Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Development and Quality Evaluation of Freeze-Dried Instant Green Smoothie Powder

Fruits and vegetables are healthy food sources which contain nutrients and phytochemicals with health-promoting properties. The production of healthy and more convenient products can be contributed to increase the consumption of fruits and vegetables. In this study, a novel, instant food product which is more nutritive was developed using locally available fruits and green leafy vegetables and the physicochemical, microbial, and sensory qualities of the product were studied. The most acceptable formula for the fresh green smoothie was 28.6% green content with 71.4% fruit content. The developed green smoothie was freeze dried to obtain an instant green smoothie powder. The instant green smoothie powder was analyzed for proximate composition: protein (2.67 ± 0.00), fat (1.96 ± 0.001), moisture (4.82 ± 0.003), ash (1.22 ± 0.000), and fiber (28.57 ± 0.008). This instant powder contained 129.5 ppm vitamin C content and higher amount of minerals such as K (0.98 ± 0.12 mg/g), Ca (1.74 ± 0.03 mg/g), and Fe (0.04 ± 0.004 mg/g). The powder properties revealed that the powder has very good flowability (6.665 ± 2.354) according to the Carr Index and it has low cohesiveness (1.0713 ± 0.0264) according to the Hausner ratio. The solubility (94.71 ± 2.4253) of the powder complied with the SLS (668: 1984). The microbiological analysis revealed that this powder only contains 1 log CFU/ml of total plate count. This instant powder can be introduced as a more convenient and healthy choice for the consumers which has acceptable sensory properties, better microbiological stability, and very good powder properties.
Targeting the Mitochondrial Permeability Transition Pore to Prevent Age-Associated Cell Damage and Neurodegeneration

The aging process is associated with significant alterations in mitochondrial function. These changes in mitochondrial function are thought to involve increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which over time contribute to cell death, senescence, tissue degeneration, and impaired tissue repair. The mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) is likely to play a critical role in these processes, as increased ROS activates mPTP opening, which further increases ROS production. Injury and inflammation are also thought to increase mPTP opening, and chronic, low-grade inflammation is a hallmark of aging. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) can suppress the frequency and duration of mPTP opening; however, NAD+ levels are known to decline with age, further stimulating mPTP opening and increasing ROS release. Research on neurodegenerative diseases, particularly on Parkinson's disease (PD) and Alzheimer's disease (AD), has uncovered significant findings regarding mPTP openings and aging. Parkinson's disease is associated with a reduction in mitochondrial complex I activity and increased oxidative damage of DNA, both of which are linked to mPTP opening and subsequent ROS release. Similarly, AD is associated with increased mPTP openings, as evidenced by amyloid-beta (Aβ) interaction with the pore regulator cyclophilin D (CypD). Targeted therapies that can reduce the frequency and duration of mPTP opening may therefore have the potential to prevent age-related declines in cell and tissue function in various systems including the central nervous system.
Outcomes From Routine Use of Intraoperative Cholangiogram in Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: Factors Predicting Benefit From Selective Cholangiography

Background and objective Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is used for the treatment of symptomatic gallstones. Intraoperative cholangiogram (IOC) is used to diagnose common bile duct (CBD) stones. There is controversy surrounding routine vs selective use of IOC based on clinical, biochemical and ultrasound criteria. The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcomes from routine IOC and its utility in laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Materials and methods This was a UK-based single-centre retrospective study evaluating the outcomes from IOC for all laparoscopic cholecystectomies performed between May 2014 and February 2020. All adult patients undergoing elective, semi-elective or emergency operations were included. Demographics, biochemistry as well as radiological and endoscopic investigations were analysed. IOC was performed using a standardised technique and was interpreted by a single surgeon. Results A total of 744 out of 804 patients underwent IOC. The median age of the cohort was 51 years (SD: ±17.5); there were 468 females (62.9%) and 276 males (37.1%). Filling defects were identified in 43/744 (5.8%) patients, with 23/43 having stone extraction via endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Logistic regression analysis identified alkaline phosphatase (ALP) as a predictor of filling defects in IOC (OR: 1.003; 95% CI: 1.001-1.005, p=0.015). Conclusion Based on our findings, the routine use of IOC during laparoscopic cholecystectomy is safe and effective. Preoperative clinical, radiological and biochemical parameters apart from ALP have a limited role in predicting the diagnostic yield of IOC.
Predictive Value of the Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS) in the Outcome of the Acute Ischemic Stroke and Its Correlation with Stroke Subtypes, NIHSS, and Cognitive Impairment

Objectives This study is aimed at correlating ASPECTS with mortality and morbidity in patients with acute middle cerebral artery territory infarction and at determining the cutoff value of ASPECTS that may predict the outcome. Methods 150 patients diagnosed with acute middle cerebral artery territory infarction were involved in this study. Risk factors, initial NIHSS, and GCS were determined. An initial or follow-up noncontrast CT brain was done and assessed by ASPECTS. Outcomes were determined by mRS during the follow-up of cases after 3 months. Correlations of ASPECTS and outcome variables were done by Spearman correlation. Logistic regression analysis and ROC curve were done to detect the cutoff value of ASPECTS that predicts unfavorable outcomes. Results The most common subtypes of ischemic strokes were lacunar stroke in 66 patients (44%), cardioembolic stroke in 39 patients (26%), and LAA stroke in 30 cases (20%). The cardioembolic stroke had a statistically significant lower ASPECT score than other types of ischemic strokes (P < 0.05). Spearman correlation showed that lower ASPECTS values (worse outcome) were more in older patients and associated with lower initial GCS. ASPECTS values were inversely correlated with initial NIHSS, inpatient stay, inpatient complications, mortality, and mRS. The ASPECTS cutoff value determined for the prediction of unfavorable outcomes was equal to ≤7. The binary logistic regression analysis detected that patients with ASPECTS ≤ 7 were significantly associated with about fourfold increased risk of poor outcomes (OR 3.95, 95% CI 2.09–11.38, and P < 0.01). Conclusions ASPECTS is a valuable and appropriate technique for the evaluation of the prognosis in acute ischemic stroke. Patients with high ASPECTS values are more likely to attain favorable outcomes, and the cutoff value of ASPECTS is a strong predictor for unfavorable outcomes. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04235920.
Group A Streptococcus Antibiotic Resistance in Iranian Children: A Meta-analysis

Objectives Streptococcus pyogenes is associated with mild to severe infections, particularly in children and young adults. Proper antimicrobial treatment of S. pyogenes infections is important to prevent post-streptococcal complications. Therefore, the purpose of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the prevalence of S. pyogenes antibiotic resistance among Iranian children. Methods We identified all published studies up to 20 March 2019 related to S. pyogenes antibiotic resistance by searching Persian and English electronic databases. Search terms included S. pyogenes, children, and Iran. Out of 1022 publications, 12 articles were eligible and included based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results Our analysis indicated the following prevalence pattern for S. pyogenes antimicrobial resistance in Iran: 4.2% to penicillin, 38.3% to amoxicillin, 5.4% to erythromycin, 12.0% to azithromycin, 12.6% to clarithromycin, 12.4% to clindamycin, 15.3% to rifampicin, 8.1% to ceftriaxone, 17.6% to cefixime, 36.9% to ampicillin, 14.1% to vancomycin, 8.4% to chloramphenicol, 30.4% to tetracycline, 8.8% to cefotaxime, 82.8% to trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, 39.6% to gentamicin, 11.9% to ofloxacin, 28.3% to carbenicillin, 3.1% to ciprofloxacin, 6.1% to imipenem, 18.2% to cephalothin, 57.6% to tobramycin, 49.3% to kanamycin, 79.0% to cloxacillin, 12.9% to cephalexin, 10.7% to cefazolin, and 89.5% to amoxicillin-clavulanic acid. Conclusions Our findings suggest penicillin (in non-allergic children) and macrolides, lincosamides, and narrow-spectrum cephalosporins (in penicillin-allergic children) as the treatments of choice in Iran.
Considerations Using Additive Manufacture of Emulsion Inks to Produce Respiratory Protective Filters Against Viral Respiratory Tract Infections Such as the COVID-19 Virus

This review paper explores the potential of combining emulsion-based inks with additive manufacturing (AM) to produce filters for respiratory protective equipment (RPE) in the fight against viral and bacterial infections of the respiratory tract. The value of these filters has been highlighted by the current severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 crisis where the importance of protective equipment for health care workers cannot be overstated. Three-dimensional (3D) printing of emulsions is an emerging technology built on a well-established field of emulsion templating to produce porous materials such as polymerized high internal phase emulsions (polyHIPEs). PolyHIPE-based porous polymers have tailorable porosity from the submicron to 100 s of µm. Advances in 3D printing technology enables the control of the bulk shape while a micron porosity is controlled independently by the emulsion-based ink. Herein, we present an overview of the current polyHIPE-based filter applications. Then, we discuss the current use of emulsion templating combined with stereolithography and extrusion-based AM technologies. The benefits and limitation of various AM techniques are discussed, as well as considerations for a scalable manufacture of a polyHIPE-based RPE.
Does the Personality of Patients with Parkinson's Disease Affect the Decision to Perform Deep Brain Stimulation Surgery? A Cross-Sectional Study in a Chinese Cohort

We investigated whether the personality of patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) before subthalamic brain stimulation differed from patients receiving drug treatments and whether the personality of patients affected surgical decisions. We recruited 38 patients with advanced PD scheduled for deep brain stimulation (DBS), 40 patients with PD receiving the very best medical treatment, and 51 healthy control subjects. All participants were evaluated by the Minnesota multiphasic personality inventory-1 (MMPI-1). PD patients who were candidates for DBS did not exhibit any significant differences in personality when compared with PD patients who were treated with drugs. Compared with healthy controls, patients with PD had remarkably higher MMPI-1 scores for spiritual quality, neuroticism, and introversion, but significantly lower scores for socialization. In addition, patients with PD were more submissive, more dependent on others, and less active in social activities. Our data indicated that the main deciding factor relating to whether to undergo DBS was the disease itself and not the pathological personality. However, neurotic and psychotic symptoms accompanying PD may influence the effect of DBS. We found that greater benefit is obtained by surgical or medical interventions if abnormal neurotic characteristics are considered early in the course of PD.
In Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Progression, Is It Airway Narrowing or Airway Loss?

1. Castro M, Rubin AS, Laviolette M, Fiterman J, De Andrade Lima M, Shah PL, et al.; AIR2 Trial Study Group. Effectiveness and safety of bronchial thermoplasty in the treatment of severe asthma: a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled clinical trial. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2010;181:116–124. 2. Wechsler ME, Laviolette M, Rubin AS, Fiterman J, Lapa e Silva JR, Shah PL, et al.; Asthma Intervention Research 2 Trial Study Group. Bronchial thermoplasty: long-term safety and effectiveness in patients with severe persistent asthma. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2013;132:1295–1302. 3. Global Initiative for Asthma. Update of the Global Strategy for Asthma Management and Prevention. Fontana, WI: Global Initiative for Asthma; 2020 [accessed 2020 Aug 12]. Available from: https://ginasthma.org/gina-reports/#:z:text=The%202020% 20update%20of%20the,on%20the%20GINA%20Science% 20Committee. 4. Goorsenberg AWM, d’Hooghe JNS, Srikanthan K, ten Hacken NHT, Weersink EJM, Roelofs JTH, et al.; TASMA Research Group. Bronchial thermoplasty induced airway smooth muscle reduction and clinical response in severe asthma: the TASMA randomized trial. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2021; 203:175–184.
Airway Pseudomonas aeruginosa Density in Mechanically Ventilated Patients: Clinical Impact and Relation to Therapeutic E�cacy of Antibiotics

Background: The bacterial density of Pseudomonas aeruginosa is closely related to its pathogenicity. We evaluated the effect of airway P. aeruginosa density on the clinical course of mechanically ventilated patients and the therapeutic e�cacy of antibiotics. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed data of mechanically ventilated ICU patients with P. aeruginosa isolated from endotracheal aspirates. Patients were divided into three groups according to the peak P. aeruginosa density during ICU stay: low ( ≤ 10 4 cfu/mL), moderate (10 5 ‒ 10 6 cfu/mL), and high ( ≥ 10 7 cfu/mL) peak density groups. The relationship between peak P. aeruginosa density and weaning from mechanical ventilation, risk factors for isolation of high peak density of P. aeruginosa, and antibiotic e�cacy were investigated using multivariate and propensity score-matched analyses. Results: Four-hundred-and-sixty-one patients were enrolled. Patients with high peak density of P. aeruginosa had higher in�ammation and developed more severe respiratory infections. High peak density of P. aeruginosa was independently associated with few ventilator-free days on day 28 (P < 0.01) and increased ICU mortality (P = 0.047). Risk factors for high peak density of P. aeruginosa were prolonged mechanical ventilation (odd ratio [OR] 3.07 95% con�dence interval [CI] 1.35 ‒ 6.97), non-antipseudomonal cephalosporins (OR 2.17, 95% CI 1.35 ‒ 3.49), hyperglycemia (OR 2.01, 95% CI 1.26 ‒ 3.22) during ICU stay, and respiratory diseases (OR 1.9, 95% CI 1.12 ‒ 3.23). Isolation of commensal colonizer was associated with lower risks of high peak density of P. aeruginosa (OR 0.43, 95% CI 0.26 ‒ 0.73). Propensity score-matched analysis revealed that antibiotic therapy for patients with ventilator-associated tracheobronchitis improved weaning from mechanical ventilation only in the high
Liver Transplantation in a Patient With Hepatic Angiosarcoma

Liver transplantation (LT) is an accepted form of therapy for selected cases of malignant tumors of the liver that include primary and fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma, cholangiocarcinoma limited to Klatskin distribution, neuroendocrine tumors, epithelioid hemangioendothelioma, and hepatoblastoma. This is the case of a 61-year-old previously healthy female transferred from an outside hospital for a second opinion for a liver transplant. Computed tomography of the abdomen with contrast showed cirrhosis and multiple masses with arterial enhancement in her liver. She underwent a liver biopsy that showed a low-grade vascular tumor. She underwent an exploratory laparotomy with open liver biopsy which showed no visual evidence of omental spread. The pathology was reported as a low-grade vascular lesion, which was likely a small vessel neoplasm. After denial for LT secondary to an unknown low-grade vascular tumor, she presented to our medical center. Oncology was consulted and diagnosed with her liver vascular tumors as benign with an overall favorable prognosis. She was listed for liver transplant with a model for end-stage liver disease-sodium score of 25 and developed hepatorenal syndrome type 1. She was on hemodialysis for approximately 10 weeks prior to her LT and was eventually listed for simultaneous liver and kidney transplants. She underwent an orthotopic liver transplant 10 weeks after presenting to UNMC. The amount of necrosis and the elevated mitotic rate was sufficient to classify the tumor as a Federation Nationale des Centres de Lutte le Cancer grade 3 of three angiosarcomas. She was scheduled for a living donor kidney transplant three days after her liver transplant, but it was postponed after she continued to have increased urine output that responded to a trial of diuretics with continued improvement in kidney function. She successfully completed 16 months post-LT without any known recurrence of primary angiosarcoma.
Pyrogallol-Phloroglucinol-6 6-Bieckol on Attenuates High-Fat Diet-Induced Hypertension by Modulating Endothelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition in the Aorta of Mice

Endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT), which is involved in the development of various cardiovascular diseases, is induced by dyslipidemia or obesity. In dyslipidemia, the increased levels of oxidized low-density lipoproteins (oxLDL) upregulated the lectin-type oxidized LDL receptor 1 (Lox-1), which then upregulated the down signaling pathways of PKC-α/MMPs/TGF-β/SMAD2 or 3 and increased the EndMT. In this study, we investigated the effect of pyrogallol-phloroglucinol-6,6-bieckol (PPB), which is a compound of Ecklonia cava (E. cava), on decreased blood pressure (BP) by attenuating the EndMT in a high-fat diet- (HFD-) fed animal model. We also investigated PPB's attenuation effect on EndMT in oxLDL-treated mouse endothelial cells as an in vitro model. The results indicated that, in the aorta or endothelial cells of mice, the HFD or oxLDL treatment significantly increased the expression of Lox-1/PKC-α/MMP9/TGF-β/SMAD2/SMAD3. The PPB treatment significantly decreased its expression. In contrast, the HFD or oxLDL treatment significantly decreased the expression of the EC markers (PECAM-1 and vWF) while the PPB treatment significantly increased them. Moreover, the HFD or oxLDL treatment significantly increased the expression of the mesenchymal cell markers (α-SMA and vimentin) while PPB treatment significantly decreased them. PPB decreased the intima-media thickness and extracellular matrix amount of the aorta and attenuated the BP, which was increased by the HFD. In conclusion, PPB attenuated the upregulation of Lox-1/PKC-α/MMP9/TGF-β/SMAD2 and 3 and restored the EndMT in HFD-fed animals. Moreover, PPB showed a restoring effect on HFD-induced hypertension.
Influence of Ultrasonic Activation on the Physicochemical Properties of Calcium Silicate-Based Cements

Purpose To evaluate the influence of ultrasonic activation on the physicochemical properties of setting time (ST), flow (FL), dimensional change (DC), and solubility (SL) of the cements: MTA, MTA Repair HP, and Biodentine®. Materials and Methods Two experimental groups were formed according to the cement activation protocol: without ultrasonic activation and with ultrasonic activation. Cements were manipulated according to the manufacturers' instructions. Ultrasonic activation group was performed with an E1 insert at power 3 (24–32 kHz) for 30 s directly in the center of the cement mass. The molds for analysis of the physicochemical properties were filled out and evaluated according to specification No. 57 from ANSI/ADA. The results were analyzed using the ANOVA test (two-way), complemented by Tukey's test (α = 0.05). The distilled water used during the solubility test was submitted to spectrometry to verify the release of calcium ions. The morphologies of the external surface and the cross-section of the samples were analyzed by means of a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Results For the ST, ultrasonic activation reduced the values of MTA, MTA Repair HP, and Biodentine (P < 0.05). For the FL, ultrasonic activation did not alter the flow of MTA (P > 0.05); however, it increased the flow MTA Repair HP and Biodentine (P < 0.05). For the DC, the percentage values of dimensional change were higher when there was ultrasonic activation in all repair cements (P < 0.05). For SL, there was a reduction in the percentage of the values in MTA and MTA Repair HP (P < 0.05); however, there was no change in the values of Biodentine (P > 0.05). Ultrasonic activation favored the release of calcium ions from all cements. The SEM analysis showed, in general, that the ultrasonic activation reduced and altered the particle shape of the cement. Conclusions The ultrasonic activation interfered in the ST, DC, FL, ultrastructural morphology, and calcium release of the repair cements. However, it did not affect the solubility of Biodentine®.
Cluster Analysis of Child Externalizing and Prosocial Behaviors in a Randomized Effectiveness Trial of the Family-Check Up and Internet-Delivered Parent Training (iComet)

Objective To explore whether children with various externalizing/prosocial behavior profiles benefit differently from face-to-face training than from an internet-based parent management training (PMT) programme. Methods A total of 231 families with children (aged 10 to 13 years) with externalizing behavior problems (EBP) were randomized to receive either the Family Check-Up, delivered by therapists in the community, or the internet-based PMT program (iComet). Person-oriented analysis was used for subtyping the children according to combinations of prosocial behavior and EBP. Results The person-oriented analysis resulted in five significantly different clusters. There were no significant differences between the five clusters in relation to the total difficulties score of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, family warmth or family conflict, but the within-group effect sizes for the main outcome (total difficulties score) from baseline to post-treatment varied from Cohen’s d of 0.52 to 2.56. There were no significant interaction effects between the clusters and type of intervention. However, for children high on symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and moderate to high on oppositional defiant disorder, and low to relatively high on prosocial behaviors (Cluster 3 respectively 5), substantial residual EBP-symptomatology remained at post-treatment, although both interventions resulted in significant effects. The other three clusters were within the non-clinical EBP-range at post-intervention, irrespective of treatment condition. There were no significant differences between the clusters regarding treatment completion rate (ranging from 47.2% to 67.4%). This study illustrates the value of distinguishing between different profiles of children in the context of PMT for parents of children with EBP.
The Key Role of Nucleic Acid Vaccines for One Health

The ongoing SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has highlighted both the importance of One Health, i.e., the interactions and transmission of pathogens between animals and humans, and the potential power of gene-based vaccines, specifically nucleic acid vaccines. This review will highlight key aspects of the development of plasmid DNA Nucleic Acid (NA) vaccines, which have been licensed for several veterinary uses, and tested for a number of human diseases, and will explain how an understanding of their immunological and real-world attributes are important for their efficacy, and how they helped pave the way for mRNA vaccines. The review highlights how combining efforts for vaccine development for both animals and humans is crucial for advancing new technologies and for combatting emerging diseases.