Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Adipogenesis in Obesity is Modulated by IP 6 in Peanuts through Activation of the Nuclear Receptors (PPARs)

Increased life style changes have led to global epidemic of obesity. The global prevalence of obesity protracts to increase, with devastating consequences for overall health. Thus by exploring novel beneficial properties of natural products and their scientific indications are the need of the hour and can bring about a whole new revolution in nutraceutical industries and health care sectors. IP 6 (Inositol hexaphosphate) is one of the potent bioactive molecule in peanuts and in many cereals, grains, nuts, legumes and oil seeds. IP 6 is a metal chelator and may interact with minerals, proteins and starch and thus alters the solubility, functionality, digestion and absorption of the food components. The present study warrants to quantify IP 6 , a potent metal chelator present in peanuts a commonly consumed food supplement in India and to identify its role as an anti-obese molecule in 3T3-L1 cells. The content of IP 6 in raw, boiled and roasted peanuts was quantified by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to identify the presence of IP 6 in the various processing methods. IP 6 content in raw peanuts was high when compared to roasted and boiled peanuts. In order to study the influence of IP 6 on 3T3-L1 cells the Oil Red O staining of the adipocytes were done, which showed a dose dependent inflation in the lipid accumulation thereby reducing the circulating lipids which are modulated by the action of the Peroxisome ProliferatorActivated Nuclear Receptors (PPARs). Docking studies revealed that the binding energy of IP 6 with peroxisome proliferator-activated nuclear receptor gamma (PPARγ) is higher than peroxisome proliferator-activated nuclear receptor alpha (PPARα). This was further confirmed by gene expression studies using real time-PCR. However, further studies are warranted in other target genes which mediate pathologies associated to obesity. Abbreviations: IP 6 : Inositol hexaphosphate; DMEM: Dulbecco’s Modified Eagles Medium; MTT: 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide, PDB: Protein Data Bank; RID: Refractive Index Detector; TG: Triglycerides; PPARs: Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Nuclear Receptors; PEPCK: Phosphoenolpyruvate Carboxykinase; PCR: Polymerase Chain Reaction
Significance of Testing Anti-Thyroid Autoantibodies in Patients with Deranged Thyroid Profile

Background We hypothesized that anti-thyroid antibodies are more often positive in individuals with deranged thyroid profile. Methods This prospective cohort was done in Immunology Department, Armed Forces Institute of Pathology, Rawalpindi, Pakistan, from Jan 2017 to Oct 2017. All the samples that were referred to us for testing anti-thyroid antibodies (anti-TPO or anti-TG antibodies) and thyroid profile were included in the study. There were no exclusion criteria. Tests for anti-thyroid antibodies were performed by ELISA and thyroid profile by chemiluminescence. SPSS 23.0 was used for statistical analysis. Results Over a course of a ten-month study period, we received a total of 316 serum samples for anti-TPO/TG antibodies along with thyroid profile testing (TSH). These included 115 males (36.4%) and 201 females (63.6%). Their age ranged from 3 to 89 years (mean ± SD, 42.22 ± 18.09). Anti-TPO antibodies were more often positive when TSH was deranged (p value 0.001). Anti-TPO antibodies are more often raised in females, in terms of both prevalence (p 0.001) and mean rank (p 0.002). Conclusion As anti-thyroid antibodies are more often present when TSH is deranged, such individuals should be screened for anti-thyroid antibodies. This importance of screening is compounded by the fact that anti-thyroid antibodies may be positive in a significant percentage of elderly people.
Variable-rate ultra-reliable and low-latency communication for industrial automation

Ultra-reliable and low-latency communications (URLLC) is an increasingly important aspect of wireless communications in the 5th generation mobile networks (5G) era, specifically in the context of wireless mission-critical communications for factory automation. This paper proposes a pilot-assisted variable rate URLLC scheme for the downlink (DL) of a factory automation network assuming a time-varying fading channel. The proposed scheme consists of two phases: (1) a training phase where the controller estimates the states of the channels to the different sensors and actuators, and (2) a DL phase where the controller transmits a message to every device at a rate adapted to its instantaneous channel state. Numerical analysis shows that the proposed URLLC scheme achieves an extended range of spectral efficiency as compared to schemes with equal-rate transmission and provides robust ultra-reliability across a wide range of data payload sizes. We also show that the proposed scheme exploits multi-user diversity similar to cooperative relaying schemes proposed in the literature.
Anti-inflammatory effects of a novel compound, MPQP, through the inhibition of IRAK1 signaling pathways in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages

Small-molecule inhibitors are widely used to treat a variety of inflammatory diseases. In this study, we found a novel anti-inflammatory compound, 1-[(2R,4S)-2-methyl-4-(phenylamino)-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinolin-1-yl]prop-2-en-1-one (MPQP). It showed strong anti-inflammatory effects in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. These effects were exerted through the inhibition of the production of NO and pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). Furthermore, MPQP decreased the expression levels of inducible NO synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2). Additionally, it mediated the inhibition of the phosphorylation of p38, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), the inhibitor of κBα (IκBα), and their upstream kinases, IκB kinase (IKK) α/β, mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MKK) 3/6, and MKK4. Furthermore, the expression of IL-1 receptor-associated kinase 1 (IRAK1) that regulates NF-κB, p38, and the JNK signaling pathways, was also increased by MPQP. These results indicate that MPQP regulates the IRAK1-mediated inflammatory signaling pathways by targeting IRAK1 or its upstream factors.
Validation of a new health monitoring system (RumiWatch) for combined automatic measurement of rumination, feed intake, water intake and locomotion in dairy cows.

Ruminating activity and feed intake are important non-invasive measurable parameters of ruminant health. In present dairy farming, health problems are causing more than 50% of early cullings of lactating cows. Still a reliable method for automatic measurement of rumination activity and feed intake is not yet available. For this reason a newly developed health monitoring system for dairy cows (RumiWatch) at research station Agroscope Reckenholz-Tanikon ART, Switzerland, aims at the early identification of metabolic problems in ruminants. The sensor-based system enables automatic measurement of rumination, feed intake, water intake and locomotion. It incorporates a noseband sensor, data logger with online data analysis, pedometer and evaluation software. The data are transmitted wireless or using a SD Memory Card to a computer operating the evaluation software. The low-energy system has a focus on long-term (months to several years) operating time at minimized energy consumption. Automatic measurement of parameters is based on a generic algorithm without animal specific learning data. Detailed on-line analysis enables quantification of total rumination time, number of boli and chews per bolus while ruminating. Equivalent analysis is conducted for additional parameters (feed intake, locomotion). For validation of automatic measurement, the evaluation data were analyzed in comparison with direct observation and video observation. Results show that the concordance in quantification of jaw movements by automatic and by visual evaluation was R = 0.7908 for ruminating jaw movements and R = 0.7691 for eating jaw movements. The current RumiWatch health monitoring system is suitable for research and advisory purposes. Going through further stages of development it can contribute to an improved management of animal health to secure animal welfare and profitability of dairy farming.
Few self-involved agents among BC agents can lead to polarized local or global consensus

Social issues are generally discussed by highly-involved and less-involved people to build social norms defining what has to be thought and done about them. As self-involved agents share different attitude dynamics to other agents Wood, Pool et al, 1996, we study the emergence and evolution of norms through an individual-based model involving these two types of agents. The dynamics of self-involved agents is drawn from Huet and Deffuant, 2010, and the dynamics of others, from Deffuant et al, 2001. The attitude of an agent is represented as a segment on a continuous attitudinal space. Two agents are close if their attitude segments share sufficient overlap. Our agents discuss two different issues, one of which, called main issue, is more important for the self-involved agents than the other, called secondary issue. Self-involved agents are attracted on both issues if they are close on main issue, but shift away from their peer's opinion if they are only close on secondary issue. Differently, non-self-involved agents are attracted by other agents when they are close on both the main and secondary issues. We observe the emergence of various types of extreme minor clusters. In one or different groups of attitudes, they can lead to an already-built moderate norm or a norm polarized on secondary and/or main issues. They can also push disagreeing agents gathered in different groups to a global moderate consensus.
Effect of Reformation of the Anterior Chamber by Air or by a Balanced Salt Solution (BSS) on Corneal Endothelium after Phacoemulsification: A Comparative Study

Aim To study the effect of reformation of the anterior chamber by air or by a balanced salt solution, after smooth phacoemulsification on the corneal endothelial count and morphology. Methods A prospective interventional nonrandomized comparative study included 500 eyes of 500 patients with age range between 50 and 60 years, prepared for cataract surgery and presented to the Ophthalmology department of Sohag University Hospital in the period from October 2016 to May 2017. Corneal endothelial morphology and count were examined, and the results were recorded for all cases before the surgery. Patients were divided into two groups, and both groups were diagnosed with grade 2 cataract and underwent uncomplicated phacoemulsification performed by well-trained surgeons. At the end of the surgery, group 1 was subjected to a reformation of the anterior chamber via a balanced salt solution (BSS) injection while group 2 was subjected to a reformation of the anterior chamber via air injection. Corneal endothelial morphology and count were evaluated in the first and 3rd month postoperatively. Results The study included 500 patients (250 in each group), 220 males (44%) and 280 females (56%) with no significant statistical age differences. Both preoperative and postoperative (3 months after the operation) recorded parameters of the corneal endothelium did not show any significant statistical differences. The cumulative dissipated energy was recorded, for all cases of both groups, during phacoemulsification with no significant statistical differences (P = 0.7). Conclusion There is no difference between the effect of reformation of the anterior chamber after phacoemulsification, using air or using a BSS injection, on the corneal endothelial count and morphology.
Computerized Cognitive Training in Children With Autism and Intellectual Disabilities: Feasibility and Satisfaction Study

Background Researchers are increasingly interested in testing and developing computerized cognitive training interventions for individuals with autism spectrum disorder due to the limited accessibility of treatments for this disorder. Understanding the feasibility of testing cognitive interventions for this population is critical, especially for individuals with ASD who have low to moderate intellectual ability. Objective The aim of the study was to evaluate the feasibility of computerized cognitive training as measured by attrition rate and a parent satisfaction survey. Methods A total of 26 participants aged 8-17 years with an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis and significant intellectual impairment were enrolled (mean age 11.1 years). They were instructed to complete 25 sessions of Cogmed Working Memory Training in 5 to 6 weeks with coach assistance. Attrition rate and parent satisfaction surveys were measured after the completion of training. Results Most participants (96%, 25/26) completed the training and indicated high satisfaction (>88%). However, among the participants who completed the training, 5 participants (19%) were unable to finish in 6 weeks, the recommended training period by Cogmed. Parents noted various positive (eg, voice-overs) and negative (eg, particular graphic and sounds associated with a stimulus) features of the game that they thought affected their child’s response. Conclusions Children with autism spectrum disorder and intellectual impairments can successfully participate in computerized cognitive training interventions but may require additional weeks to complete the training beyond the time needed for children without intellectual impairments. The overall completion rate, with extended time to complete the training, was high. Developers of cognitive training programs for this population should take into account potential issues regarding the noise level of stimuli and characteristics of the visual graphics.
Phylogeography of Ptychadena mascareniensis suggests transoceanic dispersal in a widespread African‐Malagasy frog lineage

Aim The Mascarene ridged frog, Ptychadena mascareniensis, is the only African amphibian species thought to occur on Madagascar and on the Seychelles and also Mascarene islands. We explored its phylogenetic relationships and intraspecific genetic differentiation to contribute to the understanding of transoceanic dispersal in amphibians.
Phosphoinositide 3-Kinase Is Integral for the Acute Activity of Leptin and Insulin in Male Arcuate NPY/AgRP Neurons

Abstract Neuropeptide Y (NPY)/Agouti-related protein (AgRP) neurons in the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus are part of a neuroendocrine feedback loop that regulates feeding behavior and glucose homeostasis. NPY/AgRP neurons sense peripheral signals (including the hormones leptin, insulin, and ghrelin) and integrate those signals with inputs from other brain regions. These inputs modify both long-term changes in gene transcription and acute changes in the electrical activity of these neurons, leading to a coordinated response to maintain energy and glucose homeostasis. However, the mechanisms by which the hormones insulin and leptin acutely modify the electrical activity of these neurons remain unclear. In this study, we show that loss of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase catalytic subunits p110α and p110β in AgRP neurons abrogates the leptin- and insulin-induced inhibition of AgRP neurons. Moreover, continual disruption of p110α and p110β in AgRP neurons results in increased weight gain. The increased adiposity was concomitant with a hypometabolic phenotype: decreased energy expenditure independent of changes in food intake. Deficiency of p110α and p110β in AgRP neurons also impaired glucose homeostasis and insulin sensitivity. In summary, these data highlight the requirement of both p110α and p110β in AgRP neurons for the proper regulation of energy balance and glucose homeostasis.
Laparoscopic parastomal hernia repair: A modified technique of mesh placement in Sugarbaker procedure

Introduction: Conventional surgery for parastomal hernia entails primary suture repair or stoma relocation. Laparoscopic surgery has advantages of less pain, faster post-operative recovery and better cosmesis. While the Sugarbaker technique has been valued for least recurrences, however, it exposes the stomal loop to the parietal surface of the mesh exposing it to complications. We report a modification of mesh placement after primary defect repair to improvise the safety of meshplasty and to minimise mesh erosions into the stomal loop of bowel. Patients and Methods: Patients with permanent stoma presenting with a parastomal bulge leading to difficulty with stoma care or abdominal distention or pain were included in the study. A pre-operative computed tomography scan was performed in all patients to rule out any recurrence of primary pathology for which stoma was created and to study the abdominal musculature and defects. Results: Of 14 patients, 12 patients had end-sigmoid stoma, one had end ileostomy following surgery for ulcerative colitis and one had urinary conduit. The size of the defect varied from 4.5 cm to 6 cm in diameter, and the average duration of surgery was 125 min. Pain assessed on VAS score was higher in the first 12 h, and all were started on orals on the next day, and average hospital stay was 4.2 days. The longest follow-up of 7 years and shortest of 15 months did not reveal any complications as recurrence, seroma, mesh infections or erosions into the stoma. Conclusion: Modified placement of composite mesh is safe and helps in minimising mesh-related complications of the Sugarbaker technique for parastomal hernias.
Evaluation of Biofilm Formation and Frequency of Multidrug-resistant and Extended Drug-resistant Strain in Pseudomonas aeruginosa Isolated from Burn Patients in Isfahan

Background: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a biofilm-forming bacterium which can result in serious health problems, particularly in burn patients. Biofilm has been assumed to protect the bacteria from environmental fluctuations such as antimicrobial agent. Mucoid strains generate extensive levels of the alginate exopolysaccharide, which is an important factor of its biofilm. Materials and Methods: Totally, 100 isolates of P. aeruginosa has been gathered from wound infections of burn patients. Polymerase chain reaction of exoA gene has been carried out to confirm the bacteriologic identification of isolates. The biofilm-forming capacity has been specified by capsule staining and microtiter plate test as qualitative and quantitative determination, respectively. Antimicrobial susceptibility of the isolates has been specified by disk diffusion method. Results: All the isolates carried the exoA gene. The antibiotic resistance was imipenem (90%); levofloxacin (93%); aztreonam (87%); piperacillin-tazobactam (85%); tobramycin (92%); polymyxin b (PB) (2%); and ceftazidime (CAZ) (32%). Totally, multidrug-resistant (MDR) and extended drug-resistant (XDR) isolates were 19% and 75%, respectively. Fortunately, pan drug-resistant (PDR) strain has not been observed. The assessment of biofilm formation has shown that 7% of the isolates were nonbiofilm (N), weak (W) 67%, moderate (M) 22%, and strong (S) 4%. Conclusions: As a result, the findings of this survey indicated that PB and CAZ were the most effective antibiotics against P. aeruginosa, which of course indicate a serious problem about the emergence of the PDR strains. There was no relationship between the patterns of biofilm production and antibiotic susceptibility, but high frequency of MDR/XDR and biofilm producer strains has been detected.
Genomic, Marker-Assisted, and Pedigree-BLUP Selection Methods for β-Glucan Concentration in Elite Oat

b-glucan, a soluble fiber found in oat ( Avena sativa L.) grain, is good for human health, and selection for higher levels of this compound is regarded as an important breeding objective. recent advances in oat DNA markers pres - ent an opportunity to investigate new selection methods for polygenic traits such as b -glucan concentration. our objectives in this study were to compare genomic, marker-assisted, and best linear unbiased prediction (BLUp )-based phe- notypic selection for short-term response to selection and ability to maintain genetic variance for b-glucan concentration. Starting with a col - lection of 446 elite oat lines from North America, each method was conducted for two cycles. The average b-glucan concentration increased from 4.57 g/100 g in Cycle 0 to between 6.66 and 6.88 g/100 g over the two cycles. The aver - ages of marker-based selection methods in Cycle 2 were greater than those of phenotypic selection (0.08). progenies with the highest b-glucan came from the marker-based selection methods. Marker-assisted selection (MAS) for higher b-glucan concentration resulted in a later heading date. We also found that marker-based selection methods maintained greater genetic variance than did BLUp phenotypic selection, potentially enabling greater future selection gains. overall, the results of these experiments suggest that genomic selection is a superior method for selecting a polygenic complex trait like b-glucan concentration.
Nerve conduction models in myelinated and unmyelinated nerves based on three-dimensional electrostatic interaction

Until now, nerve conduction has been described on the basis of equivalent circuit model and cable theory, both of which supposed closed electric circuits spreading inside and outside the axoplasm. With these conventional models, we can simulate the propagating pattern of action potential along the axonal membrane based on Ohm’s law and Kirchhoff’s law. However, we could not fully explain the different conductive patterns in unmyelinated and myelinated nerves with these theories. Also, whether we can really suppose closed electrical circuits in the actual site of the nerves or not has not been fully discussed yet. In this report, a recently introduced new theoretical model of nerve conduction based on electrostatic molecular interactions within the axoplasm will be reviewed. With this new approach, we can explain the different conductive patterns in unmyelinated and myelinated nerves. This new mathematical conductive model based on electrostatic compressional wave in the intracellular fluid may also be able to explain the signal integration in the neuronal cell body and the back-propagation mechanism from the axons to the dendrites. With this new mathematical nerve conduction model based on electrostatic molecular interactions within the intracellular fluid, we may be able to achieve an integrated explanation for the physiological phenomena taking place in the nervous system.