Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Mineralizable Nitrogen in Broiler Litter: II. Effect of Selected Soil Characteristics

Broiler litter (BL) is a mixture of chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus) manure and bedding material that is commonly used as fertilizer for crops and pastures. Knowledge of the factors that determine the amount of potentially mineralizable N in BL is needed to estimate adequate application rates. Limited evidence suggests that soil characteristics such as texture can significantly affect the amounts of net N mineralized from BL. This work was conducted to compare the kinetics of N mineralization of the same BL in nine different soil samples, and to determine the effect of selected soil characteristics on the amount and rate of decomposition of potentially mineralizable N in BL. Samples from the same BL were mixed with nine soils (150 mg organic N kg ', -0.02 MPa) and incubated at 25°C for 146 d. A two-pool, first-order kinetics model adequately described cumulative net N mineralized from the litter, which ranged from 364 to 784 g N kg ' organic N. Multiple regression analysis generated statistically significant equations that identified the ratio of (sand content/water content at field capacity) and pH as soil characteristics with a significant effect on the fast and slow pools of mineralizable N. Combining a predictive equation for total mineralizable N based on BL characteristics with a predictive equation for total mineralizable N based on soil characteristics, we generated an equation that predicts total mineralizable N based on BL and soil characteristics. Future work should further test this equation and correlate plant N uptake with predicted values of potentially mineralizable N in BL.
Electrical and optical properties of plasma polymerized eucalyptus oil films

Electrical and optical properties of the plasma polymerized eucalyptus oil (PPEo) films are discussed in this article. As part of our electrical studies, we have found that the conduction mechanism in the PPEo film is a Schottky type. We have also found that iodine doping can enhance the conductivity of the film. IR studies revealed that PPEo film is a highly crosslinked polymer, and UV-vis-NIR studies revealed the information that optical band gap energy of the PPEo film had been reduced as a result of iodine doping. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 90: 1102–1107, 2003
Gene Expression by Single Reed-Sternberg Cells: Pathways of Apoptosis and Activation

Although Hodgkin's disease is highly responsive to treatments that cause apoptosis, it remains resistant to the physiological mechanisms intended to cause cell death. Presumably, the Reed-Sternberg cell defies endogenous apoptosis, persists, accumulates, and manifests the malignant disorder seen clinically. The Reed-Sternberg cell expresses several members of the tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily. This family of receptors is involved in both activation and proliferation of cells, as well as either protection from or initiation of apoptosis in cells expressing these surface proteins. Signals from these receptors affect transcription. We reasoned that the activation state and resistance to apoptosis of Reed-Sternberg cells might be attributable to dysregulation of genes controling these processes. To determine gene expression by Reed-Sternberg cells, we developed a method of micromanipulation, global reverse transcription, and the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and applied it to 51 single Reed-Sternberg cells and their variants from six cases of Hodgkin's disease. This report analyzes the gene expression of bcl-xs , bcl-xl , bax -α, bax -β, fadd , fas , fas ligand ( fas L ), ice , TNF -α, TNF -β, TNFR1 , TNFR2 , TRAF1 , TRAF2 , TRAF3 , cIAP2 , and tradd at the level of mRNA in the single Reed-Sternberg cells and their variants. The findings here suggest a molecular mechanism for the activated state and in vivo survival occurring in untreated Reed-Sternberg cells of Hodgkin's disease.
Influence of Coexposure of Ozone with Quartz, Latex, Albumin, and LPS on TNF-α and Chemotactic Factor Release by Bovine Alveolar Macrophages in Vitro

AbstractAmbient air is a mixture of particles and gases, but in studies with air pollutants often a single compound is used. Thus, it is necessary to investigate the combined effect of pollutant mixtures. Bovine alveolar macrophages (BAM) were incubated in vitro for 2 h with quartz, latex, or albumin particles and afterward exposed to 0.25 or 1 ppm ozone. Incubations of BAM with 1 ppm ozone, quartz, albumin, or LPS alone significantly increased the release of TNF-α and a chemotactic factor for macrophages (Mac-ChF) from the cultured cells. Combinations of particles with ozone showed in no case a synergistic or antagonistic effect on the TNF-α or chemoattractant secretion. Incubations with LPS of ozone-pretreated cells resulted in an additive effect on Mac-ChF release. In conclusion, the results of this study provided evidence that the in vitro coexposure of ozone and particles does not result in an interaction, at least not for the release of TNF-α and Mac-ChF from BAM.
Creating a toolkit with stakeholders for leveraging tablet computers to support person-centred dementia care in hospitals

Introduction People with dementia may refuse care because they feel overwhelmed by an unfamiliar environment. Everyday technology such as tablets have the potential to support person-centred dementia care in hospitals. Aims We aimed to identify barriers and enabling factors in order to develop a toolkit to support the use of tablets in engaging individual and group activities, especially to play family videos, for hospitalized older people with dementia. Methods A participatory action research approach was employed. We facilitated staff focus groups and conducted interviews with stakeholders. A toolkit was developed based on participants’ perspectives on how to support successful adoption. Results Our analysis identified two enabling factors: users’ engagement in developing a toolkit for support and adapting implementation to meet local needs. Barriers included staff and family inexperience, mechanical instability of hardware, issues around privacy and data access, technology use and personalization of messages. The toolkit includes short videos, a brochure for family caregivers, and a pocket card for staff. Discussion and implications: Staff, family and patients start with varying levels of experience with the use of tablets, making education and support vitally important to implementation. Health organizations should involve staff, patients, and families to find practical solutions.
Atypical Presentation of Anti-Phospholipid Antibody Syndrome with Seizure and Atrial Mass

Anti-phospholipid antibody syndrome (APS) has a broad spectrum of thrombotic and nonthrombotic clinical manifestations. The diagnosis requires a set of clinical criteria of thrombosis along with persistently positive anti-phospholipid antibody tests. In this report, we are presenting a case of APS, who is a 38-year-old male, presented with complains of seizures and found to have stroke, which on further investigation revealed to have been caused possibly from a left atrial mass. Therefore, high index of suspicion is required for the diagnosis of APS in young patients, who present with various neurological and cardiovascular manifestations, mostly secondary to thrombosis.
MicroRNA-216a Promotes Endothelial Inflammation by Smad7/IκBα Pathway in Atherosclerosis

Background The endothelium is the first line of defence against harmful microenvironment risks, and microRNAs (miRNAs) involved in vascular inflammation may be promising therapeutic targets to modulate atherosclerosis progression. In this study, we aimed to investigate the mechanism by which microRNA-216a (miR-216a) modulated inflammation activation of endothelial cells. Methods. A replicative senescence model of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) was established, and population-doubling levels (PDLs) were defined during passages. PDL8 HUVECs were transfected with miR-216a mimics/inhibitor or small interfering RNA (siRNA) of SMAD family member 7 (Smad7). Real-time PCR and Western blot assays were performed to detect the regulatory role of miR-216a on Smad7 and NF-κB inhibitor alpha (IκBα) expression. The effect of miR-216a on adhesive capability of HUVECs to THP-1 cells was examined. MiR-216a and Smad7 expression in vivo were measured using human carotid atherosclerotic plaques of the patients who underwent carotid endarterectomy (n = 41). Results Luciferase assays showed that Smad7 was a direct target of miR-216a. Smad7 mRNA expression, negatively correlated with miR-216a during endothelial aging, was downregulated in senescent PDL44 cells, compared with young PDL8 HUVECs. MiR-216a markedly increased endothelial inflammation and adhesive capability to monocytes in PDL8 cells by promoting the phosphorylation and degradation of IκBα and then activating NF-κB signalling pathway. The effect of miR-216a on endothelial cells was consistent with that blocked Smad7 by siRNAs. When inhibiting endogenous miR-216a, the Smad7/IκBα expression was rescued, which led to decreased endothelial inflammation and monocytes recruitment. In human carotid atherosclerotic plaques, Smad7 level was remarkably decreased in high miR-216a group compared with low miR-216a group. Moreover, miR-216a was negatively correlated with Smad7 and IκBα levels and positively correlated with interleukin 1 beta (IL1β) expression in vivo. Conclusion In summary, our findings suggest a new mechanism of vascular endothelial inflammation involving Smad7/IκBα signalling pathway in atherosclerosis.
Covid-19-Associated Pulmonary Aspergillosis: The Other Side of the Coin

The immune response to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a critical factor in the clinical presentation of COVID-19, which may range from asymptomatic to a fatal, multi-organ disease. A dysregulated immune response not only compromises the ability of the host to resolve the viral infection, but may also predispose the individual to secondary bacterial and fungal infections, a risk to which the current therapeutic immunomodulatory approaches significantly contribute. Among the secondary infections that may occur in COVID-19 patients, coronavirus-associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA) is emerging as a potential cause of morbidity and mortality, although many aspects of the disease still remain unresolved. With this opinion, we present the current view of CAPA and discuss how the same mechanisms that underlie the dysregulated immune response in COVID-19 increase susceptibility to Aspergillus infection. Likewise, resorting to endogenous pathways of immunomodulation may not only restore immune homeostasis in COVID-19 patients, but also reduce the risk for aspergillosis. Therefore, CAPA represents the other side of the coin in COVID-19 and our advances in the understanding and treatment of the immune response in COVID-19 should represent the framework for the study of CAPA.
Treatment Experiences with Norwegian Health Care among Immigrant Men Living with Co-Occurring Substance Use- and Mental Health Disorders

Immigrants are considered at risk of psychological distress and therefore involvement in substance abuse, due to a variety of pre- and post-migration factors. Further, there is lower treatment engagement, a higher dropout rate, and less frequent hospitalizations among this group compared to the general population. There are few studies on the subjective understanding of co-occurring substance use disorder (SUD) and mental health disorder (MHD) among immigrants in Norway. This qualitative study aims to explore the treatment experiences of immigrant men living with co-occurring SUD and MHD. Within a collaborative approach, individual interviews were conducted with 10 men of immigrant background, living with co-occurring SUD and MHD, who had treatment experiences from the Norwegian mental health and addiction services. Data were analyzed using a systematic text condensation. The analysis yielded 6 categories where participants described their treatment experiences in mental health and addiction services in Norway as: lack of connection, lack of individually tailored treatment, stigma and discrimination preventing access to treatment, health professionals with multi-cultural competence, care during and after treatment, and raising awareness and reducing stigma. A significant finding was the mention by participants of the value of being seen and treated as a “person” rather than their diagnosis, which may increase treatment engagement. They further mentioned aftercare as an important factor to prevent relapse. This study provides an enhanced understanding of how immigrant men living with co-occurring SUD and MHD experienced being treated in Norwegian healthcare settings. These experiences may add to the knowledge required to improve treatment engagement.
The effects of sexual violence experienced in childhood and adolescence on undergraduate students

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE: This study aims to investigate the prevalence of adolescents and young adults who were victims of sexual violence at some point in their lives and to compare the presence of depressive and anxious symptoms, quality of life, and use of alcohol, tobacco, and illegal drugs among this population and those who were not abused. METHODS: Validated questionnaires and instruments were applied in a group of university students to assess: sexual profile and behavior, socioeconomic status, presence or not of sexual violence (Questionnaire on Exposure to Traumatizing Events), depressive (Beck Depression Inventory) and anxious symptoms (Beck Anxiety Inventory), quality of life (World Health Organization's Quality of Life Assessment) and the use or abuse of tobacco, alcohol, and illegal drugs (Smoking, Alcohol, and Substance Involvement Screening Test). RESULTS: Out of the 858 students who participated, 71 (8.3%) were victims of sexual violence, 52 girls (73.2%). In the victims of violence group there were more students who already had the first sexual intercourse (p = 0.029), students who already had become pregnant (p = 0.001), students with higher scores for depressive (p < 0.001) and anxious symptoms (p = 0.001), students with worse quality of life (p < 0.001), and who used more tobacco (p = 0.008) and marijuana (p = 0.025) as well as abused hypnotics or sedatives (p = 0.048) than in the non-victim group. CONCLUSION: The abuses are presented in several forms and affect, even in long term, the survivors' life. The sexual violence theme should be addressed and widely discussed in all spheres of society in order to mobilize, to sensitize, and provide society with knowledge, demystifying this subject and drawing attention to this important social issue.
Follicular Fluid Metabolite Changes in Dairy Cows with Inactive Ovary Identified Using Untargeted Metabolomics

The metabolism of dairy cows with inactive ovaries differs from that of healthy dairy cows. However, the molecular mechanisms underpinning these physiological and metabolic changes remain unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate follicular fluid metabolite changes in dairy cows with inactive ovaries. Untargeted metabolomics technology and multivariate statistical analysis were used to screen differential metabolites in follicular fluid samples between inactive ovaries and estrus cows at 45-60 d postpartum. Fourteen differential metabolites were identified, consisting of amino acids, lipids, sugars, and nucleotides. When compared with healthy animal samples, eight follicular fluid metabolites were significantly increased, and six metabolites were significantly decreased in dairy cows with inactive ovaries. Metabolic pathway analyses indicated that differential metabolites were primarily involved in glycerol phospholipid metabolism, arachidonic acid metabolism, valine, leucine and isoleucine biosynthesis, and phenylalanine metabolism. These metabolites and their enrichment pathways indicate that the enhancement of lipid metabolism and the weakening of carbohydrate production of amino acids in dairy cows with impaired follicular development. Overall, these data provide a better understanding of the changes that could affect follicular development during the postpartum period and lay the ground for further investigations.
Macrophage Deficiency Makes Intestinal Epithelial Cells Susceptible to NSAID-Induced Damage

Objectives In Crohn's disease (CD), the mechanisms underlying the regulation by granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) of mucosal barrier function in the ileum are unclear. We analyzed the molecular mechanisms underlying the regulation by GM-CSF of the mucosal barrier function. Methods We examined the role of GM-CSF in the intestinal barrier function in CD at the molecular-, cellular-, and animal-model levels. Results Macrophages directly secreted GM-CSF, promoting intestinal epithelial proliferation and inhibiting apoptosis, which maintained intestinal barrier function. Macrophages were absent in NSAID-induced ileitis, causing GM-CSF deficiency, increasing the apoptosis rate, decreasing the proliferation rate, increasing inter- and paracellular permeabilities, decreasing the TJP levels, and reducing the numbers of mesenteric lymph nodes, memory T cells, and regulatory T cells in Csf1op/op transgenic mice. Conclusions GM-CSF is required for the maintenance of intestinal barrier function. Macrophages directly secrete GM-CSF, promoting intestinal epithelial proliferation and inhibiting apoptosis.
Electronic Properties of NiS2-xSex Single Crystals: From Magnetic Mott−Hubbard Insulators to Normal Metals

The NiS2-xSex system represents one of the best examples of a Mott−Hubbard system, i.e. a system in which, under appropriate conditions of concentration, temperature, or pressure, a metal−insulator transition driven by electron−electron interaction takes place. Here, the metallic phase is either antiferromagnetic (for 0.44 ≤ x ≤ 1) or paramagnetic (for x ≥1), whereas the insulating phase is as a rule antiferromagnetic (including the spin-canted phases). In this paper we review both the physical properties and outline the basic features of the theoretical approach to those correlated electron systems. Emphasis is placed on a qualitative understanding of the observed transformation of the system from semiconductor (or magnetic insulator) to metal.
Effect of Chromium Concentration on the Electrical Properties of NiCr Thin Films Resistor Deposited at Room Temperature by Magnetron Cosputtering Technique

NiCr films, 100 nm thick, were prepared on SiO 2 (600 nm)/Si substrates at room temperature as a function of chromium concentration by the cosputtering technique. The crystalline nature and electrical properties of the NiCr films were investigated as a function of chromium concentration. The films with a chromium concentration up to 39% showed a crystalline structure having a low resistivity, a high root-mean-square (rms) roughness, and positive temperature coefficient of resistivity (TCR) values. The films with a chromium concentration above 39% exhibited the amorphous structure with negative TCR values. The TCR values of the films with a chromium concentration of 39 and 42% are approximately +10 and -9 ppm/K, respectively. The TCR values approaching zero can be established by controlling the chromium concentration in the NiCr films.
CRITICAL DOSE OF NITROGEN AND PHOSPHORUS ENHANCED GROWTH, YIELD AND ALKALOID CONTENT IN WITHANIA SOMNIFERA L.

The optimum dose of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) for Withania somnifera was determined by utilizing graded levels of 0, 30, 45 and 60 kg ha−1 N and 0, 13, 26 and 40 kg ha−1 P in two separate simple randomized pot experiments. Soil-application of 45 kg N ha−1 and 26 kg P ha−1 proved the best dose for increasing shoot and root length, leaf area, fresh and dry weight of shoot and root, total chlorophyll and leaf-N, P, and potassium (K) content, nitrate reductase, and carbonic anhydrase activity, total alkaloid content, seed-yield per plant, root- yield per plant and berries per plant. While 30 kg N ha−1 proved best for root length, fresh and dry weights, as well as root-yield per plant. However, the effect of N and P fertilizers on carotenoid content, seeds per berry and 100-seed weight were insipid. Leaf- P remained unaffected by nitrogen application.
Changes of glycoalkaloid content in potato tubers of selected varieties during vegetation and storage

The content of glycoalkaloids was determined during vegetation of potato tubers of very early varieties (Aster, Drop, Malwa, Orlik) cultivated in 1993 on the fields of the Experimental Station for Variety Evaluation at Wegrzce near Cracow. The content of glycoalkaloids ranged from 0.7 to 17.8 mg/100 g, wet basis, at the average content of 5.6 mg/100 g and the smallest content of 1.3 mg/100 g in potato tubers harvested in the latter part of August. In potatoes stored at different conditions, the content of glycoalkaloids statistically increased. After 6 months, tubers stored at 10°C contained less glycoalkaloids than those stored at 4°C.
Enzymatic Synthesis and Structural and Thermal Properties of Poly(ω-pentadecalactone-co-butylene-co-succinate)

Poly(ω-pentadecalactone-co-butylene-co-succinate) copolymers with various compositions were synthesized via copolymerization of dialkyl succinate with 1,4-butandiol and ω-pentadecalactone (PDL) catalyzed by immobilized Candida antarctica lipase B. The monomer unit ratio in the copolymers can be carefully controlled by adjusting monomer feed ratio. NMR spectroscopy shows that the copolymers have nearly random distribution of PDL, butylene, and succinate repeat units, linked by ester groups along the macromolecule. Thermal stability of poly(PDL-co-butylene-co-succinate)s is composition-dependent and increases with increasing PDL unit content. All copolymers are highly crystalline irrespective of their composition, and they show isodimorphic behavior, with the crystal lattices of poly(ω-pentadecalactone) and of poly(butylene succinate) being capable of hosting foreign comonomer units up to a given extent. The two types of crystals are stable in different composition ranges. The Tm/composition dependence show.
Metal extraction from Cetraria islandica (L.) Ach. lichen using low pH solutions

Extraction of metals (K, Al, Ca, Mg, Fe, Cu, Ba, Zn, Mn and Sr) from dry Cetraria islandica (L.) Ach. lichen was performed using solutions similar to acid rain (solution A - H2SO4-HNO3-(NH4)2SO4 and solution B - H2SO4- -HNO3-(NH4)2SO4-NH4NO3). The pH values of these solutions were 2.00, 2.58, 2.87, 3.28, and 3.75. Five consecutive extractions were performed with each solution. In all solutions, the extracted metal content, except Cu and Ca, was the highest in the first extract. The highest percentage of the metals de- sorbed in the first extraction was obtained using solutions with low pH values, 2.00, 2.58, and 2.87. The lowest percentage in the first extraction was obtained using solutions with pH 3.28 and pH 3.75, indicating influence of the H + ion on the extraction. According to the results obtained, the investigated metals form two groups. The first group includes K, Al, Ca, Mg, and Fe. They were extrac- ted in each of the five extractions at each of the pH values. The second group includes Ba, Zn, Mn, Cu, and Sr, which were not all extracted at each pH value. The first group yielded three types of extraction curves when the loga- rithms of extracted metal amounts were plotted as a function of the number of successive extractions. These effects indicate that three different positions (cen- tres) of metal ion accumulation exist in the lichen (due to sorption, complex formation, or other processes present in the tissues).