Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Smith ScholarWorks Smith ScholarWorks

Background: Hepatocytes, the parenchymal cells of the liver, express core clock genes, such as Period2 and Cryptochrome2 , which are involved in the transcriptional/translational feedback loop of the circadian clock. Whether or not the liver is capable of sustaining rhythms independent of a central pacemaker is controversial. Whether and how circadian information may be shared among cells in the liver in order to sustain oscillations is currently unknown. Results: In this study we isolated primary hepatocytes from transgenic Per2 Luc mice and used bioluminescence as a read-out of the state of the circadian clock. Hepatocytes cultured in a collagen gel sandwich configuration exhibited persistent circadian rhythms for several weeks. The amplitude of the rhythms damped, but medium changes consistently reset the phase and amplitude of the cultures. Cry2 2 / 2 Per2 Luc cells oscillated robustly and expressed a longer period. Co-culturing with wildtype cells did not significantly shorten the period, indicating that coupling among hepatocytes is insufficient to synchronize cells with significantly differing periods. However, spatial patterns revealed by cellular imaging of wildtype cultures provided evidence of weak local coupling among the hepatocytes. Conclusions: Our results with primary hepatocyte cultures demonstrate that cultured hepatocytes are weakly coupled. While this coupling is not sufficient to sustain global synchrony, it does increase local synchrony, which may stabilize the circadian rhythms of peripheral oscillators, such as the liver, against noise in the entraining signals.
Biological activities and characterization of polysaccharides from the three Australian Sweet Lupins

ABSTRACT Lupin is a major rotational crop produced abundantly in Australia. Three varieties of sweet lupins are grown in Australia depending on soil types and climatic conditions; these are white lupin (Lupinus albus), blue lupin (Lupinus angustifolius), and yellow lupin (Lupinus luteus). In this study, polysaccharides from the three lupin species have been extracted with hot water and a range of their biological activities investigated. The antioxidant activities of lupin polysaccharides have been measured in terms of ABTS•+ radical and hydroxyl radical scavenging activities, and their affinity to chelate with iron. Immune-enhancing power of the lupin polysaccharides was examined by measuring their capacity to stimulate the macrophages (RAW 264.7) to release TNF-α and nitric oxide. The prebiotic activities were determined against the beneficial probiotics such as Lactobacillus rhamnosus DR20, Lactobacillus acidophilus LAFTI L10, Bifidobacterium lactis DR10, and Bifidobacterium animalis BB-12. Polysaccharides from the three lupin species have exhibited significant antioxidant, immunostimulatory, and prebiotic activities. The results demonstrated that blue lupins displayed the best activities, and therefore are expected to possess high potential to be used as nutraceutical and functional ingredients with significant therapeutic value. FT-IR spectroscopic technique was employed for a preliminary structural characterization. Studies involving surface morphology and thermal behavior have indicated that the lupin polysaccharides are suitable for end product development.
Colornets: crop protection and light-quality manipulation in one technology

Nets are commonly used to protect agricultural crops from either excessive solar radiation, or environmental hazards, or pests. We are developing a new concept, by which the nets are used for specific modification of sunlight, concomitant with improving the microclimate, and providing the desired physical protection. A series of ColorNet products was produced, each net differentially modifying the spectrum (in the visible, and/or UV, FR or IR regions) of the incident radiation, and at the same time enriching the relative content of scattered light. The spectral manipulation promotes physiological responses, while light scattering improves light penetration into the plant canopy. The approach aims at combining as many benefits as possible in one technology. The ColorNet approach was evaluated during the past seven years in numerous ornamentals, edible field crops, fruit trees and vineyards. The benefits of the colored-netting approach, include extending the harvest season (early and late maturation), and improving the yield, product quality and the overall agro-economical performance of agricultural crops.
JOURNAL ARTICLE PRE-PROOF (as accepted)

Introduction: Risky drinking (RD) is associated with an increased risk of chronic and infectious diseases, injuries, and violence. This study aimed to assess changes in risky drinking (RD) in Brazil after COVID-19 outbreak, both overall and among individuals with self-reported chronic diseases and mental health disorders. Methods: We conducted three independent, anonymous web surveys in Brazil including adult participants: S1 (April/2020, n=19,257), S2 (August/2020, n=1,590), and S3 (January/2021, n=859). Participants were recruited through adapted snowball sampling and sponsored social network advertisements. RD was assessed using the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test-Concise, designed to identify individuals at risk of alcohol-related problems. Logistic regression analyses with bootstrapping (B=2,000) were performed, with stratification by sex, age, education, employment, household size, and the presence of chronic and mental health conditions, as well as lifestyle factors, to address sample imbalances. Results: The estimated prevalence of RD was 45.8% [95%CI 45.5, 46.1] in S1, 35.3% [95%CI 34.9, 35.6] in S2, and 33.7%
Macroeconomic Determinants of Public Debt in Tanzania: Empirical Evidence and lessons for Post COVID-19 Recovery

This study examines the macroeconomic determinants of public debt in Tanzania for the 1970-2019 period employing the ARDL model. The estimated results from the ARDL bound test reveal the presence of co-integration amongst the macroeconomic determinants of public debt. Moreover, in the short run, the ARDL shows that there is significant evidence that imports and government spending positively affect public debt while inflation rate affects public debt negatively, and the effect of foreign direct investment on public debt is statistically indistinguishable from zero. The study recommends that the governments of Tanzania should pursue sound macroeconomic policies that reduce public debt, while at the same time ensuring that resources are directed towards productive sectors of the economy in order to boost domestic production and increased revenue and export performance during the post-COVID 19.
MIT Open Access Articles Neurobiology of dyslexia

Dyslexia is one of the most common learning disabilities, yet its brain basis and core causes are not yet fully understood. Neuroimaging methods, including structural and functional magnetic resonance imaging, diffusion tensor imaging, and electrophysiology, have significantly contributed to knowledge about the neurobiology of dyslexia. Recent studies have discovered brain differences prior to formal instruction that likely encourage or discourage learning to read effectively, distinguished between brain differences that likely reflect the etiology of dyslexia versus brain differences that are the consequences of variation in reading experience, and identified distinct neural networks associated with specific psychological factors that are associated with dyslexia.
Diabetes across the lifespan: A comparative analysis of clinical and biochemical profiles in type 2 diabetes mellitus

Introduction : Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a pervasive and complex metabolic disorder that has emerged as a global health concern. T2DM is frequently associated with alterations in various biochemical markers, such as increased levels of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and abnormal lipid profiles. T2DM is traditionally associated with middle-aged and older individuals, there is a growing recognition of its occurrence in younger age groups also. This research study aims to study the clinical and biochemical profiles in diverse age groups. Materials and Methods : The study commenced after obtaining ethics approval from the Institute Ethics Committee (AIIMS/BBN/ IEC/ APR/2021/32/10.5.2021). The study participants included 100 patients with type 2 DM of both genders. A complete general physical examination including height, weight, blood pressure, pulse rate, and waist and hip circumference was done. Blood samples were collected to assess the glycemic status and lipid profile. Neuropathy assessment was done using the Michigan neuropathy screening instrument [MNSI] and Temperature threshold testing. Results : The waist circumference and hip circumference are significantly higher in the group III (41-50) and IV (51-60). The glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) is significantly higher in group I (20-30) and II (31-40). The TG levels are also significantly higher in group III and IV in comparison to other groups. The presence of neuropathy is also significantly higher in group III, IV and V (>60). A significant positive correlation of age with years of DM, SBP and the presence of neuropathy can be observed. Conclusion : The triglycerides and HbA1c are higher in middle-aged patients, specifying the need to intervene and for tight control. The neuropathy is increased in older patients especially after 40 years, further emphasizing the proper control on lipid and glycemic profiles to delay the early onset of complications.
What is a relevant connective? (cid:63)

There appears to be few, if any, limits on what sorts of logical connectives can be added to a given logic. One source of potential limitations is the motivating ideology associated with a logic. While extraneous to the logic, the motivating ideology is often important for the development of formal and philosophical work on that logic, as is the case with intuitionistic logic. One family of logics for which the philosophical ideology is important is the family of relevant logics. In this paper, I explore the limits of what a relevant connective is, showing how some basic criteria motivated by the ideology of relevant logicians provide robust limits on potential connectives. These criteria provide some plausible necessary conditions on being a relevant connective.
On the size of the Antarctic ozone hole

A primary estimate of the severity of the Antarctic ozone hole is its size. The size is calculated from the area contained by total column ozone values less than 220 Dobson Units (DU) during September–October. The 220‐DU value is used because it is lower than pre‐1980 observed ozone values, and because it is in the strong ozone gradient region. We quantitatively show that the ozone hole size is primarily sensitive to effective stratospheric chlorine trends, and secondarily to the year‐to‐year variations in temperatures near the edge of the polar vortex. Temperatures are in turn sensitive to variations in tropospheric planetary wave forcing of the Southern Hemisphere stratosphere. Currently the average hole size reaches approximately 25 million km2 each spring. Slow decreases of ozone depleting substances will only result in a decrease of about 1 million km2 by 2015. This slow size decrease will be obscured by large dynamically forced year‐to‐year variations of 4 million km2 (1σ), and possibly delayed by greenhouse gas cooling of the Antarctic stratosphere.
Therapeutic Effect of an Ursolic Acid-Based Nutraceutical on Neuronal Regeneration after Sciatic Nerve Injury

Peripheral nerve injuries lead to severe functional impairments and long recovery times, with limited effectiveness and accessibility of current treatments. This has increased interest in natural bioactive compounds, such as ursolic acid (UA). Our study evaluated the effect of an oleolyte rich in UA from white grape pomace (WGPO) on neuronal regeneration in mice with induced sciatic nerve resection, administered concurrently with the induced damage (the WGPO group) and 10 days prior (the PRE-WGPO group). The experiment was monitored at two-time points (4 and 10 days) after injury. After 10 days, the WGPO group demonstrated a reduction in muscle atrophy, evidenced by an increased number and diameter of muscle fibers and a decreased Atrogin-1 and Murf-1 expression relative to the denervated control. It was also observed that 85.7% of neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) were fully innervated, as indicated by the colocalization of α-bungarotoxin and synaptophysin, along with the significant modulation of Oct-6 and S-100. The PRE-WGPO group showed a more beneficial effect on nerve fiber reformation, with a significant increase in myelin protein zero and 95.2% fully innervated NMJs, and a pro-hypertrophic effect in resting non-denervated muscles. Our findings suggest WGPO as a potential treatment for various conditions that require the repair of nerve and muscle injuries.
Targeted Glioma Therapy—Clinical Trials and Future Directions

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common type of glioma, with a median survival of 14.6 months post-diagnosis. Understanding the molecular profile of such tumors allowed the development of specific targeted therapies toward GBM, with a major role attributed to tyrosine kinase receptor inhibitors and immune checkpoint inhibitors. Targeted therapeutics are drugs that work by specific binding to GBM-specific or overexpressed markers on the tumor cellular surface and therefore contain a recognition moiety linked to a cytotoxic agent, which produces an antiproliferative effect. In this review, we have summarized the available information on the targeted therapeutics used in clinical trials of GBM and summarized current obstacles and advances in targeted therapy concerning specific targets present in GBM tumor cells, outlined efficacy endpoints for major classes of investigational drugs, and discussed promising strategies towards an increase in drug efficacy in GBM.
Early and Late Readmissions of Radiation Proctitis in the United States: Are We Getting Better?

Background/Aims: Radiation proctitis (RP), a well-known complication of pelvic radiation therapy, may lead to recurrent hospitalizations. We aimed to assess readmissions of RP in the United States. Methods: We analyzed the Nationwide Readmission Database from 2016 to 2020 to identify all 30-, 60-, and 90-day readmissions of RP in the United States. Hospitalization characteristics, predictors, clinical outcomes, and healthcare burdens were assessed. Results: From 2016 to 2020, we noted a declining trend of 30-, 60-, and 90-day readmissions of RP in the US. However, the all-cause 30-, 60-, and 90-day readmission rates of RP were still high at 13.7%, 19.4%, and 23.16%, respectively. On readmission, RP was identified as the admitting diagnosis in only 20.61%, 17.87%, and 15.76% of 30-, 60-, and 90-day readmissions, respectively. The mean age for all readmissions was 70 years with a significant male dominance. Lower endoscopy at index admission reduced the risk of readmissions within 90 days, but this was not statistically significant. However, the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) score was an independent predictor of all readmissions. Furthermore, the mean length of stay was 5.57 (95% CI 5.15–6), 5.50 (95% CI 5.12–5.89), and 5.47 (95% CI 5.07–5.87) days and the mean hospitalization charge was USD 60,451 (95% CI USD 54,728–66,174), USD 62,671 (95% CI USD 57,326–68,015), and USD 62,144 (95% CI USD 57,144–67,144) for 30-, 60-, and 90-day readmissions. The all-cause inpatient mortality for 30-, 60-, and 90-day readmissions was 3.58%, 3.89%, and 3.46%, respectively. Conclusions: RP readmissions are a significant healthcare burden. Further efforts must be directed toward improving management strategies to reduce readmission rates.
Differences among adolescents given the level of nutrition

Prekomjerno teski i pretili adolescenti cesto su zbog svoje tjelesne težine stigmatizirani te zadirkivani ili zlostavljani, socijalno izolirani i mete ogovaranja i laži. Ujedno, putem medija stalno dobivaju poruke o drustveno poželjnom tjelesnom izgledu, od kojeg oni znacajno odstupaju. Sve to može dovesti do brojnih posljedica u njihovom funkcioniranju. Cilj ovog istraživanja bio je ispitati razlikuju li se prekomjerno teski i pretili adolescenti i adolescentice od svojih vrsnjaka zdrave tjelesne težine s obzirom na samopostovanje, zadovoljstvo tjelesnim izgledom, depresivnost, usamljenost te skolski uspjeh. Istraživanje je napravljeno na uzorku od 226 srednjoskolaca (152 djevojke i 74 mladica, prosjecne dobi 16.1±1.2 godina). 76 djevojaka i 37 mladica bilo je prekomjerno tesko ili pretilo, dok je isti broj djevojaka i mladica bio zdrave tjelesne težine. Sudionici su ispunjavali razlicite mjere samoprocjene: Rosenbergovu skalu samopostovanja, Upitnik slike tijela i strategija za promjenu tjelesnog izgleda, Skalu depresivnosti za djecu i adolescente, kao i kratku formu UCLA skale usamljenosti. Također, davali su podatke o spolu, dobi, tjelesnoj težini i visini te prosjecnoj ocjeni postignutoj na kraju protekle skolske godine. Rezultati su pokazali da, iako prekomjerno teski/pretili adolescenti i adolescentice uglavnom doživljavaju vise sociokulturalnog pritiska ka vitkosti te su vise zadirkivani nego njihovi vrsnjaci zdrave tjelesne težine, ove se dvije skupine ne razlikuju u samopostovanju, depresivnosti, usamljenosti i skolskom uspjehu. No, prekomjerno teski/pretili adolescenti i adolescentice nezadovoljniji su slikom vlastitog tijela nego njihovi vrsnjaci zdrave težine. U konacnici, može se reci da se prekomjerno teski/pretili adolescenti i adolescentice razlikuju od svojih vrsnjaka zdrave tjelesne težine samo po varijablama usko vezanima za tjelesni izgled.
Lycopene and pine bark extract as nitrite replacers in Egyptian basterma

ABSTRACT T he goal of this work was design to study the influence of lycopene and pine bark extracts as natural food additives as alternatives to nitrite, which poses serious health risks to consumers of processed foods containing this substance. These extracts were also found to be effective antimicrobial and antioxidant agents, particularly when used as an example in the current study for manufactured basterma. For this, Egyptian basterma were inoculated with 10 4 CFU g-1 of Staph. aureus and E. coli into raw meat separately, and then treated with a 1% concentration of lycopene and a 1% of pine bark extract. For the duration of the storage period, basterma was kept at room temperature for microbiological assessment and sensory analysis. Staph. aureus and E. coli levels decreased by 4 log and 2 log, respectively, on the fourteenth day. Additionally, Egyptian basterma sensory evaluation yielded a good, acceptable result. Therefore, as compared to the effects of nitrite, lycopene, and pine bark extract, they show strong antibacterial activity during product preservation. The findings provided here may indicate that lycopene and pine bark extracts offer protection against Staph. aureus and E. coli , which means they have the potential to replace nitrite as a natural preservative in the food production.
Residents' learning and behavior about tool‐guided clinical assessment of social determinants of health

Abstract Background The specific dimensions of learners that have been impacted by educational programs related to social determinants of health (SDoH) remain unknown. This study aims to elucidate how learners are affected by postgraduate education (a single 90‐min educational session) regarding tool‐guided clinical assessment of patients' social backgrounds. Methods A pretest‐posttest design was utilized in which residents (postgraduate year (PGY) 1 or 2) and fellows in family medicine (PGY over 3) were recruited. Likert‐type questions were developed based on previous qualitative findings. Participants answered these questions before, immediately after, and 1.5 months after the educational session on tool‐guided clinical SDoH assessment. Paired‐sample t‐tests were used, and effect size was measured using Cohen's d. Results A total of 114 residents and fellows participated. After the session, participants expressed more interest in knowing their patients' social backgrounds when considering how to address their patients and were more open to embracing a pre‐established assessment framework. Participants also considered clinical skills related to SDoH as learnable and improved their attitude toward patients. They reported that they did not perform specific interventions related to SDoH within 1.5 months after the session. Unlike previous qualitative findings, their concern about the implementation of SDoH‐related practices did not increase significantly. Conclusion An educational session on tool‐guided SDoH assessment may have a positive impact on learners' attitudes related to addressing patients' social backgrounds without fostering concerns.
Exploring environmental sustainability practices in MSMEs: Insights from Malaysia

The purpose of this research is to assess the current implementation level of environmental sustainability practices, including green human resource management and green knowledge sharing among Malaysian micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The practices investigated are also supported by ways of determining how MSMEs are motivated to implement them and what constraints inhibit such practices. This is a descriptive study, and the MSME (organization) is the unit of analysis, and the owner or manager is the target of the respondent. A total of 300 questionnaires were disseminated to Malaysian MSMEs by using convenient sampling, and the response rate was 48.7%. Overall, the findings reflect the moderate sustainability implementation level of MSMEs. This demonstrates a positive and proactive stance towards environmental sustainability among MSMEs. However, cost reduction and efficiency were reported as the most significant motivators, while lack of support and information from the government as well as social influence were reported as the main constraints. This study provides meaningful insights on pro-environmental practices, green knowledge sharing, and green HRM in improving sustainability practices in MSMEs. MSMEs that voluntarily see sustainability challenges as business opportunities might be ahead of regulations and could draw benefits from this position. The findings also help MSMEs frame their green activities to drive their business capability of creating and retaining greater value in their core business competencies and competitiveness.
Improving the Diagnosis of Dermatitis Herpetiformis Using the Intraepithelial Lymphogram

Dermatitis herpetiformis is a cutaneous manifestation of celiac disease. Phenotyping of intraepithelial lymphocytes in the small bowel mucosa can strengthen the diagnosis of celiac disease when it is not clear-cut. We aim to evaluate the usefulness of the intraepithelial lymphogram to confirm dermatitis herpetiformis in equivocal cases. We performed a retrospective multicenter study on patients diagnosed with dermatitis herpetiformis and collected data from the intraepithelial lymphogram assessed by flow cytometry. A total of 36 patients were analyzed in relation to the severity of intestinal damage (18 had non-atrophic mucosa) at baseline (N = 28) and/or after the adoption of a gluten-free diet (median follow-up of three years, N = 16). We observed that patients with atrophy more often had positive celiac serology (p = 0.019), celiac clinical symptoms (p = 0.018), and iron-deficiency anemia (p = 0.018), but the severity of skin damage was similar in both groups (p = 0.79). At baseline, increased TCRγδ+ cells were present in 94% of patients with atrophy and 67% with non-atrophic lesions (p = 0.13). After a gluten-free diet, increased TCRγδ+ cells persisted in 100% and 63% of cases, respectively (p = 0.21). We concluded that increased TCRγδ+ cells may be helpful in confirming the diagnosis of dermatitis herpetiformis in equivocal cases, even in patients who were started on a gluten-free diet.