Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Influence of Sowing Date and Foliar Application of Humic Acid on Yield and Volatile Oil of Sweet Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) Plants

(Received 17/04/2020, accepted 07/06/2020) DOI: 10.21608/ejoh.2020. 28165.1132 ©2020 National Information and Documentation Centre (NIDOC) A FIELD trial was conducted to assess the effect of humic acid concentrations (0, 1.5, 3.0 and 4.5 g/l) on growth, yield and volatile oil constituents of fennel sown on 15th October, 1st November and 15th November during the two successive seasons of 2017/2018 and 2018/2019. The earliest date (15th October) recorded the best results regarding all fennel growth, yield and fruit constituents of volatile oil yield. Foliar application of humic acid in high concentration (4.5 g/ml) showed significant impact on plant height, branch number/plant, stem diameter, number of umbels/plant, fruit yield/plant, total fruit yield/feddan, volatile oil percentage, volatile oil/plant and volatile oil/feddan during both seasons. Volatile oil of fruits collected from plants sown in mid-October induced the highest percentage of anethole (74.96 %) and the lowest percentage of estragole (15.37%) in comparison with the plants sown in the beginning and middle November. The higher concentration of humic acid increased the percentage of anethole comparing with other concentrations. The foliar application by humic acid in high concentration of fennel sown in mid-October seems to be the best combination for getting higher fruit yield and high quality of volatile oil.
Intraoperative image guidance for lateral position surgery

Recent advances in minimally invasive spine surgery techniques have precipitated the popularity of lateral position spine surgery, such as lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF) and oblique lumbar interbody fusion (OLIF). Lateral position surgery offers a unique, minimally invasive approach to the lumbar spine that allows for preservation of anterior and posterior spinal elements. Traditionally, surgeons have relied upon fluoroscopy for triangulation and implant placement. Over the last decade, intraoperative 3-dimensional navigation (ION) has risen to the forefront of innovation in LLIF and OLIF. This technology utilizes intra-operative advanced imaging, such as comminuted tomography (CT), to map the patient’s 3D anatomy and allows the surgeon to accurately visualize instruments and implants in spatial relationship to the patient’s anatomy in real time. ION has the potential to improve accuracy during instrumentation, decrease operating room times, lower radiation exposure to the surgeon and staff, and increase feasibility of single-position surgery during which the spine is instrumented both laterally and posteriorly while the patient remains in the lateral decubitus position. Despite the advantages of ION, the intra-operative radiation exposure risk to patients is controversial. Future directions include continued innovation in ultra low radiation imaging (ULRI) techniques and image enhancement technology and in uses of robot-assisted navigation in single-position spine surgery.
Effect of calcium and anti-browning agents on total phenols and antioxidant capability of ‘Packham’s Triumph’ pears packed in modified atmosphere

The effect of calcium propionate (PCa) 1% p/v, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) 0.1% p/v, cysteine (CIS) 0.5% p/v and citric acid (AC) 0.5% p/v were evaluated on the total phenol content, antioxidant capability and respiration rate of ‘Packham’s Triumph’ pear wedges, packed in modified atmosphere (MA, 8-11% O2 and 14-16% CO2 after 6 days of storage) and stored at 5°C for 8 days. The treatments were control (washed with water at 5°C, MA), PCa + EDTA + CIS + AC (MA), and PCa + EDTA + CIS (MA). The evaluations were performed on days 1, 3 and 8 after processing. The respiration rate of the control samples was 42% lower than the pear wedges treated with PCa and anti-browning agents (10-12 mg CO2 kg-1 h-1) during 8 days of storage. On days 3 and 8, the pear wedges treated with PCa + EDTA + CIS + AC and PCa + EDTA + CIS showed respiration rates 55% higher than the control samples. On the other hand, the total phenol content was preserved along the storage period, even though it was 27% lower than the content in peeled fresh fruit (265 mg 100 gfw-1). At the end of the storage period, the PCa + EDTA + CIS showed the highest phenolic content (214 mg 100 gfw-1), while it was lower in the other treatments (146 mg 100 gfw-1). According to the antioxidant capability, non-significantly statistical differences were shown throughout shelf-life, except those wedges treated with PCa + EDTA + CIS whose antioxidant capability was increased by 67%. After the minimally processing operations chemical agent immersions and MA packaging, the total phenol content was diminished compared to the initial fresh flesh fruit. In addition, MA could have a high impact on gas atmosphere inside the packages and preservation of the functional quality of ‘Packham’s Triumph’ pear wedges because no differences were detected among treatments.
Detoxification of 1,2-dihydroxy- 4-allylbenzene, a major phenolic compound in Piper betle, through glucuronidation using S9 protein of rat liver (Sprague Dawley)

1,2-dihydroxy- 4-allylbenzene (DHAB) is a major compound in Piper betle leaf and also a metabolite of safrole metabolism. Epidemilogic studies showed people who have betel quid chewing habit are related to the incidence of oral submucous fibrosis and/or tumor formation. The aims of this research was to study the detoxification through the glucuronidation of DHAB using S9 protein of male rat liver ( Sprague Dawley) and a co-factor of uridin 5′-diphosphoglucuronide acid (UDPGA). The results showed that glucuronidation of DHAB using S9 protein of rat liver resulted two isomers of glucuronide metabolites due to the availibility of two active hydroxyl groups that one of them can bind glucuronide but not two of hydroxyl at the same time.
Influencia del factor de crecimiento fibroblástico 2 en células madre in vitro

El interés y la necesidad de estudiar las células madre en terapias regenerativas han aumentado en los últimos años debido a su capacidad de proliferación y diferenciación hacia múltiples linajes. Desafortunadamente, el número de células demandado para un trasplante satisfactorio es mayor al que se logra extraer directamente del paciente, por lo que se deben realizar cultivos in vitro de células madre. Sin embargo, con el tiempo las células de estos cultivos se vuelven senescentes, disminuyendo así su número de divisiones celulares y su capacidad proliferativa. Para solucionar esta problemática se han propuesto factores de crecimiento como agentes potenciadores de la proliferación celular. Entre estos se encuentra el factor de crecimiento fibroblástico 2, que al agregarse al medio podría promover la proliferación y aumentar el tiempo de vida de las células en cultivo. En la siguiente revisión se recopila información sobre la biología de este factor de crecimiento y el tipo de señalización que utiliza, al igual que sus aplicaciones en terapia regenerativa y su efecto en la proliferación celular y senescencia.
INFORME DA SOCIEDADE BRASILEIRA DE INFECTOLOGIA (SBI) SOBRE O NOVO CORONAVÍRUS N° 10 – PERGUNTAS E RESPOSTAS PARA PROFISSIONAIS DA SAÚDE E PARA O PÚBLICO EM GERAL

INFORME DA SOCIEDADE BRASILEIRA DE INFECTOLOGIA (SBI) SOBRE O NOVO CORONAVIRUS N° 10 – PERGUNTAS E RESPOSTAS PARA PROFISSIONAIS DA SAUDE E PARA O PUBLICO EM GERAL
Clopidogrel Improves Systemic Endothelial Nitric Oxide Bioavailability in Patients With Coronary Artery Disease

Background— Platelet stimulation and activation are known not only as prerequisite of clot formation but are increasingly recognized as important contributors to inflammation and vascular injury. The present study in patients with symptomatic coronary disease investigated whether platelet adenosine diphosphate receptor blockade by clopidogrel exerts beneficial effects on endothelial nitric oxide bioavailability, oxidative stress, and/or inflammatory status. Methods and Results— One hundred three consecutive patients with symptomatic coronary disease and long-term aspirin therapy were studied. Endothelium-dependent and -independent vasodilation was determined measuring forearm blood flow (FBF)-responses to acetylcholine with and without NG-monomethyl-l-arginin (L-NMMA) and sodium nitroprusside, by using venous occlusion plethysmography. Patients were randomized to receive additional treatment with clopidogrel or placebo. Vascular function tests were repeated after 5 weeks and showed significant improvement.
A Phase 1 Study of PBT434, a Novel Small Molecule Inhibitor of α-Synuclein Aggregation, in Adult and Older Adult Volunteers (4871)

Objective: Evaluate the safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics of PBT434 in healthy adult and older adult volunteers. Background: PBT434 is a novel, brain penetrant small molecule inhibitor of α-synuclein aggregation. In transgenic mouse models of Parkinson disease (PD;A53T) and Multiple System Atrophy (MSA;PLP-α-Syn), PBT434 reduced α-synuclein aggregation and markers of oxidative stress, preserved neurons, improved motor function and reduced glial cell inclusions (PLP-α-Syn). PBT434 is thought to act by redistributing labile iron across membranes in the CNS. The affinity of PBT434 for iron is lower than for iron trafficking proteins, e.g., transferrin. Design/Methods: In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, adult subjects received oral single doses (8/cohort) 50–600 mg or 8 days dosing (10/cohort) at 100, 200 or 250 mg bid. Older adults (≥65 years) received 250 mg bid. Serial blood samples were collected post-dose and CSF was sampled at 1.5 or 11 hours post-dose at 200–250 mg bid at steady state. Safety was assessed with physical examination, adverse events (AEs), laboratory tests and 12-lead ECGs. Results: PBT434 was rapidly absorbed with a Tmax of 0.5–2 hours and demonstrated dose-dependent pharmacokinetics after single and multiple doses. Mean elimination half-life up to 9.3 hours was observed independent of dose. CSF concentrations near Tmax were 102.5 to 229.5 ng/mL. AE rates were similar for PBT434 and placebo. All AEs were mild to moderate in severity. There were no serious AEs or AEs leading to discontinuation. The AE profile was similar for adult and ≥65 year-old volunteers. There were no clinically significant vital sign, laboratory or 12-lead ECG findings. Conclusions: PBT434 is an orally bioavailable, brain penetrant, small molecule inhibitor of α-synuclein aggregation. CSF concentrations at doses ≥200 mg bid were greater than those associated with efficacy in animal models of PD and MSA. PBT434 was safe and well tolerated at all doses. PBT434 has potential to treat synucleinopathies. Disclosure: Dr. Stamler has received personal compensation for consulting, serving on a scientific advisory board, speaking, or other activities with Former employee of Teva Pharmaceuticals; salary and benefits from Auspex Pharmaceuticals. Patents pending: US20160346270, US20160287574. Dr. Bradbury has received personal compensation for consulting, serving on a scientific advisory board, speaking, or other activities with Alterity Therapeutics. Dr. Wong has received personal compensation for consulting, serving on a scientific advisory board, speaking, or other activities with Alterity. Dr. Offman has received personal compensation for consulting, serving on a scientific advisory board, speaking, or other activities with Alterity Therapeutics.
Effect of treatment using Carica papaya seed extract with Ag–TiO2 nanocomposite on the mortality of Aedes aegypti larvae

The incidence and mortality rate of dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) in Indonesia have continued to increase. However, the insecticidal control of the vector of DHF, Aedes aegypti (yellow fever mosquito), has resulted the development of insecticide resistance. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects, singly and in combination, of two components with proven larvicidal activity, namely, the Ag–TiO2 nanocomposite and Carica papaya seed extract, on the mortality of A. aegypti larvae. This experimental study was categorized into the control and three intervention groups: 1) papaya seed extract at concentrations of 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 ppm; 2) Ag–TiO2 at concentrations of 0, 5,10,15, 20, and 25 ppm; and 3) mixture of Ag–TiO2 and C. papaya seed extract 50% and 90% lethal concentration. After 24 h exposure, the 50% lethal concentration and the 90% lethal concentration were determined for the Ag–TiO2 nanocomposite (5.19 ppm and 10.87 ppm, respectively) and the C. papaya seed extract (25.98 ppm and 44.30 ppm, respectively). Significant differences were detected among Ag–TiO2 concentrations and mixture-group concentrations (p < 0.05). Significant positive correlations were detected between larval mortality and Ag–TiO2 concentrations and mixture group concentrations (r = 0.812, p = 0.001 and r = 0.343, p < 0.001, respectively). Changes in the visual appearance of dead larvae following treatment with nanocomposites and/or seed extract included damage to the abdominal segments, increased transparency of the abdomen, and reduced brush numbers. Therefore, the addition of the nanocomposite Ag–TiO2 to C. papaya seed extract increased the larvicidal effectiveness of the seed extract against A. aegypti larvae.
EFFECT OF HIGH FREQUENCY REPETITIVE TRANSCRANIAL MAGNETIC STIMULATION OF THE CONTRALESIONAL MOTOR CORTEX ON RECOVERY FROM POST-STROKE SEVERE MOTOR IMPAIRMENT

Background: The traditional inhibition of contralesional primary motor area (cM1) with low frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) fails to improve post-stroke severe motor impairment. The role of contralesional motor areas in post-stroke motor recovery is still questionable. While the previous data suggested that cM1 exerts transcallosal inhibitory effect on ipsilesional M1 (iM1) following stroke, there isan evidence that contralesional motor areas, particularly the contralesional dorsal premotor area (cPMd), have compensatory roles in severely impaired patients who have extensive ipsilesional damage. Objectives: To study whether facilitating cPMd with high frequency rTMS as a novel approach, instead of conventionally suppressing cM1, has beneficial effect on motor recovery of post-stroke severely impaired upper extremity (UE) or not. Patients and Methods: Forty right handed, first ever stroke patients (3 months post event) with severe stroke symptoms, severe motor deficit, and radio logically evident massive right cerebral infarctions at baseline were randomly assigned to two equal groups, to receive, as adjunct to ordinary rehabilitation techniques, ten consecutive sessions of either: (1) High frequency rTMS at 5 Hz on cPMd; or (2) Sham rTMS. The Medical Research Council (MRC) for muscle strength and UE- Fugl Meyer Assessment (UE-FMA) were assessed before and after the intervention. Results: By using the one way analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), we found significant improvements in grand means of MRC in the active rTMS group in relation to the sham group. The improvements included in particular the mean proximal MRC, whereas no significant improvement in the mean distal MRC. Similarly, we found that the UE-FMA totals were markedly improved in the active group in relation to the sham group, mainly in the proximal UE-FMA. Stepwise regression showed that lower baseline MRC of the affected UE muscles is an independent predictor of better response to the novel rTMS approach. Conclusion: Applying high frequency rTMS to cPMd can improve motor functions of the disabled UE, mainly proximal functions, in more severely impaired stroke patients.
Methods to convert American class A-pan and Symon's tank evaporation to that of a representative environments.

Methods were introduced to correct for significant evaporation differences which resulted from non-representative environmental evaporimeter installation practices. Inter-evaporimeter conversion formulae are presented to enable the extension of evaporation data bases. Guidelines are presented to assist in the choice of evaporation stations. Summer rainfall regions with an annual precipitation exceeding 500 mm and winter rainfall regions with an annual precipitation exceeding 240 mm were identified as areas with grass environment. Under the mentioned rainfall conditions it will be possible to maintain grass cover as an evaporation station environment without supplementary irrigation
The Effect of Maternal Age on Some Body Measurements in Anatolian Black Calves

Birth weight is one of the most important parameters affecting the growth, improvement and yield of the calves in cattle breeding. The aim of this study is to research the effect of maternal age, gender of calf and birth year on some body measurements such as rump height, body length, chest girth, front wrist girth, rump breadth, chest breadth, chest depth and birth weight of calves of Anatolian Black Cattle which is one of the domestic cattle breeds with the widest living range in Turkey. In this study, some body measurements of 58 Anatolian Black calves borned between the year 2015-2017 in the herd of protection of genetic resources at Lalahan International Center for Livestock Research And Training were evaluated. The effect of maternal age was found statistically significant (p<0.05) only on chest girth, while the effect of gender was found significant on chest girth, front wrist girth and birth weight. The effect of birth year was not found statistically significant on all body measurements examined in this study. However, when maternal age is divided into two groups as group one (under 5 year age) and group two (over and equal 5 year age) the effect of maternal age was found significant (p<0.05) on chest girth, front wrist girth and birth weight in female calves and significant (p<0.05) on body length, chest girth and birth weight in male calves.
Comparative Antibacterial Activities of Ficus abutilifolia Miq. (Moraceae) and Asimina triloba Dun. (Annonaceae) Leaf Ethanol Extract on Selected Bacteria

Bacteria (singular: bacterium) constitute a large Domain of prokaryotic. Most bacteria have rigid cell walls, of which there are several types. These walls are important for preventing bacterial cell from bursting. The cell wall can also indicate the cell shape, usually one of three basic shapes; round, rod and spiral. The famous research bacterium and common cause of food poisoning is rod-shape, acme disease caused by the bite of an infected tick (Angela, 2012).
Can Elderly Patients With Pancreatic Cancer Gain Survival Advantages Through More Radical Surgeries? A SEER-Based Analysis

Background and Aims In recent years, the best treatment method for pancreatic cancer in elderly patients has remained controversial. Surgery is the main treatment modality for pancreatic cancer. This study aimed to determine whether elderly patients with pancreatic cancer can gain survival advantages through more active and radical surgical treatment and evaluate the best treatment method and potential prognostic factors. Methods From the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results program (SEER) database, 10,557 elderly patients (aged ≥65 years) with pancreatic cancer were included as Cohort 1, and Propensity Score Matching (PSM) evaluation was performed to generate Cohort 2 (424 pairs). Overall Survival (OS) and Cause-Specific Survival (CSS) were determined using Kaplan–Meier survival curves, and differences were assessed using the Log-rank test. Multivariate logistic regression analysis and the forest plot of hazard ratio (HR) was made to assess the association between potential prognostic factors, including surgery and different surgical methods, and survival in elderly patients. Results We identified 10,557 eligible patients with pancreatic cancer, who formed Cohort 1. The total OS and CSS in the surgery group were significantly higher than those in the non-surgery group (P < 0.001). Age, stage (AJCC 8th), grade, lymph node metastasis, radiation, chemotherapy, and surgical methods were independent factors affecting the prognosis of elderly patients. In Cohort 2, Total pancreatectomy (Total PT) had the lowest risk ratio (HR = 0.31, P < 0.001) and longest median CSS (18.000 months), while Extension Total pancreatectomy (Ex-Total PT, HR = 0.34, P < 0.001) showed the lower median CSS (17.000 months) and median OS (14.000 months). Partial pancreatectomy (Partial PT, HR = 0.46, P < 0.001) showed the lowest median CSS (13.000 months) and median OS (12.000 months), although they were still higher than the median CSS (6.000 months) and median OS (5.000 months) in the non-surgery group. Conclusions Based on the SEER database, surgical treatment is an independent prognostic factor in elderly patients with pancreatic cancer. Compared with other surgical methods, Total PT can offer elderly patients the best survival advantages. However, Ex-Total PT, a more radical method, does not seem to be the best treatment option for the survival and benefit of elderly patients.
Investigation on the Stabilizing Effect of Titanium in HfO2-Based Resistive Switching Devices With Tungsten Electrode

Resistive switching (RS) devices, also referred to as resistive random access memories (ReRAMs), rely on a working principle based on the change of electrical resistance following proper external electrical stimuli. Since the demonstration of the first resistive memory based on a binary transition metal oxide (TMO) enclosed in a metal–insulator–metal (MIM) structure, this class of devices has been considered a key player for simple and low-cost memories. However, successful large-scale integration with standard complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor (CMOS) technologies still needs systematic investigations. In this work, we examine the beneficial effect titanium has when employed as a buffer layer between CMOS-compatible materials like hafnium dioxide and tungsten. Hindering the tungsten oxidation, Ti provides RS stabilization and allows getting faster responses from the devices. Through an extensive comparative study, the effect of both thickness and composition of Ti-based buffer layers is investigated. The reported results show how titanium can be effectively employed to stabilize and tailor the RS behavior of the devices, and they may open the way to the definition of new design rules for ReRAM–CMOS integration. Moreover, the gradual switching and the response speed tunability observed employing titanium might also extend the domain of interest of these results to brain-inspired computing applications.
Preparation of thymolphthalein stearate and appraisement of its efficacy as an antioxidant for polypropylene

Stabilization of polypropylene (PP) against thermal oxidation during its melt processing and service life, due to its susceptibility to oxidation, is of great importance from both scientific and industrial points of view. The present work was devoted to synthesize a new antioxidant for polypropylene through esterification reaction between thymolphthalein and stearic acid. The occurrence of the reaction was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, size exclusion chromatography and melting point measurements. The reaction product was proved to be a mixture of thymolphthalein mono- and di-stearate. It was also shown that the esterification of thymolphthalein, in addition to lowering its polarity, lessens its melting point significantly from 246 to 186 °C, hence, helping the synthesized additive to be mixed with the polymer more favorably in comparison to thymolphthalein. Differential scanning calorimetry demonstrated that the new additive improves stability of the polymer in melt state, significantly. Moreover, oven ageing experiments revealed that the additive stabilizes the polymer against oxidation outstandingly in solid state and its efficiency is comparable to that of SONGNOX 1010, which is a powerful commercially used antioxidant for the polymer.