine and the food industry includes (i) the use of bacteriocin-producing probiotic strains, (ii) recombinant production in plants and application in food, and (iii) application of purified bacteriocins.