Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Using NMR-Based Metabolomics to Evaluate Postprandial Urinary Responses Following Consumption of Minimally Processed Wheat Bran or Wheat Aleurone by Men and Women

Wheat bran, and especially wheat aleurone fraction, are concentrated sources of a wide range of components which may contribute to the health benefits associated with higher consumption of whole-grain foods. This study used NMR metabolomics to evaluate urine samples from baseline at one and two hours postprandially, following the consumption of minimally processed bran, aleurone or control by 14 participants (7 Females; 7 Males) in a randomized crossover trial. The methodology discriminated between the urinary responses of control, and bran and aleurone, but not between the two fractions. Compared to control, consumption of aleurone or bran led to significantly and substantially higher urinary concentrations of lactate, alanine, N-acetylaspartate acid and N-acetylaspartylglutamate and significantly and substantially lower urinary betaine concentrations at one and two hours postprandially. There were sex related differences in urinary metabolite profiles with generally higher hippurate and citrate and lower betaine in females compared to males. Overall, this postprandial study suggests that acute consumption of bran or aleurone is associated with a number of physiological effects that may impact on energy metabolism and which are consistent with longer term human and animal metabolomic studies that used whole-grain wheat diets or wheat fractions.
A pharmacokinetic comparison of two voriconazole formulations and the effect of CYP2C19 polymorphism on their pharmacokinetic profiles

Purpose SYP-1018 is a lyophilized polymeric nanoparticle formulation of voriconazole that is under development for intravenous dosing. This study compared the pharmacokinetic and tolerability profiles of SYP-1018 with those of Vfend®, the marketed formulation of voriconazole. The effect of CYP2C19 polymorphism on the voriconazole pharmacokinetics was also evaluated. Methods An open-label, two-treatment, two-period, two-sequence crossover study was conducted in 52 healthy male volunteers, who randomly received a single intravenous infusion of either of the two voriconazole formulations at 200 mg. Blood samples were collected up to 24 hours after drug administration for pharmacokinetic analysis. The plasma concentrations of voriconazole were determined using liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry, and the pharmacokinetic parameters were estimated using a noncompartmental method. CYP2C19 genotype was identified in 51 subjects. Results The geometric mean ratio (90% confidence interval) of SYP-1018 to Vfend® was 0.99 (0.93–1.04) for the maximum plasma concentrations (Cmax) and 0.97 (0.92–1.01) for the area under the concentration–time curve (AUC) from dosing to the last quantifiable concentration (AUClast). Nineteen homozygous extensive metabolizers (EMs, *1/*1), 19 intermediate metabolizers (IMs, *1/*2 or *1/*3), and ten poor metabolizers (PMs, *2/*2, *2/*3, or *3/*3) were identified, and the pharmacokinetic comparability between SYP-1018 and Vfend® was also noted when analyzed separately by genotype. The systemic exposure to voriconazole was greatest in the PM group, followed by the IM, and then the EM groups. Furthermore, the intrasubject variability for Cmax and AUClast was greater in IMs and PMs than in EMs. No serious adverse event occurred, and both treatments were well tolerated. Conclusion SYP-1018 had comparable pharmacokinetic and tolerability profiles to Vfend® after a single intravenous infusion. CYP2C19 genotype affected not only the pharmacokinetics of voriconazole, but its intrasubject variability. SYP-1018 can be further developed as a clinically effective alternative to Vfend®.
Wearable Technology Design for Autism Spectrum Disorders

Background Wearable technologies have the potential to increase the quality of life and wellness for individuals with ASD and their families. However, there is a lack of research on WT for ASD and no research on understanding users. Thus, this interdisciplinary research was conducted to understand important design factors and preferred functions and design attributes for WT for ASD to guide the design process in the early-stages, and to develop and evaluate a WT prototype for ASD.
Geographical variation in male genitalia in Brachyrhaphis episcopi (Poeciliidae): is it sexually or naturally selected?

Male poeciliid fishes inseminate females using an intromittent organ called the gonopodium. Here we report on natural variation in gonopodium size both within and between 12 populations of the freshwater fish Brachyrhaphis episcopi (Poeciliidae) in Panama. We show that males from sites with more predatory fish species have, on average, a relatively longer gonopodium than males inhabiting sites with fewer predatory fish. Gonopodium length was not correlated with the site-specific adult sex ratio and the average sex ratio was more strongly female biased at sites with more predatory fish. The gonopodium exhibited lower phenotypic variance than the average for sexually selected traits and it generally showed negative allometry. Our results are similar to those reported for the guppy Poecilia reticulata. Two alternative hypotheses for these findings are discussed. First, that population differences are sexually selected. Second, that they are an incidental consequence of environmental differences between sites. Specifically, that higher water flow rates select for enlarged fin size and stockier bodies in downstream sites where predatory fish are more common.
The effect of missing RR-interval data on heart rate variability analysis in the frequency domain

In this study, optimal methods for re-sampling and spectral estimation in frequency-domain heart rate variability (HRV) analysis were investigated through a simulation using artificial RR-interval data. Nearest-neighbour, linear, cubic spline and piecewise cubic Hermite interpolation methods were considered for re-sampling and representative non-parametric, parametric, and uneven approaches were used for spectral estimation. Based on this result, the effects of missing RR-interval data on frequency-domain HRV analysis were observed through the simulation of missing data using real RR-interval tachograms. For this simulation, data including the simulated artefact section (0–100 s) were used; these data were selected randomly from the real RR data obtained from the MIT-BIH normal sinus rhythm RR-interval database. In all, 7182 tachograms of 5 min durations were used for this analysis. The analysis for certain missing data durations is performed by 100 Monte Carlo runs. TF, VLF, LF and HF were estimated as the frequency-domain parameters in each run, and the normalized errors between the data with and without the missing data duration for these parameters were calculated. Rules obtained from the results of these simulations were evaluated with real missing RR-interval data derived from a capacitive-coupled ECG during sleep.
Physical recovery in Arthroscopic knee surgery: unique contributions of coping behaviors to clinical outcomes and stress reactivity

Few studies have examined whether certain coping behaviors are associated with physical outcomes following surgery. This prospective, longitudinal study investigated the effect of active and avoidant coping behaviors on two physical outcomes over time, pain and knee function, in a group of patients experiencing knee arthroscopic surgery (n = 81). Structured interviews and physician clinical assessments were conducted preoperatively and at 3 and 24 weeks postoperatively. Coping behavior was assessed during the preoperative interview, and patients were divided into high and low avoidant and active coping groups. Using repeated measures MANCOVA/ANCOVA, avoidant coping was significantly associated with knee pain and active coping was associated with knee function. Serum cortisol levels were available for a patient subset (n = 16); higher cortisol was related to both avoidant coping and poorer functioning during early recovery. Results suggest that these divergent coping behaviors are differentially associated with stress reactivity and physical outcomes in healthy patients undergoing minor knee surgery.
A review of the literature on the cognitive effects of alcohol hangover.

AIMS Alcohol misuse is a prime social and health problem in the UK. This paper presents a critical review of literature on the performance effects in the morning after binge drinking - during the alcohol hangover. Several pathophysiological changes that both follow and outlast acute intoxication may give rise to alcohol hangover effects. We have identified 27 English language peer-reviewed studies that investigate aspects of psychological performance during alcohol hangover following controlled alcohol ingestion. However, the majority of studies had basic methodological shortcomings. Of eight laboratory studies rigorous enough to warrant serious attention, only two showed effects. We interpret these largely negative findings as evidence of an insensitivity that is intrinsic to laboratory-based studies of performance under the influence of alcohol. Several studies have investigated the cognitive consequences of hangover subsequent to naturalistic consumption, where participants have chosen what and where to drink. Although these studies have tended to show effects, participants were always informed at the outset that hangover effects were to be assessed, and participants knew which was the hangover condition. Under these circumstances expectancy effects have possibly contaminated the results significantly. Therefore, naturalistic alcohol consumption studies (and laboratory studies that did not employ a placebo) can be considered as being suggestive of hangover effects, but should not be interpreted as providing definitive evidence of such effects. In conclusion, although there is empirical evidence showing impaired performance as a result of the alcohol hangover, future studies should confirm these findings and overcome the shortcomings of previous research.
Acetylation of optically transparent cellulose nanopaper for high thermal and moisture resistance in a flexible device substrate

Optically transparent cellulose nanopaper is a promising candidate for flexible device substrates because it is lightweight, has a smooth surface and high dimensional stability against temperature. However, the moisture and thermal resistance should be improved, while maintaining high transparency for application. In a transparent polymer composite reinforced with cellulose nanofibers, these properties were improved by cellulose acetylation, which were fabricated by starting from acetylated pulps or rinsing acetylated nanofiber film with water. However, these acetylation procedures reduce the transparency of cellulose nanopaper because the hydrophobic nature of acetyl groups produce inhomogeneous aggregations of cellulose nanofibers, which cause light scattering. Therefore, we propose a new procedure of acetylated cellulose nanopaper by rinsing with low polarity solvents such as toluene. The acetylated cellulose nanopaper obtained shows improved moisture and thermal resistance, and maintained optical transparency. The moisture and thermal resistance increase with the degree of acetyl group substitutions. The total transmittance, haze, crystallinity, coefficient of thermal expansions, dielectric constant, and dielectric loss are constant for varying DSs. These findings promote the application of transparent cellulose nanopaper in flexible device substrates.
Cytotoxic activity of Thai medicinal plants for cancer treatment

Saetung, A. , Itharat, A. , Dechsukum, C. , Keawpradub, K. , Wattanapiromsakul, C. , and Ratanasuwan, P. Cytotoxic activity of Thai medicinal plants for cancer treatment Songklanakarin J. Sci. Technol. , 2005, 27(Suppl. 2) : 469-478 Twelve Thai medicinal plants as the ingredients of a Southern Thai traditional formula for cancer treatment were selected to test cytotoxicity activity against two types of human cancer cell lines ; large cell lung carcinoma (CORL-23) and prostate cancer cell lines (PC3) and one type of normal human cell line, fibroblast cells (10FS). SRB assay was used to test cytotoxic activity against all the cell types. Two of the extracts (water and ethanolic extracts) procedures used were similar to those practised by Thai traditional doctors. One concentration (50 μg/ml) of two different extracts was tested first against cell lines and the active plant extracts were diluted and tested for calculating IC50. The ethanolic extracts of six plants (Bridelia ovata, Curcuma zedoaria, Derris scandens, Dioscorea membranacea, Nardostachys jatamansi and Rhinacanthus nasutus) showed cytotoxic activity (IC50< 30 μg/ml) against lung and prostate cancer cell lines. Dioscorea membranacea roots showed the highest cytotoxic activity against lung cancer cell lines ( IC50= 4.6 μg/ml) but it exhibited low cytotoxic activity against prostate cancer cell lines (IC50= 17.55 μg/ml) and less cytotoxic activity against normal cell lines (IC50= 66.05 μg/ml). Curcuma zedoaria showed cytotoxic activity against COR L-23 and PC3 but less cytotoxic activity against 10FS (IC50 = 6.05, 17.84 and 55.50 μg/ml respectively) Rhinacanthus nasutus root extract showed the highest cytotoxic activity against PC3 ( IC50 = 2.01 μg/ml) and this extract also showed high activity against COR L-23 and 10FS (IC50=5.05 and 10.95 μg/ml respectively). The water extract 1Graduate student in Pharmacognosy, 2Ph.D. (Pharmacognosy), Assoc. Prof., 4Ph.D. (Phytochemistry), 5Ph.D. (Pharmacognosy), Asst. Prof, 6B.Sc. (Biology), Scientist, Department of Pharmacognosy and Pharmaceutical Botany, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 3Ph.D. (Pathology), Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkhla University, Hat Yai, Songkhla 90112, Thailand. Corresponding e-mail: arunporn.i@psu.ac. th Received, 12 August 2004 Accepted, 17 November 2004 ORIGINAL ARTICLE Songklanakarin J. Sci. Technol. Vol. 27 (Suppl. 2), 2005 : Thai Herbs 470 Cytotoxicity activity of Thai medicinal plants
The Effects of Xylitol Gum on the Bacterial Composition of Saliva and Plaque

1 School of Dentistry, Faculty of Medical Sciences, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago. 2 Department of Paraclinical Sciences, Faculty of Medical Sciences, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago. 3 Department of Preclinical Sciences, Faculty of Medical Sciences, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago. International Journal of Dentistry and Oral Science (IJDOS) ISSN: 2377-8075
A case study of campus-based flexible learning using the World Wide Web and computer conferencing

In line with departments in many other universities, the IT Institute (ITI) has experienced an increase in student numbers which has not been matched by a commensurate increase in funding or staff numbers. Staff to student ratios have increased to the point where it has become impractical for small group tutorials to take place. This position has affected job satisfaction and caused increasing doubts over the effectiveness of large group lectures for student learning. Furthermore, it has been recognized that over the last ten years the makeup of the student population has radically changed, leading to a larger proportion of 'nontraditional' students such as mature students with family responsibilities. Related to this, many students are now in part-time or even full-time employment. It is recognized that both these groups require greater flexibility in the time and place of their learning. DOI: 10.1080/0968776980060306
Cannabidiol changes P-gp and BCRP expression in trophoblast cell lines

Objectives. Marijuana is the most commonly used illicit drug during pregnancy. Due to high lipophilicity, cannabinoids can easily penetrate physiological barriers like the human placenta and jeopardize the developing fetus. We evaluated the impact of cannabidiol (CBD), a major non-psychoactive cannabinoid, on P-glycoprotein (P-gp) and Breast Cancer Resistance Protein (BCRP) expression, and P-gp function in a placental model, BeWo and Jar choriocarcinoma cell lines (using P-gp induced MCF7 cells (MCF7/P-gp) for comparison). Study design. Following the establishment of the basal expression of these transporters in the membrane fraction of all three cell lines, P-gp and BCRP protein and mRNA levels were determined following chronic (24–72 h) exposure to CBD, by Western Blot and qPCR. CBD impact on P-gp efflux function was examined by uptake of specific P-gp fluorescent substrates (calcein-AM, DiOC2(3) and rhodamine123(rh123)). Cyclosporine A (CsA) served as a positive control. Results. Chronic exposure to CBD resulted in significant changes in the protein and mRNA levels of both transporters. While P-gp was down-regulated, BCRP levels were up-regulated in the choriocarcinoma cell lines. CBD had a remarkably different influence on P-gp and BCRP expression in MCF7/P-gp cells, demonstrating that these are cell type specific effects. P-gp dependent efflux (of calcein, DiOC2(3) and rh123) was inhibited upon short-term exposure to CBD. Conclusions. Our study shows that CBD might alter P-gp and BCRP expression in the human placenta, and inhibit P-gp efflux function. We conclude that marijuana use during pregnancy may reduce placental protective functions and change its morphological and physiological characteristics.
Inhibitory Effects of Human Primary Intervertebral Disc Cells on Human Primary Osteoblasts in a Co-Culture System

Spinal fusion is a common surgical procedure to address a range of spinal pathologies, like damaged or degenerated discs. After the removal of the intervertebral disc (IVD), a structural spacer is positioned followed by internal fixation, and fusion of the degenerated segment by natural bone growth. Due to their osteoinductive properties, bone morphogenetic proteins (BMP) are applied to promote spinal fusion. Although spinal fusion is successful in most patients, the rates of non-unions after lumbar spine fusion range from 5% to 35%. Clinical observations and recent studies indicate, that the incomplete removal of disc tissue might lead to failure of spinal fusion. Yet, it is still unknown if a secretion of BMP antagonists in intervertebral disc (IVD) cells could be the reason of inhibition in bone formation. In this study, we co-cultured human primary osteoblasts (OB) and IVD cells i.e., nucleus pulposus (NPC), annulus fibrosus (AFC) and cartilaginous endplate cells (CEPC), to test the possible inhibitory effect from IVD cells on OB. Although we could see a trend in lower matrix mineralization in OB co-cultured with IVD cells, results of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and gene expression of major bone genes were inconclusive. However, in NPC, AFC and CEPC beads, an up-regulation of several BMP antagonist genes could be detected. Despite being able to show several indicators for an inhibition of osteoinductive effects due to IVD cells, the reasons for pseudarthrosis after spinal fusion remain unclear.
Prostacyclin and PPARα Agonists Control Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Apoptosis and Phenotypic Switch through Distinct 14-3-3 Isoforms

We hypothesized that prostacyclin (PGI2) protects vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) against apoptosis and phenotypic switch through peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α (PPARα) activation and 14-3-3 upregulation. Here we showed that transfection of rat aortic VSMC, A-10, with PGI2-producing vectors, Ad-COPI, resulted in attenuated H2O2-induced apoptosis accompanied by a selective increase in 14-3-3β and 14-3-3θ expression. Carbaprostacyclin (cPGI2) and Wy14,643 exerted a similar effect. The effects of PGI2 were abrogated by MK886, a PPARα antagonist, but not GSK3787, a PPARδ antagonist. PPARα transfection upregulated 14-3-3β and θ expression and attenuated H2O2-induced apoptosis. H2O2-induced 14-3-3β but not 14-3-3θ degradation was blocked by a caspase 3 inhibitor. Furthermore, 14-3-3β but not 14-3-3θ overexpression reduced, while 14-3-3β siRNA aggravated apoptosis. VSMC contractile proteins and serum response factor (SRF) were reduced in H2O2-treated A-10 cells which were concurrently prevented by caspase 3 inhibitor. By contrast, PGI2 prevented H2O2-induced SM22α and Calponin-1 degradation without influencing SRF. cPGI2 and Wy14,643 also effectively blocked VSMC phenotypic switch induced by growth factors (GFs). GFs suppressed 14-3-3β, θ, ε and η isoforms and cPGI2 prevented the decline of β, θ and η, but not ε. 14-3-3θ siRNA abrogated the protective effect of cPGI2 on SM22α and Calponin-1 while 14-3-3 θ or 14-3-3β overexpression partially restored SM22α. These results indicated that PGI2 protects VSMCs via PPARα by upregulating 14-3-3β and 14-3-3θ. 14-3-3β upregulation confers resistance to apoptosis whereas 14-3-3θ and β upregulation protects SM22α and Calponin-1 from degradation.
Large-area compatible fabrication and encapsulation of inkjet-printed humidity sensors on flexible foils with integrated thermal compensation

This work reports on the design, fabrication and characterization of an inkjet-printedmultisensing platformon flexible polymeric substrates integrated into a printed semi-passive high frequency radio frequency identification (HFRFID) smart label. The printed platformwas integrated after fabrication to themain RFID carrier, which contained anNFCRFID chip, amicroprocessor, a readout frontend and a screen-printed circuitry and antenna. Themultisensing platformhas channels for capacitive vapor detection (i.e. humidity), two channels for resistive-based vapor detection (i.e. ammonia)with heating capability, and one resistive channel for temperature detection (RTD). Amodular approach was employedwhere the sensing platformwas integrated to the base RFID label carrier using foil-tofoil integration techniques compatible with large area fabrication. Besides wireless communication, the semi-passive label possesses data logging and the possibility ofmeasuring all the sensors simultaneously through a direct readout circuitry. In addition to individual sensor characterization, the full functionality of the smart label was successfully demonstrated bymeasuring different temperature, humidity and ammonia levels.
Lifetime adiposity and risk of pancreatic cancer in the NIH-AARP Diet and Health Study cohort.

BACKGROUND The association of excess body weight across a lifetime with pancreatic cancer has not been examined extensively. OBJECTIVE We determined the association for body mass index (BMI) at different ages and adiposity duration and gain with incident pancreatic adenocarcinoma in the NIH-AARP Diet and Health Study cohort. DESIGN Participants aged 50-71 y completed questionnaires at baseline (1995-1996) and 6 months later that queried height and weight history. We calculated HRs and 95% CIs by using Cox proportional hazards models adjusted for age, smoking, sex, and intakes of energy and total fat. RESULTS Over an average follow-up of 10.5 y, 1206 and 2122 pancreatic cancer cases were identified in the subcohort who completed the second questionnaire (n = 273,975) and the baseline cohort (n = 501,698), respectively. Compared with normal weight, overweight or obesity at ages 18, 35, 50, or >50 y (baseline BMI) was significantly associated with pancreatic cancer, with HRs ranging from 1.15 to 1.53. A longer duration of BMI (in kg/m(2)) >25.0 was significantly associated with pancreatic cancer (overall HR per 10-y increment of duration: 1.06; 95% CI: 1.02, 1.09), with individuals who reported diabetes having the greatest risk (HR per 10-y increment of duration: 1.18; 95% CI: 1.05, 1.32; P-interaction = 0.01) and rates. A substantial gain in adiposity (>10 kg/m(2)) after age 50 y was significantly associated with increased pancreatic cancer risk. The etiologic fraction of pancreatic cancer explained by adiposity at any age was 14% overall and 21% in never smokers. CONCLUSION Overweight and obesity at any age are associated with increased pancreatic cancer.