Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
MONITORING THE WORK ENVIRONMENT USING THERMAL IMAGING CAMERAS IN ORDER TO PREVENT THE SELF-IGNITION OF COAL

The occurrence of spontaneous combustion phenomena in coal mines is generated by the reaction of mineral substance with atmospheric oxygen and favoured by the oxidation (self-ignition tendency) of coal, an oxidant environment and by the conditions in which heat exchange with the environment takes place. Preventing / Fighting against this phenomenon is regulated in the specific OHS requirements and in the General mining plan, comprising the technical and organisational measures for prevention and protection, as well as the costs related to this activity. However, despite all these measures, the combustion risk is reduced, but not totally removed. A series of methods are available, along with different types and schemes for preventing/fighting against the combustion phenomenon, which involve higher or lower costs depending on the chosen option: direct and indirect measurements (gaschromatographic analysis) of O2, CO2, CO, H2, CnHm, gases concentrations and temperature, treatments with chemical inhibitors, technologies for under-pressure water injection, inertisation technologies etc. Lately, monitoring production capacities through direct temperature means has been improved with portable thermal imaging cameras which simplify a lot the efforts and costs of the prevention activity. The applied procedure, advantages and disadvantages are analysed in the current paper.
Clostridioides difficile Modifies its Aromatic Compound Metabolism in Response to Amidochelocardin-Induced Membrane Stress

C. difficile is an important anaerobe pathogen causing mild to severe infections of the gastrointestinal tract. To avoid relapse of the infection following antibiotic therapy, antibiotics are needed that efficiently eradicate C. difficile from the intestinal tract. ABSTRACT Amidochelocardin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic with activity against many Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. According to recent data, the antibiotic effect of this atypical tetracycline is directed against the cytoplasmic membrane, which is associated with the dissipation of the membrane potential. Here, we investigated the effect of amidochelocardin on the proteome of Clostridioides difficile to gain insight into the membrane stress physiology of this important anaerobic pathogen. For the first time, the membrane-directed action of amidochelocardin was confirmed in an anaerobic pathogen. More importantly, our results revealed that aromatic compounds potentially play an important role in C. difficile upon dissipation of its membrane potential. More precisely, a simultaneously increased production of enzymes required for the synthesis of chorismate and two putative phenazine biosynthesis proteins point to the production of a hitherto unknown compound in response to membrane depolarization. Finally, increased levels of the ClnAB efflux system and its transcriptional regulator ClnR were found, which were previously found in response to cationic antimicrobial peptides like LL-37. Therefore, our data provide a starting point for a more detailed understanding of C. difficile’s way to counteract membrane-active compounds. IMPORTANCE C. difficile is an important anaerobe pathogen causing mild to severe infections of the gastrointestinal tract. To avoid relapse of the infection following antibiotic therapy, antibiotics are needed that efficiently eradicate C. difficile from the intestinal tract. Since C. difficile was shown to be substantially sensitive to membrane-active antibiotics, it has been proposed that membrane-active antibiotics might be promising for the therapy of C. difficile infections. Therefore, we studied the response of C. difficile to amidochelocardin, a membrane-active antibiotic dissipating the membrane potential. Interestingly, C. difficile’s response to amidochelocardin indicates a role of aromatic metabolites in mediating stress caused by dissipation of the membrane potential.
Practice of Epidemiology Propensity Score Weighting and Trimming Strategies for Reducing Variance and Bias of Treatment Effect Estimates: A Simulation Study

To extend previous simulations on the performance of propensity score (PS) weighting and trimming methods to settings without and with unmeasured confounding, Poisson outcomes, and various strengths of treatment prediction (PS c statistic), we simulated studies with a binary intended treatment T as a function of 4 measured covariates. We mimicked treatment withheld and last-resort treatment by adding 2 “unmeasured” dichotomous factors that directed treatment to change for some patients in both tails of the PS distribution. The number of outcomes Y was simulated as a Poisson function of T and confounders. We estimated the PS as a function of measured covariates and trimmed the tails of the PS distribution using 3 strategies (“Crump,” “Stürmer,” and “Walker”). After trimming and reestimation, we used alternative PS weights to estimate the treatment effect (rate ratio): inverse probability of treatment weighting, standardized mortality ratio (SMR)-treated, SMR-untreated, the average treatment effect in the overlap population (ATO), matching, and entropy. With no unmeasured confounding, the ATO (123%) and “Crump” trimming (112%) improved relative efficiency compared with untrimmed inverse probability of treatment weighting. With unmeasured confounding, untrimmed estimates were biased irrespective of weighting method, and only Stürmer and Walker trimming consistently reduced bias. In settings where unmeasured confounding (e.g., frailty) may lead physicians to withhold treatment, Stürmer and Walker trimming should be considered before primary analysis.
Wound healing performance of PVA/PCL based electrospun nanofiber incorporated green synthetized CuNPs and Quercus infectoria extracts

Abstract In this study, copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) were synthetized through green chemistry approach using C. officinalis flowers extract. The biosynthetized nanoparticles were characterized by FESEM, XRD, DLS and FTIR analysis. Subsequently, PCL nanofiber was fabricated as first supportive layer by electrospinning method. Afterward, PVA/Quercus infectoria galls (QLG) extracts/biosynthetized CuNPs blending solution was electrospinned as second bioactive topical layer. The morphology, physicochemical properties and biological characteristics of the produced PCL, PCL/PVA, PCL/PVA/CuNPs, PCL/PVA/QLG and PCL/PVA/QLG/CuNPs were investigated. Eventually, in vivo wound healing effectiveness was examined. Histologic investigation was carried out for visualization of the healing wounds architecture in different treated groups. FESEM, XRD and DLS assays confirmed the successful synthesis of CuNPs in range of 40–70 nm and FTIR spectrum approve the presence of functional constituents of C. officinalis extract on synthesized CuNPs. The incorporation of CuNPs and QLG extract into PCL/PVA based nanofibers improved their biological capabilities and physicochemical properties. Furthermore, PCL/PVA/QLG/CuNPs illustrated significant wound healing potentials and excellent antibacterial function against at wounds infected with MRSA. Histological assay demonstrated complete wound healing and less inflammation on day 10th. These outcomes recommended the utilization of PCL/PVA/QLG/CuNPs as a novel promising wound dressings with considerable antibacterial features.
CASE-BASED LEARNING Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis in a patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Summary Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) is a debilitating lung disease which occurs as a result of interplay between a variety of host and environmental factors. It occurs in certain susceptible individuals who develop hypersensensitivity to the colonised Aspergillus species. ABPA is a complicating factor in 2% of patients with asthma and is also seen in patients with cystic fibrosis. Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are known to share key elements of pathogenesis. It is well known that ABPA can occur in patients with asthma, but it has recently been reported in patients with COPD as well. We report a 55-year-old male ex-smoker who presented with complaints of exertional breathlessness and productive cough for five years and an episode of haemoptysis four days prior to presentation. Spirometery showed airflow obstruction which was not reversible with bronchodilators. Chest CT scan revealed paraseptal emphysema along with central bronchiectasis (CB) in the right upper lobe and bilateral lower lobes. A type I skin hypersensitivity reaction to Aspergillus species was elicited. He fulfilled the serological criteria for ABPA and was diagnosed as having concomitant COPD and ABPA-CB. The patient was initiated on therapy for COPD along with oral corticosteroids, on which he had remarkable symptomatic improvement.
A Numerical Method to Predict the Effects of Frequency-Dependent Attenuation and Dispersion on Speed of Sound Estimates in Cancellous Bone

Many studies have demonstrated that time-domain speed-of-sound (SOS) measurements in calcaneus are predictive of osteoporotic fracture risk. However there is a lack of standardization for this measurement. Consequently, different investigators using different measurement systems and analysis algorithms obtain disparate quantitative values for calcaneal SOS, impairing and often precluding meaningful comparison and/or pooling of measurements. A numerical method has been developed to model the effects of frequency-dependent attenuation and dispersion on transit-time-based SOS estimates. The numerical technique is based on a previously developed linear system analytic model for Gaussian pulses propagating through linearly attenuating, weakly dispersive media. The numerical approach is somewhat more general in that it can be used to predict the effects of arbitrary pulse shapes and dispersion relationships. The numerical technique however utilizes several additional assumptions (compared with the analytic model) which would be required for the practical task of correcting existing clinical databases. These include a single dispersion relationship for all calcaneus samples, a simple linear model relating phase velocity to broadband ultrasonic attenuation, and a constant calcaneal thickness. Measurements on a polycarbonate plate and thirty human calcaneus samples were in good quantitative agreement with numerical predictions. In addition, the numerical approach predicts that in cancellous bone, frequency-dependent attenuation tends to be a greater contributor to variations in transit-time-based SOS estimates than dispersion. This approach may be used to adjust previously acquired individual measurements so that SOS data recorded with different devices using different algorithms may be compared in a meaningful fashion.
Effects of AT 1 receptor blockade on renal injury and mitogen-activated protein activity in Dahl salt-sensitive rats

Background— The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascade is an important intracellular mediator of angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced cell growth and differentiation. Here, we examined the effect of angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT 1 ) receptor blockade on renal injury and MAPK activity in Dahl salt-sensitive (DS) rats. Methods— DS rats were maintained on a high (H: 8.0%NaCl, N = 8) or low (L: 0.3%NaCl, N = 7) salt diet, or H + candesartan cilexetil (10 to 15 mg/kg/day, N = 8). Urinary protein excretion (U protein V), renal cortical collagen content, and glomerular injury (assessed by semiquantitative morphometric analysis) were determined after 4-week treatments. Plasma and kidney Ang II levels were measured by radioimmunoassay. Protein levels of AT 1 and AT 2 receptors in the renal cortical tissues were analyzed by Western-blotting analyses. MAPKs activities, including extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK) 1/2, c-Jun NH2-terminal kinases (JNK), p38 MAPK, and Big-MAPK-1 (BMK1), were measured by Western-blotting analyses or in vitro kinase assays. Results— DS/H rats showed higher mean blood pressure (MBP), U protein V, and renal cortical collagen content than DS/L rats. Increased ERK1/2, JNK, and BMK1 activities were observed in renal cortical tissues of DS/H rats (approximately 6.3-, 4.5-, and 2.5-fold, respectively), whereas p38 MAPK activity was unchanged. Plasma Ang II levels were significantly reduced in DS/H rats compared with DS/L rats, whereas kidney Ang II contents and AT 1 receptor protein levels were similar. Candesartan did not alter MBP, but significantly reduced U protein V and collagen content, and ameliorated progressive sclerotic and proliferative glomerular changes. Furthermore, candesartan decreased renal tissue Ang II contents (from 216 ± 19 to 46 ± 3 fmol/mL) and ERK1/2, JNK, and BMK1 activities (-45%, -60%, and -70%, respectively) in DS/H rats. Conclusion— In DS hypertensive rats, some of the renoprotective effects of AT 1 receptor blockade are accompanied by reductions in intrarenal Ang II contents and MAPK activity, which might not be mediated through arterial pressure changes.
The Pore Domain of the Nicotinic Acetylcholine Modeling, Pore Dimensions, and Electrostatics

The pore domain of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor has been modeled as a bundle of five kinked M2 helices. Models were generated via molecular dynamics simulations incorporating restraints derived from 9-A resolution cryoelectron microscopy data (Unwin, 1993; 1995), and from mutagenesis data that identify channel-lining side chains. Thus, these models conform to current experimental data but will require revision as higher resolution data become available. Models of the open and closed states of a homopentameric a7 pore are compared. The minimum radius of the closed-state model is less than 2 A; the minimum radius of the open-state model is -6 A. It is suggested that the presence of "bound" water molecules within the pore may reduce the effective minimum radii below these values by up to -3 A. Poisson-Boltzmann calculations are used to obtain a first approximation to the potential energy of a monovalent cation as it moves along the pore axis. The differences in electrostatic potential energy profiles between the open-state models of a7 and of a mutant of a7 are consistent with the experimentally observed change in ion selectivity from cationic to anionic. Models of the open state of the heteropentameric Torpedo nicotinic acetylcholine receptor pore domain are also described. Relatively small differences in pore radius and electrostatic potential energy profiles are seen when the Torpedo and a7 models are compared. the Poisson-Boltzmann equation, using the program UHBD (Davis et al., 1991). The protein dielectric was set to 2 and the water dielectric to 78. The M2 helix bundle was set in a low-dielectric (2) slab to mimic the effect of the surrounding protein and lipid bilayer. The ionic strength was set to 100 mM. A 1-A grid and a 2-A Stern radius (Gilson et al., 1988) were used. The partial atomic charges and radii used in these calculations were the same as in the MD simulations, i.e., the standard Charmm values. All glutamate side chains were assumed to be in their -le charge state, and all lysine residues in their +le charge state. Electrostatic energy profiles were obtained by calculating the energy of a + le probe charge at successive positions along the center of the pore, as defined by HOLE calculations of the pore radius profile.
Inappropriate Empiric Antibiotic Therapy in Bloodstream Infections at U.S. Hospitals based on Discordant In vitro Susceptibilities: A Retrospective Cohort Analysis of Prevalence, Predictors and Mortality Risk

Background: The prevalence and impact of inappropriate empiric antibiotic therapy for bloodstream infections (BSI) is unclear. We aimed to determine the population-level burden, predictors, and mortality risk of in vitro susceptibility-discordant empiric antibiotic therapy (DEAT) among BSI patients. Methods: Inpatients with BSI treated with systemic antibiotics on the day blood cultures were drawn or the following day were identified. DEAT occurred if the isolate was not susceptible in vitro to antibiotic(s) administered on blood culture sampling day. DEAT prevalence by hospital type was calculated using regression tree analysis and predictors were identified using Generalized Estimating Equations. Adjusted odds ratio (aOR) of in-hospital mortality was determined using logistic regression. Findings: At 131 hospitals between 2005–2014, 26,036 assessable BSI patients received empiric therapy on the day of or day after first blood culture collection. Seventeen percent (4,428) received no antibiotics on blood culture day. Of the remaining 21,608 patients, 4,165(19–3%) received DEAT [reliability-adjusted range by hospital type: 16·6(95% CI, 15·0–18·5)% to 21·1(95% CI, 20·1–22·1)%]. Antibiotic-resistant phenotypes strongly predicted DEAT [a0R=9·09(95% CI, 7·68– 10·76);p<0·001]. Most DEAT events (73%) and associated deaths (76·8%) occurred among patients with S. aureus and Enterobacteriaceae BSIs. DEAT was independently associated with higher mortality (aOR=1·5[95% CI, 1·4–1·7];p<0·001), a relationship that was unaffected by the presence or absence of resistance or sepsis or septic shock. Interpretation: Approximately one in five BSI patients in U.S. hospitals received DEAT, which was closely associated with antibiotic-resistant pathogens. DEAT decreased survival even among those presenting without sepsis. Earlier identification of bloodstream pathogens and resistance is likely to improve population-level outcomes.
review of mechanisms by which low-intensity pulsed affects

[Abstract] Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) is a common physical therapy to accelerate the healing of bone fracture and treat delayed union of bone fracture. Vessels, nerves, and bone tissue are essential constituents of bone system. Recently, increasing evidence has been revealed that LIPUS can not only promote bone regeneration by directly regulating osteoblasts, osteoblasts, mesenchymal stem cells, but also have a positive impact on the repair of bone healing through vessels and nerves. Thus, we reviewed and summarized the latest published literature about the molecular mechanism for the effects of LIPUS on bone regeneration, which might offer a promising therapy for bone-related diseases.
Glucose Control System Powered by HorizonTM for the treatment of Type 1 diabetes

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a medical condition that requires constant management, including monitoring of blood glucose levels and administration of insulin. Advancements in diabetes technology have offered methods to reduce the burden on people with T1D. Several hybrid closed-loop systems are commercially available or in clinical trials, each with unique features to improve care for patients with T1D. This article reviews the Omnipod R © 5 Automated Glucose Control System Powered by HorizonTM and the safety and efficacy data to support its use in the management of T1D.
Regulatory Role of Interleukin-10 and Interferon- γ in Severe Hepatic Central and Peripheral Fibrosisin Humans Infected with Schistosoma japonicum 1

Schistosoma japonicum is the most pathogenic agent of hepatosplenic schistosomiasis that has killed millions of people in China. It causes extended fibrosis in the periportal space (PPF) and in the hepatic parenchyma (ParF). The deposition of the extracellular matrix proteins composing the fibrotic scar is regulated by cytokines and chemokines, the production of which may play a key role in disease progression. We investigated whether fibrosis and splenomegaly in fishermen living in an endemic region for S. japonicum were associated with abnormal cytokine/chemokine production by blood mononuclear cells. PPF and ParF were considered as separate fibrosis phenotypes. PPF was associated (by univariate analysis) with low levels of IL-10 (p=4 × 10 -4 ), RANTES (p=4 × 10 -4 ) and MIP-1 α (p=7 × 10 -3 ) production in cultures of blood leukocytes stimulated with schistosome egg antigens. Logistic regression that included exposure, anti-schistosome treatments and drinking habits as covariates showed that IL-10 exhibited the strongest association with PPF (p=1 × 10 -4 , OR=10.8, CI=3.2-38). Splenomegaly was associated with low levels of IL-10 production (p=4 × 10 -3 ) even in the presence of PPF as covariate (p=0.01, OR=3.5, 1.3-8.9), indicating a probable direct relationship between IL-10 and splenomegaly. Furthermore, ParF was associated with low levels of production for IFN- γ (p=3.5 10 -3 ; OR= 8.2; 2-33) but not for IL-10 or RANTES. These data are consistent with IL-10 playing a key role in the development of severe hepatic and spleen disease and differences in the cytokine-mediated control of PPF and ParF in humans infected with S. japonicum.
Five Year Follow-Up of a Randomized Controlled Trial on Warming and Humidiﬁcation of Insufﬂation Gas in Laparoscopic Colonic Surgery—Impact on Small Bowel Obstruction and Oncologic Outcomes

Warming and humidiﬁcation of insufﬂation gas has been shown to reduce adhesion formation and tumor implantation in the laboratory setting, but clinical evidence is lacking. We aimed to test the hypothesis that warming and humidiﬁcation of insufﬂation CO 2 would lead to reduced adhesion formation, and improve oncologic outcomes in laparoscopic colonic surgery. This was a 5-year follow-up of a multicenter, double-blinded, randomized, controlled trial investigating warming and humidiﬁcation of insufﬂation gas. The study group received warmed (37 8 C), humidiﬁed (98%) insufﬂation carbon dioxide, and the control group received standard gas (19 8 C, 0%). All other aspects of patient care were standardized. Admissions for small bowel obstruction were recorded, as well as whether management was operative or nonoperative. Local and systemic cancer recurrence, 5-year overall survival, and cancer speciﬁc survival rates were also recorded. Eighty two patients were randomized, with 41 in each arm. Groups were well matched at baseline. There was no difference between the study and control groups in the rate of clinical small bowel obstruction (5.7% versus 0%, P 0.226); local recurrence (6.5% versus 6.1%, P 1.000); overall survival (85.7% versus 82.1%, P 0.759); or cancer-speciﬁc survival (90.3% versus 87.9%, P 1.000). Warming and humidiﬁcation of insufﬂation CO 2 in laparoscopic colonic surgery does not appear to confer a clinically signiﬁcant long term beneﬁt in terms of adhesion reduction or oncological outcomes, although a much larger randomized controlled trial (RCT) would be required to conﬁrm this. ClinicalTrials. -gov